Demystifying Business Success

Summer Cohort Information

The Fort Collins Area Chamber & Journey Payroll brings you a four-part cohort providing value to businesses through solutions, strategies on payroll, HR & culture, business taxes, and bookkeeping. Sessions are on the second Thursday of the month from June to September. Registration ensures admission to all four sessions with lunch provided. And the cohort is capped at 50.

The day of the workshop educational session and Q&A will take place from 9:00 am-noon with Lunch and networking to follow until 1:00 pm.

Session dates, topics and locations are:

June 12 – Financial Literacy & Wellness In Business with Becky Ezzell, Keep Smart Books, and Ian Nelson, R.L. Farmer Strategies

Location: Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce | 225 S. Meldrum St., Fort Collins, CO 80521

Session Description – This session on Financial Literacy & Wellness for Businesses provides small business owners with essential financial knowledge and practical tools to improve their financial health. Participants will learn to analyze their Balance Sheet, P&L, and Cash Flow, recognize common financial pitfalls, and implement behavioral cash flow management strategies like Profit First. The discussion covers cash flow analysis, leveraging bookkeeping for success, and key financial ratios, with interactive exercises to reinforce learning. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to enhance cash flow, financial organization, and overall business sustainability. This session on Business Capital Planning breaks down how to turn cash flow into long-term growth by making smart, tax-efficient decisions about investing in people, places, or products. Learn how to align your capital with your vision and avoid costly missteps as you scale.

Presenters

Becky Ezzell

• Founder and owner of Keep Smart Books, Becky began her career in the insurance and legal services industries, where she gained a deep understanding of the “bottom line.” Beyond running Keep Smart Books, Becky is a passionate educator and speaker on small business bookkeeping, accounting, and finance. She leads workshops, trainings, and keynotes designed to help business owners overcome financial obstacles, take control of their numbers, and build thriving, sustainable businesses. Through her work, she empowers entrepreneurs and individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Becky’s commitment to education extends to Keep Smart Books Academy, where she provides certificate-based bookkeeping and payroll courses. Designed for aspiring bookkeepers, small business owners, and office managers, the academy equips students with real-world financial skills, giving them the confidence to manage business finances effectively. Becky is a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor and holds an Advanced QuickBooks Certification.

Ian Nelson

• Ian helps successful individuals, families, and business owners turn their success into significance. Specializing in business exits, career transitions, succession, and liquidity events. He guides clients through complex transitions with clarity, strategy, and tax efficiency. Backed by deep experience and a powerful network, Ian ensures every move protects wealth, preserves legacy, and creates a lasting impact.  

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July 10 – Business Taxes and Strategies

Location: Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce | 225 S. Meldrum St., Fort Collins, CO 80521

Session Description – Join three leading CPAs from Soukup, Bush & Associates for a practical, no-fluff session that demystifies survival tax strategy for business owners. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of foundational tax principles and common pitfalls to avoid, along with how smart planning can save both time and money as your business grows.

Presenters

Nicole M. Bristow

• Nicole’s expertise includes detailed tax planning, compliance, 1031 exchanges, estates, and trusts. She has a vast knowledge of tax law and has the ability to research and interpret tax law to benefit her clients. She enjoys working alongside business owners and individuals to assist with tax planning and estate planning.

Haleigh L. Gonzalez

• Haleigh specializes in the firm’s tax practice focusing on complex partnerships, commercial real estate investments, and high net worth clients. Haleigh has established herself with the firm in business development and manages the firm’s cost segregation studies, which is critical for the firm’s many real estate investment clients. Committed to adding value to Colorado’s business community, she is actively engaged in community and nonprofit organizations.

Trevor Neill

• Trevor works in the firm’s tax practice with a focus on the real estate industry. This includes real estate investors, real estate developers and homebuilders. He also helps manage the firm’s cost segregation studies. In addition to the real estate industry, Trevor works operating entities in several different industries and high net worth individuals.

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August 14 – Payroll Standards & Expectations with Kevin Welch, Ashlee Faulkner and Nima Mousavizadeh, Journey Payroll & HR

Location: Journey Payroll & HR | 3351 Eastbrook Dr., Unit 3, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Session Sescription – Join us for an essential workshop where Journey Payroll and HR will equip business owners with the knowledge and strategies needed for effective payroll tax management and service. This engaging session will cover critical insights into essential payroll expectations, expel common payroll service myths and equip business owners with essential knowledge regarding business owner expectations and payroll tax management functionality. In addition, an experienced business lawyer will share key legal considerations for Colorado business owners to help safeguard and ensure regulatory adherence. This workshop will provide practical tools and expert guidance to improve business operations.

Presenters

Kevin Welch

• Kevin Welch is the CEO of Journey Payroll and HR, leading the company with a strategic vision that drives innovation and growth. He has a deep understanding of payroll service excellence, which has been critical in shaping the company’s industry-leading solutions. Under his guidance, Journey Payroll and HR has expanded its portfolio and strengthened its reputation for reliability and quality service. Kevin is known for his commitment to customer success and his ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. His leadership continues to set the tone for excellence and positions the company at the forefront of the payroll and HR industry.

Ashlee Faulkner

• As second in command, Ashlee Faulkner, Journey Payroll and HR’s Chief Heart Officer brings a strong background in payroll management and exceptional client service. Being in leadership for over 10 years Ashlee plays a pivotal role in fostering client relationships and driving operational excellence. Her innovative approach and commitment to quality ensure that our solutions remain effective and industry-leading.

Nima Mousavizadeh

• Nima serves as the V.P. of Colorado Business Engagement at Journey Payroll and HR. He brings extensive expertise in payroll tax management solutions and related consultation. Nima is dedicated to optimizing business operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. He is known for his client-focused approach and innovative strategies that drive efficiency and growth. His leadership reinforces his commitment to delivering exceptional, tailored solutions in a competitive industry.

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September 11 – HR & Culture with Heather Bohlinger,  Fiorii Coaching and Consulting, and Ridge Overholt, Express Employment Professionals

Location: Journey Payroll & HR | 3351 Eastbrook Dr., Unit 3, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Session Description – Dive into the hiring processes and procedures used by organizations with a history of strong culture dynamics that provide robust profitability and effectiveness within their teams. How to create exceptional workplace culture from the top down, and understand how hiring for culture can create stronger team dynamics, quicker profitability from new hires, and less culture maintenance in your organization.

Presenters

Heather Bohlinger

• Heather is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach with over 25 years of experience and the powerhouse behind Fiorii Coaching and Consulting. She partners with executive leaders, teams, and business owners ready to break through plateaus and scale with intention. With bold strategy, sharp insight, and a holistic approach to success, Heather helps take businesses from good to great—and leaders from competent to truly exceptional.

Ridge Overholt   

• Ridge has been the Franchisee for Express Employment Professionals in Fort Collins, CO, since 2020, helping businesses of all sizes streamline recruiting to align with their goals and culture. He also serves on the Executive Team for the Larimer County Workforce and Economic Development Board, Co-Chairs the Placement Committee for BUILT NOCO, and is a member of the LLAC for the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.