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

    5D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. From Shy Cleaner to Power Connector with Ninoska Mallory of Cleanspot

    12/22/2025

    From Shy Cleaner to Power Connector with Ninoska Mallory of Cleanspot

    What’s the difference between “pretty clean” and Cleanspot clean? In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Ninoska Mallory, owner of Cleanspot, to talk about top-to-bottom cleaning, unforgettable client experiences, and how she went from shy networker in the corner to one of Northern Colorado’s most generous referral givers. Ninoska shares how she built a reputation that gets her tagged in Facebook groups from every direction, the overlooked areas that are probably filthy in your home or office, and how she uses networking to create a whole ecosystem of trusted service providers for her clients. About Ninoska & Cleanspot 🔹 Owner of Cleanspot, providing thorough residential and commercial cleaning in Northern Colorado 🔹 Specializes in top-to-bottom deep cleans that can take 10–15+ hours per home 🔹 Uses certified 100% eco-friendly products for healthier homes and workplaces 🔹 Serves clients from Denver through Fort Collins with a trusted, background-checked team What We Cover 🔹 What “Cleanspot clean” really means and why clients say, “I didn’t know my house could look like this” 🔹 The most commonly missed dirty spots in homes and offices (and why they matter) 🔹 How Ninoska builds trust with walkthroughs, one-sheets, and clear expectations 🔹 Her journey from very shy to confident networker and prolific referral giver 🔹 How she builds strategic partnerships with organizers, realtors, and other cleaners statewide 🔹 Why your physical space impacts your stress, image, and even your brand Why You Should Listen 🔹 You own or manage a home, office, or rental and want it truly “show ready” 🔹 You’re a service-based business owner who wants to turn networking into real partnerships 🔹 You struggle with clutter, organization, or keeping up with cleaning and need a mindset shift 🔹 You want to see how a quiet, shy personality can still become a powerful connector in the community Guest Name Recommends 🔹 Tillie Peart – Desperado Realty Real Estate Partner  Connect with Ninoska & Cleanspot 🔹 Office: 970-535-8885 🔹 Direct: 970-672-6878 Come Network with Us (Be a Future Guest!) 🔹 See upcoming Next Level Networking / NIA events and workshops: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 00:00 Intro – Meet Ninoska from Cleanspot 00:57 What “Cleanspot clean” really means 01:37 From Denver commercial cleaning to Northern Colorado 02:21 The most overlooked dirty spots in homes and offices 03:07 Night crews, early mornings, and ongoing commercial accounts 03:56 Building trust with walkthroughs, one-sheets, and eco-friendly products 05:11 Customizing every clean to each client’s needs 05:58 From very shy to confident networker 07:33 The kind of people who stand out at networking events 08:21 Partnering with organizers, realtors, and other cleaning companies 09:37 20+ years of cleaning in California and Colorado 09:54 Organization, planning your days, and feeling calmer at home 10:55 Clean spaces and your professional image 11:55 Recurring clients and long-term residential relationships 12:43 How Ninoska generates referrals for others in her network 14:15 Courage to stop hiding in the corner and start conversations 15:19 Who Cleanspot loves to partner with (service-based pros) 15:48 How to get on Ninoska’s schedule

    17 min
  6. Getting Your Team in Their Working Genius with Robin Baker of The People Factor

    12/15/2025

    Getting Your Team in Their Working Genius with Robin Baker of The People Factor

    What if your team’s “people problems” are actually genius problems? In this episode, Andrew sits down with HR consultant and Working Genius facilitator Robin Baker of The People Factor to talk about building teams that actually work well together. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You lead (or want to lead) a small team and feel like things keep falling through the cracks. 🔹 You’re curious how the Working Genius model can improve hiring, delegation, and morale. 🔹 You’ve grown on “duct tape HR” and suspect there are compliance gaps you can’t see. In this episode we cover: 🔹 What the Working Genius assessment really measures (it’s more about energy than personality). 🔹 Common missing “geniuses” on teams—especially Galvanizing and Tenacity—and how that shows up day to day. 🔹 How to tell if you have a people problem, a role problem, or a process problem. 🔹 When to bring in HR support (ideally with your first hire) and the most common gaps Robin finds. 🔹 The explosion of Colorado employment-law changes and why “copy-paste” handbooks aren’t enough anymore. 🔹 Practical networking tips from an HR pro: turning one-on-ones into real referral partnerships. Guest Recommends 🔹 Kelly Vaughan – IT & security partner and co-networker (NOCO Connect / NIA) Want to meet more Northern Colorado business owners in person? Check out our upcoming Next Level Networking events: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 0:00 Meet Robin Baker & The People Factor 0:52 What is the Working Genius model? 3:38 When your team is missing a “genius” (Galvanizing, Tenacity, etc.) 5:00 Spotting people vs. role vs. process problems 7:03 Why most clients find Robin through referrals 8:05 Partnering with Kelly Vaughn and NOCO Connect 10:00 How to network well inside a recurring group 11:30 People-first HR: advocating for your team and your business 12:40 When to bring in HR (and what most owners miss) 16:16 Colorado law changes and compliance landmines 18:22 What happens when everyone is in their Working Genius 18:51 How to connect with Robin & The People Factor

    20 min
  7. From Junk to Genuine Connections with Michael Kane of Rubbish Works

    12/08/2025

    From Junk to Genuine Connections with Michael Kane of Rubbish Works

    When someone finally says “I can’t deal with this garage/estate/basement anymore,” Michael Kane is often the first call. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Michael, owner of Rubbish Works of Northern Colorado, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of “junk removal” — and how he’s built a five-star, relationship-driven business in a competitive market. Michael shares how compassion, professionalism, and follow-through turned a new franchise into a Best of NOCO winner with nearly 150 Google reviews in under a year. From hoarder-level cleanouts to last-minute commercial jobs where other vendors bailed, his story is all about showing up, doing what you say you’ll do, and asking for the review. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: ✨ What “full-service junk removal” really looks like for homes, estates, and businesses ✨ How Michael puts anxious or embarrassed clients at ease in tough situations ✨ The simple review strategy that helped Rubbish Works explode on Google ✨ Why networking has been crucial to growing a new service business in Northern Colorado ✨ What it’s really like competing with long-established national franchises ✨ How Michael thinks about persistence, market share, and adding a second truck and crew 💡 Why You Should Listen If you’re a service-based business owner, this episode is a playbook in how to launch in a crowded space, earn trust quickly, and turn happy customers into vocal fans. If you’re a realtor, property manager, or homeowner staring down an overwhelming cleanout, you’ll also get a clear picture of what a good junk removal partner can actually do for you — beyond “just hauling stuff away.” Connect with Michael Kane & Rubbish Works of Northern Colorado 📧 Email: mKane@rubbishworks.com 📞 Phone: 970-402-8879 🌐 Search: https://www.rubbishworks.com/northern-colorado/ Connect with Business Networking Done Right & Upcoming Events Want to meet more Northern Colorado entrepreneurs like Michael in person? Check out upcoming Next Level Networking and Business Labs here: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 00:00 – Why junk removal is more emotional than you think 00:48 – What Rubbish Works actually does (and what they won’t touch) 02:16 – Putting clients at ease during estate and hoarder cleanouts 03:31 – How Michael hustled to nearly 150 Google reviews 05:12 – The exact follow-up system he uses to get more 5-star reviews 08:32 – Competing with big, established franchises in Northern Colorado 09:53 – Using networking groups to launch a new local brand 11:08 – Growth goals, second truck, and expanding the service area 12:02 – One-off jobs vs. repeat clients and realtor partnerships 13:25 – Helping clients let go of their “stuff” without judgment 14:37 – When “I just have a little” turns into five truckloads 15:27 – Serving people respectfully while you’re in their space 16:21 – Hidden treasures and memorable finds on cleanout jobs 17:56 – Real talk for new entrepreneurs entering crowded markets 19:30 – How to connect with Michael and Rubbish Works

    21 min
  8. Content, Community, Closings: How Austin Foss Grows His Mortgage Business

    12/01/2025

    Content, Community, Closings: How Austin Foss Grows His Mortgage Business

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with mortgage advisor Austin Foss, who moved from the Texas heat to Northern Colorado—and brought his lending business with him. Austin specializes in helping veterans, first-time homebuyers, and relocating families actually understand the mortgage process so they feel confident instead of overwhelmed. From navigating two very different markets (Austin and Colorado) to using content and networking to build trust, he shows why great lending is more about relationship than interest rate. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Austin relocated from Texas to Colorado and kept serving clients in both statesThe surprising similarities between the Austin and Denver marketsWhy he focuses on purchase loans instead of chasing every refi boomHow he serves veterans using the VA loan and better educationUsing social media content to “pre-introduce” himself to clients and partnersWhy he aims to be a great #2 lender (not rip existing relationships away)The “homebuying village” every buyer needs: agent, inspector, insurance, lenderWhat to look for when you’re choosing a loan officer (beyond just the rate)Why you should listen:  If you’re a realtor, home service pro, or business owner, you’ll hear how a relationship-driven mortgage advisor thinks, collaborates, and communicates—so you can better serve your own clients and partners. If you’re a future homebuyer, this will give you a clear picture of what a good lender should be doing for you and how to prepare for your next purchase. Connect with Austin Foss  Mortgage Advisor – Licensed in Colorado & Texas, serving Northern Colorado and beyond  Phone: 713-249-3470 Website: www.austinfoss.com Want to come network with us?  Come meet past podcast guests, Andrew, and other Northern Colorado business owners at our upcoming Next Level Networking events: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 00:00 Meet Austin Foss – from Texas to Northern Colorado 01:00 Moving a mortgage business across state lines 02:55 Austin vs. Denver: how the markets really compare 05:00 Serving veterans and first-time buyers with better education 07:10 How networking helps Austin stand out from other lenders 08:24 Social media content as a “warm introduction” 10:09 Starting over in Northern Colorado and becoming the trusted “number two” lender 12:31 Refis vs. purchases: why Austin focuses on purchase loans 13:30 What changed when the refi boom ended 15:35 Building a smooth, repeatable mortgage process 18:00 The “homebuying village”: inspectors, insurance agents, and realtors 21:20 How to work with Austin and why his cell is the main line 23:00 Final thoughts and how to connect

    24 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
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connections That Matter
  • Show Website
    Connections That Matter