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. How to Hire Better and Handle HR Dumpster Fires — Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting

    17H AGO

    How to Hire Better and Handle HR Dumpster Fires — Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting

    Hiring is one of the biggest growth points and stress points for small business owners. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Tami Parker from Unicycle Business Consulting to talk about hiring smarter, avoiding costly HR mistakes, and building a team that actually fits your business. From ghosted interviews to contractor misclassification to knowing when it is finally time to hire, this conversation is packed with practical advice for Northern Colorado business owners who want to scale with more confidence. Episode Highlights 🔹 Tami explains why so many employers and applicants are ghosting each other in today’s hiring market. 🔹 She shares why business owners should hire for fit, coachability, and intangibles before focusing only on technical skills. 🔹 You’ll hear her “unicorn versus stallion” analogy and why waiting for the perfect hire can cause you to miss a great one. 🔹 Tami breaks down why many businesses actually need support staff before they need another top producer. 🔹 The conversation covers contractor vs. employee mistakes and some of the biggest legal and operational pitfalls owners overlook. 🔹 Tami also shares how networking can be one of the best ways to find great candidates and trusted referral partners. Why You Should Listen 🔹 This episode gives practical hiring and HR advice that small business owners can apply immediately. 🔹 Tami makes complex HR topics easy to understand without making them feel overwhelming. 🔹 You’ll learn how to think more clearly about scaling your team and protecting your business as you grow. 🔹 The conversation is especially valuable for owners who know they need help but are unsure what role to hire first. 🔹 If you have ever felt like hiring, documentation, or employee issues were a “dumpster fire,” this episode will help you feel more prepared. How to Contact Tami Website: unicycle.consulting HR CPR: hrcpr.net Timestamps 0:00 Why business owners should network when they are hiring. 0:15 Intro to Tami Parker and Unicycle Business Consulting. 1:34 Why both job seekers and employers are getting ghosted. 3:03 What Tami is seeing in the Northern Colorado job market. 4:14 Why small business owners struggle to define the right hire. 5:40 The “unicorn versus stallion” hiring lesson. 5:58 How to write a better job description and job ad. 7:14 Why networking matters when finding strong candidates. 8:43 Why hiring feels scary for growing business owners. 9:17 How to decide what role you actually need next. 11:02 Employee vs. contractor vs. VA: how to think through the options. 13:10 Common contractor mistakes that can create legal problems. 15:04 How Tami chooses the right networking rooms. 16:32 What to do in the middle of an HR crisis. 18:37 How Tami stays grounded during emotionally charged HR situations. 20:03 Why documentation matters so much in HR. 22:43 Tami’s best referral partners and strategic connections. 24:10 How she approaches authentic networking and business growth. 25:45 Why LinkedIn has not been her strongest recruiting platform. 27:16 How to connect with Tami for HR help or a discovery call.

    30 min
  2. Taylor Bryner on Selling a Business, Exit Planning, and Building Buyer Trust

    6D AGO

    Taylor Bryner on Selling a Business, Exit Planning, and Building Buyer Trust

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Taylor Bryner of Transworld Business Advisors to talk about what really goes into selling a business, how business owners can prepare for a future exit, and why trust, clean books, and strong systems matter more than most entrepreneurs realize. Taylor shares practical insight on business valuation, buyer psychology, legacy concerns, and how to make a business more transferable long before it hits the market. Episode Highlights 🔹 Taylor explains the real formula behind business value: return divided by risk. 🔹 He breaks down the business sale process from valuation to marketing to due diligence and closing. 🔹 He shares why clean books and reduced perceived risk can dramatically impact business value. 🔹 He discusses the difference between building a job and building a transferable business. 🔹 Taylor gives practical advice on systems, CRMs, checklists, and automation for owners who want to scale. 🔹 He explains why many business sales are triggered by major life events like health issues, death, divorce, or financial pressure. 🔹 He shares how vulnerability and authenticity help him build trust quickly with clients and referral partners. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You’ll better understand what makes a business attractive to buyers. 🔹 You’ll learn why exit planning should start years before you want to sell. 🔹 You’ll get a clearer picture of how buyers think and what they are actually looking for. 🔹 You’ll hear valuable insight for business owners who want to increase value now, whether they plan to sell soon or not. 🔹 You’ll pick up networking and relationship-building lessons from someone who works closely with business owners during major transitions. Businesses Taylor Recommends 🔹 Kelly Vaughn – TeamLogic IT. Taylor praised Kelly and her team for solving urgent IT problems quickly and for reinvesting in the community. How to Contact Taylor Bryner Taylor Bryner Transworld Business Advisors Phone: 970-222-1202 Email: tbryner@tworld.com Timestamps 0:00 Why the right buyer matters more than the highest unrealistic offer. 0:21 Introduction to Taylor Bryner and Transworld Business Advisors. 1:02 What Taylor does and the types of businesses he helps sell. 1:42 The full process of selling a business. 3:53 Emotional attachment and the challenge of valuing a business realistically. 4:42 What determines the value of a business. 6:08 Who buys businesses and what buyers are looking for. 7:19 Why business owners decide to sell. 8:29 Communication strategy during a business sale. 10:24 Why clean books matter so much in a transaction. 11:32 Building a business versus building yourself a job. 13:25 Systems, CRMs, automation, and keeping things simple. 14:36 A real story from one of Taylor’s recent transactions. 16:19 The team involved in getting a business deal to the closing table. 17:43 Networking strategies for reaching business owners in the B2B space. 19:43 How referrals and first meetings with potential sellers usually work. 21:42 Legacy, family business emotions, and creative deal structures. 23:09 Taylor’s approach to building trust quickly. 24:21 Business shout-outs and local recommendations. 26:03 Systems versus people in business success. 27:23 When business owners should start exit planning. 28:45 How to connect with Taylor.

    30 min
  3. How Anthony Navarro Uses Networking to Create Real Business Growth

    MAR 23

    How Anthony Navarro Uses Networking to Create Real Business Growth

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Anthony Navarro of New York Life to talk about what separates average networking from relationship-driven business growth. Anthony shares how his background as a nurse, entrepreneur, and business builder shaped his approach to serving clients, following up with intention, and helping others win first. If you want to grow your business through stronger referrals, better follow-up, and a servant-hearted mindset, this episode delivers.  Episode Highlights 🔹 Anthony shares his journey from nursing and entrepreneurship into becoming a top-performing advisor at New York Life. 🔹 He explains why real networking starts by helping others before asking for business. 🔹 Andrew and Anthony discuss how intentional follow-up creates stronger referral relationships. 🔹 Anthony breaks down how trust, integrity, and long-term thinking shape the way he serves clients. 🔹 You’ll hear a powerful story about how one connection helped launch major growth for another business owner. Why You Should Listen 🔹 This episode will challenge the way you think about networking and referrals. 🔹 Anthony offers practical advice on how to follow up faster and more effectively. 🔹 You’ll learn how generosity and consistency can become a true competitive advantage. 🔹 The conversation is packed with mindset shifts for business owners who want to build deeper relationships, not just collect contacts. How to Contact Anthony Navarro Email: anavarro.02@ft.newyorklife.com Phone: 970-381-8188 Timestamps 0:00 Anthony’s networking philosophy and helping people get business. 0:16 Introduction to Anthony Navarro from New York Life. 1:20 From nursing and entrepreneurship to financial services. 2:41 How New York Life recruited Anthony. 3:56 Earning trust while staying disruptive and client-focused. 8:11 Networking follow-up advice that actually works. 10:54 How networking fuels Anthony’s success. 13:41 A referral story featuring Trevor Jones of Rising Altitude. 16:37 What makes someone truly attractive in a networking room. 17:58 How to contact Anthony Navarro.

    20 min
  4. Lucas Gillis on Networking, Leadership, and Retirement Plan Blind Spots

    MAR 16

    Lucas Gillis on Networking, Leadership, and Retirement Plan Blind Spots

    Episode Description + Highlights Northern Colorado business networking is about more than handing out business cards. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Lucas Gillis of SRP to talk about how genuine curiosity, leadership, and long-term relationship building open doors in business. Lucas also shares why retirement plans are often full of hidden blind spots and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by getting the right guidance in place. Episode Highlights 🔹 Lucas explains his niche as a retirement plan advisor who helps businesses design, administer, and improve employer-sponsored retirement plans. 🔹 He shares why many business owners do not realize there are compliance issues in their plans until those problems become expensive. 🔹 Andrew and Lucas discuss why being top of mind matters in long sales cycles. 🔹 Lucas breaks down how he networks without leading with a sales pitch. 🔹 They talk about the value of stepping into leadership roles within networking communities. 🔹 Lucas shares practical advice for people who feel awkward or inexperienced in networking settings. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You will get practical networking advice that feels approachable and actionable. 🔹 You will hear how curiosity and generosity can make you more memorable in business circles. 🔹 You will learn why retirement plans can create major liability for business owners if ignored. 🔹 You will discover how leadership positions can accelerate trust and visibility in the community. 🔹 You will get insight into Northern Colorado networking groups, chambers, and young professional spaces. Businesses “Lucas Gillis” Recommends  🔹 FUEL – A welcoming young professionals networking community that helps people build confidence, connection, and community.  🔹 Loveland Chamber of Commerce – A solid place to build relationships and plug into the local business ecosystem.  🔹 Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce – Another strong networking avenue for connecting with local professionals and business leaders.  🔹 NoCo Works Sector Partnerships – A useful way to connect with leaders and decision-makers in specific industries like construction, hospitality, nonprofit, and finance. How to Contact Lucas Gillis Business line: 970-225-2001 Cell: 970-818-1241 Email: lGillis@SRPretire.com Timestamps 0:00 Why curiosity is such an effective networking tool. 0:16 Intro to Lucas Gillis from SRP. 0:51 What Lucas actually does in the retirement plan space. 2:11 Who Lucas needs to meet inside a company. 3:24 What the sales cycle looks like for retirement plan work. 4:37 Why being top of mind matters over time. 6:58 Lucas shares how his family business and SRP work together. 8:21 Favorite places to network in Northern Colorado. 11:46 How sector partnerships help people meet different kinds of decision-makers. 12:55 The value of taking leadership roles in networking spaces. 14:39 What Lucas sees in young professionals through FUEL. 16:59 Practical networking tips for people who do not feel like natural networkers. 18:59 How to connect with Lucas. 20:35 Andrew and Lucas talk about reputation as a connector.

    22 min
  5. Dog Training, Community, and Relationship-Based Growth with Scott & Holly from Barkbusters

    MAR 9

    Dog Training, Community, and Relationship-Based Growth with Scott & Holly from Barkbusters

    Business networking and referrals aren’t just for “business people”—they’re how trust gets built when you’re entering someone’s home and working with their family (including the dog). In this episode of Connections That Matter, I sit down with Scott and Holly from Barkbusters to talk dog behavior, client trust, and how getting active in the Northern Colorado community can outwork pure digital marketing. Episode Highlights 🔹 Why “digital-only” makes trust harder—and how in-person community presence changes everything. 🔹 What Barkbusters actually does inside the home (from new puppies to last-straw behavior cases). 🔹 The real root issue behind most “bad dog” problems: communication breakdowns. 🔹 Their origin story: from desperate client situation to owning the Northern Colorado Barkbusters territory. 🔹 How their “life of dog support” model creates long-term client confidence and referrals. 🔹 Networking as a couple: playing to your strengths, then intentionally splitting up to expand relationships. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You want more referral-based growth and less “hope marketing” online. 🔹 You run a business that requires high trust (in-home services, family-facing work, sensitive client situations). 🔹 You’re a dog person—and you want practical insight into calm, confident ownership without gimmicks. 🔹 You believe community presence and partnerships beat algorithms over the long run. Businesses “Scott & Holly” Recommends (if applicable) 🔹 Peppy’s Pet Care (Ann) — A key connector who helped them plug into the NOCO community and relationships. 🔹 Colorado Promotional Supplies (Sandy) — Helped them get branded items that support visibility and credibility. 🔹 Poudre Pet and Feed — Strong staff guidance and a personal success story that helped their rescue Husky thrive. 🔹 Metric Motors (Matt Seiler) — Came through in a stressful real-time moment and delivered great service. How to contact “Scott & Holly” Scott: 970-846-4809 Holly: 970-291-1413 Website: barkbusters.com (use the contact form / quiz to get started) Timestamps 0:00 Trust is harder in digital spaces—why community presence matters 0:24 Welcome + meet Scott & Holly (Barkbusters) 0:58 What Barkbusters does: in-home coaching for the full spectrum of dog behavior 1:49 Puppies, panic calls, and the emotional side of dog training 3:25 Why every dog (and every home) is different 5:13 Origin story: from client to Northern Colorado territory owners 7:14 The real “after” results: calm, confidence, and relationship with your dog 8:18 Growing the business: moving from digital-first to community-first 11:16 Networking for animal-service pros: getting in front of people and partners 12:09 Networking as a couple (the “dynamic duo” effect) 14:59 Trust when you enter the home—how referrals really happen 16:50 “Life of dog support” guarantee and what it means 19:16 Partnership they want: Poudre Pet and Feed + their personal testimonial 21:45 Best ways to contact them + a real networking win (Metric Motors) 22:55 Who to call for what—puppies, tough cases, and team approach

    25 min
  6. Messy Books to Clear Strategy: Bookkeeping Insights with Miriam Molina

    MAR 2

    Messy Books to Clear Strategy: Bookkeeping Insights with Miriam Molina

    Clean books aren’t just about taxes—they’re about clarity, confidence, and better business decisions. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Miriam Molina of Molina Bookkeeping to talk about why organized financials are one of the most powerful tools a business owner can have. Miriam shares how she helps small business owners get their books organized, prepare for tax season, and gain real insight into how their business is performing. Miriam also shares her journey from growing up in Nicaragua to studying agronomy in Honduras, earning a graduate degree in Illinois, and ultimately building a bookkeeping business serving entrepreneurs across Northern Colorado. Along the way, she discovered that bookkeeping wasn’t just a skill—it was something that genuinely clicked for her. They also discuss the value of networking, why accountants are often a key referral partner for bookkeepers, and how her bilingual services allow her to serve and support the Spanish-speaking business community. Takeaways from this episode: 🔹 Why separating personal and business finances is step one for every entrepreneur.  🔹 What a professional bookkeeper actually does (and why it matters).  🔹 The hidden mistakes that messy books can create.  🔹 How clean financial reports help owners make smarter decisions.  🔹 Why networking has been the primary growth driver of Miriam’s business.  🔹 Serving the Spanish-speaking business community through bilingual bookkeeping. Why You Should Listen: 🔹 If you’re a small business owner doing your own books and wondering if you’re doing it right.  🔹 If you want to understand how clean financials can help you scale your business.  🔹 If tax season always feels stressful or confusing.  🔹 If you’re curious how networking can help grow a professional services business.  🔹 If you want to hear the entrepreneurial journey of a Northern Colorado business owner. How to Contact Miriam Molina: Website: https://molinabooks.com Free consultation available through the website. Miriam works with small business owners across the United States and offers services in both English and Spanish. Timestamps 0:00 Why business owners should focus on growth instead of bookkeeping  0:12 Introduction to Miriam Molina and Molina Bookkeeping  0:55 What a professional bookkeeper actually does  1:53 What it’s like working with a professional bookkeeper  3:05 Why every business has unique bookkeeping needs  4:34 Advice for new business owners starting their financial systems  5:51 Working on your business vs. working in your business  6:32 Why Miriam hires someone to review her own books  7:10 Common mistakes business owners make in their books  9:10 Serving the Spanish-speaking business community  10:18 Networking with bilingual professionals  10:57 Teaching bookkeeping through the Latino Chamber and SBDC  11:42 Miriam’s networking strategy for growing her business  13:38 Miriam’s journey from Nicaragua to Northern Colorado  15:41 Why messy books don’t scare professional bookkeepers  17:03 Miriam’s goals for growing her business in 2026  17:44 How to connect with Miriam Molina

    20 min
  7. Make Friends, Not Just Returns: Networking Lessons from Tax Pro Richard Ross

    FEB 23

    Make Friends, Not Just Returns: Networking Lessons from Tax Pro Richard Ross

    Richard Ross, Enrolled Agent and founder of Ross Professional Accounting & Tax, shares why relationships matter more than return on investment when it comes to business networking and referrals. From 41 years as a DJ to becoming a trusted tax professional in Northern Colorado, Richard explains how personality, accountability, and proactive tax strategy help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and grow with confidence. Here is what we talk about: 🔹 CPA vs Enrolled Agent vs Bookkeeper — what’s the difference and why it matters. 🔹 Why waiting until Q1 to think about taxes puts you behind. 🔹 The easiest tax wins for small business owners (mileage tracking + bookkeeping). 🔹 Extension to file does NOT mean extension to pay. 🔹 “It’s easier to keep up than catch up” — staying ahead all year. 🔹 Networking advice: walk in like you already know everyone. 🔹 Why friendships create stronger referral pipelines than chasing ROI. Why You Should Listen 🔹 Learn practical tax advice that saves time, money, and stress. 🔹 Understand how accountability and proactive planning protect your business. 🔹 Discover how real business networking builds long-term referral relationships. 🔹 Get insight into building a personality-driven brand in a compliance-heavy industry. Businesses Richard Ross Recommends: 🔹 Ninoska (Residential Cleaning Professional) — Strong advocate, referral partner, and trusted collaborator who consistently connects Richard with quality clients 🔹 Local Property Managers & Trades Professionals — Richard highlights how mechanics, cleaners, and service providers often become unexpected but powerful referral partners How to Contact Richard Ross: 🔹 Phone: 970-852-0990 🔹 Website: www.rossprofessionaltax.com 🔹 Instagram: @RossProTaxGuy 🔹 Facebook: Ross Professional Accounting & Tax Timestamps: 0:15 – From DJ to tax professional: the transition story 2:02 – CPA vs Enrolled Agent explained 4:07 – Why tax planning can’t wait until Q1 6:41 – Extensions, penalties, and common tax misunderstandings 8:09 – Quick wins for entrepreneurs (bookkeepers + mileage tracking) 10:14 – Networking mindset: overcome shyness immediately 12:49 – Why relationship-driven tax service beats big-box firms 15:58 – Building referral relationships (Nanaska story) 18:34 – Ideal clients: solopreneurs and growing businesses 20:21 – “Your taxes don’t have to be taxing”

    21 min
  8. 44 Years of Craft: The Referral Habits That Keep Thomas Kern Booked

    FEB 16

    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
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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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connections That Matter
  • Show Website
    Connections That Matter