Fort Collins Fellas

Patrick sits down with Lorenda Volker, County Manager for Larimer County.

As of February 2025, Lorenda Volker serves as the County Manager for Larimer County, Colorado, a position she has held since July 2022. Prior to this role, she dedicated 14 years to the county, beginning in 2008 as the Director of Human Resources before advancing to Assistant County Manager. In these capacities, Lorenda led various departments, including Internal Services, Human Services, and Economic Development, and played a pivotal role in initiatives such as behavioral health and rural broadband expansion.

Before her tenure in Colorado, Lorenda amassed 15 years of experience in Florida, overseeing human resources, collective bargaining, and public works for two municipalities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Known for her compassionate leadership and collaborative approach, Lorenda has cultivated strong relationships with local municipalities and community organizations. Her commitment to innovation and efficiency continues to drive Larimer County's mission to serve its residents effectively.

In episode 63 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with John Kefalas, Larimer County Commissioner for District 1. They dive into key topics impacting Fort Collins and the broader Larimer County community, including insights from the November election ballot. John shares his vision for addressing critical issues such as affordable housing, the rising cost of childcare, and transportation infrastructure. This engaging conversation is perfect for listeners looking to deepen their understanding of the local political landscape and the efforts shaping the future of Fort Collins.

In Episode 62, Chris flies solo and sits down with Jim Hewitt, owner of The Cupboard, an iconic family-owned business in downtown Fort Collins. Established in 1972 by Jim’s father, Carey Hewitt, The Cupboard has become a staple in the community for high-quality kitchenware, gifts, and home goods.

Jim shares insights into the journey of this second-generation business, reflecting on how his father’s vision shaped The Cupboard’s legacy and how he’s building on it to meet the evolving needs of Fort Collins. Chris and Jim discuss the importance of family-run enterprises in shaping local culture, the challenges of maintaining a brick-and-mortar store in today’s retail landscape, and the deep connections The Cupboard has forged with the Fort Collins community over the decades.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this beloved downtown shop so special, from its history to the values that continue to drive its success. Whether you’re a Fort Collins local or someone who loves supporting small businesses, this episode is a celebration of entrepreneurship, tradition, and the spirit of community.

Don't miss this heartfelt conversation highlighting one of Fort Collins’ treasures!

Episode 61: Planning Fort Collins' Future with Caryn Champine

In this insightful episode, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Caryn Champine, the Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation for the City of Fort Collins. Caryn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Fort Collins is preparing for a growing population and discusses the city's strategies for sustainable urban growth. Listeners will learn about new initiatives, infrastructure plans, and community-centered projects designed to support Fort Collins' evolution while preserving its unique character. Caryn also dives into the challenges and opportunities the city faces as it plans for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Fort Collins' growth, city planning, or just the future of our community!

Episode 60 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast is a nostalgic and insightful ride! Chris and Patrick sit down with Cynthia Eichler, President and CEO of Visit Fort Collins, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and passion to the mic. Cynthia shares stories from her time as the GM of the iconic Foothills Fashion Mall—a beloved hangout spot for kids in the '90s. They chat about Visit Fort Collins’ fresh new location in Old Town and dive into all the ways the organization is working to keep Fort Collins a top-notch community. From promoting local events to supporting small businesses, Cynthia offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this city special.

Podcast Summary - Episode 59: "Transportation Talk with Jim Kelly from CDOT"

In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas, hosts Chris and Patrick are joined by Jim Kelly from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to dive into some of the most pressing transportation issues and developments in Northern Colorado. As the region continues to grow, the discussion covers a range of topics critical to keeping the area connected and mobile.

Key points from the episode include:

Whether you're a commuter or someone interested in the future of transportation in the area, this episode is packed with insightful information on the direction Northern Colorado is heading when it comes to mobility.

In Episode 58 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Travis Storin, the CFO of Fort Collins, for a deep dive into the city's financial landscape. With a budget exceeding $900 million, there's a lot of money talk this week! Travis breaks down how the city allocates funds, where the revenue comes from, and how the budget benefits residents. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability in managing funds for public projects. If you're interested in how city finances work or just curious about how Fort Collins operates, this fascinating conversation is a must-listen!

In episode 56 of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris take a deep dive into the current state of the housing market. Chris kicks things off with a detailed analysis of inflation numbers, CPI data points, and new single-family home sales, providing insightful charts that illustrate current trends and potential future scenarios for housing and mortgage rates. Patrick then delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the new NAR real estate broker commission rules that went into effect on August 17th, discussing their implications for real estate agents, how they can prepare for these changes, and effective strategies for communicating with clients. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the housing market and real estate industry!

In this episode of Fort Collins Fellas, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with Don Overcash, the President of Overcash Consulting and a seasoned Loveland city council member with over eight years of experience. Don has also served as the Mayor pro tempore for Loveland, making him an expert on the Northern Colorado political landscape.

During this insightful conversation, Don shares his deep knowledge about the Fort Collins-Loveland Airport's ongoing efforts to expand its services. As a member of the airport committee, he provides an in-depth breakdown of the current status and the anticipated timeline for the return of commercial air travel to Northern Colorado.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative efforts between Fort Collins and Loveland, and what these developments mean for the region's future. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with valuable insights from one of Northern Colorado's most knowledgeable political figures.