Founded in FoCo 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am MDT

Kung Fu Clarity - Ninja Strategies for Connection SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT

What if you could stand out In today's fast-paced, noise-filled business landscape? More than just innovation; is required, it demands strategic clarity. This session will equip you with the "ninja" skills to navigate the complexities of modern business and forge meaningful connections.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient martial art of Kung Fu, you'll learn practical strategies to:

Cut through the clutter: Learn to identify and eliminate distractions that hinder your focus and progress.

Master the art of listening: Discover how to truly understand your clients, colleagues, and partners, fostering deeper connections.

Channel your inner warrior: Unleash your potential and build the resilience needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Forge lasting relationships: Develop effective communication and networking skills to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Join us for an interactive and insightful session that will leave you empowered to navigate the complexities of the modern business world with confidence and clarity.

Julie is a martial arts student who has studied Kung Fu and Tai Chi in Northern Colorado for 10 years

Speakers

Julie Ulstrup

Business Strategist and Consultant for Ambitious Entrepreneurs, Julie Ulstrup Business Strategy and Consulting

Julie Ulstrup is THE go to business strategist and coach for experienced mission driven entrepreneurs who want to start or grow a profitable business so they can have more time and money freedom. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art clarity, she helps ambitious clients 2X their... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Thematic Keynote

Subject Strategy, People, Leadership, Communication Skills, Social, Networking, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Creativity, Mindset
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10:00am MDT

Being a Good Employer Improves Profits SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Foxtail 1

Is being a world-class employer too expensive? Owners of growing businesses yearn to offer jobs like they themselves would take. But what about the fear of high costs against low return on investment? Wise leaders learn methods to tie high performance of employees who earn a living wage and benefits to better services and better products. Learn cutting-edge methods to avoid the "Vicious Circle" of low pay, low service, declining revenues. Instead, set up the "Virtuous Circle" of decent pay, great service, and increasing revenues.

Speakers

Robert Anderson

Director, Business Navigators, Colorado Enterprise Fundm, Director, Business Navigators

• Manages CEF's team of in-house small business consultants trained to help our borrowers succeed. • Has a track record of small business success, identifying harmful constraints and implementing solutions to restore long-term organizational and financial health. Also served in... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track

Subject People, Growth, Leadership
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10:00am MDT

Stop the Revolving Door: Build and Motivate High-Performing Teams That Stay SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Stage

Are your top performers heading for the door while the ones you wish would leave stick around? Is turnover leaving you stuck in the weeds, tackling operational headaches instead of focusing on strategy? Retaining top talent doesn’t happen by accident—it takes the right systems, clarity, and leadership to create a workplace where high performers thrive.

In this session, we’ll explore what’s driving your retention challenges and the hidden factors pushing your best employees out the door. You’ll discover how to create a work environment that supports, motivates, and keeps top talent, while reducing the frustrations that hold your team—and your business—back.

This session will not only provide fresh insights but also give you actionable tools to slow the revolving door immediately. Turn your team into your biggest competitive advantage.

Speakers

Samantha C. Prestidge

Chief Solutions Enthusiast, I Help Owners & Leaders Overcome Growing Pains and Build High-Performing Teams

Samantha C. Prestidge is the founder of Auxo Business Services, a consultancy dedicated to empowering managers, streamlining operations, and building high-performing teams for growing businesses. With years of experience partnering with field-service companies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurial... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track

Subject People, Communication Skills, Small & Medium Business, Leadership, Strategy
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10:00am MDT

Messages from our Childhood That Hold Us Back SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Lupine

Early in childhood, you were taught not to talk to strangers or take money from strangers, the two things you have to do in sales. In this session, we will review some of the common messages from childhood that hold you back in selling yourself, or product and your ideas.

Speakers

Wayne Dehn

Author and certified sales trainer, 3D TRAINING LLC

After 15 years in non-profit management and two Emmy Nominations for Telethon production, Wayne began his journey in sales as a representative for a non-profit trade association offering benefits and services to Small Business America. Soon promotion to national management positions... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject People, Marketing, Sales, Small & Medium Business
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10:15am MDT

Writing Your Artist Statement! SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Gregory Allicar Museum of Art's Robert W. Hoffert Learning Center [Offsite]

Calling all artists, writers, and creatives: emerging or established, mid-career or hobbyist!

Stumped by your artist statement? Don’t know where to start, what to say, or how long it should be? Have an existing statement that feels out of date or doesn’t accurately represent you or your work?

Discover the answers to these questions and more at Writing Your Artist Statement, an interactive workshop led by Madeleine Boyson, regional arts writer and editor.

Together we'll discover your work in your own voice, cover best practices, create new frameworks for statements, and build creative community in the process. Bring an existing statement or start from scratch!

Speakers

Madeleine Boyson

Arts and Culture Writer, Editor, + Communications Coordinator, Gregory Allicar Museum of Art

Madeleine Boyson (she/her) is a Denver-based writer, poet, and artist. She holds a BA in Art History and History from the University of Denver and makes her living as a communications professional, editorial coordinator, and arts writer.

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Gregory Allicar Museum of Art's Robert W. Hoffert Learning Center [Offsite] 1400 Remington StFort Collins, CO 80524

Creative Track, Workshop

Subject People, Growth, Communication Skills, Social, Creativity, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Networking
Format Workshop

11:15am MDT

From Fluff to Facts: Find The Real Truth Through Conversations

Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Foxtail 2

Are you tired of market research conversations that seem to go nowhere? I’ll walk you through my approach to asking the right questions—the kind that lead to real, actionable feedback. It’s not about surface-level chats or vague promises; it’s about getting specific, diving deep, and learning what really drives your customers.

The key? It’s not about pitching your idea. In fact, it’s about avoiding it entirely. I’ll show you how to shift the conversation to focus on your customers' lives, their problems, and their real-world experiences. Instead of asking hypothetical questions like, "Would you use this?" or "Do you think it's a good idea?" you’ll learn how to ask about what they’ve actually done. That way, even your mom couldn’t lie to you about it!

Here’s what you’ll get out of it:

A new approach to customer conversations: Learn how to structure chats that reveal actionable insights instead of vague, surface-level responses.

Question techniques that work: Discover the exact questions that dig into past behaviors and help you get past fluff to find the stories that actually matter.

Common pitfalls to avoid: Learn how to steer clear of the mistakes that lead to misleading feedback, like fishing for validation or compliments.

How to get honest feedback: Shift the focus to your customers' real experiences to uncover genuine insights that will shape your product decisions.

Practical tools you can use right away: Walk away with question frameworks and strategies you can start using immediately to make every conversation count.

This session is all about making sure your market research is actually useful, so you can build something your customers really need, not just something they say they want.

Speakers

kateryna quinn

Founder, ASTASH | Uplify AI

Kateryna Quinn is a mom, an immigrant, and a proud small business owner in Northern Colorado. Recognized as a Forbes Next 1000 honoree and one of NOCO's 30 Under 30, she has made a name for herself as a leader in marketing and web design. As the founder of ASTASH an award-winning... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Sales, Marketing, Communication Skills, Social, Leadership, Mindset, Networking, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers
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1:00pm MDT

Leading With Vision That Others Can See SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Twinberry Auditorium

Leaders are usually visionary. Those who are not leaders may be more focused on the immediate task at work, the current daycare challenge, the pressing financial concern, or any other issue that keeps them focused on the here and now.

Unfortunately, many leaders do not know how to communicate vision in a way that others can really see it. Done well, vision is unifying and inspiring. If seeing is believing, then one of the most important responsibilities of leaders is to help others see beyond the immediate to a compelling future.

The other unfortunate thing is that most "Vision Statements" aren't visionary. They're often restatements of the mission, or are said so generically that they could apply to numerous other companies, rather than being a picture of the future that the leader wants others to see.

Speakers

Mark Weaver

Open Door Organizational Solutions

Mark started Open Door in 2009 to help organizations radically define their culture. He also provides non-conventional people strategies tailored to radically reinforce organizations’ cultures, once defined. His clients are businesses and Not-For-Profits ranging in size from startups... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Leadership, Communication Skills, Small & Medium Business
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2:00pm MDT

The Built-In Business Benefits of Social Justice SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Sand Lily

In a world that increasingly values social responsibility, businesses that actively embrace social justice initiatives not only contribute to meaningful change but also unlock a myriad of for their organizations. This fireside chat will delve into how prioritizing social justice can lead to innovation, enhanced community connections, and sustained growth. As entrepreneurs, nonprofits, startups, and creatives adapt to shifting societal norms, understanding the intersection of social justice and business can be a powerful tool for future-proofing their organizations.

Objectives:

Define Social Justice in a Business Context: Explain what social justice means for businesses and why it is crucial for modern enterprises.

Highlight the Business Case for Social Justice: Showcase tangible examples and data illustrating how social justice initiatives can drive innovation, improve employee morale, and enhance customer loyalty.

Encourage Connection and Collaboration: Foster a mindset among participants that values collaboration with communities and stakeholders to create a more equitable business landscape.

Provide Actionable Steps: Offer participants practical strategies for integrating social justice principles into their business models.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Borland

Founder of Dad-Ease, Dad Advocate, and Doctor of Social Work, Founder

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents... Read More →

Alana White

Architect and advocate, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Alana G. White is a program officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she works in the foundation’s priority place of Michigan to support thriving children, working families and equitable communities. White is responsible for identifying... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Creative Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Leadership, Communication Skills, NonProfit, DEI, Mental Health, Creativity
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3:15pm MDT

Future-Proof Your Workforce: Employers' Guide to Apprenticeships SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Sand Lily

The top concern for many employers is how to attract and retain skilled talent to drive business growth. This presentation explores the benefits of apprenticeship programs for employers, showcasing how these programs can serve as powerful tools for workforce development through building your talent pipeline and enhancing employee retention, productivity, innovation, and diversity.

Speakers

Heather Everett

Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Manager, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Heather Everett is the Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Manager at the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. She spent over 20 years in senior care before making a career change in 2023 to manage the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program grant for the Fort Collins Chamber. From... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Leadership, Small & Medium Business, NonProfit
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4:15pm MDT

Be a party-rockin' leader SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

Eryc Eyl - author of Stop Engaging Employees: Start Making Work More Human - presents an electrifying blend of music, leadership insights, and interactive fun that will transform your approach to teamwork and management.

Drawing unexpected parallels between DJing and leadership, Eryc delivers a high-energy, unforgettable experience that gets everyone on their feet - literally!

Through a mix of music, storytelling, and plenty of interaction, Eryc introduces three key leadership disciplines that, when applied like a master DJ reading a crowd, can help people at any level in the organization cultivate a workplace that's as engaging and harmonious as a perfectly curated playlist.

Participants will:
* Learn to "read the room" and respond to team needs
* Discover how to involve everyone in creating positive change
* Develop strategies for building shared understanding and purpose

Packed with practical tips, dance breaks, and "aha!" moments, this presentation will leave you energized, unified, and equipped with actionable leadership tools. It's not just a talk - it's a party with a purpose that will have you grooving to a new beat of collaboration and success, transforming traditional leadership into party-rockin' leadership.

Don't miss the chance to experience this unforgettable leadership dance party at Founded in FoCo, with Eryc Eyl as your guide and DJ. Get ready to rock the party - and the workplaces of Northern Colorado!

Speakers

Eryc Eyl

Party rocker, leadership activist, human being

A lifelong resident of northern Colorado, Eryc Eyl is a speaker, coach, and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in making work more human for conglomerates, telecommunications, consumer packaged goods, nonprofit, governmental, and research organizations. Eryc has an... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Thematic Keynote

Subject People, Leadership, Communication Skills, Mindset
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Founded in FoCo 2025

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