COVenture

Shelley Russell: COventure Forward Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2022 20:36:24 +0000

Shelley Russell: COventure Forward Entrepreneur Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/03/2022 - 14:36

Evan Jay Clark

Shelley Russell has been working as a personal trainer since 1996. Two years ago she founded ZONAFIT to make workouts more simple, convenient, and enjoyable.

“Whether you are at work, traveling, or simply want to work out at home, ZONAFIT will meet all of your fitness needs! Virtual classes offer everything required to be fit and healthy from upper and lower body and core muscle workouts to cardio training (with the option of LIVE heart rate display!), all provided in a time-efficient, cost-effective, convenient and fun manner!”

Since Shelley joined COventure Forward, she has learned a lot about digital marketing. Her mentor gave positive reinforcement and encouraged her to keep building her business.

“The main thing I remember he told me is that the most successful business owners are passionate about their business. I love fitness and I think I have a good product, so that keeps me doing what I'm doing.”

With how much she enjoys her program, Shelley tells us she’s unlikely to ever go back to a regular gym—hot yoga, hiking, and mountain biking are still in her regimen. Lastly, she wants to give a shout-out to

“My husband, Dave, who has supported me since the beginning. And all of my clients whose testimonials are on my website!”

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Chelsea Hackett: COventure Forward Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2022 20:32:20 +0000

Chelsea Hackett: COventure Forward Entrepreneur Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/03/2022 - 14:32

Evan Jay Clark

“Vocal Empowerment is the ability to express yourself the way you want to in any context.”

Chelsea Hackett co-founded SPEAK, a non-profit with the mission of supporting young women in using their voices for self and civic advocacy. They have been running programs since 2012 and were formally established in 2018.

“We run programs locally here in ��«��Ƶ and then train educators across the globe to localize our methods for their communities. We support young people in speaking about issues that are important to them including climate change, creating a culture of consent, disrupting microaggressions, and more!”

While Chelsea is an expert organizer, she joined COventure Forward for assistance with communications and finding corporate sponsors. As we work to connect her with our own network of mentors, we’d like to share her words to our community:

“We still need help with communications and development. We love the idea of mentorship, AND are really looking for someone who has the capacity to join our team as a development director. We are currently forming our board and are looking for community members who are able to share their skills to expand the work we are doing! Please contact us at contact@speak.world or check out our website at SPEAK.world if this is something that interests you!”

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Sarah Lurie: COventure Forward Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2022 20:21:42 +0000

Sarah Lurie: COventure Forward Entrepreneur Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/03/2022 - 14:21

Evan Jay Clark

When you ask people what has been the best day of their life, a likely answer is their wedding day. Trying to plan that day is a monumental task. This is why Sarah Lurie created Delilah Wedding & Event Planning, based in ��«��Ƶ.

“Weddings are more than just a list and logistics, we work with our clients to craft an experience that is personal, meaningful, and a celebration of where they've been, who they are, and who they are becoming.”

Founded two years ago, they have coordinated 98 weddings and counting.

Sarah joined COventure Forward for help with legal contracts and marketing strategy.

Mentors Eric Bruno, Thomas Knoll, and Susan Strong “provided encouragement and a sounding board throughout the beginning stages of my company."

"I'm looking forward to an amazing wedding season ahead! Now that in-person events are back, there is potential to grow my team and continue to build amazing experiences for my clients in Colorado. As I look towards the future, I hope to expand beyond the Front Range. I'd like to thank my friends and family for their encouragement and support. Also, THANK YOU to my clients who trusted me with their wedding during the early stages of my business!”

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COventure Forward Entrepreneur: Keller Anne Ruble

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 20:03:12 +0000

COventure Forward Entrepreneur: Keller Anne Ruble Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/04/2022 - 13:03

Haven’t seen a close friend or family member in a while and want to remind them you care? Do you look at greeting cards in the grocery store and find that none of them feel genuine? Keller Anne Ruble started PS Post, “a greeting card sending service that mails beautifully designed, personalized greeting cards and e-gifts for you. [They] exist to make old-school, personal connection convenient so that all feel seen, valued, and inspired to connect – both on special occasions and everyday. Send a card and brighten anyone’s day with just a few clicks on your phone or computer.”

When Keller Anne joined COventure Forward in May 2020, PS Post was a fledgling idea. “We had a vision, lots of external enthusiasm for the idea, and very little idea of how to turn our dream into a reality. But the program’s mentors, curriculum, and fellow entrepreneurs gave us a roadmap, immense support, and the encouragement to refine, test, iterate on our idea, then keep going.”

Since both COventure Forward and PS Post were started out of the pandemic, we continue our tradition of asking what our founders are looking forward to as things open up. “In my personal life, I can’t wait to spend hours upon hours treasure hunting at thrift & antique stores again. Professionally – and I never thought I would say this – I really miss networking events. Networking can sometimes be stress-inducing for introverts but I’ve figured out some hacks to network well and enjoy it. Colorado is home to exceptionally talented and interesting people, and I want to better engage with the business and tech communities. I miss meeting new folks, learning more about different industries, good practices, and cool opportunities!”

Although Keller Anne and her team are off to a fantastic start, there’s always something worth tapping into the growing CVF network for. “We’re looking for earned media coverage! Do you have experience pitching businesses to media outlets? We’d be so grateful for a call to learn best practices or inside tips! Similarly, if you have media connections for whom you think PS Post might be a good story pitch, we would welcome any introductions you’d be willing to make. Please reach out to Keller Anne Ruble at kelleranne@pspost.co” You can also visit the PS Post site and use code commonsonchampa for 50% off a greeting card.

Finally, Keller Anne’s shout-out: “My co-founder and PS Post’s COO, Caitlin Rice, deserves so much praise. I’ve always appreciated the notion that ‘iron sharpens iron.’ When I sought out a business partner & co-founder, I knew trust, communication, and complementary skill sets were essential. I also knew that person was Caitlin. She is one of the sharpest, most multi-dimensionally talented professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. In addition to her logistical, operational, and technical skills, she has exquisite taste and design skills. Caitlin is brilliant. She is the bolt to my nut(case). I’m so honored that she and I are on this journey together.”

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COventure Forward Mentor: Scott Gwozdz

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 19:51:10 +0000

COventure Forward Mentor: Scott Gwozdz Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/04/2022 - 12:51

In addition to being one of COventure Forwards program mentors, Scott Gwozdz is an instructor at The ��«��Ƶ and founder of First Person Marketing. He has experience with sales, financial services, marketing, branding, agency work, non-profit, and teaching.

Like many others at the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship (the team which makes COventure Forward possible), Scott signed up to mentor because he wants “to help entrepreneurs succeed in these challenging times.” Most of all he can help businesses with developing spot-on segmentation to target the right market and building brands that help change the world.

In case you aren’t lucky enough to have him as a mentor, Scott wants to remind everyone of the most fundamental entrepreneurial wisdom: “Failure is the key to success,” as true as it is terse.

Lastly, Scott’s shout-out is to “the entire Deming Team!!”

Thank you all, and have a great March.

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Janet Eden-Harris: COventure Forward Mentor

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:53 +0000

Janet Eden-Harris: COventure Forward Mentor Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 01/31/2022 - 17:00

Janet is one of our marketing experts. She is the Chief Revenue Officer of CampMinder, and former CEO of Umbria, a startup successfully acquired in 2008. On top of all that, she also maintains her consulting practice, the Eden-Harris Group. Her experience aides people with sales and go-to-market strategies. Mentoring through many channels, Janet’s COventure Forward businesses include Penji and Be Free Enterprises.

Having someone to talk with is invaluable for navigating the difficulties of any relationship. “I think it's been a fascinating journey as a female exec over the arc of my career. What it means to lead. How our interpersonal skills are a HUGE factor in the success of our teams. How fun it is to watch teams and the people within them come alive with purpose drive with the right environment. And how to draw on the skills necessary to hone that team when specific individuals aren't really in the right job. How do you navigate that with compassion and respect? Even if they were one of the early founders. It's a huge passion of mine.”

Janet’s advice to entrepreneurs: “There's no one 'right way.' Even if there was, circumstances beyond our control often take that 'right way' hostage. We always make decisions based on incomplete or imperfect information. Waiting for The Perfect is more deadly than making a wrong move. The maxim I've developed over the years is: I aim to be 80% right. If I'm 80% right, that gives me the flexibility to go back and fix the 20% I got wrong.”

And finally, Janet’s shout-out goes to her two children, Kate and Alec. “They've become smart, successful executives in their own right--creating and leading in ways that humble me. […] Without a doubt, they are two of my most precious teachers.”

Hope you’re enjoying the winter weather. We’re glad to be back for the coming year!

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Matt Hayden: COventure Forward Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 23:59:47 +0000

Matt Hayden: COventure Forward Entrepreneur Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 01/30/2022 - 16:59

In 2020, Matt founded The Elevated Colorado Management Services “We are a property management firm specializing in homeowner associations (HOAs) and manage private homes too throughout the Eagle River Valley.”

Matt joined COventure Forward for guidance in differentiation, ideation, and an outside perspective. “It was such an unstable time for so many in the world. To receive the support from the members of COventure Forward and the Leeds School were the guiding hands I needed at the right time.” Sessions with our mentors helped Matt strategically reach out to his network. “I gained so many essential leads for clients and smart practices from those calls.” The COventure Forward team is extremely glad to have helped Matt survive and thrive through the pandemic. “I can happily say that I am no longer taking on new clients! I have been surprised at the level of success I have achieved in such a short period of time.”

Finally, Matt’s shout-out: “Ursula Hayden with Anka Enterrises, my wife, has been a crucial element in getting my financial footing secured.”

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Steve Busch: COventure Forward Highlighted Mentor

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:57:46 +0000

Steve Busch: COventure Forward Highlighted Mentor Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/28/2021 - 09:57

Through COventure Forward, our featured mentor of the month, Steve Busch, has worked with hotels, restaurants, insurance agencies, clothing companies, and tech startups. As Principal Consultant at Human Resources Strategies, LLC, his specialty is human resource management, more specifically, finding the right people, developing talent, and leveraging engagement—something all types of businesses in our program get value from.

And Steve likes it too: “It is rewarding and a unique learning experience helping people navigate PPP loans, COVID precautions, and business re-start activities associated with staffing and supply chain hurdles.” If anyone out there is trying to find the right people or develop talent, you should talk to Steve!

Finally, Steve’s advice to entrepreneurs: “Be kind. Empathy is a gift.”

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Heather Browning: COventure Forward Highlighted Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:46:23 +0000

Heather Browning: COventure Forward Highlighted Entrepreneur Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/28/2021 - 09:46

Heather Browning, of Colonial Benefit Group, joined COventure Forward for help with marketing and business development. The pandemic has been a great time for businesses to explore networking and marketing on social media. This is what her mentors Stephen Miller and Janet Eden-Harris have helped her with.

Colonial Benefit Group is an insurance brokerage and business benefit consulting firm. They specialize in health insurance for small to medium size businesses. “As communities and businesses re-open, it is exciting for me to support my clients as they economically recover and grow by hiring new employees and offering employee benefits. Colonial Benefit Group supports start-ups and the small business community by offering pro bono consulting services for employee benefits.”

Heather’s shout-out: “I want to express my gratitude to CU and the COventure Forward program for being a great resource in providing mentorship and guidance for business owners.”

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Rebekah Hartman - OZO Coffee Company

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:05:19 +0000

Rebekah Hartman - OZO Coffee Company Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/30/2021 - 11:05

Many of you will already know the OZO Coffee Company, but they are far more than just a local coffee shop. This mission-driven business seeks “to support and connect diverse communities through coffee. Supporting Locally Owned businesses is essential to growing and strengthening our communities! The crew at OZO Coffee Company would love to find even more ways to collaborate with other locally owned businesses (both for-profit and not-for-profit).”

Rebekah Hartman joined COventure Forward to get help increasing OZO's online presence. Since the pandemic started, they have added online purchase and curbside pickup, while significantly increasing their digital presence. Her mentor, Janet Eden-Harris, has been an expert voice in networking and making connections of value.

OZO has far bigger aspirations than merely weathering the pandemic. Perhaps this is where the wider COventure Forward community can help! The influx in pick-up and to-go orders means an increase in disposable coffee cups, bags, and boxes. To reduce environmental impact, they are seeking compostable or 100% recyclable containers made in the USA. If anyone has ideas, experience, or contacts in this regard, please reach out to the COventure Forward team or reach them directly on their contact page.

Finally, Rebekah’s shout out: “Every Human on this Planet deserves a standing ovation for your willingness to pivot, especially during these unprecedented times. Stay Strong!”

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