The LoCo Experience

Paul Michaelson left an early stage financial planning career track soon after graduating from CSU to launch a 2-location Taco Del Mar franchise in Fort Collins, in partnership with his brother-in-law.  When the franchisor proved to be more of a hindrance than a help, they split off to become Matador Mexican Grill off Harmony and Timberline, and Toro - a quick-serve restaurant in Campus West, reliant upon the Matador’s kitchen - and about 10 trips across town each day for Paul!  

Toro soon disappeared, but Matador has become a Fort Collins landmark, and staple food source for white-collar and blue collar, takeout and traveller alike.  My relationship with Matador began when I was a banker at Capital West Bank, kitty-corner across the street, and at least every other Wednesday I would go in for their smothered burrito special, ghost sauce on the inside and bathing in Matador’s delicious hot green chili.  Drink two Arnold Palmers while eating my burrito, building a sweat and then a shiver - and returning to the office in an altered state was my habit on Wednesdays, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with Paul as a collaborator of the Hot Nugs Conversation Series with Fort Collins Mayoral Candidates.  

Paul’s is a journey of resilience, dedication, customer loyalty, and continuous deliciousness and creativity, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Paul Michaelson.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Shirley Peel is a candidate for Fort Collins Mayor, and joined me for the first of our Hot Nugs Conversations - a collaboration between LoCo Think Tank, Matador Mexican Grill, Old Town Spice Shop, and The LoCo Experience Podcast.  

Please visit https://shirleyforfoco.com/ to learn more about her platform, and make sure to vote by or before November 4, 2025!

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of The Loco Experience podcast, I reconnected with Clint Jasperson, the Founder of Purpose Driven Wealth with Thrivent Financial.  Clint was my guest on Episode 67 of The LoCo Experience - way back in June of 2022 - and it was great to have him back in the studio!  When I left the financial planning industry back in 2017, it was Clint and his team to whom I trusted my small book of business, he’s a natural at the craft and has worked through some very complex cases.  

We started by enjoying some Noah's Mill Bourbon and delved into tasting notes, appreciating its rich and traditional flavor.  Clint shared some recent reflections on the importance of voluntary (and involuntary) suffering for personal growth and how cultivating integrity and compassion can set humans apart from AI.  We also touched on Clint's use of therapeutic psychedelics like ketamine to enhance neuroplasticity and aid in trauma healing, and what is the good life that everyone is seeking - emphasizing the balance between provision, contentment, and enjoyment.

We also explored the general topic of trust, and especially the growing societal distrust of wealth - and the need for visionary leaders who can instill hope and integrity, especially in business, but also media, education, and government institutions.  In the latter portions of our conversation, Clint became the first to sample our Infinity bottle, a mix of all the distilled spirits that have been tasted on the show in recent months - roughly 2 parts tequila, 2 parts bourbon, and 1 part rye whisky!  Yum!  

Finally, Clint looks forward to future podcast appearances to dive deeper into specific topics, and we put in a shout-out - what do you want to know more about?  Clint is a philosopher and a futurist, and one of the smartest cats I know, so please enjoy, as I did, my most recent conversation with Clint Jasperson.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Kyle Speller has been the voice of the Denver Nuggets, Team Chaplain, and Community Ambassador for over 2 decades.  He’s the Founder of KSG Voice, a Middle School Counsellor and Athletic Director at Global Village Academy in Aurora, also an Associate Pastor, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Servant of Christ.  

We met up only a few hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk - but he'd been working all day, and I broke the news to him.

Kyle has an inspiring journey, and was a very insightful guest, so please join me in enjoying my conversation with Kyle Speller. 

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

I met Roxy Tines-Brewton back in 2021, when I emcee’d the “Ordinary Extraordinary Awards” organized by the amazing Ann Baron and her Northern Colorado Community organization for several years, recognizing the behind-the-scenes do-ers that make Northern Colorado such a special place.  At the time, Roxy was less than a year into her journey with Safe Families for Children, NoCo Chapter.  Still flying solo, and working full-time at her day job and “part-time” activating churches and community groups to volunteer their time to help families in crisis - and marching alongside them in doing so.  

I remember being inspired by her story back then - and oooh baby - has it only become more inspiring since!  

Roxy has now built a purpose-driven team of 5 mostly part-timers, and activates dozens of volunteers monthly to provide family coaching, short-term housing, a community network of support, or tangible needs for families navigating challenging times.  It’s an inspiring journey involving a near-audible call from God and many stories of providence - and so I hope you’ll join me in getting to know and love, Roxy Tines-Brewton of Safe Families for Children.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

Welcome to another episode of the Loco Experience Podcast. On today's show, I sat down with Jordan Bonifas, founder of Bonifas Coaching.  We kicked things off with some bourbon tasting, comparing Fort Collins’ own Mobb Mountain Distillers and Kentucky’s Basil Hayden, before diving into Jordan's journey.  (PS - Mobb Mountain is the clear choice - tastier and better price) - unpaid endorsement 

Jordan launched Bonifas Coaching in early 2023, bringing together his experience as a wrestling coach, college wrestler, whitewater raft guide, and entrepreneur. His coaching clients include a blend of performance coaching for athletes and strategic coaching for business leaders.  We discussed his transition from operating True Spruce - a vacation rental cleaning business in Steamboat - to moving to Fort Collins and starting his coaching venture, emphasizing lean operations and the importance of strong relationships and open conversation.  Jordan's insights into community, resilience, and integrity were refreshing and shifted traditional paradigms.  

Jordan shared how his unique lifestyle and experiences influence his coaching, and who might be drawn to his methods. Towards the end, he generously offered a free introductory consult for listeners looking to dive deeper into their strategies - just go to https://www.jordanbonifas.com/connect.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode, I welcomed Brad Cooper, the CEO of Catalyst Coaching 360.  His was my favorite talk from the Founded in FoCo event last spring, and I was more than pleased to bring his extensive knowledge to share with our listeners!  Brad is a PhD in Performance Psychology and also the host of the Coaching Lab podcast.  We discussed his journey into health and wellness, and how he rediscovered his passion for running in his late thirties.

Brad shared the story of launching Catalyst Coaching 360 after being laid off from his healthcare executive job, and immediately set to work building a platform and training program which emphasizes the cultivation of functional mental toughness, underscoring elements like movement, diet, sleep, and connection.

Brad reminisced about his early athletic endeavors and the crucial influence of his wife and Co-Founder, Susanna, in shaping his life and career.  We ventured into topics like overcoming injuries, the significance of sound sleep, and the need for creating space for reflection.  We also delved into Brad's memorable experiences, including winning a two-person race across America after a severe injury, and we explored the future prospects of Catalyst Coaching 360 and Brad’s plans for his upcoming book on mental toughness.

I took a lot away from our time together - and you will too! - so please enjoy my conversation with Brad Cooper, CEO of Catalyst Coaching 360.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of The Loco Experience podcast, I had a far-ranging conversation with Jesse Jorgensen, a Partner in Foresight Financial Group.  We discussed his early career and evolution, including his path to partnership at Foresight and the evolution of their firm to provide comprehensive financial planning services - including wealth management, tax planning, and estate planning.  Jesse shares insights into Foresight’s rapid growth, and the values and principles that guide their advising.  He emphasized the importance of having an emergency fund, managing risks with appropriate insurance, and investing wisely while being prepared for unexpected life events. 

Jesse shared the early influences that got him into financial planning, contrasting the financial lifestyles of his father’s and mother’s households as he split time between them, and reflecting on a move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in his teenage years, where he met his now-wife Megan in high school.  We also dive into Jesse's personal growth journey, his faith, and his passion for fitness. The conversation touches on broader topics such as economic outlooks, attitudes toward regulation, and the evolving political climate, and features a robust blend of professional (but not specific!) advice and personal anecdotes.  So please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Jesse Jorgenson.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of The LoCo Experience podcast, I sat down with Reed Miller, the owner of Northern Colorado Insurance Agency (NCIA) and a LoCo Think Tank member!  Reed shared insights on the changing landscape of insurance, detailing how NCIA serves multiple areas for health insurance, including employee benefits, Medicare, and individual plans. We also delved into the various options for group plans, the principles guiding his business, and the significant growth NCIA has experienced since he purchased the business 2+ years ago.

Reed spoke at length about his family legacy in business, starting with his grandfather's Coca-Cola distribution company and continuing with his father's agency’s inception and growth before partnering with a larger insurance brokerage - which grew to become the dominant regional player over time.  Reed's desire to strike out on his own was fueled by a commitment to transparency and ethical business practices, seeking to align his financial incentives with those of his clients. This focus extends to his personal life as well, where he balances business responsibilities with spending quality time with his wife Hannah and their two young boys.

Outside of work, Reed is actively involved in his community, notably serving as the President of Northern Colorado United for Youth, a volunteer organization that raises significant funds for local children’s charities - and has their annual Suitcase Party coming up on August 15th! Despite the various responsibilities, he manages to find time for travel and personal interests. Stories from his travels, including a memorable and somewhat nerve-wracking visit to Israel, highlight his adventurous spirit and commitment to both personal and professional growth.  So please join me in enjoying my conversation with Reed Miller.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

I had an enlightening conversation with Brian and Mary McKnight, the driving forces behind Turf Tamers Landscaping in Fort Collins. Brian shared how he acquired Turf Tamers, initially a tiny business, and grew it from the ground up starting with a few clients in 2001.  Brian shared his background, and the drama in moving from “trendy” California to “cowtown” Fort Collins in high school - but how he soon fit right in and found summer work in landscaping.  Mary, on the other hand, came to CSU from Indiana and studied global tourism. They met at the Rio, and their shared passion for adventure and travel led to a quick connection, and soon jobs and business opportunities in Chile.

They bought property in Chilean Patagonia in 2008, and over the years developed both the property and deep relationships with the neighboring families.  Despite travel challenges and lack of infrastructure - their valley finally got electric power in 2016! - they’ve developed an amazing fishing and recreation property in one of the most unique glacial valleys in Patagonia, and we spend a fair bit of time exploring their valley and the local culture.   

Brian and Mary also shared extensively about their business evolution, particularly how incorporating systems and focusing on quality customer service has been their key to success. Brian appreciated how Mary’s involvement sped their evolution, and how his membership in LoCo Think Tank has broadened his and their perspectives.  For young  people, they emphasized the importance of travel and entrepreneurship, and shared how their focus on values informs their business and family decisions. Our time together was an exploration of building a business and a life with intention and an adventurous spirit, so please tune in and enjoy my conversation with Brian and Mary McKnight.  

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by:  Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain