How success happens - SHOUTOUT COLORADO

Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Tyler Thigpen | Head of Schools

Our schools—The Forest School: An Acton Academy and The Forest School Online—distinguish themselves through a unique educational approach and a dedication to continuous improvement. Our methodology diverges from traditional schooling by employing Socratic Guides instead of teachers, fostering critical thinking through dialogue. We feature mixed-age Studios, not classrooms, to promote community learning across different age groups. Rather than conventional grades, we use Portfolios and Exhibitions to provide a holistic view of student progress. Our community is governed by Contracts and Covenants instead of rules, encouraging a sense of mutual responsibility. We emphasize inquiry over lecturing, allowing students to explore their curiosity freely. The absence of homework respects students’ time outside school, promoting self-directed learning. Our curriculum blends hands-on experiences with e-learning, catering to diverse learning preferences and preparing students for the digital age. Students learn at their own pace, ensuring education is tailored to individual needs. Travel is encouraged to broaden perspectives, and apprenticeships begin in middle school, offering real-world experiences early on. Our commitment to improvement is evident in our use of student learning data from authentic assessments and the integration of stakeholder feedback through monthly surveys, regular Parent Coffees, quarterly Round Tables, and direct communication, ensuring The Forest School remains set apart and at the forefront of innovative education. Read more>>

Kathy Smith | Broadcast Sales Executive

I believe that the most important factor behind my success is being mindful to focus on looking UPWARD instead of inward, which is our human tendency. We are being led in directions by God, and our challenge is to quiet ourselves and be near to Him regularly to feel for those nudges, be aware of doors (or windows) opening that we may otherwise miss, and be willing to trust that there is a reason to embrace these not-so-happenstance occurrences through faith. And listen to people and circumstances as there are hidden gems everywhere that we are too distracted or zoned out to hear, see, or feel. Read more>>

Amanda Riffee | Certified Executive & Success Coach for Women

I lead with my intuition and inner knowing. As women, especially, we seem to go outside of ourselves so often to find the answers to what we should do next or who we should become. We have so many of those answers already with us; we’ve just pushed that voice down for so many years that we can no longer hear it. I make every big decision in my business by tapping into my intuition first. I make sure I give myself plenty of silence to allow my inner voice to be heard. It’s difficult to have new ideas when we’re constantly consuming and processing new information we’re taking in. Read more>>

Ashli Mizell | Interior Designer

Considering every project as uniquely individual and not being afraid to take creative risks. I have always listened to my gut when it comes to design and rarely follow trends or rely on social media for inspiration. As a firm, it is our relentless commitment to pushing ourselves and our clients just far enough outside our comfort zones ensures that no two projects look or feel alike. While, I have always believed that comfort and approachability are paramount in every design, it is our attention to detail that sets us apart in creating truly bespoke spaces. We take great care in curating one of a kind pieces and relish in finishing spaces with art and accessories that are reflections of our clients. Read more>>

Jay Piper | Owner/Creative Director

For ParHopper, our success thrives off of collaboration. We love collaborating with other brands, specifically breweries & distilleries. Offering these brands a blank canvas on our custom polos allows them to tell their story through our product. We work on a concept together and create something truly uniquer and special. Read more>>

Sue Van Raes | Functional Nutritionist, Food Psychology Specialist, Integrative Health Practitioner, and Author

If I had to pick the most important factor (there are many) behind the success of my brand I would have to say that it is infused with my deepest inspiration, authenticity, and creativity. Since its inception and over the past two decades, I have been working both in my business and on my business. I think both are so important. Read more>>

Benjamin Schigel | CEO of Spider Studios

I think the most important factor for me and has been putting in the work. Simple things like showing up on time and being attentive to detail really go a long way. Nothing good comes for free and to be successful it takes hard work. Read more>>

Lindsey Talafuse | Realtor, CEO, & Mom

Relationships matter and my brand is built on forging and maintaining real relationships. In a world filled with technology, I often resort back to face-to-face conversations. People do business with people they like, and are like them. Over the past 15 years I have filled my client database with friends, family, and referrals. The relationship doesn’t end when the transaction is over, but continues on. I host multiple annual past client events each year and spend time driving from address to address dropping off goodies year round. In addition to maintaining these critical relationships, I also enlist my clients to help make a difference multiple times per year with charitable campaigns. At the end of the day, my business is not just about real estate, it’s about making a difference in my community and in the lives of the people I care so much about. Read more>>

Chris Hale | RMFLEX Co-Owner and Personal Trainer

When discussing the success of any business, you usually hear words such as transparency, honesty, and professionalism. But what does that actually mean? At Rocky Mountain Flex Fitness, we have found success by adhering to one word, sincerity. We are sincerely invested in our member’s health. We are sincere in our attempts to provide the best and most well maintained equipment in the industry. We are sincere in our pricing and when we say there are no contracts or hidden fees, we mean it. We have been sincere. We have been transparent, honest, and professional with every member since day one. We hope you enjoy reading more about our story and the values that drive our local gym! Read more>>

Gayln Perry, MD | Pulmon0logist and Sleep Medicine Specialist

From the worlds stand point, success can look very different. I consider myself successful when 1. I listen well and allow my patients to guide me to the source of thier problem rather then making my own assumptions. 2. I can convey to my patients that I see them as unique, and that I have thier best interest at heart. 3. I am truthful with them even when they may not like the recommendations I have to give 4. I have no conflicts of interests impacting my care and advise. 5. My help brings healing whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. A calling to practice medicine is unique in that we have been invited into a very personal space by simply walking into the room. There are times when I leave that room where I “know” I was meant to be there to provide advice, guidance, reassurance or even gentle admonishment. My job is a privilege to be able to step into that personal space. I take that privilege seriously by listening well, weighing the risks and benefits of my advise and being honest. My calling is at all cost to place the well being of that patient in front of me above all else including my own well being. I suspect any patient that realizes that this is the degree of my committment to them would make me successful in thier eyes and their understanding of that will always determine the measure of my success. Read more>>

Megan Howe | Owner of Arc Bridal

When reflecting on our success over the years, I really think it boils down to one essential thing: loving people. At the heart of our business lies a genuine desire to extend love and kindness to others–it’s our north star. This may sound rudimentary, but it’s the foundation of everything we do, and positive outcomes naturally follow. No matter who you are, when you walk into our shop we want you to feel welcomed, loved, and taken care of. Read more>>

Eric Burden | Owner: Denver Spore Company

There are several things I have done, however the first thing that pops in my head is empathy and customer service. I have helped thousands and thousands of people in their mycology journey. Every time I meet a new person I feel like I have made a new friend. Many of my customers have or are struggling with their mental health. As someone who has also struggled with it and experienced the benefits of mushrooms, it is easy for me to show compassion and understanding with them. Read more>>