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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 with Lauren Collier

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 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…