A lifetime of involvement with a focus on results in a variety of businesses both big and small. Bethany’s love of everything business comes from growing up and participating in her family’s businesses. After earning a degree in accounting, Bethany spent five years as an auditor in public accounting and two years in corporate accounting overseeing mergers and acquisitions. She has taught at Pikes Peak Community College. She was on the board of the Nation’s largest freestanding birth center as well as a local Humane Society. She is currently a director on the board of Education Reenvisioned.

Fractional CFO with a passion for enabling the growth or scaling journey of small businesses.  Work across a variety of industries and also enjoy mentoring start up founders.  Over 40 years in the Finance and Accounting Industry.  Personal interests include family with 3 children, international travel, local foodie and 33 marathons and counting.

Eric Brenner is the Owner and Executive Chef of Red Gravy, bringing decades of culinary experience rooted in his early training in St. Louis’ renowned Italian neighborhood, The Hill. He rose quickly in the industry, earning his first chef role at just 23 before refining his craft through formal culinary education and a prestigious apprenticeship at the St. Louis Country Club, where he mastered classic French techniques. Brenner went on to hold key leadership roles at elite establishments including The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis and Truffles, blending Italian and French influences into his signature style. As an accomplished restaurateur, he launched multiple successful concepts, including MOXY Contemporary Bistro, and earned national recognition through accolades like “Chef of the Year” and a win on Guy’s Grocery Games. Beyond the kitchen, he has consulted for restaurants and brands nationwide, developing concepts, systems, and product lines that drive sustainable growth. Since opening Red Gravy in 2016, Brenner has focused on delivering exceptional Italian cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and a standout dining experience in downtown Colorado Springs.

Jason W. Gust is a Colorado Springs–based chef, restaurateur, and hospitality consultant whose career spans more than three decades in the culinary industry. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he relocated to Colorado Springs in 1995, where he quickly rose through the ranks at The Ritz Grill from dishwasher to Executive Chef. After graduating with honors from the Western Culinary Institute, he continued to build an impressive résumé, holding leadership roles with Hilton properties before founding Ascent Restaurant Group. As President and Chef, he has developed and operated multiple acclaimed concepts while also consulting on notable regional projects. Gust is widely recognized for his competitive achievements, media appearances, and contributions to the culinary community, including guest chef roles at the James Beard House. Beyond the kitchen, he is actively involved in professional organizations, education, and charitable efforts throughout Southern Colorado. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys golf, snowboarding, climbing, and travel, all of which influence his dynamic culinary perspective.

Jonathan “JB” Bolton is an executive advisor, leadership coach, and founder of Bolton Co., a leadership development company based in the Pikes Peak region. With over 20 years of experience, JB has helped build and scale organizations from startup through $25M in annual recurring revenue, most notably during his time as a senior executive at BombBomb. Today, he partners with business owners and leaders to bring clarity to their strategy, strengthen their teams, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Matthew Schniper is the independent journalist behind Side Dish with Schniper, a weekly food and drink newsletter focused on the Pikes Peak Region. He spent 10 years in the hospitality industry before joining the Colorado Springs Independent editorial team in 2004. He served as an arts and culture editor and food and drink editor as well as in the head editor role for several years. Side Dish was born in early 2023 to continue that career. Matthew has won many awards for his writing and been featured widely by other local and regional media entities. He appears on a monthly KRCC/Colorado Public Radio segment and regularly co-hosts and offers guest commentary on other local podcasts.

Rebecca is an imperfect human, just like you, with a passion for creating more human-friendly workplaces to drive effective organizations and a thriving world. After three decades of business experience in start-ups, mid-sized, and Fortune 100 organizations, Rebecca launched Regenerative Workplaces in 2023. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, an ICF Accredited Executive Coach (ACC), a trauma-informed yoga instructor, and a human behavior junkie with a master’s degree in organizational leadership, she brings a unique approach to speaking, coaching and consulting that blends business acumen with mindfulness, and human behavior science. In times of rapid, complex change and uncertainty, Rebecca believes a leader’s superpower isn’t pushing harder – it’s slowing down, breathing, and stepping into alignment. She is known for creating space for people to feel deeply seen, heard and valued and for helping companies do the same for their employees.

Rocio “Chio” D. Scott is an Assistant Vice President and Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank, bringing over a decade of experience supporting business owners through every stage of growth. She specializes in helping businesses understand cash flow, operating cycles, and working capital needs to strengthen day-to-day operations and prepare for expansion. Chio takes a practical, big-picture approach—evaluating how revenue, expenses, and timing impact overall financial health and financing readiness. By analyzing each business holistically, she develops tailored capital strategies that align with both immediate priorities and long-term goals. As a bilingual advisor, she ensures business owners receive clear, accessible guidance to make confident financial decisions. Her focus is simple and effective: connect entrepreneurs with the right tools, resources, and capital to build resilient, sustainable businesses.