Jacob Rivera is a Pueblo native and creative marketing director whose journey proves what can happen when you lean into creativity and take action. In this episode of Elevate Each Other, host Freddie Martinez sits down with Jacob to talk about building a career rooted in design, storytelling, and community.

Born and raised in Pueblo with deep family roots in the area, Jacob shares how his early interest in graphic design, from making posters in school to rebranding District 60, set the foundation for everything that followed. What started as a creative outlet turned into a full career in marketing, branding, and content production

Jacob opens up about his time with Wake Up Pueblo, where he helped create content for businesses across the country, traveling to cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles while working alongside high-level entrepreneurs. He shares how that experience shaped his approach to marketing and gave him real-world insight into storytelling, branding, and scaling ideas.

The conversation also dives into his role at the Pueblo Convention Center and Memorial Hall, where he led marketing efforts for major events, concerts, and comedy shows that brought energy and tourism into the city.

At the center of this episode is Kickass Film Fest, a growing film competition Jacob co-founded that challenges creators to produce a short film in just 72 hours. What started with a small group in Pueblo has grown into a regional event drawing filmmakers from across Colorado and beyond. The festival focuses on connection, creativity, and giving people a platform to step into filmmaking, even if they have never done it before.

Jacob also shares his work with The Ultimate Snooze, an organic mattress company focused on improving sleep and removing harmful materials from everyday products. It is another example of how he continues to blend creativity, marketing, and purpose-driven work.

This episode is about taking risks, building something from nothing, and creating opportunities for others. It is about Pueblo pride, creative growth, and why community matters in everything you build.

If you have ever thought about getting into film, marketing, or starting something of your own, this conversation will push you to take that first step.

To connect with Jacob Rivera:

Kickass Film Fest – All social platforms

Email – brandninja@gmail.com

Thanks for tuning in. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to create, connect, and keep elevating others.

Welcome to Elevate Each Other, a Colorado-born podcast hosted by Freddie Martinez, where we highlight the people who quietly shape our community through service, leadership, and heart

In this episode, Freddie sits down with Tracy Gutierrez, founder of TG 25 Consulting, a proud Pueblo native whose life has been rooted in service from the east side of town to boardrooms across Southern Colorado. Raised by hardworking parents, Tracy learned early the value of work ethic, community involvement, and showing up for others

Tracy shares stories of growing up in Pueblo, reconnecting with her husband after decades apart, and building a career centered around higher education, nonprofit leadership, and economic development. From serving as the first intern at the Latino Chamber of Commerce to chairing its board and being named Board Member of the Year, her journey reflects long-term commitment to lifting others up

Through TG 25 Consulting, Tracy now supports nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses with grant writing, fundraising strategy, volunteer management, and community engagement. Her goal is simple but powerful: help organizations grow stronger so they can better serve the people of Southern Colorado

She also steps into a new chapter as Regional Program Manager for the University of Colorado system, serving 21 counties across Southern Colorado and working to strengthen access to higher education, workforce development, and rural opportunity

This conversation is about mentorship, legacy, resilience, and what it means to stay rooted in the place that raised you. Tracy’s story reminds us that real impact happens when you choose service over spotlight and community over credit.

To connect with Tracy:

Email: TG25consulting@gmail.com

Website: TG25consulting.com

Facebook: TG 25 Consulting

Thank you for tuning in. If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who believes in building a stronger Pueblo. Let’s keep elevating each other.

In this episode of Elevate Each Other, host Freddie Martinez sits down with Tanya Gurule, the heart and creative force behind A Shimmer in Time Photography.

Originally from Aguilar and now rooted in Pueblo, Tanya shares her journey from managing Walmart for over two decades to building a photography business driven by passion, purpose, and family. What began as a simple photo shoot for her six-year-old daughter turned into a calling to capture life’s most meaningful moments.

Tanya opens up about her love for newborn photography, maternity sessions, and milestone shoots, along with her creative studio filled with whimsical props, fairy tale themes, and custom setups. She also talks about wildlife photography, chasing the perfect eagle shot, and photographing the rodeo at the Colorado State Fair.

But this conversation goes deeper than photography. Tanya shares the powerful story behind her “Legacy Pictures,” helping families preserve dignified portraits for end-of-life planning, something inspired by her own life experience. She also discusses her leadership role running the senior commodity food program in Pueblo, serving thousands of families each month and advocating for vulnerable seniors across the state.

This episode highlights what Elevate Each Other is all about: passion over profit, community over competition, and capturing the moments that truly matter.

Learn more about Tanya Gurule and her work at:

https://ashimmerintimephotography.com/