Colorado Business Podcast

Hosted by Colorado Business Podcast

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Episodes

331

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Colorado Business Podcast is a community-driven podcast focused on the business scene in Colorado. Hosted by business owners Andrew Hazzlee & Marcus Alvarado, each episode features a different guest sharing insights and advice on topics such as marketing, finance, leadership, and innovation. The podcast is highly regarded for its engaging content, skilled interviewing, and emphasis on building a strong community of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

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June 11, 2026Episode 3321 hr 38 min

We’re Building Colorado’s Next Great Media Company

In this special internal episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, Andrew Hazzlee of Vehement Visuals, Marcus Alvarado of Red Mojo Marketing, and Chris Seegers of Exceptional Business Advisors sit down for a rare host roundtable.Instead of interviewing a guest, the team turns the microphones inward to talk about what they are building, what they are learning, and where business is headed in Colorado.Chris breaks down the idea behind his life, wealth, and business operating systems, why business owners need a real plan for more than just revenue, and why building a company should not come at the expense of your family, health, faith, or future.Marcus shares updates on Red Mojo, the growth of his digital marketing agency, SEO, paid ads, web design, strategic partnerships, and how the podcast continues to fuel deeper relationships with entrepreneurs across Colorado.Andrew opens up about the evolution from the Colorado Springs Business Podcast to the Colorado Business Podcast, the future vision for building a larger media company, and why the best marketing still comes down to telling real human stories.The conversation also dives into AI in business, customer service, sales, community building, Colorado Springs, long-term thinking, and why human connection may become even more valuable as technology moves faster.If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, creator, or someone who cares about the future of Colorado business, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to a rare internal episode02:40 Why this episode matters03:11 Chris shares updates from Exceptional Business Advisors04:35 Life, wealth, and business operating systems07:00 The book trilogy behind the operating system08:02 Building a business without losing your life08:55 Acquisitions, security, and business growth11:35 Why cities need better operating systems15:00 Managing multiple businesses at once22:15 The growth of the Colorado Business Podcast25:42 From Colorado Springs Business Podcast to Colorado Business Podcast26:19 Why story is still the best marketing29:41 Building a better future for Colorado30:49 Why Colorado Springs still matters38:08 Marcus shares updates from Red Mojo41:37 What Red Mojo does43:14 The bigger media company vision45:22 AI, sales, and human connection01:02:39 Alignment, faith, and congruence01:13:30 Dream guests and the future of the show01:28:39 Final thoughtsSubscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, and leaders building what comes next.

June 4, 2026Episode 3311 hr 21 min

Amber Martin: How a Colorado Entrepreneur Built Reveal Med Spa on Hormones & Intentional Care

In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, we sit down with Colorado entrepreneur Amber Martin, owner of Reveal Med Spa in Colorado Springs, to talk about the intersection of business, wellness, hormones, aesthetics, and patient care.Amber shares her entrepreneurial journey, how Reveal Med Spa grew from a young business into a community of over 1,000 patients, why her background in television and marketing shaped the way she built the patient experience, and how intentionality became one of the core principles behind the brand.This conversation goes far beyond the typical med spa discussion. Amber breaks down hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, men’s health, women’s health, skin tightening technology, patient education, and why so many people feel dismissed when they say something feels off in their body.We also talk about emerging aesthetic technology, including radio frequency skin tightening, the growing awareness around perimenopause, and how Reveal Med Spa is creating an experience where patients feel seen, supported, and cared for.If you are interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, Colorado Springs business, hormone education, med spa growth, or the future of patient centered care, this episode is packed with insight.Chapters00:00 Intro01:23 Amber Martin’s background before Reveal Med Spa03:15 Why the 80921 area made sense for Reveal Med Spa06:21 Growing pains in the first 18 months of business08:01 Building a patient experience with intention09:22 New skin tightening technology at Reveal Med Spa13:16 Why younger patients are exploring skin tightening16:16 Radio frequency, no needles, and patient demand18:07 Addressing skepticism around new aesthetic technology21:40 Hormone replacement therapy and the brain23:38 Perimenopause, menopause, and overlooked symptoms32:00 Why awareness around perimenopause is growing33:08 The gap in women’s medical research36:51 Why hormones affect both men and women37:27 Perimenopause, identity, mood, and brain changes01:09:39 Where to find Reveal Med Spa01:10:04 Reveal Med Spa’s Best of the Springs recognitionSubscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and community leaders.

May 28, 2026Episode 3301 hr 18 min

Building a Company on Values, Grit, and People | Vince Colarelli

What does it really take to build a company that lasts?In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, we sit down with Vince Colarelli, founder of Colarelli Construction, for a powerful conversation about leadership, family, purpose, grit, and what it means to build something that goes far beyond buildings.Vince shares how his upbringing, education, career in architecture and engineering, and early experiences around remarkable leaders shaped the way he thinks about business. But this episode is not just about construction. It is about values. It is about people. It is about building an organization where how the work gets done matters just as much as the work itself.From choosing family over career, to starting Colarelli Construction in 2003, to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Vince brings a thoughtful perspective on what it means to create impact in Colorado Springs and beyond.This conversation covers leadership, business ownership, company culture, generational wisdom, foster care, social impact, innovation, and why grit may be the glue that holds it all together.GuestVince ColarelliFounder of Colarelli ConstructionTopics CoveredColorado Springs businessConstruction leadershipBusiness ownershipCompany culturePurpose driven leadershipFamily valuesMentorshipSocial impactFoster careInnovationGenerational leadershipEntrepreneurshipBuilding a lasting companySubscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders shaping the future of Colorado.

May 21, 2026Episode 3291 hr 13 min

She Owns a Cafe But Does Not Drink Coffee | Sarah Beth Grant of Treehouse Cafe

Sarah Beth Grant did not set out to open a cafe. In fact, she does not even drink coffee.But after her dream wellness center was taken just three months after she bought it, Sarah was forced to pivot. That pivot became Treehouse Cafe, a Colorado Springs community hub built around wellness, connection, local entrepreneurs, events, healing, and creating space for people who need somewhere to belong.In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, Sarah Beth Grant shares the story behind Treehouse Cafe, The Root Herbalist, and the Essential Wellness Society. She talks about moving to Colorado Springs at 19, discovering herbalism, building a wellness community, navigating a major business setback, and turning a cafe into something much bigger than coffee.We also dive into entrepreneurship, abundance versus scarcity, building real community, helping small businesses be seen, and why Sarah believes that if you do not have community, you do not have a business.Watch the full episode to hear how Sarah turned a brutal pivot into one of Colorado Springs’ most unique gathering places.Featured GuestSarah Beth GrantOwner of Treehouse CafeFounder of The Root HerbalistFounder of the Essential Wellness SocietyAbout the Colorado Business PodcastThe Colorado Business Podcast features entrepreneurs, founders, creators, leaders, and business owners across Colorado who are building something meaningful in their communities.Subscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs and business leaders.

May 21, 2026Episode 3281 hr 12 min

How Scott Bryan Built Bryan Construction From a Spare Bedroom

Scott Bryan started Bryan Construction in 1995 with five people, a spare bedroom, and everything on the line. Today, Bryan Construction has grown into one of Colorado’s most respected construction companies, with projects spanning commercial work, federal contracts, defense related facilities, international projects, and major developments across Colorado Springs and beyond.In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, Scott Bryan shares the story behind building Bryan Construction, growing through the challenges of the construction industry, choosing the right people, expanding into federal and international work, and eventually creating an employee owned company through an ESOP.Scott also talks about what it really takes to build a lasting company, why culture matters more than most people realize, how construction has changed over the last 30 years, and why starting a construction company today would be much harder than it was in the 1990s.This conversation is packed with lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring, company culture, risk, succession planning, and building a business that can outlast its founder.Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:56 Growing up in Colorado Springs 3:50 From subcontractor to general contractor 4:36 Starting Bryan Construction in 1995 6:18 The people behind the company culture 8:15 Building vision and bonding capacity 11:43 Picking the right people 13:40 Expanding into international projects 18:45 Federal work and global construction 19:18 Building a diverse construction company 22:40 Space Command, defense work, and Colorado Springs growth 23:40 Why Scott stayed in Colorado Springs 25:36 How construction has changed over 30 years 29:41 Could he start over today? 31:45 Family, risk, and entrepreneurship 35:25 Marriage, support, and work life balance 37:35 Why Scott still loves the work 39:34 AI and the future of construction 42:59 Why Bryan Construction became employee owned 46:53 Legacy and succession 49:41 Scott’s favorite project 57:29 Advice for young entrepreneurs 1:00:35 Final thoughtsGuest: Scott Bryan, Founder of Bryan ConstructionPodcast: Colorado Business PodcastSubscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs, founders, builders, and business leaders shaping the future of Colorado.

May 7, 2026Episode 3271 hr 34 min

How Colorado Buildings Are Preparing for the Future of Energy

What does it actually take to make commercial buildings more energy efficient, more sustainable, and ready for the future?In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Morales, owner of Bright Leaf Energy, to talk about energy efficiency, decarbonization, commercial building strategy, and the future of sustainability in Colorado.Christopher shares his journey from growing up in England to moving to Colorado as a teenager, becoming a licensed engineer, and eventually starting Bright Leaf Energy. We also dive into what decarbonization actually means, how Colorado building owners are navigating energy targets, and why many businesses know they need to make changes but do not always know where to start.This conversation is a great listen for business owners, commercial real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, sustainability leaders, and anyone interested in the future of energy in Colorado.00:00 Intro 03:13 Meet Christopher Morales of Bright Leaf Energy 04:06 Christopher’s early life and move from England to Colorado 18:48 Christopher’s first engineering experience 22:05 What it takes to become an engineer 27:33 Why Christopher started Bright Leaf Energy 30:03 Leaving security and starting a business 36:32 What decarbonization actually means 39:08 Colorado energy goals and building requirements 40:24 How building energy performance is measured 42:59 Incentives, funding, and tax considerations 47:08 How Bright Leaf Energy finds new clients 50:56 How Christopher helps building owners plan energy projects 56:34 Why energy upgrades often happen in phases 59:26 Who Bright Leaf Energy’s ideal client is 01:08:43 Why some buildings waste energy without realizing it 01:09:48 Lessons from working with Bridgestone Arena 01:13:59 Growing Bright Leaf Energy after year one 01:16:29 Family, business, and long term vision 01:24:11 Heat pumps, data centers, and the future of energySubscribe for more conversations with Colorado entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders building meaningful companies across the state.

April 30, 2026Episode 3261 hr 23 min

The American Dream Realized with Clever Landscaping

Welcome to the Colorado Business Podcast! In this episode, Alejandro, the visionary behind Clever Landscaping, shares his incredible journey of arriving in the United States with nothing and building a massive landscaping enterprise in Denver. The conversation dives deep into the harsh realities of business costs, the resilience required to overcome $9,000 in credit card debt during the pandemic, and what it truly takes to succeed as an entrepreneur from the ground up. Whether you are looking for tactical advice on scaling a service business or just want to hear an inspiring story of pure grit and determination, this episode delivers. Subscribe for more interviews with top local business leaders!

April 23, 2026Episode 3251 hr 19 min

How a Former Detective Is Redefining Transit at Fort Carson

Welcome back to the Colorado Business Podcast. In this episode we sit down with Michael Simler, a former major crimes detective who is completely revolutionizing transportation at Fort Carson. Michael shares how he transitioned from taking down international cartels to launching the Carson Connector, a massive microtransit network that scaled to over 400,000 riders in just 18 months.We dive deep into the concept of extreme ownership, the complex logistical challenges of military funding, and the deeply personal legacy of service that drives his mission every single day. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, carrying a heavy burden, and solving high stakes problems.Subscribe to the channel for more interviews with top business leaders and innovators across Colorado.

April 16, 2026Episode 3241 hr 24 min

The Hidden Costs of Opening a Restaurant from Scratch

Welcome back to the Colorado Business Podcast. Today, we are joined by hometown native and serial entrepreneur Rocky Ross.Rocky shares his wild journey from booking international world tours as a dancer and DJ to moving back to Colorado Springs to build a massive, multi-business entertainment hub completely from scratch. He gets incredibly real about the brutal realities of opening Inked and Infused, a complex featuring a tattoo shop, El Gringo's Tacos, a tequila bar, and a beer garden.We dive deep into the unexpected costs that multiplied his budget , the strict city regulations he had to navigate , and the heavy mental health toll that comes with solo entrepreneurship. Whether you are a seasoned business owner or looking to start your first venture, Rocky's candid advice on overcoming isolation, finding mentors, and trusting your creative vision is a must-listen.Episode Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Rocky's origin story in Hollywood and international tours04:57 The humbling reality check of returning home14:18 Why creative freedom looks completely different in Asia31:48 The vision behind "Inked and Infused"42:33 Surviving the hidden struggles and regulations of the restaurant industry52:23 Why you need systems, mentors, and the right operating procedures01:04:25 The real mental health toll of building a business soloConnect with Rocky Ross:Websites: RockyRossProductions.com and ElGringosTacos.comSocials: Search "Rocky Ross" or "Ross Squad DJs"Subscribe to the Colorado Business Podcast:If you got value out of this episode, be sure to subscribe and drop a comment below letting us know your biggest takeaway.

April 9, 2026Episode 3231 hr 38 min

Why Top Developers Stopped Coding: The AI Revolution with David Silva

In this episode of the Colorado Business Podcast, Marcus and Andrew sit down with Data Hubz founder David Silva for a comprehensive conversation about the true impact of artificial intelligence on business, cybersecurity, and human potential.While much of the current narrative focuses on AI replacing jobs, David offers a highly optimistic perspective on the future. We discuss how the modern workforce is shifting from manual execution to high level orchestration, making human creativity and critical thinking more important than ever. David breaks down the critical differences between data privacy and cybersecurity, explaining exactly why small businesses must bake compliance directly into their daily operations rather than treating it as an afterthought.The conversation also explores the global AI tech race between the US and China, the surprising results of David's ultimate AI detector experiment, why banning AI in education is a massive mistake, and how to harness multiple AI agents at once to turn a busy mind into a creative superpower.If you want a grounded, optimistic look at where technology is actually heading and how to prepare your business for it, this is a must listen episode.Follow Our Guest:Check out David's compliance and software tools at DataHubz.com.Read David's insights on the cutting edge of AI at DavidWSilva.substack.com.Episode Chapters:00:00 - Welcome and Sponsor Shoutout (Junkin Hall)00:53 - Introducing David Silva and Data Hubs01:29 - Why Compliance is Like Baking a Cake07:43 - Cybersecurity, Privacy, and True Compliance12:33 - How AI is Changing the Game for Small Businesses17:48 - The Tipping Point: AI Writing the Majority of Code20:25 - The Typewriter Analogy: Adapting to New Tools30:52 - Using AI as Your Ultimate Brainstorming Partner43:53 - New Tools at Data Hubs: Encrypted LLMs47:20 - AI in Education: Banning it vs. Embracing it54:27 - The "Ultimate AI Detector" Experiment01:03:00 - The "ADHD Advantage" in the Age of AI01:14:43 - The Global Tech Race: Efficiency vs. Massive Data Centers01:18:19 - Breaking Down the "Big Four" AI Models01:25:43 - Outro and Where to Find DavidDon't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more insights from Colorado's top business leaders!