Uncategorized

John Kyle

John Kyle is a Business Banker in Colorado Springs, CO. For over a decade, his work has been focused on coaching and connecting businesses and business owners with information, resources and solutions that allow them to achieve and exceed their business goals. Aside from being a Banking Professional, John is an accomplished Martial Artist. He began his training back in 1982, was a champion kickboxer, owned 3 successful martial arts schools and earned the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. John also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Finance and is a Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRMCP). He resides in Colorado Springs with his wife Mary and their four rescue dogs: Daphne, Scrappy, Bailey and Wally.

John Kyle Read More »

Shane Sherman

Shane Sherman is the president of 18 Sierra Financial, a private business lending and financial consulting firm. After aiding businesses at the start of the Covid pandemic, he continued to raise capital through 18 Sierra which is invested into business across Colorado.

Prior to his current role, he was a senior leader at Danaher, a fortune 150 firm where he led one of Danaher’s business units to double-digit growth, including assisting merger and acquisition efforts. Prior to his time at Danaher, he co-founded a leadership development startup that trained NFL players and coaches.

His career started in the U.S. military serving as an Army Green Beret, with most of his career at Ft. Carson, Colorado Springs. He conducted multiple global deployments where he led fellow Green Berets and Allied soldiers. Shane has received numerous military awards for his valor on the battlefield.

Shane currently serves on the Pikes Peak Hospice Board of Trustees and Colorado Springs Leadership Institute. He is an adjunct faculty at UCCS, a Colorado Governor’s Fellow, an SBDC consultant and was a committee member for Exponential Impact providing businesses with bridge loans during the Covid-19 outbreak. Shane received his bachelor of science in economics at Santa Clara University and his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Shane Sherman Read More »

JoAnn Schmitz, Esq.

JoAnn Schmitz founded her first law firm, Schmitz Law Firm, in 2002. In 2012, Paul Lewis joined her to form Schmitz Lewis, PC, a regional law firm focused on corporate clients. In 2014, the law firm expanded again and invited Michael Kuhn and Andrew Swan to join as shareholders forming Schmitz | Lewis | Kuhn | Swan PC. Before beginning the practice of law, JoAnn was employed for 18 years with two high-tech Fortune 100 companies in numerous roles encompassing product management, marketing, operations, executive speech writing, manufacturing, purchasing, and human resources for leading edge technology products. During her last year of law school, JoAnn worked on the Compaq/HP merger analyzing their respective computer storage business units. 

JoAnn has represented numerous companies from single person start-ups to multi-million dollar privately-held entities. Her present practice emphasizes general counsel, contracts, commercial and IP litigation, capitalization, business formation and owner agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and IP protection and licensing – particularly software licensing. JoAnn knows that it is critical for the economic vitality of Colorado Springs to create a business-friendly environment and currently volunteers her time as a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board Member and Consultant.

Consulting Expertise Includes:

  • Business Litigation
  • Franchising
  • Legal Contracts
  • Legal Issues
  • Non-Profits & B-Corps
  • Business Insurance
  • Business Planning
  • Entity Formation
  • Business Acquisition
  • Ownership Agreements (Bylaws, Shareholder, Operating)

JoAnn Schmitz, Esq. Read More »

Heather McBroom

My professional experience has included 20 years in the insurance industry; 15 years in the legal industry; and over 20 years of business management in various industries, including construction management; as well as 15 years of bookkeeping and payroll experience.  I specialize in Commercial Insurance, representing over 30 of todays top rated insurance carriers.  I protect your most important investment by analyzing and protecting your risks appropriate while finding affordable solutions.

My educational background includes computer operations, business management, and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work at CSU-Pueblo. A history in the social work industry drives my passion for helping others thrive, both professionally and personally. My contributions to our local populace shows through my commitment to community volunteerism and making sure that my clients receive exemplary service, and doing whatever it takes to help them achieve success. My business is your business!

I am blessed with a supportive and loving husband and children who keep me busy with all their extracurricular activities.  I am also dedicated to being an active and involved parent, and love to volunteer regularly at their schools.

Heather McBroom Read More »

Mackenzie Tamayo

Mackenzie has over fifteen years in the hospitality industry, most notably as the Sales Director of The Pinery at the Hill and Business and Marketing Regional Director for Altitude Hospitality Group. Mackenzie has assisted in opening and/or strategizing with a handful of local hospitality businesses including Sprig Eats, Till Kitchen, GOG Market and Café, The Pinery at the Hill, GOG Catering, Kinship Landing, Hearth House Venue and many more. With ties to various nonprofits in the area including Dream Centers, Mary’s Home, Converge Lecture Series and the like, Mackenzie is well versed on both the for-profit and nonprofit experience. Mackenzie has planned and executed over 1,000 events in the Colorado Springs and metro areas as well as received the Visit COS Community Builder Award and CSBJ Rising Star Award. She also assists in running the ‘my_cosprings’ flagship Instagram/social page which provides a guide to the best of Colorado Springs for locals and travelers alike.

Mackenzie is excited to join SBDC to assist with local businesses who desire to gain consulting, up-to-date knowledge on COVID-19 resources and ultimately curate the strength and bandwidth to ensure their business is successful.

Mackenzie Tamayo Read More »

Skip to content