Connections That Matter

Business Networking Done Right
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Connections That Matter is a business networking podcast featuring real stories of growth through relationships. Host Andrew Johnson interviews Northern Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners who share how strategic networking, trust, and referrals shaped their journeys. You’ll learn practical insights on networking, referral marketing, and relationship-based business growth—plus the mindsets and habits that help local leaders build communities and businesses that last. Connect with Andrew + Northern Colorado Networking Events Want to meet our guests (and maybe be a future guest yourself)? Upcoming Next Level Networking events: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

  1. 44 Years of Craft: The Referral Habits That Keep Thomas Kern Booked

    23H AGO

    44 Years of Craft: The Referral Habits That Keep Thomas Kern Booked

    Thomas Kern has been painting for decades and networking in Northern Colorado for 10–15 years. In this episode, we dig into why painting is really a people-and-prep business, how Thomas earns trust inside customers’ homes, and the relationship habits that keep referrals flowing from electricians, realtors, and property managers. Episode Highlights: 🔹 Thomas has been networking 10–15 years and has watched the trades networking scene evolve fast 🔹 Why painting is a people business + prep business (and why customers underestimate prep) 🔹 How he sets expectations on paint grades, sheen, durability, and what “scrubbable” actually means 🔹 What repeat clients value most: communication, consistency, and integrity 🔹 His networking “secret”: remember one personal detail and bring it up next time 🔹 Referral partners that drive real work: roofers, electricians, realtors, and property managers 🔹 A real story of how a paint job helped someone emotionally “move on” after loss Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn how top trades pros win referrals through trust, follow-through, and clean execution 🔹 Get practical insight on paint quality, prep, and pricing conversations without sounding salesy 🔹 Steal Thomas’s relationship-building habits for networking events and 1:1s Businesses Thomas Kern Recommends 🔹 Dunham Electrical (Bob Dunham) — Professional crews, strong communication, clean work, reliable follow-through 🔹 Richard Ross (CPA) — Approachable, generous with answers, high trust and deep tax/payroll knowledge How to contact Thomas Kern 🔹 Call or text: 970-444-5003 🔹 Thomas prefers phone/text and is known for calling people back quickly. Timestamps 0:00 Connecting with customers 0:13 Intro + Thomas’s networking history 1:00 How he started painting at 14 (and why oil paint taught speed + cleanup) 2:20 How paint chemistry and techniques changed over decades 3:20 Painting = people + prep + education 6:27 How referral partners confidently recommend him 9:20 When homeowners usually paint (and why most wait too long) 11:03 Pricing, paint grades, and matching expectations 13:36 The emotional impact of a “fresh start” paint job 16:45 Bad paint stories + fixing rushed work 17:10 Networking groups he likes (NIA, Tabletop, Sure Networking, Level Up) 19:20 Speed networking approach + remembering details 21:05 Best referral sources + who he’s open to 24:16 Deep dive: Bob Dunham + how Thomas tests partners 26:46 Shoutout to Richard Ross (CPA) 27:10 Who he’s looking to meet: custom builders + property managers 28:02 How to connect with Thomas

    30 min
  2. Networking & Referrals: Jeremy Howe on Restoration and Trust

    FEB 9

    Networking & Referrals: Jeremy Howe on Restoration and Trust

    Jeremy Howe from Voda Cleaning & Restoration is only six months into launching in Northern Colorado, but he’s already building serious momentum through intentional networking, strong referral partnerships, and a “serve first” mindset—especially when clients are having one of the worst days of homeownership.  🔹 Why Jeremy treats his role like being “the mayor of the town”.  🔹 Building quality referral relationships (not just collecting business cards).  🔹 Real examples of collaboration with Red Rock Roofing + CleanSpot.  🔹 How Voda creates consistent business beyond emergency restoration calls.  🔹 Customer care in high-stress situations: trust, empathy, and process clarity.  🔹 Using newsletters + value-driven education to stay top-of-mind. Why You Should Listen If you’re building a service business (or referral network) in Northern Colorado, this episode is a practical look at how to create real referral partners, co-market with aligned businesses, and grow faster by focusing on relationship depth, not just networking volume. Businesses Jeremy Howe Recommends 🔹 Red Rock Roofing — values alignment (integrity, honesty), strong collaboration, and co-marketing that helps customers win 🔹 CleanSpot — complementary commercial cleaning partner; they handle janitorial/maid service while Voda supports deep cleaning + sanitization How to contact Jeremy Howe 🔹 Phone: 970-822-5300 🔹 Email: jeremy.howe@myvoda.com 🔹 Instagram: @vodafortcollinscheyenne

    22 min
  3. Networking, Referrals, and a Website That Converts with Matthew Regenie

    FEB 2

    Networking, Referrals, and a Website That Converts with Matthew Regenie

    Business networking works faster when your online presence matches your reputation. In this episode, Matthew Regenie (Prospect Future) breaks down practical digital marketing strategies that help Northern Colorado business owners turn networking and referrals into real revenue—without overcomplicating SEO or tech. In This Episode 🔹  Why proactive communication beats “set it and forget it” marketing 🔹 The #1 website mistake most business owners make (and how to fix it fast) 🔹 Simple website “human-first” improvements that build trust and drive conversions 🔹 Why video is still king heading into 2026—and how to get content without it becoming a chore 🔹 How to meet clients where they are (Zoom, text, email) and keep relationships strong Why You Should Listen 🔹 If your referrals Google you and your website doesn’t back up what people say, this episode will help you fix that disconnect 🔹 You’ll learn how to make your site clearer, easier to navigate, and more conversion-friendly—without marketing jargon 🔹 Matthew gives realistic advice for busy owners who want results, not a complicated “SEO checklist” 🔹 Strong takeaways for home service businesses that want more leads from their brand and online presence Businesses “Matthew Regenie” Recommends 🔹 CraftDigital.ai (Derek Brenner) — cutting-edge approach using dynamic fields and AI-driven content workflows 🔹 Level Up Concrete Repair — a strong example of a simple, clear one-page website that communicates services and drives action How to contact “Matthew Regenie” 🔹 Website: prospectfuture.com 🔹 Location: Fort Collins (in-person meetings available at their office / conference room) Timestamps 0:00 Time is your friend early on—build your brand when you’re new 0:18 Intro + Matthew’s work at Prospect Future 0:48 What Prospect Future does (digital marketing + strategic growth) 1:25 Why in-person meetings still matter (even in a Zoom world) 2:11 Proactive communication as a competitive advantage 3:04 Why Matthew built an office + creating a collaborative environment 4:04 Meeting clients where they are (text, email, Zoom) 5:00 How “optimized” most websites really are (spoiler: not very) 6:32 Why your website must match your networking reputation 7:29 The website is your “online salesperson” 8:39 The simple website test (3 questions) 9:34 Website examples + who’s doing it well 10:35 Intake process + building strategy through better questions 12:16 When to hire help vs DIY 13:24 Website tweaks that support networking 13:52 Social links, retargeting, and staying in front of the right people 15:36 About Us pages: why authenticity matters 16:50 How to get great content without making it a chore 17:44 What content is working in 2025–2026 (video) 18:51 How to source content locally or nationally 21:03 How networking has helped Matthew’s business 22:28 Who Matthew wants to connect with (home services) 23:12 Best way to reach him

    24 min
  4. Ask Boldly and Network Big with Dixie Daly of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

    JAN 26

    Ask Boldly and Network Big with Dixie Daly of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce

    Business networking is easier—and more profitable—when you’re clear on what you want and confident enough to ask for it. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Dixie Daly, Membership Director at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and creator of the Tickled Pink Collection, to unpack how authentic relationships turn into real collaborations. Dixie shares how one “ask” became a pink beer, then snowballed into ciders, vodka, chocolate, candles, and purpose-driven partnerships—all powered by consistent networking, follow-up, and showing up where relationships happen. Why You Should Listen If you want better referrals, stronger partnerships, and a network that actually opens doors, Dixie gives a practical framework you can copy: how to ask, how to follow up, and how to create momentum without forcing outcomes. You’ll also hear how personal legacy, community involvement, and intentional relationship-building can turn networking into a long-term platform—not just another event on your calendar. Guest: Dixie Daly Dixie is the Membership Director at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and the creator of the Tickled Pink Collection, a collaboration-driven brand built through networking and community partnerships. Contact Dixie / Links Mentioned 🔹 Loveland Chamber of Commerce: loveland.org 🔹Email: dixie@dixiedaly.com 🔹 Tickled Pink Collection: tickledpinkcollection.com Businesses Dixie Daly Recommends 🔹 Grimm Brothers Brewhouse — partnered with Dixie to bring the Tickled Pink beer to life through relationship-first collaboration. 🔹 Sweetheart Winery — sparked the Pink Dragonfly cider idea and helped turn a meaningful story into a product. 🔹 477 Distilling — collaborated with Dixie on a cotton-candy vodka concept born from a simple conversation and follow-through. 🔹 Adam’s Chocolate — created Dixie’s pink chocolate and even innovated additional product ideas using her vodka. 🔹 Hope Lives (Fort Collins) — supported through proceeds tied to Tap/Cro Hop & beer collaborations benefiting breast cancer initiatives. 🔹 Be The Gift — supports single moms with no-cost home repairs (Dixie serves on the board). 🔹 Colorado Women of Influence — helps women grow through networking and leadership. 🔹 CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) — supports scholarships and development for future real estate professionals. Timestamps 0:00 Intention, attention, no tension 0:52 Dixie’s roles: Chamber + Tickled Pink Collection 1:21 Why pink became a networking brand 2:28 How to ask for what you want 4:05 Why trust makes asking easier 7:02 The Pink Dragonfly cider story 9:02 The legacy Dixie wants to leave 9:37 How Dixie joined the Loveland Chamber 11:35 Board service and giving back 12:53 A simple networking system: 2 appointments/week 16:33 What “show up” really means 19:42 How the next “yes” gets easier 22:43 Partnerships that give back 23:19 The selfie strategy for staying visible

    26 min
  5. From Trades to Trust: Tim Lee on Networking and Building Integrity Construction

    JAN 19

    From Trades to Trust: Tim Lee on Networking and Building Integrity Construction

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Timothy Lee, owner of Integrity Construction, to talk about what networking looks like for trades professionals—and why “giving” is often the fastest path to building trust, partnerships, and long-term opportunity. Tim shares the unexpected origin story of his business, including a real-world connection made in a NAPA parking lot that helped shape his approach to building relationships. They also dig into what “integrity” means when you’re working inside someone’s home, how customer experience can make or break a construction business, and why systems are the difference between being busy and building something sustainable. Why You Should Listen If you’re a business owner who wants better referrals but feels stretched thin, this episode will help you rethink networking in a way that’s practical, relationship-driven, and realistic. You’ll hear how a contractor evaluates networking ROI, how “small” connections can become major opportunities, and what it takes to build a company that can grow without burning you out. Contact Timothy Lee Website: integritystampofapproval.com Email: contact@integritystampofapproval.com Phone: 970-889-0300 Connect with Andrew & Northern Colorado Networking Events Want to meet our guests (and maybe be a future guest yourself)? Check out upcoming Next Level Networking events here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 Timestamps 0:00 Everybody has something to give  0:22 What Integrity Construction does  1:17 How Tim got into construction and entrepreneurship  2:13 Building strong subcontractor relationships  4:28 The NAPA parking lot connection story  6:10 The key to networking: giving and connecting people  7:09 Why one-to-ones matter (even when time is tight)  9:27 What “integrity” means in construction  11:03 Work-life balance and avoiding burnout  12:30 Networking ROI for trades professionals  15:57 Managing growth without overloading the business  17:40 Tim’s vision for a sellable, transferable company  18:39 How to contact Tim

    20 min
  6. Hustle Hour NoCo: Men’s Community + Chiropractic with Dr. Shpendi Lluhani

    JAN 12

    Hustle Hour NoCo: Men’s Community + Chiropractic with Dr. Shpendi Lluhani

    Business networking and networking only work when trust comes first—and Dr. Shpendi Lluhani has built both. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Shpendi shares how he and his wife run Reconnect Chiropractic in Loveland with a family-first approach (including pediatric and prenatal care), why referrals have become their #1 growth driver, and how community-centered networking (like Hustle Hour) creates real relationships—not just transactions. 🔹 What we cover: chiropractic for the whole family, building trust in the community, and why consistent connection beats “working the room” 🔹 Shpendi’s story: from Kosovo to Connecticut to Colorado—how his family rebuilt from scratch and what that taught him about leadership and humility 🔹 Hustle Hour: why men need community too, and how a relaxed monthly meetup can become a powerful referral engine 🔹 For listeners: if you’ve been curious about chiropractic (or nervous because of what you’ve seen online), this episode breaks down what it really is—and why “gentle and specific” is often the point Why You Should Listen If you’re a business owner who wants better referrals, stronger relationships, and a healthier rhythm of life, this conversation delivers practical insight on trust, consistency, and community-building—plus a fresh perspective on leadership, family, and personal wellbeing. Connect with Dr. Shpendi (Reconnect Chiropractic)  🔹 Office: 970-775-2903  🔹 Direct (text/call): 860-967-2675  🔹 Hustle Hour group: “Hustle Hour NoCo Men’s Networking” (Facebook) Businesses “Dr. Shpendi Lluhani” Recommends 🔹 Acupuncture — Bloom Acupuncture (Chloe Goldberg): Shpendi highlights Chloe as a trusted provider and a genuinely caring person—exactly the kind of partner he wants in a future health-centered space. 🔹 Venue — 477 Distilling (Loveland): The consistent Hustle Hour home base—great drinks, great service, and a welcoming spot that supports local community gatherings. Timestamps 0:00 Men need community too (why Hustle Hour exists)  0:27 Introduction to Dr. Shpendi and Reconnect Chiropractic  1:05 Family chiropractic + pediatric and prenatal focus  1:50 Why Shpendi shifted from sports chiro to kids and nervous system health  2:41 From Kosovo to the U.S.: refugee story and rebuilding from scratch  6:11 Starting over, adapting, and the work ethic he learned from his parents  8:17 One lesson: adapt—and don’t be too proud to do what it takes  8:34 Hustle Hour: monthly men’s networking at 477 Distilling  9:02 The long-term vision: a health-centered “one stop shop”  10:10 Shoutout: Chloe Goldberg (Bloom Acupuncture) and choosing partners by character  11:01 Working with his wife: complementary strengths and specialties  12:32 Separating business and home life (and why it’s always evolving)  13:52 Protecting what matters: Fridays as family day  14:12 Fatherhood, pressure, and what kids really want  15:40 Client growth: referrals first, networking as the community net  16:47 Why he hosts Hustle Hour and the need it fills  20:36 Why the name “Reconnect Chiropractic”  22:14 Competition mindset: “rising tide” and collaborating with other chiropractors  23:54 Staying connected: small gestures, referral partners, and thank-yous  26:47 Shoutout: John Passion and the power of trust-based referrals  27:50 How to contact Reconnect Chiropractic  29:11 Hustle Hour details + invitation

    30 min
  7. Laser Precision: How Jim Ford Uses Eco-Friendly Tech to Restore What Matters

    JAN 5

    Laser Precision: How Jim Ford Uses Eco-Friendly Tech to Restore What Matters

    From rusty car frames to smoke-damaged heirlooms, Jim Ford of Bison Laser Cleaning is using high-tech laser cleaning to bring metal, wood, concrete, and more back to life—without harsh chemicals or mess. In this episode, we talk about how Jim carved out a niche with a truly unique service, how he partners with other trades, and why old-school, door-to-door sales still works in 2025. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn how laser cleaning works (in plain English) and when it beats sanding, blasting, or chemicals. 🔹 Hear how Jim partners with painters, restoration pros, and furniture specialists to create win–win projects. 🔹 Get ideas for using demos and education to sell a service most people have never seen before. 🔹 See how Jim is building systems and SOPs now so he can scale Bison Laser Cleaning to multiple locations later. In This Episode 🔹 What Bison Laser Cleaning actually does and why it’s different from traditional blasting 🔹 Real projects: classic car frames, kitchen cabinets, graffiti, concrete markings, and more 🔹 How Jim educates painters and trades through demos so they trust him with their clients’ projects 🔹 The nuts and bolts of the laser equipment and how he adjusts settings for different surfaces 🔹 Collaborating with restoration companies and Furniture Medic to save damaged furniture 🔹 Lessons from exploring franchises vs. building his own systemized, scalable business 🔹 Balancing inbound “I’m tired of sanding” calls with old-school, door-to-door outbound 🔹 Who Jim is looking to connect with next in Northern Colorado Businesses Jim Ford Recommends 🔹 Furniture Medic (Fort Collins + Centennial) — They helped drive real collaboration and referrals. Jim did demo/testing with their Centennial team, and that relationship turned into ongoing project opportunities and a strong referral channel for furniture restoration work. 🔹 Kern Painting — Jim partnered with Thomas Kern on a classic car project, and it’s a good example of how his laser cleaning supports painters by stripping/cleaning surfaces faster than sanding so they can move straight into prep and paint. Connect with Jim Ford & Bison Laser Cleaning Phone: 970-699-3535 Social & Website: Bison Laser Cleaning – Instagram & YouTube: search Bison Laser Cleaning for project videos and demos – Website: bisonlasercleaning.com Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to Jim Ford & Bison Laser Cleaning 01:05 – Why Jim chose laser cleaning and skipped the franchise route 02:17 – Types of projects: cars, cabinets, graffiti, concrete markings 03:13 – Residential clients vs. partnering with painters 04:11 – How the laser actually works on different surfaces 05:14 – Using networking to educate people about laser cleaning 07:05 – Tricky materials (like white paint) and collaborating with other laser pros 07:52 – Referral partners: home inspectors, realtors, Furniture Medic, and restorers 09:02 – How the Furniture Medic partnership started with a demo 10:08 – Jim’s sales approach: building comfort and trust with customers 11:02 – Franchise lessons and building his own SOP-driven company 12:15 – Service area, warehouse plans, and long-term vision for multiple branches 13:17 – Rust, classic cars, and uncovering hidden details with a laser 14:50 – Inbound vs. outbound: why Jim still goes door to door 15:40 – Who Jim wants to meet and collaborate with next 16:25 – How to connect with Jim and final thoughts

    18 min
  8. Systems, Culture, and Freedom: Tim Jordan’s Playbook for Service Businesses

    12/29/2025

    Systems, Culture, and Freedom: Tim Jordan’s Playbook for Service Businesses

    Serial entrepreneur Tim Jordan has bought six businesses, started three more, and sold five of them—most in the service space. In this episode, he shares how he went from a 21-year-old buying a small window tint shop to leading 100+ employees at Palmer Flowers and now building Service Catalyst, a national peer community for service-based business owners. Tim breaks down how he uses systems, scorecards, and culture to get himself out of day-to-day chaos and into true ownership—while staying intentionally accessible to help other entrepreneurs win. If you’re growing a service business and feeling stuck, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way. 🔹 Why Tim bought his first business at 21 (and how an early banker took a chance on him) 🔹 The systems shift that took him from “doer” to “leader” at 100+ employees 🔹 How one beer with a stranger (Michael from NOCO Pet Doors) sparked Service Catalyst 🔹 What early-stage service owners really need: community, scorecards, and clear next steps 🔹 Tim’s networking philosophy: show up helpful, energetic, and insightful—without expecting a return 🔹 How he sees Northern Colorado as a “big small town” and why that matters for relationships Guest Recommends (Connections Tim Highlights) 🔹 Michael Weant – NOCO Pet Doors (service entrepreneur Tim mentored from early stages) 🔹 Spiro Palmer – Palmer Flowers (foundational Northern Colorado business leader) 🔹 Chris Burns – Bank of Colorado (commercial banker who backed Tim’s first acquisition) Join Our In-Person Events Want to meet guests like Tim and other Northern Colorado business owners in person? 🔹 Check out our upcoming networking events: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 About Connections That Matter Connections That Matter highlights Northern Colorado’s best networkers and the real relationships behind their success—so you can learn how to build a referral-driven business, one conversation at a time. Timestamps 0:00 – Why running a business is lonely (and why community matters) 0:51 – Tim’s journey: 9 businesses, 5 exits, and a flower shop powerhouse 3:30 – Getting people to believe in you: banks, sellers, and key advocates 4:26 – Giving value first as Tim’s core networking strategy 7:10 – Going from “doer” to leader: systems, SOPs, and empowering a team 9:02 – The Michael Went story and the birth of Service Catalyst 10:15 – Why community trumps courses for early-stage service owners 13:38 – Cross-selling, upselling, and building real revenue levers 19:47 – Breaking goals into weekly scorecards (and why most owners don’t) 22:33 – Intentional, targeted networking vs. random events 25:08 – Staying accessible even after success 29:18 – Northern Colorado as a “big small town” and how that shapes business

    34 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Connections That Matter is a business networking podcast featuring real stories of growth through relationships. Host Andrew Johnson interviews Northern Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners who share how strategic networking, trust, and referrals shaped their journeys. You’ll learn practical insights on networking, referral marketing, and relationship-based business growth—plus the mindsets and habits that help local leaders build communities and businesses that last. Connect with Andrew + Northern Colorado Networking Events Want to meet our guests (and maybe be a future guest yourself)? Upcoming Next Level Networking events: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

Information

  • Creator
    Business Networking Done Right
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connections That Matter
  • Show Website
    Connections That Matter