Colorado Business Podcast

On this episode of the COS Business Podcast, Jesse Berkshire, founder of Proud American Electrical and Solar, shares his incredible 10-year journey from Midwest roots to leading a thriving Colorado Springs business. Discover the realities of entrepreneurship in the trades, the truth about solar energy, and invaluable lessons on marketing, team building, and customer service.

🔗 GUEST INFO:Learn more about Jesse and Proud American Electrical and Solar:Website: Proud American Electrical and Solar: https://proudamericansolar.com/

🎙️ ABOUT THE COS BUSINESS PODCAST:The #1 podcast in Colorado Springs, bringing you insights from local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn what it takes to thrive in the Pikes Peak region!🔔

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🤝 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

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/

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#COSBUSINESSPODCAST #PROUDAMERICANSOLAR #JESSEBERKSHIRE #SOLARENERGY #ELECTRICALCONTRACTOR #ENTREPRENEURSHIP #SMALLBUSINESS #COLORADOSPRINGS #BUSINESSOWNER #TRADESBUSINESS #SOLARINSTALLATION #MARKETINGTIPS #CUSTOMERSERVICE #LEADERSHIP

How do you scale a short-term rental empire to 200+ units in just 3 years... while unknowingly losing money on every single transaction? Jacob Mueller, co-founder of RenJoy, pulls back the curtain on the shocking realities of rapid growth and the high-stakes decisions that nearly led to failure.Subscribe to the COS Business Podcast for more interviews with Colorado Springs entrepreneurs!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOJjezhA6fI-3RhohZ6w9A Local Sponsors: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/

In this compelling episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with J.W. Roth, the visionary founder and CEO of VENU. A fifth-generation Coloradan, J.W. is the driving force behind iconic Colorado Springs establishments such as Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern, Boot Barn Hall, and the spectacular Ford Amphitheater.

J.W. shares his remarkable and unconventional journey from a career in law enforcement – working nights while building his businesses during the day – to becoming a leading figure in the live entertainment and food industries. He offers candid insights into:

- The mindset required to transition from policing to entrepreneurship.

- Lessons learned from early business ventures and the critical importance of resilience in the face of failure.

- The strategies behind raising billions in capital and forging powerful strategic partnerships with major brands and personalities.

- The ambitious "hundred-million-dollar gamble" that was the Ford Amphitheater, from concept to reality.

- His approach to community engagement, addressing feedback, and striving to be a good neighbor.

- The profound belief in music's power to unify diverse communities.

- VENU's innovative fan-owned financing models and commitment to cutting-edge venue experiences.

- The role of mentorship, building strong teams (including incorporating family into his businesses), and his vision for the continued growth and vibrancy of Colorado Springs.

- The electrifying story of the Ford Amphitheater's opening with OneRepublic, selling out multiple nights in mere minutes.

This conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, music enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about community development and the spirit of Colorado Springs.

Learn more about J.W. Roth and VENU:

- VENU Official Website: https://venu.live/

Follow the COS Business Podcast:

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@COSBusinessPodcast

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/

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#JWRoth #VENU #FordAmphitheater #ColoradoSprings #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #LiveMusic #CommunityBuilding #ColoradoBusiness #Leadership #COSBP #Interview #BusinessStory

Ever wonder how travel agents make planning FREE for you? Tammy Whiting, owner of Storybook Destinations, breaks down the business model AND shares an unbelievable story of surviving 36 hours seasick on Antarctica's infamous Drake Shake – and why she'd do it again!

On this episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with Tammy, a Colorado Springs-based travel expert, military spouse, and owner of Storybook Destinations & Wayfinder Destinations. Discover the secrets behind the travel agency business, how they build relationships with suppliers like Disney, why there's often no extra cost to use their services, and the value they bring beyond simple booking.

Tammy shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting as a Disney-focused agent over 20 years ago to building her own successful agency with 25 agents. Hear her insights on:

• The "Rising Tide Lifts All Boats" collaboration philosophy in the travel industry.

• Navigating the immense challenges the travel world faced during the pandemic and the lessons learned.

• Building a business you can run from anywhere as a military spouse.

• The unique magic of Disney cruises and the level of service that sets them apart.

PLUS, buckle up for Tammy's incredible firsthand account of traveling to Antarctica! She details the breathtaking beauty, the unique wildlife encounters, the strict environmental rules, and the harrowing experience of conquering the "Drake Shake." Find out why, even after 36 hours bedridden, the experience was profoundly worth it.

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of your next cruise or adventure (Disney, Antarctica, or beyond!), this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about Tammy & Book Your Trip:

• Storybook Destinations: https://www.storybookdestinations.com/

• Wayfinder Destinations: https://www.wayfinderdestinations.com/

• The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line (Co-Author): https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-Cruise-Guides/dp/1628091622

Local Sponsors:

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/

COATI founder Aaron Ewton is on a mission to turn venues into cultural accelerators. In this episode he walks through his unlikely pivot from high-stakes forensic data analytics into concert production and hospitality, sharing how chasing down a Pig Latin taco food truck on a bicycle led to a 32-seat speakeasy sensation and inspired the audacious “free first” mantra that fills COATI with art, tacos and events.Along the way Aaron launched Atlas Restaurant Group as an operational umbrella for everything from a decade-old vegan juice bar to a pop-up concert series, and even tested a rum distillery pilot that never scaled, but taught him invaluable lessons in location, partnership and brand DNA. He also opens up about building venues during Covid, transforming scathing one-star reviews into fuel for improvement, and curating subculture activations, silent discos, sneaker cons, secret country rooftop nights, that keep Colorado Springs buzzing.Curious how “free first” philosophies, bold partnerships and off-beat events can spark growth in your community? Hit subscribe for weekly deep dives with local entrepreneurs and drop a comment with your boldest cultural idea!Local Sponsors: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/ Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociat...Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/

Dr Andrew Hall reveals how he went from treating soldiers in Iraq to designing million‑dollar smiles at Colorado Springs’ Studio for Exceptional Dentistry. Expect candid stories about Army life, launching a scratch practice during a recession, and the tech that is reshaping modern dentistry—AI, 3D printing, same‑day digital scans, and more. ​

Why watch

• Learn the mindset shift from “safe beginner” to elite cosmetic specialist
  

• Hear how digital tools cut messy impressions and boost patient wow‑factor
  

• Get leadership tips for growing a tight‑knit team in a high‑stress field
  

• Discover how storytelling on Instagram fills a premium dental schedule

Timestamps

0:00 Intro and sponsor shout‑out

1:05 Dr Hall’s path from Florida to the Army and Hawaii residency

8:40 Deploying to Iraq and what combat dentistry taught him about people

14:10 Quitting the Army and choosing Colorado Springs

22:30 Opening a zero‑patient practice in 2008’s recession

37:15 Switching from drill‑and‑fill to full‑smile makeovers

57:00 AI, 3D printing, and the next decade of dentistry

1:12:45 Building a culture where every staffer feels like an owner

1:24:20 Viewer Q&A and rapid‑fire business tips

👍 Enjoyed this chat? Subscribe for weekly founder stories from the most interesting businesses in Colorado Springs, drop your favorite insight in the comments, and share with a friend who geeks out on entrepreneurship.

Local Sponsors:

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/ 

Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociat...

Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/

How do you reclaim your passion after a devastating loss? Adri Loughmiller, founder of Luxe + Love Events, joins the COS Business Podcast to share her powerful healing journey. After losing her active-duty military husband to suicide, Audrey faced years in "survival mode" and battled the limiting belief that being a widow meant she couldn't pursue her dream of wedding planning. Discover how she confronted trauma, embraced vulnerability, and found a redefined purpose in celebrating love. Learn about her involvement with Angels of America's Fallen, the upcoming Angel Gala (where she's the keynote speaker!), and her inspiring message that yes, you can find joy and celebrate love after loss. Tune in for a raw, hopeful conversation about resilience, mental health, and overcoming adversity in Colorado Springs. #Widow #SuicideLoss #HealingJourney #WeddingPlanner #LimitingBeliefs #MilitarySpouse #ColoradoSprings #COSBizPodcast #LuxAndLove #AngelGala #Resilience

Local Sponsors:

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 

Franchise Succeed: Elevate your business through franchising. https://www.franchisesucceed.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/ 

Celebrity DJ: https://celebrity-dj.com/ 

Storybook Destinations - https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ 

Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ 

Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ 

Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociat...

Reveal Med Spa - 

https://revealmedspas.com/

Episode 274: Chef Brother Luck - Resilience, Redemption, and Redefining SuccessDive deep into the incredible journey of Chef Brother Luck, a celebrated culinary figure in Colorado Springs and beyond. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, Brother shares his path from a challenging youth in California, finding mentorship in Phoenix vocational programs, to becoming a nationally recognized chef competing on shows like Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay. But beneath the accolades lies a powerful story of struggle. Brother opens up about:• The impact of losing his father and finding positive male role models.• Overcoming a difficult past and avoiding negative influences.• His competitive drive honed through high school cooking competitions.• The hidden mental health battle that led him to secretly leave Top Chef Kentucky after a suicide attempt.• His powerful realization: "Your story is not meant for you."• His journey into sobriety, the challenges and clarity it brought, and normalizing non-alcoholic options in the hospitality industry.• Leadership philosophy: Focusing on mentorship, employee well-being, and building trust.• His creative evolution, including his passion for DJing and combining music with food.• His perspective on the growing Colorado Springs food scene and the importance of community.• His book: "Life is Hard, but there is hope."This episode is a must-listen for aspiring chefs, entrepreneurs, anyone facing adversity, and those passionate about mental health awareness and the Colorado Springs community.Find Chef Brother Luck:Instagram/Facebook: @chefbrotherluckWebsite: https://www.chefbrotherluck.com/Restaurants: Four by Brother Luck, 1118 N Tejon St (Tapas Bar)Book: "Life is Hard, but there is hope" (Amazon, Audible, Spotify Premium)Connect with COS Business Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@cos.bizpodcastListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=hpkxA-nkQOWSs6uBf7dYbgSupport Our Sponsors:Local Sponsors: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 Franchise Succeed: Elevate your business through franchising. https://www.franchisesucceed.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/ Celebrity DJ: https://celebrity-dj.com/ Storybook Destinations - https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociat...Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/#BrotherLuck #TopChef #ColoradoSprings #ChefLife #MentalHealthAwareness #Sobriety #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Foodie #COSBusinessPodcast #Hospitality

In this episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with Travis Hearne, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Titanium Consulting Group, to unpack a raw and emotional journey—from the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan to the mental battles he faced back home.

Travis opens up about:

• His time in the Marines and what bootcamp really teaches you

• Losing close friends in combat—and how that shaped his leadership

• Hitting rock bottom with alcohol and suicidal thoughts

• How discipline, faith, and purpose pulled him out

• Building Titanium Consulting Group and helping businesses lead better

• Why leadership is life or death—in war and in business

• The bison mentality: running toward the storm, not away from it

• How veterans can transition into powerful leaders in the civilian world

• Creating culture, building a team, and finding your mission again

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or just someone navigating your own storm—this episode is a must-watch.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the boldest minds in Colorado Springs.

📚 Grab Travis’s book: Through the Storm

🔗 Learn more about Titanium Consulting Group: https://www.titaniumconsultinggroup.com

💬 Drop a comment—what part hit you the hardest?

#Leadership #VeteranStories #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #ColoradoSprings #Marines #Discipline #SelfGrowth

Local Sponsors: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 Franchise Succeed: Elevate your business through franchising. https://www.franchisesucceed.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/ Celebrity DJ: https://celebrity-dj.com/ Storybook Destinations - https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociate.comReveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/

Ever felt terrified by your first big business opportunity? Today's guest shares how one nerve-wracking $1,500 gravel driveway job led him to dive head-first into entrepreneurship, navigating HOA approvals, expanding into full-scale designs, and ultimately shifting his mindset from CEO to Founder. Learn how embracing risk, being resourceful, and taking bold action can propel your business to new heights."In this episode:Overcoming anxiety on your first major project.Creative strategies for tackling challenging HOA guidelines.How shifting your perspective from CEO to Founder can revolutionize your approach.Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, landscapers, or anyone scaling their business from humble beginnings.Local Sponsors: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 Franchise Succeed: Elevate your business through franchising. https://www.franchisesucceed.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/ Celebrity DJ: https://celebrity-dj.com/ Storybook Destinations - https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociate.comReveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/