From college internship to building a thriving specialty coatings empire, David Nanninga entrepreneurial journey exemplifies resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. When sudden unemployment struck at 25, David transformed adversity into opportunity by establishing Mile High Coatings during the 2008 recession—a pivotal moment that would shape his future.

Started as a house painting operation, Mile High Coatings has evolved substantially over 17 years to encompass concrete staining, polishing, epoxy flooring, and garage cabinet systems. David tackles common industry misconceptions head-on, particularly regarding epoxy flooring durability. While many consumers associate epoxy with peeling and failure, he explains how these perceptions stem from inadequate DIY solutions rather than professional applications. His company's lifetime warranty on garage floors stands testament to their quality and craftsmanship.

The business serves everyone from homeowners seeking to enhance their "forever homes" to commercial property managers requiring industrial-grade solutions. After nearly two decades in operation, Mile High Coatings enjoys substantial repeat and referral business—perhaps the strongest endorsement of their work quality. What truly distinguishes David's operation is his personal commitment; unlike franchises, this is a ground-up business built on experience, dedication, and continuous improvement. Between managing three daughters' activities and finding time for skiing, mountain biking, and golf, David exemplifies the work-life juggling act familiar to many successful entrepreneurs. Discover how Mile High Coatings continues to raise standards in the specialty coatings industry by visiting their comprehensive website at https://milehighcoatings.com/.

When yoga therapy meets mental health, something remarkable happens. Ena Rodriquez O'Rourke takes us on a profound journey through her 13-year practice at Treetop Yoga Therapy, where she's helping veterans with PTSD, individuals struggling with addiction, and people recovering from physical injuries find their way back to themselves.

"Yoga is not just exercise, and it's definitely not a religion," Ena explains, dismantling common misconceptions that have followed yoga across cultural boundaries. As someone who left Alabama seeking a more open-minded environment, she understands firsthand the barriers that can prevent people from experiencing yoga's therapeutic benefits. Her practice welcomes everyone—regardless of background, belief system, or age—creating a truly inclusive healing space.

What makes yoga therapy distinctive is its present-moment focus. Unlike traditional talk therapy that often requires revisiting painful histories, Ena's approach helps clients reconnect with their bodies right now. "We work with what's present in that moment," she shares, describing how this technique helps people move from dissociation (being "in the attic of your head") back into their bodies where healing can occur. This skill proved life-saving in her own family, helping her navigate parenting challenges with her neurodiverse child as a single mother. Through her certification in iRest Yoga Nidra—a technique adopted by the military in 2006—she's witnessed remarkable transformations in clients who previously felt stuck in trauma responses. Now balancing her therapy practice with a return to professional acting, Ena embodies the integration of mind, body, and creative expression she helps others achieve.

Curious about how yoga therapy might support your healing journey? Visit https://treetopyogatherapy.com/ to learn more, or find a certified yoga therapist in your area through the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Your path to reconnection might be closer than you think.

Ever wondered if massage therapy could be more than just an occasional treat? Jessica Blinkinsop, founder of Blink and Breathe Bodywork in Fort Collins, is on a mission to transform how we think about bodywork—from luxury to necessity.

Jessica takes us through her fascinating journey from corporate burnout to finding her true calling as a massage therapist. After graduating from Bear Heart School of Massage in 2022, she established her practice just a block north of Foothills Mall, where she now specializes in medical massage and personalized bodywork approaches. What makes her story particularly compelling is how her own experiences as an athlete and corporate professional informed her understanding of chronic pain and tension.

"Once you experience massage, you can actually see that your body will release and your muscles will relax and your nervous system won't be holding on to all the extra things you've been thinking about that week," Jessica explains, challenging the misconception that massage is merely an indulgence. She welcomes clients who want to advocate for themselves in their healing journey, particularly those who can articulate their limitations and goals. Her approach emphasizes education and personalization, ensuring each client receives treatment tailored to their specific needs.

Beyond her professional insights, Jessica shares glimpses of her adventurous spirit—from planning backpacking trips to Yellowstone to her general love of travel and continuous learning. She also opens up about the challenges of leaving a conventional career path to start her own business, revealing how this journey taught her the value of perseverance and trusting her intuition. Ready to experience the difference a truly personalized bodywork session can make? Search for Blink and Breathe Bodywork online and take the first step toward making massage therapy part of your healthcare routine.

Surviving Hurricane Katrina and a global pandemic might break some people, but for Melissa Stewart, these catastrophes became catalysts for an unexpected journey into wellness entrepreneurship. After losing everything in Katrina, Melissa's path led her to a small North Carolina town where a chance encounter with a spa owner sparked a passion that would eventually become Soak Spa – now a seven-time award winner recognized by Noco Style as one of Fort Collins' top three day spas.

What makes Soak Spa special isn't just their comprehensive menu of services including therapeutic massage, facials, body treatments, and acne care. Their standout offering is the unique foot sanctuary experience that shouldn't be confused with standard pedicures. These therapeutic foot soaks paired with head, neck, and shoulder massages prioritize wellness over aesthetics, allowing clients to remain fully clothed while receiving profound relaxation benefits. This perfectly represents Melissa's mission to provide genuinely therapeutic care rather than mere "fluff" – a misconception she actively works to dispel, especially among male clients who might not realize the sports and deep tissue massage options available.

Melissa's background combines formal education in massage and aesthetics with a marketing degree from Loyola, creating the perfect foundation for building a thriving wellness business that serves clients from 18 to 65+ through memberships that make regular self-care accessible. When not running the spa, she embraces life's adventures – from walking 100 miles of Spain's Camino de Santiago to baking for loved ones and hiking Colorado's beautiful landscapes. Experience the calm environment and skilled care that customers rave about by visiting https://soakspashop.com/ or calling 970-377-9868 to discover why Soak Spa represents the perfect synthesis of therapeutic expertise and luxurious relaxation. 

What happens when professional expertise meets genuine compassion in the complex world of adoption? Cindy Sarai and Ginger DeReus answer this question through their remarkable work at Adoption Dreams Come True, a nonprofit that's redefining what an adoption agency can be.

The conversation reveals a unique organization built on three pillars of service. Their primary work licenses prospective parents through comprehensive home studies, but with a crucial difference—a sliding fee scale that ensures financial barriers don't prevent qualified individuals from adopting. "We never wanted to really price good parents out of the market," Cindy explains, highlighting their commitment to accessibility. Unlike larger agencies juggling multiple programs, they focus exclusively on domestic infant adoptions, limiting themselves to about 30 families at a time to maintain quality and personalization.

Equally impressive is their birth parent program, offering free counseling to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies. This judgment-free approach allows birth parents to explore all options while maintaining agency throughout the process—choosing adoptive families, building relationships before delivery, and creating the experience that feels right for them. Complementing these services is their resource room, providing free diapers, clothing, and baby accessories to anyone in the community with children from birth to age two.

The founders' personal journeys mirror the heart of their organization. Cindy, who overcame undiagnosed dyslexia to earn a perfect GPA in graduate school after years of academic struggle, brings the same determination to creating ethical adoption practices. Ginger transitioned from Vice President of Human Resources in corporate America to the nonprofit world, finding greater fulfillment in building families than climbing corporate ladders. Together, they've facilitated over 500 adoptions while maintaining their commitment to operating without bias and with unwavering integrity.

Ready to learn more about adoption or support this vital community resource? Visit https://www.adoptiondreams.org/ or call 970-493-2557 for a free consultation. Your involvement could help create the next beautiful family story.

Have you ever wondered how ancient healing practices might complement modern beauty treatments? Dr. Meghan Peckinpaugh's journey from serious illness to becoming a holistic health practitioner offers powerful insights into the true nature of healing.

Dr. Meghan founded Balanced Thistle in Fort Collins back in 2019, pioneering holistic health and beauty services in Northern Colorado. Her clinic was the first in the region to offer gua sha facials, harnessing traditional Chinese medicine techniques that would later become beauty world sensations. But what makes her approach truly special is the deep understanding that beauty and wellness are inseparable - "we age from the inside out," as she aptly puts it.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Meghan explains how acupuncture works by shifting our bodies from the constant fight-or-flight mode of modern life into a restorative parasympathetic state where healing can actually happen. This perspective challenges our quick-fix culture with her candid admission that true healing requires patience: "It took me three years to feel better and five to feel good." While specializing in women's health concerns like fertility and menopause, Balanced Thistle has also developed unique expertise in jaw pain treatment that not only relieves discomfort but creates natural facial sculpting effects - a perfect example of their health-meets-beauty philosophy.

Whether you're curious about holistic alternatives to conventional medicine or looking to enhance your wellness journey, discover how Balanced Thistle's supportive, non-pushy approach might be exactly what you need. Check out their website at https://www.balancedthistle.com/ or follow their educational content on Instagram to learn techniques you can use at home. What health or beauty concerns might benefit from this integrated approach to wellness?

Meet Allen Vargas, the driving force behind Two College Movers, a Fort Collins-based moving company redefining industry standards since 2012. What started as a career working under someone else's wing transformed into a thriving business that coincided with the birth of his daughter, who's now 13 years old.

Allen tackles the negative stereotypes head-on, explaining how Two College Movers breaks the mold by focusing on culture, communication, and genuine customer service. "Not all movers are ex-felons," he points out, as he describes how his team comprises college students and experienced professionals who share a passion for serving others. Their comprehensive approach—disassembling furniture, carefully wrapping items, transporting belongings, and setting up at the new location—creates a truly hands-off experience for busy homeowners feeling overwhelmed by the moving process.

The conversation shifts to Allen personal life, where jiu-jitsu has become a family affair, with even his young children participating in the martial art. In a moment of vulnerability, Allen shares his three-year sobriety journey and how overcoming addiction has made him stronger, more grateful, and a better leader for his family and community. As a Fort Collins native and CSU alumnus, his deep local roots fuel his commitment to community service. "This is what I know, this is what I love," he says of his hometown, highlighting how Two College Movers exists not just as a business but as a way to serve the community he cherishes.

Ready to experience moving done differently?  Find them online at https://twocollegemovers.com/ or follow them on Facebook to see how Allen and his team are changing the moving industry one careful move at a time.

What does authentic suicide prevention really look like? Kim Moeller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, shatters common misconceptions while sharing her organization's life-saving work in our community.

"The best thing a person can do is be a caring, kind human being, an active listener, witness another person's pain," Kim explains, debunking the harmful myth that talking about suicide increases risk. Research consistently shows the opposite—direct conversations can be lifesaving. This approach is especially crucial for reaching men, who account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths yet are less likely to engage with traditional mental health services.

Kim speaks from both professional expertise and profound personal experience, having attempted suicide herself at ages 11 and 26. Her journey toward healing, including her decision to embrace sobriety seven years ago while already working in suicide prevention, brings authenticity to her leadership. "I was somebody who was unwell, telling people 'it's okay to be unwell, it's okay to get help,' but I didn't know that for myself," she reveals.

The Alliance has evolved dramatically since its founding in 1989, growing from just 1.5 staff members to a team of 6-10 professionals after securing significant funding in 2018. Today, they're developing innovative approaches like intergenerational men's groups where connection happens naturally through shared meals and skills rather than formal therapy settings.

Most importantly, Kim wants listeners to know their services are completely free. Whether you're concerned about a loved one, grieving a suicide loss, or simply don't know where to turn, the Alliance provides training, education, outreach, and support without financial barriers. Connect with them at https://allianceforsuicideprevention.org/ and discover how simple human connection can save lives.

Finding the light when darkness seems overwhelming—that's the mission behind Porch Light Health, a beacon of hope in addiction recovery throughout Colorado.

Steve Carleton joins the Good Neighbor Podcast to share how Porch Light Health (formerly Front Range Clinic) has revolutionized addiction treatment in Colorado over the past decade. Their specialized approach using medication-assisted treatment—particularly Suboxone for opioid addiction—has contributed to a remarkable 30% reduction in overdose deaths statewide. But what makes their work truly powerful goes beyond statistics.

"We call ourselves Porch Light  because we want to be the last light on in the neighborhood," Steve explains, highlighting their philosophy of acceptance without judgment. Unlike treatment centers that might turn away challenging cases, Porch Light  welcomes everyone exactly as they are. This harm reduction approach recognizes addiction's complex roots in trauma, mental health struggles, and circumstance—not simply poor choices.

Steve's personal connection to addiction through loved ones who've struggled gives him unique insight into the journey their clients face. This understanding translates into Porch Light 's commitment to immediate care—typically within 24 hours of reaching out—recognizing that the moment someone decides to seek help can be fleeting. With comprehensive services including psychiatric care for depression and anxiety, plus individual and group therapy, they address the whole person, not just the addiction.

Whether you're in Fort Collins, elsewhere in Colorado, or even in an underserved rural area, Porch Light Health has made accessibility a priority through mobile units and pop-up clinics. Ready to take that first step toward recovery? Call 866-MAT-STAT or visit https://porchlight health.com/ to find your way back to light.

Ever wondered what happens when veterinary expertise meets professional pet grooming? Eika Haas, owner of Purrrfect Paws, brings this rare combination to her appointment-only salon specialized in cats and small dogs. As a certified registered veterinary technician who later became a nationally certified master groomer, Eika offers something truly unique – a health-first approach to pet grooming that goes far beyond aesthetics.

The Good Neighbor Podcast sits down with this talented entrepreneur to uncover the philosophy behind her business motto: "where your pet's health is number one." Eika debunks common misconceptions about pet grooming, including the belief that cats don't need professional care and that brushing only involves the top coat. She offers expert insights about doodles, explaining why these popular breeds aren't as low-maintenance as many owners believe.

What makes Eika's story particularly compelling is her journey from veterinary clinics to business ownership, combining her medical knowledge with artistic talents. When not transforming pets at her salon, she creates stunning pet portraits and escapes to the mountains to disconnect from technology. Her business success stems primarily from veterinarian referrals and, surprisingly, her vehicle signage – reflecting the authentic, word-of-mouth growth of her specialized services. Discover how Eika's commitment to individualized, low-stress grooming experiences has created a loyal client base that books appointments a year in advance, and learn why prioritizing your pet's health during grooming might be the most important decision you make for their wellbeing. Visit https://purrrfectpaws.com/ to learn more about this distinctive approach to pet care.