Connections That Matter

Business Networking Done Right
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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

    1d ago ·  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.

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

    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.

    28 min
  3. Building Referral Relationships Across State Lines with Michelle Gould from The Gould Agency

    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.

    18 min
  4. Creating Momentum in Windsor with Norma Perez from Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce

    Jun 8 ·  Video

    Creating Momentum in Windsor with Norma Perez from Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Norma Perez, Executive Director of the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about intentional connection, community leadership, and the momentum happening in Windsor. Norma shares her journey into the chamber world, her passion for advocacy, and how she is bringing fresh energy to the Windsor business community. From launching new groups to revamping the ambassador program, Norma is focused on helping business owners find their place, build meaningful relationships, and become more visible in the community. Episode Highlights • Why Norma prefers “connectability” over networking.  • How the Windsor Area Chamber helps businesses gain visibility and build community relationships.  • Why intentional involvement matters more than simply showing up.  • How Norma is creating opportunities for different groups within the business community.  • The role ambassadors play in helping members feel seen, supported, and connected.  • How new members can plug in quickly and get more value from their chamber membership.  • Why businesses need to be humanized, especially in a world of generic marketing.  • Norma’s simple LinkedIn strategy for strengthening relationships after events.  • Practical advice for anyone who feels nervous walking into a networking room. Why You Should Listen Norma brings a powerful reminder that people do business with people they like, trust, and feel connected to. Her approach to chamber leadership is rooted in listening, creating value, and helping business owners make sincere, intentional connections. Whether you are a new business owner, an established business looking to re-engage with the community, or someone who feels uncomfortable at networking events, this episode offers practical advice on how to show up with purpose, stay curious, and build relationships that lead to real opportunity. How to Contact Website: WindsorChamber.net Organization: Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce Connect with Norma Perez on LinkedIn or follow the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce on social media to learn more about upcoming events, ribbon cuttings, and membership opportunities. Timestamps 1:06 – How Norma became Executive Director of the Windsor Area Chamber.  2:33 – Why Norma uses the word “connectability.”  4:20 – Creating chamber opportunities for every business demographic.  5:35 – Revamping the ambassador program and empowering leaders.  7:44 – How new members can plug in quickly.  10:05 – Helping established businesses re-engage with the community.  15:29 – Norma’s LinkedIn strategy for building relationships.  18:32 – Advice for people who feel nervous attending events.

    21 min
  5. Business Networking and Community Trust with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency

    Jun 1 ·  Video

    Business Networking and Community Trust with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Eric Weedin from Weedin Agency, a multi-generational Loveland insurance agency with deep roots in Northern Colorado business networking, referrals, and community service. Eric shares how Weedin Agency has grown from his grandfather’s start in 1956 to a 70-year family-owned business known for relationships, trust, and helping clients get coverage right. He also explains why successful networking is not about pitching immediately, but about asking better questions, building real relationships, and becoming a trusted referral resource. Episode Highlights 🔹 How Weedin Agency became a 70-year Loveland business staple. 🔹 Why Eric never planned to go into insurance, but found purpose in the family business. 🔹 The role of trust, consistency, and relationship-building in business networking. 🔹 Eric’s networking advice: play the game of “let’s not talk about insurance.” 🔹 How Weedin Agency trains new agents to build confidence and meaningful connections. 🔹 Why strong businesses need clear roles, repeatable processes, and consistent customer experience. 🔹 How referral relationships help clients during claims, losses, and difficult moments. 🔹 Why Weedin Agency uses referrals to support local nonprofits and strengthen the community. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You will learn how a legacy business continues to evolve without losing its relationship-driven foundation. 🔹 You will hear practical networking advice that applies to insurance, professional services, and local business growth. 🔹 You will understand why referrals work best when they are built on trust, empathy, and consistency. 🔹 You will get insight into how successful business owners use community involvement as a long-term growth strategy. 🔹 You will walk away with a better framework for becoming a trusted resource in your own network. How to Contact Eric Weedin Agency Website: weedinagency.com Phone: 970-667-2145 Eric welcomes conversations with business owners, homeowners, and anyone interested in networking or reviewing their insurance coverage for business, home, auto, life, or disability insurance. Timestamps 2:53 – Eric’s unexpected path into the family insurance business. 5:18 – How Weedin Agency trains new agents and builds confidence. 7:53 – Why trust takes time in networking relationships. 10:50 – What long-lasting businesses do differently. 14:17 – Building strong relationships with insurance carriers and vendors. 16:19 – Using referrals and community marketing to support local nonprofits. 20:08 – How Weedin Agency builds trusted referral partner lists. 22:26 – Helping clients find hope when bad things happen. 23:41 – How to connect with Eric and Weedin Agency.

    25 min
  6. From Silos to Strategy With Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies

    May 25 ·  Video

    From Silos to Strategy With Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ian Nelson from R.L. Farmer Wealth Strategies to talk about wealth strategy, business transitions, strategic networking, and what it really means to serve people well. Ian helps individuals and business owners navigate major financial inflection points, including retirement, buying or selling a business, building wealth, and preparing for what comes next. But his work goes far beyond traditional financial advising. Ian is also deeply involved in Northern Colorado’s business community through Sure Networking, the Financial Sector Partnership, and several community-impact initiatives. Episode Highlights 🔹 Why Ian prefers helping people through major financial transitions, not just day-to-day money management.  🔹 How business owners can create more clarity during messy financial change.  🔹 Why having a relationship with a banker matters more than simply having a bank.  🔹 How Ian’s “Silos to Strategy” message helps connect financial resources across Northern Colorado.  🔹 Why serving others is one of the strongest ways to build influence and trust.  🔹 How Sure Networking evolved from a networking event into a community-driven platform.  🔹 The difference between a referral, a warm connection, and a truly high-trust introduction.  🔹 Why Ian believes business owners should be bold, selective, and service-focused. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You’ll hear how a strong financial strategy can help business owners prepare for major life and business transitions.  🔹 You’ll learn why high-quality relationships matter more than simply collecting more contacts.  🔹 You’ll get insight into how Ian built influence by serving others, creating stages for local leaders, and connecting people across silos.  🔹 You’ll hear a candid perspective on what makes referrals actually work at a higher level.  🔹 You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how strategic networking can create both business growth and community impact. How to Contact Ian Website: rlfarmerws.com Email: Ian@rlfarmerws.com Ian also helps lead Sure Networking, which meets on the last Wednesday of the month and can be found through its private Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18EyMbn62q/ Timestamps 1:34 – Helping clients through major financial inflection points.  3:37 – Ian’s “Silos to Strategy” message from Founded in FoCo.  4:16 – Why business owners need a relationship with a banker.  6:47 – Breaking down silos and creating community impact.  8:46 – Advice for entrepreneurs who want to stand out.  10:32 – The difference between referrals and quality connections.  12:29 – How Ian filters relationships and protects his inner circle.  16:16 – What high-level referrals actually look like.  19:34 – How to become more influential by serving first.  20:42 – The evolution of Sure Networking.  23:45 – How to connect with Ian.

    26 min
  7. Spotless Referrals Featuring Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist

    May 18 ·  Video

    Spotless Referrals Featuring Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist to talk about carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, trust-based service, and how intentional networking has helped him build strong referral relationships across Northern Colorado. Ryan shares how he approaches home services with professionalism, education, and care instead of high-pressure sales.  Episode Highlights 🔹 Why carpet cleaning is not one-size-fits-all, especially with wool, natural fibers, polyester, and high-traffic areas. 🔹 How The Spot Specialist helps homeowners with carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and air duct cleaning. 🔹 Why owner-operator service creates a deeper level of trust with clients. 🔹 The difference between educating clients and pressuring them into unnecessary upsells. 🔹 What Ryan has found inside air ducts, including old bottles, construction debris, and very overdue furnace filters. 🔹 How Ryan balances entrepreneurship, family life, networking, and working alongside his wife’s business. 🔹 Why Ryan believes consistency, one-to-ones, and genuine support are the foundation of successful networking. 🔹 How shout-outs and testimonials have become part of Ryan’s way of giving back to other small business owners. 🔹 Why Ryan intentionally welcomes new or introverted people at networking events and helps them make meaningful connections. Why You Should Listen 🔹 If you are a homeowner, realtor, property manager, or business owner, Ryan shares practical insight into when to clean, maintain, or replace carpets. 🔹 If you care about indoor air quality, this episode gives helpful signs that your air ducts or furnace filters may need attention. 🔹 If you are a small business owner, Ryan’s approach to networking is a great example of leading with service, consistency, and generosity. 🔹 If you are in home services, this conversation shows how professionalism and trust can separate you from the “just another contractor” category. 🔹 If you want to become a better referral partner, Ryan explains why relationships grow through follow-up, one-to-ones, and truly understanding another person’s business. Businesses Ryan Recommends Happy Home Organizing – Ryan recommends Melissa Foster with Happy Home Organizing as a strong referral partner. He appreciates her professionalism, integrity, and shared commitment to doing what is best for clients. How to Contact Ryan Phone: 970-829-9330 Email: Ryan@thespotspecialist.com Facebook: @TheSpotSpecialist Instagram: @TheSpotSpecialist Timestamps 00:40 Meet Ryan Ponto from The Spot Specialist. 01:09 Why carpet cleaning is not one-size-fits-all. 02:14 When to clean carpets versus when to replace them. 03:13 How owner-operator service builds trust. 04:54 Educating clients without high-pressure upselling. 05:56 Surprising things Ryan has found inside air ducts. 06:52 Signs your vents or air ducts may need cleaning. 08:21 How Ryan got into networking. 10:22 Using shout-outs to support referral partners. 11:21 Building a strong referral relationship with Happy Home Organizing. 12:41 Ryan’s best referral partners in home services and real estate. 14:35 Leading a networking group with intention. 16:40 Why one-to-one meetings are where the magic happens. 17:19 How Ryan keeps networking fresh by helping others. 18:24 What’s next for The Spot Specialist. 19:23 How to connect with Ryan.

    20 min
  8. Hiring Smarter and Networking Better with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions

    May 11 ·  Video

    Hiring Smarter and Networking Better with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions

    In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Scott Mulhollen from Vensure Employer Solutions to talk about business networking, hiring smarter, and simplifying the employee lifecycle for small business owners. Scott helps business owners reduce the administrative headaches that come with hiring, onboarding, payroll, HR compliance, benefits, workers’ comp, and everything in between. He also shares practical networking strategies for B2B professionals who want to create stronger referral partnerships and get into better rooms.  Episode Highlights 🔹 Why hiring the right person has become more complicated with AI and mass applications.  🔹 The importance of becoming excellent at interviewing instead of “winging it.”  🔹 How business owners accidentally create “Frankenstein” systems with too many disconnected vendors.  🔹 Why Scott uses an employee lifecycle diagnostic to help owners identify wasted time and inefficiencies.  🔹 How to ask better sales questions using a pain-funnel style conversation.  🔹 Why networking has generated the majority of Scott’s business.  🔹 How B2B professionals can build intentional power groups that produce real referrals.  🔹 Why giving referrals first is one of the best ways to build trust and create opportunities. Why You Should Listen 🔹 You’ll learn how to improve your hiring process with better questions and scoring criteria.  🔹 You’ll hear how small businesses can simplify payroll, HR, benefits, compliance, and employee management.  🔹 You’ll get a practical framework for identifying stronger referral partners.  🔹 You’ll discover why casual networking is not enough if you want consistent business growth.  🔹 You’ll walk away with ideas for building your own strategic referral group. How to Contact Scott Scott Mulhollen Vensure Employer Solutions Phone: 970-305-3095 Email: Scott.Mulhollen@vensure.com Want to come network with us? Check out our next events here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909 Timestamps  0:18 – Introduction to Scott Mulholland from Venture Employer Solutions.  0:48 – What Scott does for business owners.  1:41 – Common mistakes in the employee lifecycle.  3:23 – Hiring tips: interviews, scoring, and avoiding gut-only decisions.  4:35 – The problem with disconnected vendor silos.  5:20 – Scott’s employee lifecycle diagnostic process.  6:45 – Asking better business questions.  9:24 – Getting past gatekeepers and creating real conversations.  11:53 – Using drop-ins as fact-finding missions.  13:04 – Making business development a team sport.  14:35 – Building referral relationships by giving first.  17:09 – Scott’s best referral partners.  19:12 – How much of Scott’s business comes from networking.  20:02 – Why strategic power groups outperform casual networking.  23:02 – How to start your own high-value referral group.  24:17 – The structure of an effective B2B referral meetup.  26:44 – How to contact Scott.  28:08 – Invitation to upcoming Northern Colorado networking events.

    29 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
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connections That Matter
  • Show Website
    Connections That Matter

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