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
84 episodes
Episode 84: The Toilet in the Mudroom That Started a Viral Video Series with Brent Fletcher
"What if the best marketing for your business is just posting exactly what makes you say 'don't do that' out loud?" In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Brent Fletcher, owner of Fletcher's Home Inspecti...
Episode 83: From Painter to Trusted Advisor with Travis Diener from Renewed Creations Painting
Most painting companies show up, paint, and leave. Travis Diener built his business on being the person homeowners trust to help them decide. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Travis Diener, owner of...
Episode 82: The Concussion Comeback with Dr. Jane Brewer from Precision Chiropractic
We don't think to get our neck checked when our blood pressure runs high or we're catching every cold that goes around, but the nervous system that controls all of it runs straight through one small bone in the neck. In this episode of Conn...
Episode 81: Healing After Child Abuse with Kathleen Baumgardner from Child Safe Colorado
Most people never think about what it actually takes to help a family heal after child abuse, the therapy, the funding, and the years of trust-building behind it. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Ka...
Episode 80: Why Nobody Wants to Be Sold with Matt Roberts from Affectus Sales Partners
The fastest way to lose a sale is to pitch before you understand the problem, and Matt Roberts has coached that lesson into salespeople for years. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Matt Roberts, sale...
Episode 79: Nick Dunagan on the Rock Climbing Gym That Did What Medication Couldn't
"What if veterans didn't need to be shown as broken to get support, because that's exactly what keeps them from feeling empowered?" In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Nick Dunagan, founder of Health4H...
Episode 78: Why Vulnerability Wins in Networking with Rebeccah Silence
"What if the best networking strategy isn't a stronger pitch, but the courage to be fully yourself?" In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson talks with Rebeccah Silence, an emotional health and relationship coach and...
Episode 77: The Peer Group That Talked Curt Bear Out of His Dream Business
"What if the smartest person in the room only has some of the answers, but ten people together have all of it?" In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Curt Bear, founder of LOCO Think Tank and host of...
Brand Clarity for Better Business Networking with Amy Taylor from O Hey Amy Design Studio
What if the biggest thing costing you referrals isn’t your work, your pricing, or your network—but the fact that people can’t clearly explain what you do? Your brand is more than a logo, color palette, or business card. It is the c...
Marriage and Business Success with Angela and James Mitchell from Love Intentionally
Entrepreneurs rarely start a business intending to sacrifice their marriage or family. Yet without intentional boundaries, the company can slowly become the “mistress”—taking the time, energy, and attention once reserved for home.In this...
Publishing Your Book and Building Authority with Liz Mrofka from What If? Publishing
Business networking becomes more memorable when you have more than a business card to share. A professionally published book can build authority, support referrals, and keep your expertise in front of potential clients.Liz Mrofka, Chief ...
Turn Business Moments into Memories with Todd Schreier from Schreier Group
Being good at what you do is not enough if no one remembers you.In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson sits down with Todd Schreier from Schreier Group to explore how business owners can stand out, build trus...
How Strategic Partnerships Create Better Referrals with Joe Pucci and Austin Foss
Business networking becomes much more powerful when a relationship develops into an intentional, working partnership.In this special partnership deep dive episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew Johnson welcomes back two prev...
Making Big Business Problems Small with Austin Odle from Odle Consulting
What happens when your business is generating revenue—but you cannot figure out where the money is going? Or when you are working 80 hours a week and still feel like everything depends on you?In this episode of Connections That Matte...
Why Better Health Builds Better Business with Gerri Kier from Complete Nutrition Alliance
Your health does not stay at home when you go to work. It affects your energy, focus, decision-making, follow-up, and ability to show up for the people who depend on you.In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits do...
From a Facebook Post to Partnership with Tim Jordan & Michael Weant from Service Catalyst
What can happen when a new entrepreneur makes a vulnerable Facebook post asking for help? For Michael Weant, it led to a conversation over a beer with Tim Jordan, a mentorship relationship, and eventually a business partnership that became Serv...
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 spotlig...
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 Col...
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.Miche...
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 ...
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 comm...
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.
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 st...
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.<...