Loveland & South, CO April 2026

Investing in What Lasts

There is a common way we think about investment, numbers, returns, portfolios, and plans for the future. And while those things matter, living in a community like ours reminds me that the most meaningful investments often look very different.

They look like time spent building a business that serves your neighbors. They look like showing up for local events, supporting the restaurant down the street, or mentoring someone who is just beginning their journey. They look like believing in a place and the people in it long before the results are visible.

In our surrounding communities, investment is woven into everyday life. It’s the entrepreneur who takes the risk to open their doors, the local leader who pours energy into improving our city, and the neighbor who simply chooses to care about what happens here.

But investment is also personal. It’s choosing to grow, to learn, and to become the kind of person who contributes something meaningful to the world around them. It’s the quiet decision to take care of your well-being, pursue an idea, or trust that your work has value.

The truth is that the strongest communities are built by people who invest in more than just outcomes; they invest in people, relationships, and possibilities.

This issue celebrates those investments. The ones made in businesses that strengthen our local economy, in people who believe in the future of this place, and in the everyday choices that shape the life we’re building together.

Because when we invest in our community, in ourselves, and in the work we care about, the return is something far greater than numbers. It’s a stronger, more connected place to call home.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adriana Karagozian, Dana Olson, and Shen Wu Tan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

E.T.C. Photography, Rialto Theater, Nick Searle with Searle Photography, Garland Green, Iván Díaz Photography, Andrew Johnson, Jason Van Vleet of Iconic Digital Studios

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

The Investment of Connection

How Andrew Johnson Is Building Powerful Networks That Help Northern Colorado's Small Businesses Grow, Thrive, and Stand Stronger Together

The Road to Opportunity

Taylor’s CDL Training Offers More than Certification, Empowering Students With Opportunity, Stability, and a Path Toward Financial Independence

The Rialto Theater

A Downtown Loveland Legacy Business Invested in Its Locals and Building Community

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Katy Delehoy of Ouzel Creative at Pinspiration in Loveland with Northern Colorado Community 2: Alicia Lewis of Layman Lewis Financial Group hosted a heartfelt tea party to honor widows and caregivers. 3: Poudre Valley REA sponsored basketball games between the Timnath Cubs and Wellington Eagles. 4: The Berthoud chamber hosted its annual gala at Grace Place. 5: Debbie was one of the winners of the Loveland Public Library's Adult Winter Reading Challenge. 6: Sharon Carlisle explained how atomic history shaped life through her exhibit at the Loveland Museum. 7: Debra Bradford with a bride right before she walked down the aisle

8: Community members participated in a workout class at Club Loveland at Orchards. 9: The Berthoud Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking event at SouthState Bank. 10: Noe Cantu of Wild Oats Sewing Company, in front of his store, which is undergoing transformation 11: Loveland & South Lifestyle owner, Desiree Gustafson, with guests at the 2026 NOCO prayer breakfast 12: Fathers and their daughters participated in the Daddy Doll Up event to support ChildSafe initiatives. 13: Participants networked at the Men's Hustle Hour February event.

business monthly

Bumble Bee Blinds Welcomes New Intern

Bumble Bee Blinds of Northern Colorado proudly welcomes CSU Interior Design and Architecture intern, Olivia. Bringing fresh creativity, technical knowledge, and a passion for thoughtful design, Olivia is already making a positive impact on the team and clients alike. Her enthusiasm for learning, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit align perfectly with Bumble Bee Blinds’ commitment to exceptional service and innovative window solutions. We’re excited to support her professional growth and look forward to the inspiration she brings to every project. - Bumble Bee Blinds

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PLUNJ Loveland Founding Members' Prices Have Arrived

Founders' rates are here. This is your opportunity to be part of PLUNJ from the very beginning — to shape the energy, the culture, and the community that will fill this space. Founders' memberships offer preferred pricing and early access as we prepare to open our doors in the coming weeks. It’s our way of honoring those who step in first and grow with us from day one. Limited availability. Details at this link: https://loveland.plunj.co/coming-soon/. Hot. Cold. Rest. Repeat. - PLUNJ Loveland

Club Loveland at Orchards Welcomes New Personal Trainer

Let’s give a warm welcome to the Club Loveland at Orchards’ new personal trainer, Yogi Johnson! Yogi has over 30 years of experience in health and fitness and played collegiate softball at Oregon State University and professionally in Bologna, Italy. “With a storied career of helping athletes become better, faster and stronger versions of themselves, we feel fortunate to have Yogi on the Club Loveland team,” Club Loveland at Orchards posted on social media.

Drive Toward a Career That Moves You Forward

HOW ANDREW JOHNSON IS BUILDING POWERFUL NETWORKS THAT HELP NORTHERN COLORADO’S SMALL BUSINESSES GROW, THRIVE, AND STAND STRONGER TOGETHER

THE INVESTMENT OF CONNECTION

In business, the word investment is often measured in dollars, spreadsheets, and quarterly returns. But for Andrew Johnson, owner of Business Networking Done Right and host of the podcast Connections That Matter, the truest investments are measured in something far less tangible — trust, loyalty, and the quiet power of people standing beside one another when it matters most. Ten years ago, Andrew stepped into his first networking group simply to help support a business. What he discovered instead was something deeper: a system of human connection that could

transform both businesses and communities. “It didn't matter if you were a blue state or red state, rural or urban, when you're helping each other in the community, people come together,” Andrew shares.

He was awarded the NOCO Network In Action Franchise and began launching new groups, an experience that cemented his belief that strong local businesses do not grow in isolation. They grow through alignment — not competition, but collaboration.

Andrew is a Colorado native, focused squarely on Northern Colorado. To him, the people who build businesses in this region are not just clients or colleagues. They are the backbone of the community, which is why he enjoys “helping business owners make business connections that matter.” Through Business Networking Done Right, Andrew builds structured professional communities designed to do one thing exceptionally well: connect the right businesses with the right people.

For many small business owners, “entrepreneurship can be lonely at times,” and the daily grind of building a company can feel like a solitary climb. Networking changes that dynamic. When people gather with intention, doors open — not only for business opportunities, but for people to “open up to have authentic, real conversations.”

“WHEN I NEEDED MY NETWORK, IT WAS THERE FOR ME, AND NOW I CAN PROVIDE THAT FOR OTHERS.”

Years ago, his wife, Sarah, was involved in a devastating car accident that dramatically altered their daily lives. As she struggled through recovery, the network Andrew had built around himself quietly stepped in. These connections helped with insurance questions, arranged massages, provided rides, and offered support in ways that went far beyond business transactions.

“When I needed my network, it was there for me, and now I can provide that for others.”

Today, Business Networking Done Right is built on the idea that a strong network becomes a support system — not just for business growth, but for life itself. Andrew’s company currently hosts professional networking groups throughout Northern Colorado, including Loveland, Longmont, Windsor, Fort Collins, and Lafayette. In 2025 alone, the organization added more than 130 members and continues to grow rapidly.

Unlike traditional volunteer-based networking groups, Johnson’s model keeps the structure simple and focused. Members show up, represent their companies, and connect with others. That’s it. No committees. No extra obligations. Just professionals committed to building meaningful relationships.

Andrew sees networking as one of the most leveraged uses of marketing dollars available to small businesses. Members invest their time in relationships where referrals are vetted through trust and real business experience, saving the business owners time and improving their close rates.

For Andrew, networking is both tactical and strategic. His groups focus on professional referrals, joint marketing opportunities, and he describes himself as someone “passionate about getting people into clarity.”

Aside from the business structure, Andrew also encourages something deeper: loyalty. “You can be a resource to people, but you can't always be there.” That philosophy drives the culture within his groups. When business owners refer each other, they are not simply passing along a name. They are standing behind someone they trust. They are building alliances.

Andrew’s commitment to service extends well beyond business networking. He is actively involved with the Loveland community and contributes to charitable organizations, including Daddy Dollar Doll Up, which supports ChildSafe initiatives. Each year, his company organizes a major charitable effort while individual networking groups host their own local initiatives.

His podcast, Connections That Matter, highlights stories of successful referral partnerships and the relationships behind them. The goal is simple. Share the stories of connection that often go unseen, but shape local economies in powerful ways. One of the earliest believers in Andrew’s vision was Zach Karre of A Plus Heating & AC. When Andrew was just starting out with only ten members in his group, Karre took a chance and joined.

That investment has paid off.

In the past year alone, Karre saw a significant ROI and was recognized as a rising young business leader — a testimony to the power of referral networks.

Andrew’s long-term vision is clear: “to actively build the most dynamic networking group in Colorado.” That momentum has already begun.

In 2024, he finished as Rookie of the Year for Network in Action Franchisees and finished 2025 as the top Network in Action Franchisee globally. But even with that achievement, Andrew continues to focus on his mission for his company: to be “a champion of the small business community.”

His guiding principle — what he calls his North Star — remains simple, “help my business community win.”

In the end, Andrew believes the strongest investment a business owner can make is not in advertising budgets or marketing trends. It is in people, in community, and in the quiet strength of relationships that stand the test of time.

Taylor’s CDL Training Offers More than Certification, Empowering Students With Opportunity, Stability, and a Path Toward Financial Independence

The Road to Opportunity

Northern Colorado native Mark Taylor invests in our community in a unique and innovative way. As the CEO of Taylor’s CDL Training, he creates realistic, accessible pathways for individuals to transform their financial future in a matter of weeks, without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Mark recognizes trucking as a crucial pillar of the blue-collar industries that are the backbone of our country. Nearly everything we rely on in our day-to-day lives was transported by truck during some point along its journey. His respect for this sector of the workforce fueled his passion to create a more personal, and intentional space for people to invest in their future. With small class sizes, real hands-on training, and an exceptionally personalized approach, Mark prioritizes the relationships that are built along the way over the price tag. By cultivating confidence and stability in his students as they earn their CDL, he helps create a stronger future for them and their families right here in our community.

The personalization that Mark brings to each teaching experience sets Taylor’s CDL Training apart from other CDL programs. By providing each student with his personal phone number, they are equipped with a professional driver literally in their back pocket - Mark is only a phone call or text message away. If questions arise related to a job they are on, Mark invites them to reach out and provides on-thespot guidance.

“Drive Your Future Forward,” words that headline his website, serve as both his guiding principle and an invitation for students. They represent momentum, accountability, and ownership as Mark moves forward alongside his students, going beyond just earning a CDL and into reshaping their trajectory to help them step into a future they choose.

Many are unaware of the doors that are opened with a CDL certification that go beyond driving alone, with varied avenues across agricultural, energy, and construction to name a few. Mark notes that linemen apprentices, in particular, are often not even considered for hire without a Class A CDL.

Taylor’s CDL Training offers courses up to four weeks in length, but it is also the only school in Colorado approved by the Department of Private Occupational Schools and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer a one-week program. Mark fought for and ultimately pioneered this accelerated option for individuals who already possess hands-on driving experience but need formal certification to expand their opportunities.

For example, many in agriculture operate trucks and trailers under specialized vehicle registrations known as farm plates, allowing them to drive for farm-related work without a CDL. Because these individuals often bring years of real-world experience maneuvering large equipment, a traditional four-week course may exceed what they need.

The one-week program is designed with that reality in mind. Students must meet specific prerequisites, including holding a CDL learner’s permit for at least 30 days and completing 40 hours of supervised driving with a licensed CDL holder. With those foundational skills already in place, Mark focuses on refining technique, preparing students for inspection standards, and guiding them toward successful certification.

Mark is grateful to be part of the Northern Colorado community. As a business owner, he appreciates the growth this region is experiencing and is thankful for the trust placed in his school by students. As a thank-you - and as a testament to Mark’s desire to help - Taylor’s CDL Training is offering a coupon for $500 off any course to those who mention seeing their ad in City Lifestyle magazine, just another way Taylor’s CDL Training continues to invest in our thriving community.

To “unlock your road to success" be sure to check out all that Taylor’s CDL Training has to offer at www.taylorscdltraining.com , call 720340-9386, or email info@taylorscdltraining.com. Mark, along with his expert instructors, Blu Cantu and Chris Wombolt, will be happy to support you every step of the way.

THE RIALTO THEATER

A Downtown Loveland Legacy Business Invested in Its Locals and Building Community

ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY, RIALTO THEATER

“Places, people!”

A stage manager, poised with authority, instructs performers and crew to get settled in their opening positions right before a theater show begins.

“Cultural institutions are often a point of pride for people who live in that community.”

It’s a beloved phrase that’s likely been called out time and time again over the years at the City of Loveland’s Rialto Theater, a legacy business and staple of the arts and entertainment culture in downtown Loveland.

“Cultural institutions are often a point of pride for people who live in that community,” says Joe Patti, the Rialto Theater’s manager. “Having the museum, having the public art, having the theater is the type of thing that draws employers to communities like Loveland because there is that quality of life.”

“The theater is actually part of the City of Loveland’s cultural services,” he continues. “So, there is obviously a focus on serving the citizens.”

Intentional about its programming, the Rialto Theater staff aims to provide a wide range of experiences that appeal to different audiences. For

instance, the theater hosts a mix of themed events in conjunction with the Loveland Museum, including Day of the Dead programming, a manga exhibit, and a Hawaiian artist, to name a few.

Aside from hosting various performances and workshops, the Rialto Theater serves as a resource to the community through rentals. The theater is rented out for shows, celebrations of life and other community events, concerts, showcases, movie screenings, and more.

With a history that spans more than a century in Loveland, the Rialto Theater actually opened its doors as a silent movie theater on May 26, 1920. For its opening day, the theater featured the silent film “Riders of the Dawn” based on Zane Grey’s “The Desert of Wheat” novel and the comedy “Dew Drop Inn” as second billing. Designed by architect Robert CONTINUED >

K. Fuller and built by Bank of Loveland president William C. Vorreiter, construction for the Rialto Theater started in 1919.

When it first opened, the theater could seat 1,014 people. The Rialto Theater also boasted a large enough seating area and stage to accommodate traveling vaudeville shows and meeting spaces for graduations and recitals.

In 1935, Gibraltar Enterprises, Inc. obtained ownership of the Rialto, shifting from silent films to movies with audible dialogue. Additionally, the theater underwent its first renovation, swapping out wooden benches for 700 upholstered chairs and installing a cooling system and new chandeliers. Gibraltar hired Ted Thompson as the theater manager around this time.

In 1977, the theater hosted its last screening as a movie theater, airing Disney’s “The Rescuers.” The Rialto was then converted into a retail mall and eventually shuttered. In 1987, Loveland’s Downtown Authority Development purchased the building, and the restoration process began in 1989 with the help of volunteers. In between this, the Rialto Theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the same year the downtown authority handed theater operations over to the City of Loveland.

Today, the Rialto Theater can seat around 450 people and has additional ADA-compliant seating. It’s furnished with state-of-the-art light and sound equipment and modern dressing rooms for performers and backed by a team of over 100 volunteers.

While the Rialto Theater has undergone a few makeovers over the years, its ultimate mission has remained the same from when it first opened: to offer programming that connects with the community.

“The first thought is, is this something that will stimulate and connect with the community, serve the needs of the community, offer a good time with family and friends, or create a moment of silence and reflection, or provide learning and education?” Joe reflects. “That is the driving motivation.”

“The focus is trying to have an accessible experience for everybody from the community, so people have the opportunity hopefully to participate in activities.”

The City of Loveland is not only investing in its local residents and artists through theater programming, but it’s also investing in upgrading the Rialto Theater as well.

Due to construction in downtown Loveland, the freestanding marquee had to be taken down. However, staff are working on setting up a digital marquee in early to late fall of this year if possible, according to Joe. Down the line, they are also considering upgrading the technology in the reception area to install more theatrical lighting on a grid that can be used more frequently and easily for performances.

Progress has already been made in upgrading the Rialto Theater this year. In February, a

replica of the original neon Rialto sign was hung up on the back side of the theater’s building, just in time for Loveland’s Sweetheart Festival.

Looking ahead this year, the movie series and summer concerts at the Rialto Theater will be announced around April. Meanwhile, the 20262027 performance series will be announced around the end of June or in early July.

“Really, the focus is trying to have an accessible experience for everybody from the community, so people have the opportunity hopefully to participate in activities,” Joe shares, noting that arts and culture create a relatability of shared experiences and a sense of belonging among community members.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

APRIL 1ST

Laugh & Mingle

Avenida at Centerra, 3903 E. 15th St., Loveland, CO 80538 | 5:00 PM

Get ready for a night of laughs, great conversation, and delicious eats! Enjoy a comedy show with hot jokes and even hotter vibes, while savoring fresh wood-fired pizza from Woody’s. Connect with friends old and new for a perfect mix of fun, food, and unforgettable memories! - Avenida at Centerra 55+ Active Adult Community

APRIL 4TH

18th Annual NoCo Easter Keg Hunt

Backyard Tap, 323 N. Railroad Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 1:00 PM

BIG DEAL Company's NoCo Easter Keg Hunt is an annual event that keeps adults young! The Easter Keg Hunt is a wild and crazy scavenger hunt that takes place in downtown Loveland, Colorado. It is the perfect marriage between a road rally, the Beast Games, and a bar crawl! - BIG DEAL Company

APRIL 7TH

Tuesday Bingo at Big Thompson Brewery

Big Thompson Brewery, 114 E. 15th St., Loveland, CO 80538 | 6:30 PM

Come in for Brewery Bingo at 6:30 every Tuesday night at the Big Thompson Brewery. Play six rounds of bingo. Win a round and grab a prize! It is free to play. Join us for a fun evening! - Big Thompson Brewery

APRIL 8TH

NOCO Networking | NIA Luminaries Monthly Meeting

Loveland Downtown District, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 4:30 PM

Build relationships, generate referrals, and grow professionally with Northern Colorado's best! - Business Networking Done Right

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APRIL 17TH

Hope Blooms

House of Neighborly Service, 1511 E. 11th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 6:30 PM

Hope Blooms is more than a spring celebration—it's a movement of caring neighbors coming together to support food, clothing, and crisis relief for local people in need. Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, for an inspiring evening featuring a runway show, shopping, community stories, and the chance to make a real difference. - House of Neighborly Service

APRIL 17TH

17th Annual Berthoud Bash – Twist & Shout!

Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., Loveland, CO 80538 | 6:00 PM

Break out the poodle skirts and saddle shoes and join us for a 1950s sock hop–themed night of fun—all for a great cause! Enjoy dinner, dancing, and exciting live & silent auctions while helping support our local schools. Twist, jive, and rock the night away with friends and neighbors as we come together to make a difference for our students. - Berthoud Schools Fund

APRIL 18TH

McCarty-Fickel Spring & Summer Tours

McCarty-Fickel Home, 645 7th St., Berthoud, CO 80537 | 10:00 AM

Join us Saturday, April 18th for a special open house at the McCarty-Fickel Home Museum, where history comes alive with free guided tours of one of Berthoud’s most iconic historic homes! Wander through elegant early 20th-century rooms, learn about the influential McCarty and Fickel families, and discover the fascinating story of Berthoud’s medical and civic heritage. - Berthoud Historical Society

APRIL 25TH

The NOCO Half Marathon & 10K

Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. County Rd. 11c, Loveland, CO 80538 | 7:00 AM

Spring is the season of renewal and running. We hope you join us for a fun adventure that embodies the spirit of springtime at the beautiful Boyd Lake State Park! Beautiful lake & wildlife views and fun post-race festivities. Enjoy post-race pancakes & local craft beer when you cross the finish line! - Breakaway Athletic Events