Connections That Matter
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
Episodes
60 episodes
The Art of Organic Networking With Brian Howe
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Brian Howe, internationally known DJ, music producer, entrepreneur, and longtime Northern Colorado connector.Brian shares how he built and sold multiple businesse...
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Disappearing Dents and Building Relationships with Dan Christian
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Dan Christian, also known as Dent Repair Dan, to talk about paintless dent repair, craftsmanship, hail damage, business relationships, and how local connections can beco...
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Confidence, Service, and Building the Right Network With Ryan Cox
Ryan Cox brings a powerful perspective to business networking, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Ryan shares how his background in the military, law enforcement, and entrepreneurship shaped th...
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How Strategic Partnerships Create Bigger Wins — Sean Kelly from Kelly Merchant Solutions
If you are a business owner, nonprofit leader, bookkeeper, or CFO, this episode is a great reminder that merchant processing fees are often more negotiable than people realize. Sean Kelly shares how Kelly Merchant Solutions helps businesses and...
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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 smarte...
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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 ...
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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...
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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 abou...
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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 d...
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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...
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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 t...
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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 ...
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Networking & Referrals: Jeremy Howe on Restoration and Trust
Jeremy Howe from Voda Cleaning & Restoration is only six months into launching in Northern Colorado, but he’s already building serious momentum through intentional networking, strong referral partnerships, and a “serve first” mindset—especi...
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Networking, Referrals, and a Website That Converts with Matthew Regenie
Business networking works faster when your online presence matches your reputation. In this episode, Matthew Regenie (Prospect Future) breaks down practical digital marketing strategies that help Northern Colorado business owners turn networkin...
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Ask Boldly and Network Big with Dixie Daly of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Business networking is easier—and more profitable—when you’re clear on what you want and confident enough to ask for it. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Dixie Daly, Membership Director at the
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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 ...
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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 fa...
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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 c...
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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 a...
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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, unforge...
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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 togeth...
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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 C...
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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...
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How Community and Co-Working Fuel a Modern Financial Advisor – with Ben Voss
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with independent financial advisor Ben Voss of Raymond James to talk about the human side of money: life transitions, trust, and the power of showing up in your communit...
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The Art of Confidence: Christina Gressianu on Portraits, Empowerment & Authentic Connection
In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Christina Gressianu, award-winning photographer and owner of Christina Gressianu Photo Studio in downtown Loveland. Christina is known for creating portraits that...
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