East Small Business Summit Speakers
Featured Speakers
Monico Carrillo
Inceptions Media
Monico is driven to revolutionize the media marketing landscape by helping service based businesses not just get by, but really thrive by showing off what makes them stand out. Growing up with business owner parents for over two decades, he witnessed firsthand the challenges that small businesses face when it comes to standing out in a crowded market. Having over 12 years of experience in various blue-collar jobs, has given him a deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into running a business and the complexities of marketing. Monaco handles every project from start to finish, making sure everything from the first consultation to building a custom marketing plan and running the video shoots is covered. You want to be able to tell your business story the best way and get you more leads? He’s your guy!
Daniel Garcia
Rule 57 Consulting
A dedicated business advisor and strategic thinker with a proven track record of helping businesses and nonprofits achieve their goals. Drawing from his experience as a small business owner and advisor, Daniel offers practical insights and innovative solutions to tackle challenges and drive sustainable growth. He holds an MBA from Colorado State University, along with graduate certificates in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Organizational Leadership, equipping him with the expertise to guide organizations toward success. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to community impact, Daniel thrives on helping others turn their vision into reality.
Dr. James Keaten
University of Northern Colorado
James is a Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Northern Colorado, specializing in Organizational Behavior and Leadership. He has served as Chair and the A.M. & Jo Winchester Distinguished Professor, as well as Associate Dean for the College of Humanities and Social Science. James holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Statistics from Penn State University and completed post-doctoral work in intercultural studies at Harvard University. Throughout his career, James has received numerous awards, including the A.M. and Jo Winchester Distinguished Scholar and Professor of the Year. His research has been published in several leading journals, and he has presented over 100 academic papers and keynotes. James is also a global business consultant with over 30 years of experience, advising on leadership, psychometric analysis, and strategic planning. He has worked internationally in countries such as Japan, Korea, India, and the Philippines and received the Frost and Sullivan Award for Competitive Strategy and Innovation during his tenure as Chief Science Officer at StarTek.
Laurie Jones
Co-founder of Plain Skincare LLC, Keynote
Laurie Ganong Jones is a founding board member of the Colorado Venture Capital Authority serving two terms which included positions as Chair and Vice Chair. A serial entrepreneur, she is currently co-founder of Plain Skincare LLC in Sterling CO. The company develops and markets products under the brand Rideau Organics. She is a business advisor with East Colorado SBDC, advising small business clients on financial, technology, and strategic planning topics. Previous investment experience includes Edward Jones Financial Advisor and supporting the IPO team for Sykes Enterprises. Sykes acquired Jones Technologies, which Laurie co-founded with her husband Dan. They both stayed on with Sykes past the IPO and assisted in efforts to grow Sykes into a global leader in outsourced tech and customer support. She has a BA in Economics, from the University of CA Davis, and an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business.
Fort Morgan Panel
Andrea L’Heureux
Kukara
Andrea L’Heureux is the co-founder of Kukara Brewing Company, a vibrant and community-focused brewery based in Fort Morgan, Colorado. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for creating inclusive spaces, Andrea has helped transform Kukara into more than just a brewery — it's a local gathering place that celebrates culture, creativity, and connection. Through her work, Andrea champions small business growth in rural communities and brings valuable insight into building sustainable, community-rooted ventures.
Gloria & Blanco Mosqueda
Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream
Gloria and Blanco Mosqueda are the creative force behind Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream, a beloved family-owned business bringing authentic and artisanal ice cream flavors to the community. Rooted in cultural heritage and a passion for quality, their business blends traditional Mexican recipes with modern flair, offering a truly unique experience. As entrepreneurs, Gloria and Blanco are dedicated to growing their brand while staying connected to their roots and community. Their journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of family in small business success.
Mike Blecha
AnywhereCam
Mike Blecha is the founder of AnywhereCam, a cutting-edge technology company offering portable, real-time camera solutions for remote monitoring and security. With a strong background in engineering and innovation, Mike has built a business that serves a wide range of industries — from agriculture and construction to events and public safety. Based in rural Colorado, Mike is passionate about using tech to solve real-world problems and empower communities through smarter, more accessible tools.
Lamar Panel
Sarah Hinkley
BarnowlAg
Sarah Hinkley is a driving force at Barn Owl Ag, a company revolutionizing agricultural monitoring with smart camera technology designed specifically for rural and remote operations. Based in Colorado, Sarah brings a unique blend of agricultural insight and tech-savvy innovation, helping farmers and ranchers optimize their operations through real-time data and monitoring solutions. Her work bridges the gap between tradition and technology, making her a passionate advocate for the future of ag-tech in rural communities.
Kolby Brubacher
Colorado Drink Company
Kolby Brubacher is the incoming President of the Lamar Chamber of Commerce for the current year. This marks his third year serving on the Chamber Board and his third year as a Chamber Business Member. Kolby is the owner and operator of Colorado Drink Company, with locations in both Lamar and La Junta, CO, as well as A&B Liquor in Lamar. Originally from Alamosa, CO, Kolby moved to Lamar in 2010 and graduated from high school in the area in 2014. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University and returned to the region to teach high school business for several years. During that time, he also completed a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and later served as a K–12 Principal in Stratton, CO. In 2022, Kolby returned to Lamar to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship and has been an active contributor to the local business community ever since.
Tera Bender
BrewUntoOthers
Tera Bender of BrewUntoOthers Bio: “My dad has always told me if you want to make a difference, you have to get involved!” Explained manager Tera Bender. BrewUntoOthers holds vendor markets throughout the year where they invite small businesses to come down and set up shop in their facility for the day and tries to bring everyone downtown to shop. They also host events to bring awareness to the community such as the most recent seizure training, and breast cancer awareness training. The Brew provides a facility for meetings, a venue for small gatherings, and does specialized catering for the community. They partner with many local groups, schools, programs, and have also provided Prowers Economic Prosperity with a place to host Brewing for Business.
The Agenda
Registration Opens
9:00am
Welcome Everyone
Coffee will be served
Opening Remarks
9:30am
Conference Commences
Opening remarks from the East CO SBDC Team and success story
Breakout Session 1
10:15am
The Startup Rollercoaster: From Idea to Impact - Entrepreneurial Panel | Fort Morgan
Andrea L’Heureux of Kukaro, Gloria & Blanco Mosqueda of Mosqueda
Delicacies Ice Cream and Mike Blecha of AnywhereCam will share how
they came up with their idea and developed it into a successful business.
It did not happen overnight! They will share the challenges in starting
their businesses include funding, zoning, inventory, impact of COVID 19
and more. This session is for both start-ups and existing businesses that
need a little “boost.”
Lamar: Sarah Hinkley – Barn Owl Ag, Kolby Brubacher of Colorado Drink Company, Tera Bender of BrewUntoOthers
Breakout Session 2
11:15am
Lights, Camera, Grow
Monico Carrillo, Inceptions Media
This session explores the foundational pillars every small business must master to achieve sustainable growth: defining what success truly looks like, understanding the critical distinction between branding and marketing, and leveraging the unmatched power of video to build trust and drive engagement. Participants will learn how clear goal-setting, intentional brand development, and strategic content creation work together to strengthen visibility, build loyalty, and position their business for long-term success in a competitive market.
Takeaways:
- What Does a "Win" Actually Look Like for Your Business?
- Why defining success clearly matters”
- Branding vs Marketing — Stop Mixing Them Up
- Why both are critical for growth
- The Power of Video Marketing for Small Business
- Why video connects faster and sells trust better than static posts
- Types of videos small businesses
Lunch with Networking
12:35pm
Keynote - Believe in Yourself: Entrepreneurial Dreams & Overcoming Challenges
Laurie Jones, co-founder of Plain Skincare LLC
Today business owners face uncertain times. Join us as we learn insights on how to start with a vision and launch a successful business from serial entrepreneur Laurie Ganong Jones. Laurie will share a few stories about the importance of knowing your market, combining opportunity with solid research, assessing risks and having backup financial strategies. And above all – staying authentic and providing value to your customers.
Breakout Session 3
1:35pm
Service That Shines: How to Become a 5 Star Business
Daniel Garcia, Rule 57 Consulting
Want more 5-star reviews and loyal customers raving about your business?
Learn how to make unforgettable first impressions, focus on what sets you apart, and create moments that keep customers coming back for more. Walk away with practical tools to elevate your customer experience, no big team or budget required.
Create Memorable First Impressions
Learn how to craft intentional first-touch moments that build trust and set the tone for a standout customer experience.
Focus on What Sets You Apart
Identify your unique service strengths and make smart choices that help you shine without trying to do it all.
Turn Everyday Interactions into WOW Moments
Discover simple, repeatable ways to surprise and delight your customers, building loyalty with consistency and creativity.
Breakout Session 4
2:55pm
The Entrepreneurial Engine: Building and Maintaining Your Motivation
Dr. James Keaten, University of Northern Colorado
This session delves into the critical role leaders play in fostering employee engagement through intrinsic motivation, continuous development, and autonomy. Participants will explore how these elements synergistically interact to create a motivated, competent, and empowered workforce capable of achieving organizational objectives with genuine enthusiasm and commitment.
Key Takeaways:
- Intrinsic Motivation Mastery: Participants will understand how intrinsic motivation—stemming from approval, enjoyment, pride, and identification—can transform employee engagement beyond mere monetary compensation.
- Importance of Continuous Development: Attendees will recognize how properly balanced task complexity contributes to continuous employee development, mitigating workplace anxiety and boredom by challenging employees appropriately.
- Power of Autonomy: Leaders will gain insights into effectively granting autonomy by clearly communicating goals, providing transparent evaluation criteria, establishing trust, and encouraging accountability, thereby reducing frustration and micromanagement.
Conference Ends
4:30pm
Thank You For Joining Us!
Event Sponsors
Thank You to Our Partners
Stay In The Know
Subscribe to our newsletter for Small Business Summit Announcements!