How to Succeed at Anything by Burning The Boats with David Brown
After years of saving, U.S. Army veteran David Brown and his wife, Brenda, opened the doors to America’s single largest tattoo studio.
Lauren Collier is a Colorado Springs business owner, author, and philanthropist, known for her involvement in the Colorado Springs business community and especially for her dedication to forwarding the success of young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs in Colorado Springs. Lauren loves Colorado Springs and wants to give back. On the Idea Accelerator Podcast, she interviews experts across all fields of interests to learn their shortcuts and strategies for succeeding in business in Colorado Springs and beyond.
How to Plan for Your Next Vehicle Even if You Think You’ll Never Need One with Ronnie Haskins
After five years of working for a dealership selling cars, Ronnie wanted to find solutions for his
client’s automotive needs, so he ultimately purchased his own Southern Colorado franchise, owner of Auto Search USA.
How to Navigate Paid, Sick and Medical Leave Policies with Kathleen Fox
Kathleen shares about the company she founded, Payroll City, to reduce duplication of effort for small to medium-size companies.
How to Adapt an Event Venue with Chelsy Offutt
2019 Mayor’s Young Leader Award finalist Chelsy Offutt served as Visit Colorado Springs Director of Communications for more than a decade.She now serves as Director of Communications for Pikes Peak International Raceway and Falci Adaptive Motorsports.
How to Build Global Headquarters in Colorado Springs with Mike Juran
Mike Juran founded Altia in the early 90’s and is a key decision maker when it comes to strategy, driving the company’s growth, market position and product development.
How to Make the Most of Laundry Day with Desiree Hixson
Desiree is a self-described diva and entrepreneur who’s committed to serving the Colorado Springs community. She has developed a unique perspective when it comes to being a cleaning professional. She aspires to teach others to loathe laundry less through a holistic cleaning coaching and believes that everyone should have time to enjoy the things they…
How to Help Feed Your Community with Shannon Brice
Shannon Brice has held a variety of roles during her 13-year tenure at Care and Share Food Back, she holds BA in politic science and public law with a minor in leadership studies from UCCS. She’s surrounded by lots of fur babies and wrangles them with her husband, she she isn’t working, she enjoys walking…
How Leadership Pikes Peak Makes an Impact on Our Community with Keeley Griego
Keeley is a Colorado Springs native who graduated magna cum laude from UCCS with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s and ethnic studies a minor in anthropology a certificate in gender and sexuality studies and a certificate in global studies. She graduated from the LNOW program in 2018. She believes in the power of…
How to Keep Resilience in Times of Change with Lauren Collier
We’re switching things up on this episode and hearing from Idea Accelerator Podcast host, and real estate agent, Lauren Collier. Lauren touches on the ways she has been navigating the “new normal” and she’d like to hear you’re doing the same. Topics Discussed: Where Lauren sees the future going How she’s adapted during COVID New…
How to Unhook from Sugar for Good with Shannon Lee Nickerson
Shannon Lee Nickerson is a mountain lover, wellness advocate and health coach. She helps men and women learn how to identify which foods are fueling their bodies. She provides tools to understand what foods and lifestyle habits work for each individual. She specializes in working with professional women to help them reclaim their power and…
How to Make Your World More Accessible with Dana Barton
As the Director of Rocky Mountain ADA Center, and Meeting the Challenge, Dana Barton dedicates her time to
business development, staff enrichment and client relations.
How to Grow and Benefit from Microgreens with Ashton Wayne
Ashton Wayne moved to Colorado from East Texas for the beautiful nature and wonderful seasons. He has farmed almost his entire life and wanted to professionally pursue farming while helping his local community. His business has now been open 10 months and he has been growing microgreens for two years. His YouTube Channel “Learn Microgreens”…
How to Lead with Authenticity with Stephanie Sekou
A photographer turned vintage curator and jewelry designer, Stephanie Sekou has roots in Los Angeles and Tapai. She holds an AMF from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Her love for photography, sustainable fashion and curation all came together to create the concept for her business. Wilder Bag Company is the manifestation for Stephanie’s passion…
How to Build Your Business One System at a Time with Chris Nicolaysen
Chris always had a desire to work with people which led him to a teaching career. He then spent time at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law where he clerked for the honorable Judge David L Shakes. With a focus on family law and estate planning, he discovered his strengths in advocacy and…
How to Create Community Through Local Events with Chelise Foster
Chelise Foster, a Colorado Springs native, has always been an advocate for the area’s trails and outdoor spaces. After the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire, she launched the Waldo Waldo 5k to help with rebuild efforts. After several years of the event’s success, Chelise helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities that contributed to…
How to Bake Vegan Desserts with Patrese Evans
After watching “What the Health” on Netflix, Colorado Springs native Patrese Evans decided to try a vegan lifestyle. When her two weeks were up, she never looked back. After seeing a hole in the marketplace for vegan desserts like she remembers from her childhood, and encouragement from her wife, she started baking her own treats.…
How to Turn Lemons into Wine with Matthew Hexter
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Matthew Hexter has been home-brewing for 15 years and fermenting for nine. Once he started using lemons instead of the standard grape as his wine base, his business idea was born. He, his wife Melanie, and their six children all play a role in their Palmer Lake-based citrus…
How to Curate a Maker Retail Space with Peri Bolts
Peri is a Colorado Transplant who has found a connection with the maker community. Supporting small, sustainable businesses has always been her dream. She began problem-solving for the makers of these artisanal goods and thus her company was born in November 2018. Today, Eclectic Co. is a shared retail space with more than 50 local…
How to Build a Vibrant a Downtown with Alex Armani-Munn
Alex Armani-Munn is the Economic Development Specialist for the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. In this role, he manages business development services, acts as a liaison for developers and investors, and assists in special projects administration. He serves on the City’s citizen transportation advisory board and the active transportation advisory committee, He’s also a…
How to Make Fast Fit Food with Tillman Huett
Tillman Huett created a prepared food business focusing on affordable, fully cooked, all-natural meals. He has co-founded several companies including Metis Asset Management, a cryptocurrency investment fund and Sirocco Apparel, a luxury apparel brand for men. He’s the past Associate Academic Director for Sunrise International, a China-based experiential education company where he oversaw the National High School…
How to Make Complex Things Simple with Joshua Green
Joshua Green is an educated executive with sustainable global strategy experience who creates clarity with complex systems for stakeholders. He focuses on positive social impact. He has worked for Compassion International, the Colorado Springs Business Journal, Pikes Peak United Way and has lectured part-time at UCCS. Topics Discussed: How Josh’s experience as a youth influenced Mission Accomplished today. …
How to Establish Yourself in a Community with Zachary Barker
Zach Barker recently moved to Colorado Springs from Louisiana. Before that, he was in Nashville. Everywhere he goes he has established himself as a business and community leader. For the past two decades he has served as president of multiple community organizations, including the Colorado Springs Rising Professionals. Topics Discussed: What Grow EDO does and how it helps businesses grow exponentially. …
How to Love Your Nails with Jayme Fantini
Jayme Fantini is a girl with a dream of being able to provide a beauty service parallel to none. Her passion is to be able to help hands and feet, rehabilitate bitten nails, fix c-curves wrecked by acrylics, and do away with the cheese grater. Jayme wants to have all her clients walking out with killer nails and the knowledge to stay safe in the nail…
How to Spark Minds with Lawrence Wagner
Lawrence Wagner has over ten years of project management experience, along with a background in cybersecurity and human design thinking. He is now CEO and Co-founder of Spark Mindset, an organization that helps students from low-income areas find career opportunities in STEM fields. Topics Discussed: Helping adults develop “soft skills” Getting students from low-income areas involved in STEM Running…
How to Host Sweet Celebrations with Amy Sufak
Amy Sufak is an avid event planner, she also has two daughters who love to host celebrations. Over the years, they’ve hosted lavish tea parties, elegant dinner parties and festive holiday-themed events for their friends. Her girls needed a fresh place to have their get togethers but couldn’t find anything new in Colorado. So to solve that problem…
How to Be a City Expert with Meagan Thomas
Meagan Thomas is an expert on everything Colorado Springs! She spends her mornings teaching fitness classes, her days working for Springs magazine, and her evenings hitting happy hours and restaurants for her blog and Instagram. Her passion for Colorado Springs is what drives her in everything she does, and her goal is to show others – locals and visitors…
How to Be a News Anchor with Abbie Burke
Abbie Burke is a morning anchor for Fox 21 News and has been a trusted source of information during some of the most tragic times in our community including both the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her rescue pup, Milo, fostering kittens for the Humane Society of the Pikes…
How to Run a Brewery with Josh Adamski and Carrie Simison
Cerberus Brewing Company is a great brewpub located just west of downtown Colorado Springs that offers a full-service kitchen complemented with 24 taps. Josh Adamski is a long-time brewer that opened Cerberus, and Carrie Simison is a fangirl-turned-brand ambassador who also has a background in journalism. Topics Discussed: All about Cerberus Brewing Company and how their building was…
How to Share Your Space with Justin Knapp
Through his work as a pastor, Justin Knapp identified a big need which prompted him to launch his company. He believes that our communities grow when more businesses succeed. SpaceTogether exists to foster connections between people who have space and people who are looking for space. Topics Discussed: Justin’s background as a church minister Finding an idea for a…
How to be a Mommy Blogger with Lauren Holt
As a stay at home mom of three, Lauren Holt offers tips and advice on how to increase the fun on anything from traveling to chores. She is a Colorado native who loves the outdoors and good old family fun! She loves to share these passions by writing about her and her family’s experiences. And…
How to Run a Tiny House Festival with Marcus Alvarado
Marcus Alvarado is a digital marketer who marketed the first tiny home model to be featured on the HBA Parade of Homes in the country. The model received massive media attention from newspapers, radio, news stations and magazines. Eco Cabins ended up taking home the coveted 2014 Colorado Springs Parade of Homes’ People’s Choice Award. In Summer…
How to be a Life Coach with Courtney DeMatteo
Courtney DeMatteo is a life coach who has learned how to guide her clients through paradigm shifting exercises that bring immediate change to their lives. As a certified DreamBuilder coach, she has a proven program that affects change on all levels of life. Working hand–in–hand with Life Coaching is her energy work. She holds 1st and 2nd–degree…
How to Landscape Using Permaculture with Becky Elder
Becky Elder has been an organic gardener for over 40 years and is a master gardener and instructor for Colorado State University’s extension school. She holds many certificates as a permaculture designer and is the co-founder of Organa Gardens gardening cooperative. She’s a freelance writer and author as well as a Manitou Springs City Councilwoman. Topics Discussed: Becky’s…
How to Solve Problems Using Data with Tim Haynie
After a career of military service as an Engineer, Tim Haynie went on to explore the world of Data Analytics and how to make systems truly smarter. As a CEO of Spectrabotics he leads business and software development efforts as well as promotes new ideas for sensor data management and exploitation covering a wide array of market…
How to Make Natural Cosmetics with Jewels Burdick
After a family scare with Alzheimer’s, Jewels Burdick started researching possible links between the disease and every day cosmetics. She learned that 66 percent of what goes onto your body, goes into your body, yet there’s no government agency to oversee production of cosmetics. After searching in vain for natural products that actually worked, she turned her own kitchen…
How to Innovate in Healthcare with Mark Tomasulo
Dr. Mark Tomasulo has created a disruptive approach to the healthcare system with a platform that allows doctors and patients to communicate, manage and collaborate on individualized care plans. With his company, PeakMed, he aims to take greed out of the healthcare industry and bring back strong doctor-patient relationships. Topics Discussed: Dr. Mark’s background in the military…
How to Sell 10 Thousand Cookies with Ashley Greeno
Ashley Greeno is a self-proclaimed stress baker with the perfect gluten free sugar cookie recipe. Not only are her treats delicious, they’re serving a much bigger cause. Her goal is to bake and sell ten thousand cookies to help fund her family’s first adoption. Topics Discussed: Why Ashley and her husband started their business Working with adoption agencies …
How to Survive and Thrive in the Real Estate Business with Lauren Collier
On today’s show we mix things up and listen to an interview Lauren, Idea Accelerator host and real estate agent, did with James Carbary of the B2B Growth Show. Learn about the tips Lauren has for new and aspiring real estate agents, as well as current agents looking to amplify and grow their business. Topics Discussed: How Lauren started…
How to be a Chocolatier with Jenny Bazzetta
Jenny is a chocolatier who makes delicious treats from local ingredients. She uses her experiences from Tokyo and St. Louis as inspiration for her confections which she sells in the Colorado Springs area. When not in the kitchen or at markets and events, she’s exploring remote areas with her snuggly pup, Finn, or has her nose…
How to Run an Art Gallery with Tracy Miller
Tracy Miller has turned a lifetime dedication of creating art and a love of animals into a career where she strives to capture the essence and spirit of the animals she paints through bold brushwork, color and strategic use of negative space. The popularity of her dog paintings has also drawn attention from the publishing world and her prints…
How to Work in the Cannabis Industry with Ellie Herring
Ellie Herring has seen first-hand the opportunity to excel in the fast-paced cannabis industry. She happily shares her knowledge in a new industry that’s still establishing its rules and continues to grow despite some negative stereotypes. Ellie now works as the Consumer Relations Executive of Dime Bags, a hemp-based line of products. Topics Discussed: The…
How to Get People to Ride Purple Bikes with Jolie Nesmith
Jolie Nesmith dreams of living in a world where passion, listening to her intuition and riding a magical unicorn as a princess warrior directs and guides everyday life. While she doesn’t ride on any unicorns, she’s found the next best thing: helping people ride on purple bicycles. Topics Discussed: Jolie’s work background and moving to Colorado Springs …
How to Boost Your Online Presence with Kolten Montgomery
“If you don’t exist in the digital world, you really don’t exist at all anymore”. This is Kolten Montgomery’s advice to anyone trying to run their own business today. At only 20 years-old, Kolten works to make the dreams of business owners a reality. Topics Discussed: Deciding to work for yourself instead of working for someone…
How to Build Custom Homes with Jeff Carter
Jeff Carter is a seasoned engineering and construction professional who now owns his own home construction business.
How to be a Craft Beer Tour Guide with Galen Duffy
Galen Duffy is a locavore pastry chef with a background in project management. She became really excited when her husband suggested driving people to all of her favorite breweries and distilleries. Now that’s what she does as co-owner of Colorado Craft Tours! Topics Discussed: How the idea for the craft beer tours began Galen’s past work experience …
How to Work in Public Relations for a Space Program with Colleen Parith
Ever wanted to learn about space? Colleen Parith is the Social Media and Public Relations Coordinator for the Space Foundation Discovery Center.
How to Get People to Know, Like and Trust You with Kevin Knebl
Kevin Knebl is an international speaker, author, trainer and executive coach whose clients range from individual entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. He was once the top salesperson for four different companies and has the most individual recommendations of any LinkedIn user ever! Topics Discussed: Kevin’s background in music and sales Transitioning from sales to public speaking Getting people to know, like and…
How to Sell Something No One Has Heard About with Josh Hady
Ever heard of WhirlyBall? Imagine a sport that combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball and bumper cars. Today’s guest, Josh Hady, is the corporate sales manager for the first WhirlyBall location in Colorado Springs. Topics Discussed: Josh’s work background and how he got into WhirlyBall Starting in Chicago and expanding to Colorado Springs The history of WhirlyBall and how the sport works Hosting charity events and…
How to Build a Retirement Lifestyle Business with Steve McCutcheon
Today’s featured thought leader was a longtime sales, advertising and marketing executive. He finally found his bliss by showing off the incredible scenic beauty of Cheyenne Cañon and the Broadmoor area while telling tales from a Segway. He helps locals and tourists enjoy the area’s natural beauty, unique art and amazing history. Topics Discussed: How Steve started…
How to Propel Preschoolers Using STEM with Laura Weilert
Laura Weilert is That Science Fairy! She inspires early education with quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities. She can be found working with preschoolers at childcares throughout Colorado Springs, propelling the economic potential of the next generation with play and wonder. Topics Discussed: The idea behind That Science Fairy Laura’s favorite places around Colorado Springs …
How to Build Community Through Innovation with Chelsea Gaylord
Chelsea is the Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Colorado Springs. She has worked with various stage startups and utilized her skills in health promotion, business and community development to help companies and communities realize their potential across the U.S. and East Africa. During her Peace Corps service in Uganda, she founded Startup Uganda,…
How to Help Your First Side Business Rise with Sasquatch Cookies
Brooke, Kate and Jen are self-proclaimed weirdos who dreamed of delivering delicious goodies to total strangers. Sasquatch Cookies is a delivery service that brings freshly made cookies right to your door! Aside from making cookies, these girls are impacting the community and those in need. Topics Discussed: What Sasquatch Cookies is and how the idea for…
How to Inspire Others to Achieve Their Best Selves with Andra Kidd
Upon moving to Colorado she noticed there were no boutique indoor cycling studios in Colorado Springs and decidedto create one and fuse it with her other love, hot yoga. In 2015, she started working with the Small Business Development Center to flesh out a well-defined business plan. In April 2017, her dream was launched! Please welcome Co-Owner of…
How to Build a Business from the Ground Up While Being on Call with Candace McCollett
Candace McCollet is a certified birthing expert and runs her own doula service, Westside Birth Connection. She has a love for natural medicine and seeks to empower women through the natural methods of childbirth and eradicate the general public’s misconceptions about pregnancy and the birthing process. Topics Discussed: What a birthing doula is and how it’s different…
How to Kickstart Your Nutritional Goals with Martha Rosenau
Martha worked with long time colleagues to open a first-of-its-kind adult intensive outpatient program in Colorado Springs. She established nutrition course content for a nine-month sober living community and day program, including designing hands-on cooking classes for men’s and women’s programs to improve outcomes in early recovery. She now operates a private practice offering assessments, medical nutrition…
How to Write, Market, and Live from the Heart with Khadija Grant
Khadija Grant is an author with a passion for transforming social issues into raw, inspirational stories, and she enjoys giving back to the youth who live her stories every single day. At age 29, writing became a passion that woke her up early in the morning and kept her up all night. She allows her…
How to Start a Food Truck with Andres Velez
Andres Velez is the owner of Pig Latin Food Truck. He served six years as a cook in the Army and completed two tours in Iraq. After completing his time in the service, he attended and graduated Culinary school to pursue his dreams. His culinary influences are largely Latin American and International cuisine. He works…
How to Get Involved with Social Enterprise and Thrive as a Millenial in Colorado Springs with Micki Cockrille
Micki Cockrille is the Digital Marketing and Events Specialist at the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. He obtained a B.S. in Business emphasizing in HRMG and Marketing at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He finished up his internship with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center where he fell in love with the business community in Colorado Springs. He’s found great…
How to be a Commercial Photographer with Nicole York
Ever since she was little, Nicole has been trying to create what was in her imagination, whether through words or imagery.
How a Custom Gifting Company Serves Business Owners with Ann Pappas
Ann Pappas owns two small retail businesses: The Friendly Box Company and Bohemian Closet. With Friendly Box, she creates custom corporate gift boxes filled with local Colorado goods. And with Bohemian Closet, she extends her creativity in helping people look their best by styling them with clothes and accessories. Topics Discussed: How Ann got the idea…
How to Focus on Stakeholders and Build Stunning Websites with Alex Belding
Alex Belding is the founder and CEO of Mad Crane Marketing powered by WebriQ. He started Mad Crane Marketing to tackle the DIY dilemma of web design and digital marketing. He believes that business is about more than just the bottom line. Committed to focusing on the stake holders, he aspires to be like Yvon Chouinard…
How to Open a Boutique That Gives Back with Tina Schwaner
Tina Schwaner is the owner of Frayla Boutique, which focuses on mindful products and values giving back to the community. Five years ago, she chased her entrepreneurial dreams and is now celebrating six-months at a newly-opened location in Downtown Colorado Springs. Recently partnered with The Hanger, a non-profit that helps children in the foster system gain experience, she continues…
How to get Started in the Practice of Law with Joi Kush
Joi Kush is a partner at Johnson Kush, P.C., a family law firm that handles divorces and other family-related cases. During law school, she was a judicial intern for the Honorable Robert Littlefield, U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court, a legal fellow at the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, Vehicular Crimes Unit, and an intern/research assistance for…
How to Start a Tech Startup in Colorado Springs with Paul Nielsen
Paul Nielson began his career as a Data Systems Technician Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. He spent three decades developing data-centric software for various clients, and is a best-selling tech author. He now runs his own tech company, Tejon Tech, which specializes in database applications. Topics Discussed: A brief overview of Tejon…
How Copywriting Accelerates Your Business with Natalie Gowen
Today’s featured thought leader is Natalie Gowen, a brand strategist and content coach. She started writing for onlineand print outlets in 2007 and is published on top copywriting and industry sites and local newspapers, including the Colorado Springs Gazette. In 2013, she launched her copywriting and web design firm, Moxie Tonic, where she works with…
How to be an Artist with Jon Khoury
Jon Khoury is the Executive Director of Cottonwood Center for the Arts, and is a board member of The Downtown Partnership, The Colorado Springs Public Market and Board President of The Public Arts Commission. A Colorado College Graduate, class of 1984, he’s thrilled to be back in Colorado Springs, helping move the city forward by giving…
How to Build an Award-Winning Catering Company with Michelle Talarico
Michelle Talarico began her business in 1989 with her friend Kathy, combining their love for food and fun, and about $300 each to pursue adventures in catering and event planning. She now co-owns and runs three catering companies – Picnic Basket Catering Company, Cravings Five Star Events, and Buffalo Gals Grilling Company. Outside of work…
How to Start a Brewery in Colorado Springs with Steve Stowell
Steve Stowell is a Nationally Certified Beer Judge, and a Certified Cicerone, the second in Colorado Springs. He has been brewing beer for seven years and has just retired from 20 years in the Army as a Special Forces Officer. Steve is now the owner of Triple S Brewing Company, sharing a multitude of craft…
How to Assist Veterans Experiencing Homelessness with Kristen Bailey
Kristen Bailey is a Colorado native who now works as the Outreach Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator for the Homes for All Veterans Program of Rocky Mountain Human Services. She attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2011. After graduating, she became interested in working with the homeless community.…
How to Build a Profitable Event Planning Business with Tami Forero
Tami Forero has been an event planner for 25 years. She started as a trained musician, then got into the banking industry in South Florida, and from there moved to Colorado Springs and started her event planning company in 2006. As CEO of Forte Events, she serves international corporate clients, non-profits, weddings and celebrations of life.…
How to Find the Franchise Opportunity That’s Right for You with Chris Johnson
We welcome the president of Liberty Franchise Solutions, Chris Johnson. Chris has degrees in History from UCCS and UNLV and intended to become a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department. During his father’s battle with cancer, life changed. He moved back to Western Colorado to help run his family’s driver’s education business there.…
How to Creatively Conserve Water with Frank Kinder
Today’s featured thought leader is Frank Kinder, the senior Water Conservation Specialist for Colorado Springs Utilities. Frank oversees commercial and residential water efficiency conservation programs, rebates, outreach and education. His work has helped earn Colorado Springs Utilities several awards, including the 2015 WaterSense Award of Excellence. He helped launch the first EPA WaterSense New Homes rebate in…
How to Build a Better Breed of Liquor Store with Jennifer Clark
Jennifer Clark is the general manager of Mountain Cellars Fine Wine and Spirits. She was raised in a family-owned-and-operated greenhouse business. From the time she could walk, she was learning to run a company and work hard. She worked in real estate until 2007 when she moved to Colorado, and has been working in the…
How to Grow a Community of Makers and Creators with Mundi Ross
Mundi Ross is the founder of Salt+Butter Cookie Company, Colorado Collective and COCO Crafted. She discovered an amazing community of creatives and small business owners, which led her to start a publication that tells their stories, in an effort to grow the community and highlight all the talented individuals in Southern Colorado. In March 2017, Mundi…
How to get Creative with Cupcakes with Lisa Potts and Andrea Fleischmann
Lisa Potts and Andrea Fleischmann are friends who met through their husbands who race triathlons professionally. Their friendship grew over the years and they quickly realized they had a lot in common including their love for cupcakes, cocktails and shoes. They struck up a cupcake conversation while wedding dress shopping for Andrea and agreed it was time to…
How Baristas can Band Together to Open a Coffee House with Tyler Hill
Tyler Hill is a touring poet and public speaker as well as a barista and coffee shop co-owner. He placed 12th at the United States Barista Championship, and he was a founding team member of The Principal’s Office. He’s also one of six co-founders and visionaries behind the unique barista-owned and operated coffee shop Loyal Coffee.…
How to Establish a Custom Home Building Company with Lain Chappell
Lain Chappell is the owner of Solid Rock Custom Homes, and for the past 22 years has been remodeling and building beautiful custom homes throughout the Pikes Peak region. With the slogan “building extraordinary homes that bring family and friends together” he believes the home building process is more than constructing a beautiful home; it is…
How to go Caving with Dave Jackson
Dave Jackson is the inventor of CaveSim, a life-sized artificial cave that you crawl through, coupled with electronic sensors to give you feedback on your careful caving skills. It can be used both for fun and for rescue training. Dave holds two patents on cave simulators, with additional patents pending. Dave has a background in…
How Rising Professionals Can Grow into Leaders with Sandy Wenger
Sandy Wenger is probably best known as the founder of the Rising Professionals, a group she started under the Chamber of Commerce and EDC to facilitate young professionals getting more involved in the community so that they can become the leaders of tomorrow. Today she manages and oversees the local chapter of The First Tee…
How to Enjoy Chocolate with Sam Lang
Sam Lang is a serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry. She has a degree in baking and pastry and previously worked at two restaurants in Denver that have made the 25 Best list in 5280 Magazine on both the savory and sweet side. Her business is a manufacturer,…
How to Sell Houses with Lauren Collier
We’re switching things up! Today, Lauren will be the guest! Lauren Collier graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with a degree in biology and later earned her Master’s in Elementary Education. She put her passion for teaching to non-traditional use working at a community center with teens and seniors, and was a trainer…
How to Run a Food Tour with Samantha Wood
Co-founder, owner, and lead tour guide of Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Samantha Wood became disenchanted with her boring desk job. So, she went into business with her mom, which has grown to become one of the top food tour companies in Colorado! This leap of faith propelled her into figuring out the odds and ends…
How to Master Graphic Design with Tanya Jeffrey
Tanya Jeffrey is a graphic designer and owner of the graphic design studio Ginseng Creative. She enjoys translating art, design, and activism into meaningful work, creating brand identities for music festivals, book publishers, and nonprofits. Before rocking out her current business full-time, she served as editorial art director at the Colorado Springs Independent. In 2014 she received the…
How to Start a Franchise Business with Alan Cazares
Alan Cazares is the Managing Owner at House Doctors Home Improvements and Repairs. He spent 20 years in the Air Force and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Management. He was commissioned as an officer, served as a satellite engineer, and went on to teach Aerospace Studies and train…
How to Put Pets First with Susan McIntyre
After working retail for many years, Susan McIntyre left to form her own pet sitting service, PlayTime Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, and she and has never looked back! Her work is her passion and her passion is animals. Growing up, her cat was her best friend. Since starting her current company 20 years ago,…
How to Build Fat Bikes with Steve Kaczmarek
Steve Kaczmarek is the owner and CEO of Borealis Fat Bikes. After attending Colorado College and Pepperdine, he worked for 15 years in printing and packaging. In 2001 he started Oracle Packaging, and from 2001 to 2008, Oracle grew to 135 million dollars in sales with 950 employees. Now he resides right here with us…
How to Explore Art in Colorado Springs with Joy Armstrong and Scott RC Levy
Joy Armstrong is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). She is the winner of the Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award for 2016. She holds a Masters of Art degree in Art History, and she’s the recipient of the “Excellence in Curatorship” and the…
How to Enjoy Downtown Colorado Springs with Andrew Woehle
Andrew Woehle is the Director of Membership and Sales for Colorado Springs’ new 365 Grand Club. He graduated with a Culinary Arts Degree (CC) from Hocking College and was formerly the top sales representative for three liquor, beer and wine distributors. Andrew lives with his wife, Jessica and little son Noah. He is very involved with the…
How to Rock Climb With Michael Caracappa
Michael Caracappa was a competitive runner in high school and college. He grew up in New Jersey, attended New York University, and worked for New York Road Runners in their Brand Marketing and Communications Department. After getting his degree in 2014, he moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to world-class rock climbing destinations and…
How to Start Adventuring in Colorado Springs with Randi Hitchcock
Randi Hitchcock is a Colorado Springs native whose youth was defined by farm life and a year-round volleyball schedule, so she didn’t grow up hiking in the mountains or riding bikes. But after graduating college Randi returned to Colorado Springs where she met and married a man who took her to all the outdoor destinations…
How To Make a Double-Entrepreneur Household Work with JL Fields and Dave Burgess
JL and Dave are a power couple in the fields of athletics and nutrition. Dave Burgess is a professional triathlon and swim coach. He runs a US Masters swim program and puts on camps and clinics for triathletes. He’s the owner and head coach of Podium Training Systems, a performance-based triathlon coaching group. Local…
How to Have a Nice Dog with Lauren Fox
Contact All Breed at (719) 264-6460 Lauren Fox rescues and re-homes more than 100 dogs per year. She leads trainings and seminars at animal shelters, schools, libraries and veterinary practices. She’s taught high school and college-level courses in animal behavior. She’s clicker trained and rehabilitated hundreds of animals, including many breeds of dogs, wolves, cats,…
How to Stay at Home with the Kids and Run a Profitable Business with Amanda Gaden
Contact Amanda at Hello@PinnedReality.com Amanda Gaden is a crafty, creative, stay-at-home-mom as well as the founder and owner of Pinned Reality. She majored in math and then became a theatre major. She loves problem-solving and making things happier, more beautiful, and more meaningful. She combines her creativity with Type A organizing skills to run a unique business that…
How to Build a Custom Home with Andy Stauffer
Andy Stauffer family man and owner of custom home builder Stauffer and Sons Construction. He has been a contributor to Builder Magazine, US News & World Report, and Builder & Developer Magazine. He’s also been featured in NBC News, the Gazette, the Colorado Springs Business Journal, and more. Andy has over 20 years in the residential…
How to Improve Your Health with Drew Smith
Listeners can get free access to the workout videos and advice in the super secret member area at www.undertenfitness.com by using Coupon Code PODCAST Fellow podcaster and a radio personality Drew Smith is the owner of Under Ten Fitness podcast and online fitness studio. He’s also a long-time owner of a residential cleaning business and host of the…
How to Invest Locally with Lisa Tessarowicz
Lisa Tessarowicz is an angel investor and cofounder of Epicentral Coworking. Additionally, Lisa works for her family office, participating in asset management, estate planning, investment research, and philanthropic initiatives, including leading the CALM Foundation. She is passionate about Colorado Springs, local investment, entrepreneurship, mountain climbing, and fly fishing. Ideas and Topics Discussed in This Episode: The…
How to Run a Food Truck with Kevin Johnson
Where’s Potato Potato serving today?! www.facebook.com/potatopotatocos Colorado Springs famous food truck operator and musician, Kevin Johnson takes us on his journey to creating an award winning specialty food truck in Colorado Springs. Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Kevin has worn many hats over time. Everything from working at a half dozen restaurants, to working in…
How to Navigate UCCS with Carolyn Fox
Carolyn Fox is an architect with decades of experience. She shares how she got started in her field, her current role with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and the fun projects that she’s been working on. This episode is great way to get up to speed on UCCS’s recent growth and development! UCCS’s…
How to Communicate Your Message with Lauren Hug
Speaker, Author, Strategist, and social media expert, Lauren Hug has authored 2 books, The Professional Women’s Guide to Getting Promoted (Impackt 2015) and The Manager’s Guide to Presentations (Impackt 2014). She is also an attorney, a certified mediator, and Instructor at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Her academic credentials include an LL.M. with merit from the University…
How to Deliver Exceptional Nutrition in the Form of Motivation with Christopher Hesse
Colorado entrepreneur Christopher Hesse is in the business of delivering exceptional nutrition in the form of motivation. Christopher is the founder of Vukoo, producing protein bars that are gluten-free, portable, whole-food nutrition. He has a background in the fitness industry and a passion for people and speaking life into people. Chistopher loves helping people realize…
How to Explore Architecture and Board Games in Colorado Springs with Ben Kubczak
Today I interview Colorado Springs architect and board game enthusiast, Ben Kubczak. He gives and advice for anyone looking to make Colorado Springs their home as an architect, including tips on the current job market. Ben has very extensive knowledge about the local Colorado Springs buildings – both historic and new – and he…
How to Apply Wall Street Strategies to Improve Your Business with James Wieker
Reach James at JamesW@AcceleratedWealth.com or at (719)-466-5690 James Wieker is a business consultant with Accelerated Business Strategies. A Colorado native, he moved to Colorado Springs in 1996 when his regiment, the Army’s 3rdarmored Cavalry regiment, was reassigned to Fort Carson. Following honorable discharge in 1997, he worked in the fast-growing IT sector. He has a 15…
How to Get Started After College in Colorado Springs with Stacey Stevens
Stacey Stevens grew up wanting to be an archeologist because she wanted to dig up clues. Later she wanted to be a writer of mysteries. And now she helps students solve their own mysteries! Outside of work, she’s a hiker, a runner, a dog lover, and a steering committee member for Leadership Pikes Peak. Speaking…
How to Start Doing Yoga with Keith Willschau
Yoga instructor and community connector Keith Willschau started life on one path and then changed direction completely. Hear his exciting tale of how and why, after five year working in higher education, he decided to make the move and follow his passion to become a full time yoga instructor. Find out how he first found…
How to Decorate Your House with Christine D’Alessio
Christine D’ Alessio, interior decorator extraordinaire, and owner-operator of D’Alessio Interiors, takes us on her journey of being in business for over 35 years! Learn how she got started and her secret to running a successful interior design business. Christine also shares how asking the right questions has helped her connect with her client’s needs. “I still have the passion…
Idea Accelerator Podcast of Colorado Springs with Lauren Collier
On the Idea Accelerator Podcast we learn from amazing experts across all fields of interest, their shortcuts and strategies for succeeding in business in Colorado Springs and beyond. Hosted by Lauren Collier, the Idea Accelerator Podcast features mission-driven local experts who share advice, inspiration, and information for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs and small…
How to Start a Successful Eco Conscious Business with Drew Johnson
Drew Johnson is a Colorado Springs born entrepreneur and recyclopath. He has served in many leadership roles and has co-founded several environmental organizations. Currently, Drew is focused on his eco fashion startup, TechWears and serves as a board director of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. In this episode, Drew talks about his successes and…
How to Reinvent Yourself in Colorado Springs with Kathy Zehringer
Free 5-Minute advice session with Kathy Zehringer for Podcast Listeners. Call 719-210-5777. Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Colorado Springs! One of it’s biggest proponents and centralizers is Kathy Zehringer, executive life coach and CEO of a Shift Happens. If you want to meet other up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Colorado Springs, speak with someone about your business or big idea,…
How to Preserve Colorado Springs’ Open Space with Susan Davies
Colorado Springs is known for our natural open spaces and our extensive parks and trails. How do we preserve these areas? How do we can we take care of them and get more of them? If you want to learn about some of the up-and-coming visions for the trail systems in Colorado Springs…If you want to better…
How to Publish a Magazine in Colorado Springs with John Sawyer
Does Colorado Springs deserve its own magazine? John Sawyer thinks so! From beautiful scenery to microbreweries to Olympic training to local art and coffee shops, Colorado Springs can absolutely fill the pages of a full color glossy magazine, according to John. He’s worked hard to make this vision a reality and has now launched Springs magazine! John…
How to Experience Colorado Springs with Chelsy Offutt
Deciding what to do in Colorado Springs can be overwhelming! We’re here in one of the most beautiful locations in the nation, but how many secrets are you missing? The Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau can help you uncover your new favorite spot! And our guest, Chelsy Offutt, is here to help us utilize this resource.…