Home Improvements: All About Cabinets and Countertops – Episode #31, Segment 4

Ted Speir, co-owner of All About Cabinets & Countertops in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, joins us to continue our exploration of “The Business of Home Improvement.”  When upgrading kitchens or bathrooms, Speir says it is important that homeowners remember not to overspend.  “What we try to do is tailor budgets based off of your home’s value,” he explains.

Speir and his partner, Nick McAvoy, have worked together for more than a decade.  He says the entire All About Cabinets & Countertops team work closely to make visitors to their 6,000-square-foot showroom feel welcome.  “We understand there is tons of trepidation with doing a remodel, but what try to do is ease the process."

Also on this segment, Homer Hudson Hillis Jr., B. Unconventional’s Certified Entrepreneur #1, talks about his own business “home improvement” – a facelift for his aging website at www.HHHEnterprises.com.  He also explains why he shied away from the recent Facebook stock IPO – a wise decision it turns out.

Homer’s regular segments on B. Unconventional are sponsored in part by NewsBios.com – where you’ll find in-depth, unauthorized dossiers on more than 7,000 of the world’s most influential journalists.  Get to know the journalists who interview you better than their own newsroom colleagues know them.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Original Air Date: May 27, 2012
Photo: Nick McAvoy, in the All About Cabinets & Countertops showroom 

Direct download: PODCASTS-052712-Segment4.mp3
Category:Home Improvement -- posted at: 6:49pm MDT

Meet the Winners (Part Two): Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Awards – Episode #31, Segment 3

Platte River Networks is the second of six winners of the 2012 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards to be featured as part of Business Unconventional’s media partnership with the Chamber.  PRN was this year’s recipient of the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award. 

David DeCamillis, business development director at Platte River Networks, joins James B. Fagan, National Sales Manager at Nationwide Valuations, and Rob Rose, the Chamber’s engagement manager, discussing the honor.  Nationwide Valuations sponsored this specific awards category. 

Platte River Networks, a technology consulting firm based in Denver, provides complete IT services for small to mid-sized businesses.

Hear our interview with Environmental Learning for Kids, this year's winner Chamber winner for Small Non-Profit of the Year.

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. The program is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.

Innovative business owners and entrepreneurs who would like to share their stories with B. Unconventional listeners are invited to contact the program at: 303-800-6081.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those seeking to reach small business decision makers.


Original Air Date: May 27, 2012
Photo: David DeCamillis (l) and James B. Fagan

Direct download: PODCASTS-052712-Segment3.mp3
Category:Awards -- posted at: 6:26pm MDT

Swingle: Boosting Colorado Property Values Since 1947 – Episode #31, Segment 2

John Peer, owner of High Plateau Truss, says that earning his customers trust has been one of the main ingredients that has allowed his Commerce City, Colorado-based business to weather the economic slump that has plagued the construction and remodeling industry since 2008.

“We don’t take our responsibility lightly,” Peer tells co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  “We do things that are very difficult and we do them well.”

Peer is the first guest on a special “Business of Home Improvement” edition of Business Unconventional.  He was also interviewed in Segment #1 of this week’s program.

Also on this segment is Tony Hahn, a landscape care consultant with Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care. Hahn discusses the role his company, established in 1947, plays in helping property owners enjoy their space and raise their homes’ value.  Swingle has locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Monument, Boulder, Castle Rock and, of course, Denver.

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Original Air Date: May 27, 2012
Photo: Tony Hahn, Swingle

Direct download: PODCASTS-052712-Segment2.mp3
Category:Home Improvement -- posted at: 5:56pm MDT

Business of Home Improvement – Episode #31, Segment 1

There is good money to be made helping homeowners spruce up their homes and boost their property values.  This week Business Unconventional examines ‘The Business of Home Improvement.’

Our first guest is John Peer, owner of High Plateau Truss, which has been serving satisfied contractors, builders and homeowners for more than 20 years.  Peer, who acquired the business in 2008, explains the important role trusses play in creating a unique roofline for custom homes; restoring an outdated or damaged home, and quality remodeling.

This is the first of a two-part interview with Peer

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

B. Unconventional is sponsored in part by Signal Butte Financial Corp., which provides individuals and businesses no-risk, proven methods to safely grow their wealth and wave goodbye to conventional banks and other lenders.  For more information, click here or phone David Biondo for a free, zero-obligation personal briefing.  His number is 303-800-6420.

Original Air Date: May 27, 2012
Photo: John Peer (l) and David Biondo

Direct download: PODCASTS-052712-Segment1.mp3
Category:Home Improvement -- posted at: 5:12pm MDT

$50K Cade Museum Prize for Creativity + Innovation – Episode #30, Segment 4

Dr. James Ehrlich, a nationally renowned preventative medicine expert based in Denver, leads a discussion with three distinguished guests: Dr. Suren Dutia, senior fellow at the Kauffman Foundation and the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Washington University in St. Louis; Richard Miles, vice president of the Cade Museum, and former North American director of the National Security Council; and Edward Currie, co-founder of PC Magazine.

Ehrlich, Dutia and Currie served as judges for this year’s Cade Museum Prize, a $50,000 cash award designed to promote creativity and innovation in the State of Florida.

Based in Gainesville, Florida, the Cade Museum aims to inspire creative thinking, future inventors and early entrepreneurs.  The museum is named for Dr. James Robert Cade, best known as the creator of Gatorade.  Dr. Cade was also an accomplished physician, musician and researcher.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

 

Original Air Date: May 20, 2012 

Direct download: 052012_BUnconventional_Segment-4B.mp3
Category:Charitable Partnerships -- posted at: 7:00am MDT

Meet the Winners (Part One): Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Awards – Episode #30, Segment 3

Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is the first of six winners of the 2012 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards to be featured as part of Business Unconventional’s media partnership with the Chamber.  ELK was this year’s recipent of the Chamber’s Small Non-Profit of the Year award.

Stacie Gilmore, executive director of ELK, joins Craig Murray, a spokesman for Sam’s Club, and Rob Rose, the Chamber’s engagement manager, discussing the honor.  Sam’s Club sponsored this specific awards category.

Ms. Gilmore and her husband started ELK in 1996 to help minority and underprivileged children learn about science, the environment, and career options.

The five other Chamber award winners will be featured on B. Unconventional in the weeks to come.

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. The program is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.

Innovative business owners and entrepreneurs who would like to share their stories with B. Unconventional listeners are invited to contact the program at: 303-800-6081.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those seeking to reach small business decision makers.

Original Air Date: May 20, 2012
Photo: (L-R): Rose, Gilmore and Murray

Direct download: 052012_BUnconventional_Segment-3.mp3
Category:Charitable Partnerships -- posted at: 6:30am MDT

Denver Zoo’s New Toyota Elephant Passage – Episode #30, Segment 2

Craig Piper, President and CEO of The Denver Zoo, discusses the many new trails that the Zoo is forging in environmental education and sustainability, thanks to support from Denver taxpayers, nonprofit foundations and area businesses.

Joining Mr. Piper are two Toyota dealers - Timothy Van Binsbergen of Mountain States Toyota and Brion Stapp of Stapp Interstate Toyota. Van Binsbergen and Stapp speak about their partnership with the Zoo and how all seven Denver-area Toyota dealers joined forces to help fund the new, $50 million Toyota Elephant Passage.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

This is the second of a two-part interview.

 

Original Air Date: May 20, 2012
Photo: (L-R) Van Binsbergen, Piper and Stapp

Direct download: 052012_BUnconventional_Segment-2.mp3
Category:Charitable Partnerships -- posted at: 6:00am MDT

Recognition for a Job Well Done – Episode #30, Segment 1

Celebrating the wonderful community contributions from a variety of local and national businesses and nonprofits, Business Unconventional dedicates each of its segments this week to the topic. Those highlighted include: The Denver Zoo; Denver-area Toyota dealers; the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce; Sam’s Club; Environmental Learning for Kids; and the Cade Museum in Florida.

On this first segment, co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart begin their conversation with Craig Piper, President and CEO of the Denver Zoo; Timothy Van Binsbergen of Mountain States Toyota; and Brion Stapp of Stapp Interstate Toyota.  Specifically, the show explores the partnerships behind the Zoo’s new $50 million Toyota Elephant Passage, scheduled to open on June 1, 2012. 

This is the first of a two-part interview.

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

B. Unconventional is sponsored in part by Signal Butte Financial Corp., which provides individuals and businesses no-risk, proven methods to safely grow their wealth and wave goodbye to conventional banks and other lenders.  For more information, click here or phone David Biondo for a free, zero-obligation personal briefing.  His number is 303-800-6420.

  

Original Air Date: May 20, 2012
Photo: Great Ape at The Denver Zoo

 

Rotbart, Biondo, Small Business, Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Professionals, Radio, Newsmagazines, KNUS

Direct download: 052012_BUnconventional_Segment-1.mp3
Category:Charitable Partnerships -- posted at: 8:41pm MDT

Dr. Arlen D. Meyers and Digital Health Innovation – Episode #29, Segment 4

Dr. Arlen D. Meyers, founder of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, returns to Business Unconventional to discuss his forthcoming book, The Life Science Innovation Roadmap: Getting Your Ideas to Market. Dr. Meyers was first a guest on our February 12, 2012 program.

In the words of one of B. Unconventional's producers, "Dr. Meyers may very well be 'The Most Interesting Man in the World.'"  Dr. Meyers is a Fulbright Scholar, a university professor with an MD and MBA, a serial entrepreneur, and a champion for health care innovation.  

On B. Unconventional, Dr. Meyers shares his vision for transforming Colorado into the Digital Health Capital of the World.  His mission is to speed health care innovation from concept to the patient bedside.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.  

Rotbart is managing editor of Medical Backbone and serves as the volunteer director of communications for SoPE.

Original Air Date:  May 13, 2012
Photo:  Dr. Arlen D. Meyers, SoPE 

Direct download: 051312_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Healthcare -- posted at: 8:19pm MDT

Denver Hospice and The Mask Project – Episode #29, Segment 3

Lynn Bronikowski, head of communications for The Denver Hospice and spokesperson for The 2012 Mask Project, discusses the history of the every-other-year fundraiser and the ways in which area businesses participate.

The Mask Project is one of the most innovative - and successful - charity fundraisers held in Colorado.  Begun in 1998, it has already raised more than $4 million and Bronikowski says the Denver Hospice hopes to add another $500,000 to the total this year.

On Saturday, May 12th, the Mask Project held its gala part at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Dependable Cleaners was the project's presenting sponsor.

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. The program is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.

Innovative business owners and entrepreneurs who would like to share their stories with B. Unconventional listeners are invited to contact the program at: 303-800-6081.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those seeking to reach small business decision makers.

 

Original Air Date: May 13, 2012 
Photo: Lynn Bronikowski, The Denver Hospice/Mask Project

Direct download: 051312_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10min.mp3
Category:Charitable Partnerships -- posted at: 8:13pm MDT

The Breast Cancer Survivor Marketplace – Episode #29, Segment 2

Alicia Vargo, owner of Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie and Pampered Passions Care Wear Boutique, continues her conversation about serving the breast cancer survivor marketplace and her commitment to supporting cancer-related charities.

Among the multiple charities that Alicia supports are the American Cancer Society and the AMC Cancer Fund.

Since Alicia last appeared as a guest on our Valentine’s Day edition, she has opened her first Pampered Passions Care Wear Boutique, located in Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver, at 2555 Downing Street.

This is the second of a two-part interview.

Also on this segment, Homer Hudson Hillis Jr., B. Unconventional's Certified Entrepreneur #1, shares his thoughts on the topic of customer acquistion.  Among his Homerisdom's:  "There is not a lot of competition on the second mile. So you just have got to go the second mile."

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Homer’s regular segments on B. Unconventional are sponsored in part by NewsBios.com – where you’ll find in-depth, unauthorized dossiers on more than 7,000 of the world’s most influential journalists.  Get to know the journalists who interview you better than their own newsroom colleagues know them.

Original Air Date: May 13, 2012
Photo: Alicia Vargo, Pampered Passions Care Wear

Direct download: 051312_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Retailing -- posted at: 8:10pm MDT

Care Wear for Breast Cancer Survivors – Episode #29, Segment 1

Business Unconventional welcomed Alicia Vargo back to our studios this week to discuss the important work that she and her team at Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie have been engaged in: retailing care wear for breast cancer survivors and other women following surgery.

Since Alicia appeared as a guest on our Valentine’s Day edition, she has opened her first Pampered Passions Care Wear Boutique, located in Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver, at 2555 Downing Street.

Alicia discusses her plans for other Pampered Passions Care Wear Boutiques, as well as her company’s involvement with several local cancer-related charities.

This is the first of a two-part interview.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

B. Unconventional is sponsored in part by Signal Butte Financial Corp., which provides individuals and businesses no-risk, proven methods to safely grow their wealth and wave goodbye to conventional banks and other lenders.  For more information, click here or phone David Biondo for a free, zero-obligation personal briefing.  His number is 303-800-6420.

Original Air Date: May 13, 2012
Photo: Interior of Pampered Passions Care Wear at Porter Adventist Hospital

Direct download: 051312_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3
Category:Retailing -- posted at: 8:02pm MDT

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream Succeeds by Sticking to its Neighborhood Roots – Episode #28, Segment 4

Since it first opened its doors in 1986, Bonie Brae Ice Cream has been a summertime “institution” for Coloradoans and their visiting friends and family.  Located in the Washington Park neighborhood at 799 S. University Boulevard, the parlor specializes not only in rich, creamy frozen treats, but in service and atmosphere that keeps satisfied customers coming back time and again, year in and year out – despite the (frequent) long lines.

Co-Owner Ken Simon brought along pints of his famous ice cream to share with students from The Denver Academy of Torah High School, who were in the studio to participate in Business Unconventional’s first annual “Business of Summer Fun” special edition.  In addition to being yummy, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream is also certified kosher.

Ken’s partners include his wife, Judy, who is the company’s award-winning “ice cream chef,” and Bob and Cindy Pailet.

Also on this segment, Ronda Hillis, co-owner of HHH Enterprises in Abilene, Texas, stands in for her husband Homer, B. Unconventional’s Certified Entrepreneur #1.  Ronda is a specialist in crafts – especially those featuring beads – and discusses opportunities to have fun and make money from crafts over the summer.  Homer and Ronda’s dog, Sugar Bell, is also featured – although not invited. 

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Homer’s weekly segments on B. Unconventional are sponsored in part by NewsBios.com – where you’ll find in-depth, unauthorized dossiers on more than 7,000 of the world’s most influential journalists.  Get to know the journalists who interview you better than their own newsroom colleagues know them.

 

Original Air Date: May 6, 2012
Photo: Students from The Denver Academy of Torah enjoying Bonnie Brae Ice Cream during taping on April 27, 2012.

Direct download: 050612_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Seasonal Business -- posted at: 12:25pm MDT

Colorado Symphony and its Summer Concert Series – Episode #28, Segment 3

Among the summertime rituals for many Colorado families are the Colorado Symphony’s outdoor performances at City Park, Civic Park and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Anthony Pierce, vice president of artistic administration for the Colorado Symphony, discusses “The Business of Summer Fun” with co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  The Symphony features an ensemble of 80 full-time musicians. 

Pierce previews the 2012 summer schedule, which this year will include a Symphony brass ensemble participating in pre-game festivities at Coors Field ahead of a Colorado Rockies baseball game.  The first Red Rock performance of the season will feature “The Music of John Williams and the Movies.”

Business Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Innovative business owners and entrepreneurs who would like to share their stories with B. Unconventional listeners are invited to contact the program at: 303-800-6081.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those seeking to reach small business decision makers.

 

Original Air Date: May 6, 2012
Photo: Anthony Pierce, Colorado Symphony

Direct download: 050612_BUnconventional_Segment3_10min.mp3
Category:Seasonal Business -- posted at: 11:55am MDT

When Jimi Hendrix and Led Zepplin Still Played Summer – Episode #28, Segment 2

It was the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and summer concerts at Mile High Stadium and Red Rocks Amphitheatre brought some of the greatest groups and individual performers ever to Colorado, including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, U2, Rolling Stones, Three Dog Night and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The man who made all that possible, Barry Fey, returns to Business Unconventional (his second visit) to recall some of the greatest summer events of his three-decade career, including the three-day Denver Pop Festival in June 1969, two months before Woodstock.

Also in the studio are students and faculty from The Denver Academy of Torah, who are participating in Business Unconventional’s first annual “Business of Summer Fun” special edition.

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com

Follow B. Unconventional on Twitter @BUnRadio and subscribe to our weekly listener’s newsletter here.  

Original Air Date: May 6, 2012
Photo: Legendary concert promoter Barry Fey

Direct download: 050612_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Seasonal Business -- posted at: 10:00pm MDT

The Business of Summer Fun – Episode #28, Segment 1

Students and faculty from The Denver Academy of Torah are in the studio as Business Unconventional presents its first annual “Business of Summer Fun” special edition. 

The segment begins with each of the students introducing themselves.  Guests include Dr. Juli Kramer and Mrs. Naomi Lev from the high school, and Colorado’s legendary rock concert producer, Barry Fey, author of Backstage Past.

Denver Academy of Torah is a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school committed to providing excellence in education in both general and Judaic studies. 

Business Unconventional is hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart and airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (Mountain Time).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

Biondo and Rotbart invite high school and middle school classes to visit the radio station during the show’s weekly taping.  For more information, phone: 303-800-6081.

B. Unconventional is sponsored in part by Signal Butte Financial Corp., which provides individuals and businesses no-risk, proven methods to safely grow their wealth and wave goodbye to conventional banks and other lenders.  For more information, click here or phone David Biondo for a free, zero-obligation personal briefing.  His number is 303-800-6420. 

Original Air Date: May 6, 2012
Photo: A student from Denver Academy of Torah at the April 27th taping. 

Direct download: 050612_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3
Category:Seasonal Business -- posted at: 11:31am MDT