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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
Connections That Matter
Lucas Gillis on Networking, Leadership, and Retirement Plan Blind Spots
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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.