Connections That Matter

Business Networking Done Right

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. 23h ago ·  Video

    Turn Business Moments into Memories with Todd Schreier from Schreier Group

    Being good at what you do is not enough if no one remembers you. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Todd Schreier from Schreier Group to explore how business owners can stand out, build trust, and turn ordinary interactions into memorable experiences. Todd shares his unconventional approach to grassroots marketing, why fear of rejection keeps people from pursuing opportunities, and the two questions every business owner should be able to answer: What problem are you solving, and what question are you answering? From sending a QR-code cake to a major prospect to wearing a Buc-ee’s onesie during a keynote presentation, Todd demonstrates what it means to break through the noise while remaining strategic, authentic, and focused on results. Episode Highlights 🔹 How Todd used a cake with a QR code to transform a cold pitch into an unforgettable experience. 🔹 Why the answer is already “no” until someone gives you a “yes.” 🔹 The two questions every business owner should revisit regularly. 🔹 Why understanding your audience matters more than assuming you already know them. 🔹 How making a deposit before making a withdrawal builds trust in business and networking. 🔹 What Buc-ee’s can teach small-business owners about branding and creating raving fans. 🔹 Why 1,000 high-intent views can be more valuable than 20 million views from people who do not care. 🔹 How persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to risk rejection create new opportunities. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn how to break through the noise without relying on generic cold messages. 🔹 Replace the fear of rejection with a more useful perspective on sales and business networking. 🔹 Discover practical ways to create memorable experiences for potential clients. 🔹 Build trust by providing value before asking for someone’s business. 🔹 Focus your marketing on meaningful results instead of vanity metrics. 🔹 Better understand the problems your business solves and the audience it serves. How to Contact Todd Company: Schreier Group Website: SchreierGroup.com Email: todd@schreiergroup.com Phone: 970-970-TODD (970-970-8633). LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-schreier-3357471a4/ Timestamps 1:01 – Inside Schreier Group and turning moments into memories. 3:18 – Standing out through strategic grassroots marketing. 5:39 – Two questions every business owner must answer. 9:23 – Why the answer is already “no” until it becomes a “yes.” 13:18 – Building trust by making deposits before withdrawals. 16:54 – Branding and customer-experience lessons from Buc-ee’s. 19:11 – High-intent attention versus vanity metrics. 22:41 – How to connect with Todd and Schreier Group.

    Turn Business Moments into Memories with Todd Schreier from Schreier Group
  2. Jul 27 ·  Video

    How Strategic Partnerships Create Better Referrals with Joe Pucci and Austin Foss

    Business networking becomes much more powerful when a relationship develops into an intentional, working partnership. In this special partnership deep dive episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson welcomes back two previous guests: Joe Pucci, owner of Choice Moving Company, and Austin Foss, Senior Loan Officer with American Capital Mortgage Group. Joe and Austin operate at different stages of the real-estate transaction, but they often serve the same clients and collaborate with many of the same professionals. Instead of simply exchanging names at a networking meeting, they have built a referral ecosystem designed to make the home-buying and moving experience easier for their clients. They discuss how meeting through the NIA Elevate group helped them develop trust, why accountability matters when recommending another business, and how recurring collaboration has strengthened their relationship. The conversation also explores their involvement in a Northern Colorado real-estate bus tour. The tour brings real-estate agents together to visit multiple listings, provide immediate feedback, build relationships, and create new business opportunities—all in a relaxed environment where genuine conversations can happen. Episode Highlights 🔹 How a mortgage professional and moving company can serve the same clients at different stages of the real-estate process. 🔹 Why a strong referral makes both the receiving business and the person making the introduction look good. 🔹 How trusted partnerships create a “circle of accountability” around the client experience. 🔹 Why Austin and Joe evaluate integrity, consistency, and character before referring someone. 🔹 When Austin introduces moving, insurance, inspection, and other referral partners during the lending process. 🔹 How recommendations from several trusted professionals can build significant local brand authority. 🔹 How Joe and Austin met through NIA Elevate and moved beyond surface-level networking. 🔹 How the real-estate bus tour creates value for agents, sellers, sponsors, and other referral partners. 🔹 Why creating your own environment can be more effective than trying to enter someone else’s networking room. 🔹 How co-marketing, educational content, email campaigns, website links, and repeated visibility help referral partnerships grow. 🔹 Why successful networking requires consistently looking for opportunities to help other people. Why You Should Listen This episode is for business owners and professionals who want networking to produce more than occasional introductions. Joe and Austin explain how to move from knowing someone to actively working together, advocating for one another, and creating repeatable opportunities that benefit both businesses. You will learn how to: 🔹 Identify complementary businesses that serve the same clients. 🔹 Introduce referral partners at the moment their services become most valuable. 🔹 Create joint events that attract the professionals you want to meet. 🔹 Build trust through shared work rather than relying only on one-to-one meetings. 🔹 Promote your partners without making the relationship feel transactional. 🔹 Create a referral pipeline through consistency, communication, and mutual advocacy. Their partnership demonstrates that the best referral relationships are not based on a single transaction. They are built by repeatedly finding ways to make one another more valuable to clients and the broader business community. How to Contact Joe Pucci Joe Pucci Owner, Choice Moving Company Website: https://www.choicemovingcompany.com/ Email: info@choicemovingcompany.com Choice Moving Company provides residential and commercial moving and storage services throughout Colorado, with locations serving Fort Collins and Denver. How to Contact Austin Foss Austin Foss Senior Loan Officer American Capital Mortgage Group Website: https://www.austinfoss.com/ Email: austin@myloanteam.org Austin helps homebuyers navigate the mortgage process with a focus on education, clear communication, and reducing the stress associated with purchasing or refinancing a home. Timestamps 1:00 – Meet Joe Pucci and Austin Foss. 2:18 – How their businesses work together during a real estate transaction. 5:55 – Meeting through NIA Elevate and developing referral trust. 9:56 – When to introduce referral partners during the mortgage process. 15:27 – How the Northern Colorado real estate bus tour works. 21:56 – Creating mutual value through sponsorships and collaboration. 32:33 – Daily referral habits, co-marketing, and long-term visibility. 36:37 – How to connect with Joe and Austin.

    How Strategic Partnerships Create Better Referrals with Joe Pucci and Austin Foss
  3. Jul 20 ·  Video

    Making Big Business Problems Small with Austin Odle from Odle Consulting

    What happens when your business is generating revenue—but you cannot figure out where the money is going? Or when you are working 80 hours a week and still feel like everything depends on you? In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Austin Odle, founder of Odle Consulting, to discuss how business owners can identify the real problems hiding beneath the symptoms. Austin explains why many supposed marketing problems are actually sales-process problems, why every business owner needs to understand their numbers, and how the right systems can help owners regain control of their businesses and their lives. They also explore Austin’s approach to networking, his commitment to the Severance business community, and why adding value without expecting an immediate return can make networking a powerful force multiplier. Episode Highlights 🔹 Why repeatedly trying the same solution may mean you are solving the wrong problem. 🔹 How a company spending $15,000 per month on leads discovered it actually had a sales-process problem. 🔹 Why business owners must understand where their money is coming from and where it is going. 🔹 How Austin helps owners and their teams make meaningful behavioral and operational changes. 🔹 Why Austin’s goal is to help clients reach the point where they no longer need him. 🔹 How curiosity, thoughtful questions, and authentic relationships shape Austin’s networking strategy. 🔹 Why stepping into leadership can deepen your involvement and visibility within a community. 🔹 How networking creates opportunities far beyond finding your next client. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You are working more hours but are not seeing that effort reflected in your income. 🔹 Your business keeps experiencing the same problems despite repeated attempts to fix them. 🔹 You want to separate the symptoms in your business from their underlying causes. 🔹 You are looking for practical ways to improve your sales process, leadership, or operations. 🔹 You want to make networking a more intentional part of your business-development strategy. 🔹 You believe your business should support your life—not consume it. Free Business Resources Austin offers a collection of free tools for business owners, including an eight-question Business Analysis Tool designed to identify where a business may be experiencing stress and what could be causing it. Explore the tools: odleconsulting.com/free-tools How to Contact Austin Website: odleconsulting.com Email: austin@odleconsulting.com Phone: (970) 502-1318 LinkedIn: Connect with Austin Odle

    Making Big Business Problems Small with  Austin Odle from Odle Consulting
  4. Jul 13 ·  Video

    Why Better Health Builds Better Business with Gerri Kier from Complete Nutrition Alliance

    Your health does not stay at home when you go to work. It affects your energy, focus, decision-making, follow-up, and ability to show up for the people who depend on you. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Gerri Kier from Complete Nutrition Alliance to discuss how nutrition, lifestyle choices, and individualized testing can help people better understand why they may feel tired, foggy, uncomfortable, or simply not at their best. Gerri shares the personal health crisis that ended her successful photography career and led her into the natural health field. She explains why warning signs such as fatigue, headaches, digestive discomfort, and stiff or sore joints should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging. Andrew and Gerri also explore practical ways busy professionals can make healthier choices during networking lunches, coffee meetings, happy hours, and other business events—without expecting perfection or trying to change everything overnight. Episode Highlights 🔹 Simple ways to start your morning with better hydration and nutrition. 🔹 Warning signs that your body may not be functioning at its full potential. 🔹 How Gerri’s own health breakdown forced her to completely change careers. 🔹 Why individualized testing may provide better direction than guessing with random supplements. 🔹 Practical ways to prepare for networking events without arriving hungry and making impulsive choices. 🔹 Why lasting health improvements require lifestyle changes—not merely temporary solutions. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Understand how your physical health can directly affect your business performance. 🔹 Learn how small, consistent choices can improve your energy and quality of life. 🔹 Discover why health and nutrition solutions should account for each person’s unique circumstances. 🔹 Hear an inspiring example of turning a major personal setback into a new purpose and successful business. How to Contact Gerri Complete Nutrition Alliance Phone or Text: 303-815-3567 Email: gerri@completena.com Website: CompleteNA.com Gerri offers a complimentary 30-minute consultation to learn more about your concerns and determine whether working together would be a good fit. Timestamps 2:18 – Simple nutrition and hydration choices to start your day. 8:01 – The health crisis that ended Gerri’s photography career. 13:32 – Using individualized testing to search for underlying causes. 21:15 – Making healthier choices at networking and social events. 24:33 – Creating sustainable lifestyle changes one step at a time. 30:35 – Why do-it-yourself health solutions can become frustrating and expensive.

    Why Better Health Builds Better Business with Gerri Kier from Complete Nutrition Alliance
  5. Jul 6 ·  Video

    From a Facebook Post to Partnership with Tim Jordan & Michael Weant from Service Catalyst

    What can happen when a new entrepreneur makes a vulnerable Facebook post asking for help? For Michael Weant, it led to a conversation over a beer with Tim Jordan, a mentorship relationship, and eventually a business partnership that became Service Catalyst. In this special partnership deep dive, Tim and Michael share how authentic connection, consistent follow-through, complementary strengths, and a willingness to learn helped them build a community for service-business owners who want to stop being trapped in the day-to-day work of their businesses. Episode Highlights 🔹 How one Facebook post led Tim and Michael to meet at Horse & Dragon Brewery and begin an informal mentorship. 🔹 Why Michael’s follow-through turned Tim’s advice into a meaningful, lasting business relationship. 🔹 The origin of Service Catalyst and its mission to make mentorship, practical education, and peer support accessible for service-business owners. 🔹 How weekly office hours create a safe place for entrepreneurs to ask questions, learn from one another, and solve real business challenges. 🔹 Why the right partnership can multiply results far beyond what either person could accomplish alone. 🔹 The importance of moral alignment, clear expectations, and testing a relationship before entering a formal partnership. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn how to recognize the relationships worth investing your time and energy into. 🔹 Hear practical ways to build trust through generosity, accountability, and follow-through. 🔹 Discover why many businesses do not need more leads—they need a stronger sales and follow-up process. 🔹 Get practical scaling advice on documenting processes, building systems before hiring, and protecting time to work on your business. 🔹 Be encouraged to ask better questions, seek help early, and stay open to learning from every person you meet. How to Contact Service Catalyst: thecatalystcommunity.com Tim Jordan: tim@thecatalystcommunity.com Michael Weant: mike@thecatalystcommunity.com Timestamps:  1:00 – What Service Catalyst is and who it serves. 6:16 – The Facebook post that started it all. 12:13 – Moving from mentor and mentee to co-founders. 17:25 – How to decide which relationships are worth pursuing. 20:06 – The common business problems Service Catalyst helps solve. 25:58 – What makes a partnership multiply results instead of create friction. 29:09 – Systems, calendar blocking, and scaling a service business.

    From a Facebook Post to Partnership with Tim Jordan & Michael Weant from Service Catalyst
  6. Jun 29 ·  Video

    Networking, Community, and Authentic Marketing with Desiree Gustafson from City Lifestyle

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Desiree Gustafson, publisher of Loveland + South City Lifestyle Magazine. Desiree shares how she uses storytelling, intentional networking, and authentic relationships to spotlight the people, businesses, and nonprofits making Loveland, Berthoud, and Johnstown stronger. From helping business owners clarify their “why” to bringing partners into the right rooms, Desiree offers practical insight on building a recognizable brand and becoming meaningfully connected in your community.  Episode Highlights 🔹 How Loveland + South City Lifestyle tells hyper-local stories across Loveland, Berthoud, and Johnstown.  🔹 Why consistency and relationship-building matter more than a one-time networking appearance.  🔹 The importance of building marketing around your authentic “why.”  🔹 How Desiree supports magazine partners through introductions, events, social media, and personal follow-up.  🔹 Why showing up in person can be more powerful than relying only on paid advertising.  🔹 A success story of helping a local entrepreneur grow a side business into a full-time passion.  🔹 Tips for attending networking events when you are new, introverted, or do not know anyone in the room.  🔹 How a wiener dog event can become a meaningful community-building opportunity. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn how to make your marketing feel more personal, memorable, and authentic.  🔹 Get practical advice for networking beyond simply handing out business cards.  🔹 Hear how community involvement can create lasting brand trust.  🔹 Find encouragement to show up consistently, build real relationships, and take opportunities outside your comfort zone.  🔹 Discover why the strongest business connections often happen outside traditional networking events. How to Contact Desiree To learn more about Loveland + South City Lifestyle Magazine, advertising opportunities, community stories, or upcoming events, connect with Desiree through the publication’s website or social-media channels. https://citylifestyle.com/lovelandandsouth desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com | (970) 690-1419 Timestamps 0:48 – What Loveland + South City Lifestyle Magazine is all about. 2:15 – A month in the life of a local magazine publisher. 5:00 – Keeping business partnerships personal and relational. 7:07 – Why authenticity matters in marketing and networking. 10:41 – Bringing business partners into the right rooms. 11:44 – A local-business success story: From Scratch Farm. 14:17 – Building trust through consistent Chamber involvement. 16:04 – Networking tips for people who do not know anyone in the room. 17:28 – The possible Loveland wiener dog event. 20:58 – Sharing the stories that matter most in the community.

    Networking, Community, and Authentic Marketing with Desiree Gustafson from City Lifestyle
  7. Jun 22 ·  Video

    Partnership Deep Dive: Connecting Businesses and Nonprofits with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz from The Mayorettes

    In this special partnership deep dive episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz, two of the three women behind The Mayorettes. The Mayorettes are building bridges between Northern Colorado businesses and nonprofits. Through social media spotlights, relationship-building, nonprofit tours, event support, volunteer connections, and good old-fashioned coffee meetings, they are helping more people discover the organizations doing meaningful work in our community. Jackie and Giuli share how their friendship, complementary skill sets, and shared passion for giving back turned into a growing movement. They also offer practical insight for business owners, aspiring board members, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking for a more meaningful way to get involved locally. Episode Highlights 🔹 How The Mayorettes began as a passion project between three friends with a heart for Northern Colorado.  🔹 Why nonprofit visibility and community exposure can be just as valuable as funding.  🔹 How businesses can support nonprofits beyond simply writing a check.  🔹 The importance of matching a business owner’s personal passions with the right cause.  🔹 What business owners should consider before joining a nonprofit board.  🔹 Why nonprofit collaboration matters, especially when there are so many organizations serving similar needs.  🔹 How partnerships, accountability, and complementary strengths can move a great idea into action.  🔹 Practical networking advice for people representing both their business and a nonprofit mission. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You want to get more involved in Northern Colorado but are not sure where to start.  🔹 You are a business owner looking for ways to make a genuine community impact.  🔹 You are considering joining a nonprofit board or volunteering your professional skills.  🔹 You want ideas for creating meaningful partnerships instead of one-time sponsorships.  🔹 You are passionate about supporting local nonprofits and helping their missions reach more people.  🔹 You enjoy hearing how strong relationships can turn a simple idea into a growing community movement. How to Contact The Mayorettes Instagram: @mayorettes Website: TheMayorettes.com Email: hello@themayorettes.com Timestamps 0:14 – Introducing Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz from The Mayorettes. 0:45 – The mission behind The Mayorettes and how they support local nonprofits. 5:01 – The biggest challenges nonprofits are facing today. 8:15 – How business owners can give back beyond writing a check. 11:37 – What to consider before joining a nonprofit board. 15:18 – How The Mayorettes went from a napkin idea to a real community initiative. 17:20 – Advice for turning a good partnership idea into action. 20:36 – What makes nonprofit events, galas, and fundraisers successful. 24:25 – Networking tips for nonprofit leaders, board members, and business owners. 26:01 – Building a business brand around meaningful community involvement.

    Partnership Deep Dive: Connecting Businesses and Nonprofits with Jackie Stevens and Giuli Diaz from The Mayorettes
  8. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Building Referral Relationships Across State Lines with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency, an insurance professional based in Casper, Wyoming, who serves clients across Wyoming, Colorado, and several surrounding states. Michelle shares how she has built a strong referral network across multiple communities by consistently showing up, staying involved, and being responsive to the people who trust her with their clients. From chambers of commerce and women’s networking groups to realtor, mortgage, and builder associations, Michelle gives a great look at what it takes to build meaningful business relationships across state lines. She also breaks down practical insurance topics every business owner should think about, including auto coverage, liability limits, uninsured drivers, commercial policies, umbrella coverage, and why business insurance should be reviewed as your company grows. Episode Highlights  How Michelle built a referral network across Wyoming, Colorado, and surrounding states.  Why getting involved in local communities creates stronger business relationships.  How insurance costs have changed due to accidents, hail, wind, and uninsured drivers.  Why liability limits matter when protecting your home, income, savings, and business assets.  The difference between personal auto coverage, commercial auto coverage, and umbrella policies.  How Michelle builds long-term referral partnerships through responsiveness and consistency.  Why business owners should regularly review their insurance coverage as they grow.  Key coverages business owners may need, including general liability, cyber coverage, business property, signage, and industry-specific protections. Why You Should Listen If you are a business owner, homeowner, driver, or referral-based professional, this episode is a great reminder that relationships and protection both matter. Michelle brings a practical perspective on insurance while also showing how consistent follow-through can turn a simple connection into a long-term referral relationship. She also shares helpful insight for anyone trying to grow their business in multiple markets, build trust with referral partners, or make sure their coverage is keeping up with their life and business. Businesses Michelle Recommends Legacy Lending Group — Michelle highlights her long-standing referral relationship with mortgage lender Laura Edwards Iverson. How to Contact Michelle Michelle Gould The Gould Agency Phone: 307-285-2527 Email: michelle.gould@goosehead.com Timestamps 0:57 — Michelle shares her agency location, coverage area, and multi-state reach. 1:38 — How Michelle builds referral relationships through networking groups and community involvement. 2:59 — Why auto insurance costs have increased in recent years. 4:37 — How to think about liability limits and protecting your assets. 6:06 — Personal vs. commercial auto insurance and when umbrella coverage matters. 7:21 — Michelle’s strategy for networking in different communities. 9:32 — A referral relationship that has grown over seven to eight years. 11:22 — Why responsiveness and follow-through help win referral partners. 14:00 — Insurance coverages business owners should review as they grow. 15:57 — How to contact Michelle for an insurance review.

    Building Referral Relationships Across State Lines with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency
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