We are settling the debate on the true identity of Colorado Springs. In this special roundtable episode, we sit down with Celebrity Chef Brother Luck and Chelsea Gondeck (Interim CEO, Downtown Partnership) for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the future of our city.
From the controversial "North vs. South" rivalry to the harsh realities of safety in the downtown corridor, nothing was off-limits. We discuss why Colorado Springs refuses to be "Denver’s Little Sister," the struggle businesses face Sunday through Thursday, and whether our city is ready to be truly world-class.
In This Episode:0:00 - Intro: The State of Colorado Springs09:05 - Why we are NOT "Denver's Little Sister"13:41 - What "Responsible Development" actually looks like24:34 - The real challenges facing Downtown businesses (Safety & Costs)33:59 - The Northgate Problem: Why locals don't come Downtown35:39 - The "Mordor" Comment: Exploring the North vs. South Rivalry46:58 - Chef Brother Luck on the "Meat & Potatoes" perception vs. Michelin Stars01:07:37 - The harsh reality of safety and doing business downtown01:08:11 - "The North is Plastic": The debate heats up01:10:03 - The solution? Start taking "Staycations"Thanks for supporting the Colorado Business Podcast (Formerly: COS Business Podcast).
Gabrielle Simmons lost everything. She had the 800 credit score, the real estate portfolio, and the “perfect” life on paper, until a $100,000 tax bill and a market crash forced her into bankruptcy at 29 years old.
In this episode, Gabrielle opens up about her rise from a truck driver to running the largest investor community in Colorado, and the devastating crash that followed. She reveals exactly how she built her first fortune using wholesaling (with zero money down), the massive mistake that cost her everything, and the mental toughness required to rebuild from scratch.If you believe the American Dream is dead or that you need rich parents to invest in real estate, this conversation will prove you wrong.Topics:0:00 - Intro0:40 - From Truck Driver to Real Estate Investor06:07 - The Dangerous Reality of Being a Female Trucker11:18 - Blowing Money in Dubai & The "Fake Wealth" Trap13:36 - How to Start Wholesaling with $0 (The Exact Strategy)19:00 - Why Most Wholesalers Fail (And How to Win)24:00 - Building "Real Estate Dealmakers" (60k+ Members)31:13 - Closing Massive Commercial Deals & Data Centers44:20 - The Crash: Losing It All & Filing Bankruptcy58:00 - How to Rebuild Your Life After Hitting Rock Bottom01:04:17 - The 3 Things You Need to Succeed (Time, Money, Knowledge)Guest:Gabrielle Simmons is the founder of Real Estate Dealmakers, the largest real estate networking community in Colorado with over 60,000 members. She is a former professional truck driver turned real estate investor, educator, and entrepreneur.Follow Gabrielle:Instagram: https://instagram.com/investorladygFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AZsVzGj9K/Listen to the Audio Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=1772f1e908184d5a'https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546About the Show:The COS Business Podcast is the #1 source for business news and interviews in Colorado Springs. We talk to the entrepreneurs, leaders, and movers-and-shakers building the future of our city.Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@cosbusinesspodcast
Is your startup actually going to survive, or are you just burning cash?
In this episode, we sit down with Max Cupp, Executive Director of Exponential Impact (XI), the engine turning Colorado Springs into a legitimate rival to Silicon Valley. Max reveals the brutal reality of what it takes to go from "zero connections" to building a billion-dollar unicorn.
We break down the "Mudita" mindset that separates successful founders from the selfish ones, why most startups fail at the "Rent vs. Food" stage, and the exact roadmap XI uses to take founders from raw ideas to Series A funding.
If you are an entrepreneur feeling like an imposter or looking for the blueprint to scale, this conversation is your survival guide.
-----🚀 What We Discuss:
The "Imposter" Advantage: Why feeling like the "dumbest person in the room" is actually your superpower.
Rent vs. Food: The harsh financial reality of the early days and how to survive the "Valley of Death."
The "Mudita" Philosophy: The secret trait of billion-dollar founders that nobody talks about.
From Outsider to Insider: How Max hustled his way into the city's top circles by simply "showing up."
Unicorn Hunting: Why the next big tech giant is being built right here in the Rockies.
-----⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 - Intro (The "Dumbest Person" Strategy)
1:32 - Who is Max Cupp?
3:13 - The Hustle: How to Build a Network from Zero
10:38 - What is "Mudita"? (The Anti-Selfish Mindset)
16:24 - "Put Up or Shut Up": The Trial By Fire
25:39 - Is XI the "Y-Combinator" of Colorado?
31:49 - The Financial Reality: Rent vs. Food
45:02 - "Ideas in the Air": How Innovation Actually Happens
1:09:41 - The 10-Year Vision: Building Unicorns
-----🔗 Connect with Max & Exponential Impact:
Website: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/
Accelerator Applications: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/apply
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxcupp/
-----🎙️ About The COS Business Podcast:
The number one business podcast in Colorado. We explore the stories, struggles, and strategies of the entrepreneurs building the future of the Rockies. Hosted by Andrew Hazzlee & Marcus Alvarado.
Your hiring process is broken. You are hiring for skills when you should be hiring for the one thing you can’t train: behavior.
In this episode, Reanna Werner (Founder of Savion HQ) reveals the brutal reality of entrepreneurship—from being "ruined" for the corporate world to managing the two things that keep every founder awake at night: their people and their money.If you’ve ever felt held hostage by a toxic employee or paralyzed by the fear of a lawsuit, this conversation is the wake-up call you need.
🚀 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
🎙️ GUEST BIO:
Reanna Werner is the founder of Savion HQ, a fractional back-office firm that turns small business chaos into profitable empires. By handling the "boring" stuff—HR, Payroll, and Accounting—she allows founders to get back to their passion. She is also the host of the "Show Me Yours" podcast.
🔗 CONNECT WITH REANNA:⏳ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro (The "Untrainable" Trait)
1:13 - The "Toxic Culture" Trap
4:13 - Bootstrapping vs. Capital: The Mindset Shift
10:09 - Rhiannon’s Origin: Recruiting at 16
14:48 - Hitting Rock Bottom & The $10k Investment
21:00 - Why Entrepreneurs Are "Ruined" for Corporate Jobs
23:10 - Starting a Business in a Basement (No Chairs!)
35:31 - A 3-Step Model for Risk & Lawsuits
41:21 - What is a "Fractional Headquarters"?
57:43 - Stop Using the Golden Rule (Use The Platinum Rule)
1:00:31 - The Hardest Part of Leadership
1:06:01 - Hiring for 110% Cultural Fit
1:09:47 - The "Kiss Ass" Bad Hire Story
1:12:48 - Case Study: The Client Who Couldn't Say "No"
📢 ABOUT THE SHOW:
The COS Business Podcast creates a space for real conversations with the entrepreneurs building the future. No fluff, just the raw stories of how businesses are actually built.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more honest business conversations.
RainTech founder Andrew Jahnke reveals why he rejected millions in private equity to give 100% of his company's profits to his employees. In this episode, we explore how he’s using AI to implement a 32-hour work week, why he believes "People First" is a lie, and his blueprint for building a business that puts people over profit—period.
AJ Matthews, founder of Be Our Guest Getaways, joins us to share how one family trip to Disney turned into a full-time business helping others experience the magic.From 22-person family reunions to the “Disney bubble” that makes your real-world problems melt away, AJ breaks down what makes Disney different, why planning it alone feels like drinking from a fire hose, and how his passion for creating memories became a thriving travel company.🎢 In This Episode: 00:00 – Intro 01:10 – How AJ started Be Our Guest Getaways 04:30 – What makes Disney vacations so different 09:15 – The “Disney bubble” explained 13:40 – The chaos of planning Disney trips alone 18:20 – How AJ helps families experience the magic 25:10 – Growing the business through word of mouth 32:00 – From DJ to travel expert 40:15 – Lessons from teaching at Pikes Peak State College 47:50 – Bringing creativity and magic into leadership 54:30 – How Disney transformed his family and career 01:00:00 – AJ’s advice for anyone chasing a dream01:10:30 – Where to find AJ and Be Our Guest Getaways🌍 Learn more: https://beourguestgetaways.com 🎙️ Follow the show: https://cosbizpodcast.com 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast
What if the career you spent 20 years building was wiped out overnight? And what if the 'backup plan' you started out of desperation ended up being more successful than your original dream ever was? That's not a hypothetical, it's the true story of our guest, Robert "Black Pegasus" Houston.In one of our most powerful episodes yet, Robert shares the unfiltered story of his incredible pivot from a two-decade career as a rapper and promoter to a full-time YouTube creator. This is a masterclass in resilience, showing how a career-ending crisis can become the catalyst for your greatest success. He breaks down the mindset required to abandon a 20-year identity, the humility it takes to become a beginner again, and the accidental discovery that led to him building a YouTube empire that out-earned his entire music career.► In This Episode, You Will Learn:✓ The reality of earning a living as an independent artist for 20 years.✓ The devastating moment the pandemic erased his entire business model.✓ How he started on YouTube with zero experience and no plan.✓ The shocking financial success that made his new career bigger than his old one.✓ The critical mistake that nearly got him de-platformed just as he was taking off.✓ His powerful life lesson on the importance of creating more than you consume.This conversation is a must-watch for any entrepreneur, creator, or anyone who has ever had to start over.► Follow our guest, Robert "Black Pegasus" Houston:YouTube: @BlackPegasusRapsInstagram: @blackpegasusraps► Subscribe to the COS Business Podcast for more powerful stories from today's most resilient entrepreneurs and creators.
Is Colorado's pro-business reputation a myth? According to new data, the state has plummeted to 48th out of 50 in private-sector job creation, and net migration has dropped by over 52%. While our quality of life remains high, the economic policies from the state capitol are creating massive headwinds for business owners and entrepreneurs.In this critical conversation, we sit down with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, the powerhouse President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. As an economic development expert who moved to Colorado just four years ago, Johnna brings an outsider's perspective armed with undeniable data. She breaks down exactly why the state is failing its businesses and reveals her bold new plan to unite Southern Colorado and fight back for pro-business policies.TIME STAMPS:0:00 - Colorado's Economy is Failing (The Data)5:15 - Johnna's Journey: From Rural Tennessee to CEO15:30 - The #1 Job of a Chamber of Commerce28:10 - Is "Olympic City, USA" Still Our Identity?35:05 - The Plan to Fix Downtown Colorado Springs49:55 - REVEALED: The Southern Colorado Business Alliance57:20 - "Drive the train 100 mph while building the track."1:03:15 - How Young Professionals Can Get Involved & SucceedConnect with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer:Website: coloradospringschamberedc.comSubscribe to the COS Business Podcast for more essential conversations with the leaders shaping our city.🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
Is Colorado's pro-business reputation a myth? According to new data, the state has plummeted to 48th out of 50 in private-sector job creation, and net migration has dropped by over 52%. While our quality of life remains high, the economic policies from the state capitol are creating massive headwinds for business owners and entrepreneurs.
In this critical conversation, we sit down with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, the powerhouse President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. As an economic development expert who moved to Colorado just four years ago, Jonna brings an outsider's perspective armed with undeniable data. She breaks down exactly why the state is failing its businesses and reveals her bold new plan to unite Southern Colorado and fight back for pro-business policies.
Connect with Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer:
Website: coloradospringschamberedc.com
Subscribe to the COS Business Podcast for more essential conversations with the leaders shaping our city.
🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
#ColoradoBusiness #ColoradoEconomy #COSBusinessPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #JonnaReederClaymire #ColoradoSprings
What would you do if you received 9 offers a week to sell your life's work? Trent Urban, the founder of Wirenut Home Solutions, faces this reality every day. In a world where private equity is buying up local businesses, Trent is holding the line. But his reason for never selling isn't about the money, it's about a promise he made to his father and a legacy he's building for his son.
From launching his company directly into the 2008 recession to building an unforgettable brand with a "win-win-win" philosophy, this is a raw conversation about grit, family, and the principles that build a business that lasts for generations. Later in the episode, we're joined by Trent's son, Gavin Urban, who offers a unique perspective on growing up in the business and taking on the marketing mantle for a new era.
This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who has ever questioned whether to cash out or double down on their values.
Learn more about Trent, Gavin, and Wirenut Home Solutions:
► Website: https://thewirenut.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
👍 LIKE this video to help us reach more people.
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What's the most important value in your business? Let us know in the COMMENTS below!
🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:
HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/
Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/
DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/
Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/
Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/
Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/
Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/
Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/
Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com
Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/
Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/
Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/
Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/
Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
97% of all family businesses are destined to fail by the fourth generation. It's a brutal statistic that has wiped out countless legacies.
So how has Perkins Motors, an 80-year-old car dealership, defied the odds to become a Colorado institution?
In this deep-dive conversation, fourth-generation owner David Perkins reveals the raw, unfiltered story of surviving multiple near-disasters, from a sudden death with no succession plan to a transition he calls the "poster child for how NOT to do it." David breaks down the playbook he used to navigate the collapse of traditional marketing, fend off giant corporate competitors, and find a secret advantage in the biggest economic crisis of our lifetime.
This isn't just a story about selling cars—it's a masterclass in resilience, succession planning, and building a business that can truly last for a century.
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:
Support David and the Perkins family by visiting their dealership in Motor City or online.
Perkins Motors: https://www.perkinsmotors.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives with the entrepreneurs building our community.👍 LIKE this video to help us reach more people.
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✅ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COS BUSINESS PODCAST:
🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:
HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/
Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/
DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/
Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/
Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/
Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/
Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/
Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/
Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com
Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/
Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/
Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/
Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/
Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
#FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SuccessionPlanning #LegacyBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AutoIndustry
What happens when the one thing you've built your entire identity around collapses? For founder and designer Taylor Draper, that collapse wasn't just a business failure, it was a life-threatening crisis that pushed him to the brink of suicide. Growing up without a father, Taylor programmed himself to believe that his worth was directly tied to his achievements, a dangerous mindset that led him to build a successful brand but a fragile sense of self.
In this raw and deeply vulnerable conversation, Taylor Draper, the founder of the men's mental health movement Inherent Self, reveals the inside story of how losing a $20 million investment deal forced him to confront the lie he had been living. This is a story about the dangerous link between a man's work and his worth, and the difficult journey to find who you are when everything you've built is taken away.
Follow Taylor Draper & Inherent Self:Website: InherentSelf.orgCONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast ► Facebook: facebook.com/cosbusinesspodcast ✅ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COS BUSINESS PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOJjezhA6fI-3RhohZ6w9A
We see them on our screens every morning, delivering the news with perfect composure. But what is the true cost of living a life in the public eye? After nearly two decades as the calm voice in the storm, what happens when the cameras turn off?
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, veteran FOX21 News anchor Abbie Burke pulls back the curtain on her 17-year career. She reveals the journey from a reluctant journalism student who was warned of the industry's harsh realities, to becoming a trusted community voice during Colorado Springs' most challenging moments, including the Black Forest Fire and the Planned Parenthood shooting.
This episode is a masterclass in resilience as Abbie shares the unseen battle with public criticism, the "ugly truth" about the online hate she receives, and the emotional fortitude required to stay composed when everyone is watching. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to be on TV, this is a conversation you cannot miss.
CONNECT WITH ABBIE BURKE:
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbieburke21/
► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbie.burke.5
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What was your biggest takeaway from Abbie's story? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:
HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/
Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/
DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/
Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/
Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/
Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/
Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/
Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/
Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com
Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/
Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/
Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/
Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/
Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
#AbbieBurke #NewsAnchor #Journalism #MentalHealth #ColoradoSprings #COSBusinessPodcast
A single anxiety attack shouldn't cost $26,000. For most people, a bill that size is a story of financial ruin. For Travis Bockenstedt, it was a declaration of war. This is the incredible story of how one man transformed his personal trauma with the broken healthcare system into a revolutionary business model that is saving patients money and doctors from burnout.
From a poor farming family in a town of 900 people, Travis channeled his anger into innovation, co-founding Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, one of the fastest-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinics in the country. He's proving that by removing the insurance middleman, you can provide better, more affordable healthcare for everyone. This episode is a masterclass in turning a personal grievance into a powerful purpose-driven enterprise.
GUEST INFORMATION:
► Connect with Travis & Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: https://www.pinnacleapc.com/
► Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjbock/
CONNECT WITH US:
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HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/
Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/
DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/
Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/
Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/
Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/
Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/
Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/
Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com
Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/
Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/
Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/
Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/
Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
#Entrepreneurship #Healthcare #Business #StartupStory #Disruption #DirectPrimaryCare #ColoradoSprings #Motivation #Innovation
He was offered $100,000 to sell control of his local Facebook group, The 411 for the 719. He turned it down without a second thought. Rob Thompson, an Air Force veteran, leveraged military strategy to build more than just a community page; he built a digital town square that generates an estimated $7.4 million in local revenue and has become the true pulse of Colorado Springs.In this episode, Rob Thompson reveals the systems-based thinking, the philosophy of "holding space," and the relentless integrity required to manage a digital community of over 108,000 people. From near-disaster when Facebook deleted his group overnight to using the OODA Loop in everyday business, this conversation is a masterclass in building something that truly matters.🔗 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROB & THE 411:Join The 411 for the 719 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B6mHjQzZM/Visit the Website: https://www.robthompsonrealtor.com/CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: / cos.bizpodcast ► Facebook: / cosbusinesspodcast ✅ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COS BUSINESS PODCAST:https://www.youtube.com/@cosbusinesspodcast⏰ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Why He Turned Down $100,00001:35 - Introduction to Rob Thompson02:30 - From Las Vegas to Joining the Air Force05:55 - The Story of the Thunderbirds09:15 - The Painful Real Estate Experience That Started It All12:51 - What is The OODA Loop? (A Military Strategy for Business)16:44 - How to Use AI to Move Faster Than Your Competitors19:26 - The 411: A $7.4 Million Economic Engine23:00 - The Secret to Moderating Without Bias: "Squishiness"25:24 - The Day Facebook Deleted His Entire Group31:27 - The "642,000 Degrees of Kevin Bacon" Theory33:55 - How The 411 Has Saved Lives36:30 - The Inner Workings of a Massive Facebook Group43:05 - How Businesses Can Use The 411 (The Right Way)48:38 - Building in the Dark & The Power of Having No "End State"56:37 - The Most Important Lesson From Air Force Tech School: PFM59:04 - Is Colorado Springs Optimistic or Pessimistic?01:02:42 - What's Next for The 411?🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:HR Branches: https://www.savvionhq.com/Exceptional Business Advisors: https://excoadvisors.com/DataHubz: https://www.datahubz.com/Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/#BusinessPodcast #ColoradoSprings #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryStrategy #FacebookGroup #CommunityBuilding #RobThompson #OODALoop
In one of our most vulnerable conversations yet, Craig Glass, a former Bible smuggler behind the Iron Curtain, sits down to share the raw truth about shame, masculinity, and the generational wounds that are silently destroying men.
Craig’s journey began with a childhood accident involving a pitchfork and his younger brother, a secret he buried under a lie for over 30 years. That single moment of shame shaped his life and led him on a mission to help men confront the darkness they hide from the world. Today, he reveals how to break free from the patterns of fear, anger, and isolation that are passed down from father to son.
This isn't just a conversation; it's an intervention for any man who has ever asked himself, "Do I have what it takes?"
Find out more about Craig Glass's work:➡️ The Godly Man Project (Free Booklet): https://www.godlymanproject.org/➡️ Peregrine Ministries: https://peregrineministries.org/➡️ Craig's Book, "Noble Journey": https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Journey-Craig-M-Glass/dp/1976567955
CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - The Pitchfork Incident: A 30-Year-Old Secret00:54 - Smuggling Bibles Behind The Iron Curtain08:41 - The Difference Between Guilt & Shame18:35 - The Meaning Behind Peregrine Ministries26:03 - Do Generational Curses Actually Exist?30:30 - The Crisis of Modern Masculinity38:40 - Lessons from the Rwandan Genocide Survivors44:38 - A Story of Suicide, Despair, and a Second Chance53:17 - The 4 Pillars of a Godly Man (Compassion, Confidence, Conviction, Courage)56:40 - How To Break The Cycle
Listen to the full COS Business Podcast episode:
► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbg&nd=1&dlsi=6a5996bc19e449b4
► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546
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Erik Fox was a debut author with just 70 sales to his name. Then, one TikTok video exploded to over a million views, turning his psychological thriller Monarch into a viral bestseller overnight. But behind the "overnight success" is a raw story of a failed first project, getting sober, and developing a brutal mindset that refuses to accept excuses.In this episode, Erik Fox reveals the unfiltered truth about his journey. He shares the simple writing habit that allows him to finish books in months, not years, and breaks down the exact moment he realized his fiction had bizarrely predicted a real-life corporate scandal. This conversation is a masterclass in creativity, discipline, and the high personal cost of chasing a dream.📚 Support Erik & Buy His Books:➡️ Monarch: https://www.amazon.com/Monarch-Erik-Fox/dp/B0D63B523P➡️ Gimbels: https://www.amazon.com/Gimbals-Monarch-Erik-Fox/dp/B0FFHCFLD3📲 Follow Erik:➡️ TikTok: @erikfoxwrites➡️ Instagram: @erikfoxwritesIN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:📈 The strategy behind the single TikTok video that generated thousands of sales.🧠 The "First 2 Pages" rule: A simple mindset trick to overcome writer's block forever.🤯 The shocking story of how his unpublished book predicted a real-world event.🍻 How getting sober with his wife completely transformed their relationship and his creativity.💡 Why learning from a "bad book" was the most important step to becoming a successful author.🔥 The power of accountability and why you have to stop buying your own excuses.CHAPTERS:00:00 - The High Cost of a New Relationship00:50 - The Genesis of "Gimbels"06:16 - Deconstructing the Mind of a Fictional Serial Killer10:28 - The Day My Fiction Bizarrely Came True11:24 - How 3,000 Non-Fiction Books Shaped My Writing24:37 - Are You a Red, Blue, Green, or Yellow Personality?28:27 - The "Terrible Feedback" That Taught Me Everything38:28 - Meeting My Wife (& The Friendship It Cost Me)41:06 - Tearing It All Down: Our Journey to Sobriety50:23 - The Unstoppable Mindset of a Prolific Writer59:18 - From 70 Sales to a 1 Million View TikTok01:03:30 - Why I Quit Smoking Weed & Escaping Reality01:14:00 - The Cliffhanger: A Wild Real-Life StoryListen to the full COS Business Podcast episode:► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbg&nd=1&dlsi=6a5996bc19e449b4► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSBusinessPodcast🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/EnviroLawn: https://www.envirolawn.net/Pioneer Rodeo: https://www.pioneerrodeo.com/ Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/ProLift Garage Doors: Lifting Your Expectations. https://www.proliftdoors.com/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/#Author #WritingAdvice #TikTokMarketing #BookTube #ErikFox
Robert Kittridge spent 30 years as a fire chief, running toward disaster and saving lives. But beneath the uniform was a man running from a deeply violent past, a trauma that secretly fueled his entire career as a rescuer. When the weight of conformity became too much, he embarked on a radical journey that forced him to burn his old life to the ground.In this conversation, former Fire Chief Robert Kittridge reveals how a breakdown led to a profound breakthrough. He shares the story of leaving a prestigious leadership organization, giving away all his suits, and diving headfirst into the world of Human Design and plant medicine to rediscover his true self. This is a story for anyone who feels trapped in a role they were conditioned to play and is searching for the courage to find true authenticity.** timestamps/chapters **00:00 - The Hook: A Violent Childhood01:25 - From Mechanic to 30 Years as a Fire Chief07:24 - The Emotional Toll of Being a First Responder10:18 - How Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Career15:19 - Why I Left The John Maxwell Leadership Team19:24 - The Turning Point: Discovering Human Design & Plant Medicine25:13 - What Is Human Design? (Generator vs. Projector Explained)34:28 - De-Conditioning: Breaking Free From The Person You Were Told To Be48:35 - How I Helped A Sheriff's Office Transform Their Leadership51:16 - Breaking The "Man Box": Unlearning Masculine Trauma59:45 - The Link Between Your Business and Your Inner Work1:08:16 - A Message to My Younger SelfConnect with Robert Kittridge:Website: focuspointsolution.comEmail: info@focuspointsolution.comListen to the full COS Business Podcast episode:► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbg&nd=1&dlsi=6a5996bc19e449b4► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSBusinessPodcast🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/EnviroLawn: https://www.envirolawn.net/Pioneer Rodeo: https://www.pioneerrodeo.com/ Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/ProLift Garage Doors: Lifting Your Expectations. https://www.proliftdoors.com/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/#Leadership #Podcast #HumanDesign #TraumaRecovery #FirstResponders #Authenticity #ReinventYourself #CEO
Is the current AI hype just a repeat of the 1999 dot-com bubble? A veteran software developer of 27 years, David William Silva, reveals the shocking parallels between past tech booms and today's AI revolution, and shares a critical warning about how passive AI use could be damaging our cognitive abilities.In this episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with David William Silva, a developer who started his first company during the dot-com era, built games before it was a trend, and now runs the data company Data Hubs. He provides a masterclass on the history of technology, the promise and peril of Artificial Intelligence, and the philosophical frameworks we need to thrive in this new age.Whether you're a coder, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the future, this conversation will change the way you think about AI.➡️ Timestamps / In This Episode, We Discuss:00:00 - The Dangers of AI on The Human Brain04:12 - Starting a Tech Company in 1998 with Zero Money06:27 - Is The AI Hype The Same as The Dot-Com Bubble?11:53 - Lessons Learned from 3 Different Tech Revolutions22:12 - The Problem with AI Hallucinations & Why First Principles Matter33:47 - What is "Vibe Coding"? The Hype vs. The Reality39:21 - The #1 Mistake People Make When Using AI51:55 - How to Brainstorm with AI Using Plato's Philosophical Method55:37 - The Study Showing AI "Decreases Cognitive Areas" in The Brain01:00:32 - The Story of Data Hubs & Exponential ImpactConnect with David Silva:• Substack: https://davidwsilva.substack.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwilliamsilva/Listen to the full COS Business Podcast episode:► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbg&nd=1&dlsi=6a5996bc19e449b4► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSBusinessPodcast🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/EnviroLawn: https://www.envirolawn.net/Pioneer Rodeo: https://www.pioneerrodeo.com/ Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/ProLift Garage Doors: Lifting Your Expectations. https://www.proliftdoors.com/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/
Fred Tolerico bet everything on the American dream. He spent $30,000 of his own money to move 1,800 miles across the country and launch his junk removal business, Junk-N-Haul. Then, just months later, a global pandemic threatened to wipe it all out before it even began.In this episode of the COS Business Podcast, Fred reveals the unfiltered, brutally honest truth about entrepreneurship that most gurus won't tell you. From the desperation of facing failure to the systems required to scale to over nine employees, this is a masterclass in resilience, sacrifice, and what it truly takes to build a successful blue-collar business from scratch.🔥 Subscribe for more stories from Colorado Springs' most innovative entrepreneurs: https://www.youtube.com/COSBusinessPodcastIn this episode, you will learn:- The real cost of starting a service business (and why you need more money than you think).- The "glamorized" lie of entrepreneurship that leads most people to fail.- How Fred survived the pandemic when he had no choice but to succeed.- The marketing secrets to getting leads when ad costs are skyrocketing.- How to build systems that allow your business to run without you.- The single most important piece of advice for new entrepreneurs.➡️ Learn more about Fred Tolerico & Junk-N-Haul:Website: https://junknhaul.com/ Phone: 719-652-5775🕒 TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - My Honest Advice to New Entrepreneurs1:29 - The $30,000 Bet & Moving 1,800 Miles6:42 - Why Entrepreneurship is Dangerously Glamorized19:05 - "I Don't Care If I Die of Covid, I Have to Make This Work"28:07 - How to Scale From 1 to 9+ Employees38:55 - The Marketing Secret When Ad Costs Are Insane46:44 - The Most Shocking & Difficult Jobs We've Ever Done1:01:40 - The Brutal Truth You MUST Hear Before You Quit Your JobListen to the full COS Business Podcast episode:► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbg&nd=1&dlsi=6a5996bc19e449b4► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-springs-business-podcast/id1492740546CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COSBusinessPodcast🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Junk-N-Haul: https://junknhaul.com/EnviroLawn: https://www.envirolawn.net/Pioneer Rodeo: https://www.pioneerrodeo.com/ Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/ Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/ProLift Garage Doors: Lifting Your Expectations. https://www.proliftdoors.com/Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #JunkRemoval #BusinessPodcast #ColoradoSprings #StartingABusiness