Metaphorically Speaking

In this episode, Metaphorically Speaking hosts Joe Dudeck and Shannon Jirik reminisce on the podcast's inception and evolution over nearly three years, including the show's inaugural seasons on sharing your small business story and experiencing fear in life and work and the interim "COS in COVID" series. Mostly, they wind down the year by sharing memories, notable moments, and laughs from a collection of their favorite interviews with local Colorado Springs small business owners or entrepreneurs. Listen to the best of COS recap and visit the episode library to enjoy the whole collection of inspiring stories.

Alicia Klausmeier is the founder and president of Dream Accounting Solutions, a full service bookkeeping firm in Colorado Springs. With a passion for serving small business owners, the Dream team also provides process and payroll management, one-on-one support, and training. In this episode, Alicia shares how her entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving mentality led her to address a major stressor for small business owners: money management and cash flow. Listen to our conversation to hear how one woman’s dream allows so many others to realize theirs. For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library.

Daniel Byrd is the executive director of Kids on Bikes, a non-profit organization bringing joy and freedom to kids and families in the Colorado Springs community “one bike, one ride, and one mile at a time.” With a mission to inspire and empower all kids to lead healthy, active, and happy lives, Kids on Bikes sets out to combat childhood obesity, encourage friendships and wellness, and foster a love for the outdoors by providing access to bikes, education, and cycling opportunities. In this episode, Daniel talks all things kids, including growing up in Colorado Springs, working with homeless youth, and applying his background as a coach, counselor, and social worker to his current role. Listen to our conversation for a fresh perspective on the power of pedaling. For more inspiring stories, visit our full library.

Lauren McKenzie is the owner of REN Creativ, a Colorado Springs creative studio that offers branding, web design, and photography services. Armed with "contagious creativity and boundless originality," Lauren's stamp can be found in bars, breweries, and other small businesses across the local landscape.      In this episode, hear how Lauren's journey of self-discovery led her to become a brand champion for the little guys. Listen to our conversation for talks on following your gut, being a female business owner, and finding your own definition of success. For more local entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library. 

Nikki McComsey is the founder of Gather Mountain Blooms, an urban flower farm on the historic Venetucci Farm in Colorado Springs. Together with her sisters, Leah Remacle and Abby Remacle, a mission to "promote community, creativity and healing in a field of beautiful flowers" is cultivated. Nature lovers can flock to the farm to pick fresh blooms, purchase bouquets and vintage goods, or enjoy a private event. In this episode, hear how a life-changing concussion and COVID quarantine sparked the start of this sister-owned business. Listen to our conversation for a reminder to stop and smell the sunflowers. For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories, visit our full library.

Lisa Tsarowitz is the founder and owner of Epicentral Coworking, a shared space for working nomads, including freelancers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and commuters. With two locations in Colorado Springs, members can access meeting rooms, private offices, and a range of amenities. At Epicentral, "Work Hard, Do Good" means more than sitting at a desk for the day; it's a challenge for do'ers and thinkers to become change makers.  In this episode, hear why Lisa felt Colorado Springs was lacking energy around entrepreneurship and what inspired her to meet a need for community through coworking.  Listen to our conversation for a reminder that collaboration is a powerful conduit to creation. For more encouraging stories, visit our full library of interviews. 

Timothy (T.H.) Gillis is a managing partner at KPMG accounting firm in Washington D.C. and a two-time self-published poet. Despite a successful professional career in accounting and tax law, Tim sought an outlet for self-discovery, mindfulness, and contemplation, eventually trying his hand at poetry as a way to process life and preserve experiences. In this episode, Tim discusses his latest book, Eyesight: What I Saw, and shares how poetry has become central to his personal and professional well-being — encouraging listeners to step into a space of vulnerability and transparency and attempt the discipline for themselves. Listen to our conversation for a meaningful reminder to seize big and small moments, inhale your surroundings, and find joy in everything. For more inspiring stories, visit our full library of interviews.

Architect Scott Schuster and Interior Designer Courtney Wilson are partners at Echo Architecture + Interiors, a design studio based in Colorado Springs. Echo is in the art of telling stories through design — creating timeless, yet unexpected, spaces that enrich the community, embody local culture, and emphasize sustainability. That mission comes to life through new constructions, renovations, and custom design projects for life, work, and play.    In this episode, hear how the designers at Echo have played a hands-on role in cultivating the Colorado Springs community and shaping the local landscape through intentional and inspirational design.    Listen to our conversation for an intimate look at architecture that goes beyond the brick and mortar. For more impactful stories, visit our full library of interviews.

Bobby and Brooke Mikulas are the founders and owners of Kinship Landing, a boutique hotel, cafe/bar, and event space in downtown Colorado Springs. "Built with exploring in mind," Kinship Landing is more than just a place to spend the night. Acting as a personalized resource hub for both tourists and townies, the Kinship Landing team provides recommendations for how to experience the Springs like a local through craft dining, culture, recreational activities, and more. In this episode, discover the journey that led this husband/wife team toward a livelihood of hospitality, from family values instilled at birth to a life-changing trip around the world. Listen to our conversation for a meaningful perspective on belonging and being a good neighbor. For more local entrepreneurial interviews, visit our full library. 

Gayla Bustos and Brittany Winn are the real estate agents behind Property Mommies, a team serving homebuyers and military families in the Colorado Springs area. Together, they strive to create a positive, transparent, and stress-free experience for clients as they settle them into their dream homes. In this episode, get a glimpse into what makes this best-friend team unique, including juggling roles as professionals, mothers, and military wives and seeing how their personal stories allow them to serve their clients well.  Listen to our conversation to enjoy a dose of personality and vulnerability from the Property Mommies. For more inspiring stories, visit our full library of interviews.