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/

In this episode of Elevate Each Other, I sit down with Scott Hinkle, co-owner of Property Craft. He shares what it really takes to build a multi-city restoration career from the ground up—starting as just two men and a pickup truck in 2014.

We talk about growing up in Denver but choosing Pueblo as home, transitioning from a sociology degree to a construction expert, and the relentless "26th hour" required to keep a small business running in its early years. Scott also opens up about why collaboration and networking with local partners matter more than simple transactions.

Scott dives deep into the heart of restoration service, from guiding families through the emotional "life-changing events" of fire and water damage to specialized work in mold, asbestos, and meth contamination. He also highlights the importance of community roots, discussing his team's involvement in the Latino Chamber of Commerce—where Property Craft was recently named Small Business of the Year—and why being the "local guy" means taking accountability every time you walk down the grocery store aisle.

This conversation is about people first, community always, and doing the work when no one is watching.

Watch or listen now. Stories that lift us all.

Big energy. Deep roots. Real service.

In this episode of Elevate Everyone, I sit down with Felicia Beltran of ENRG Realty. She shares what it really takes to build a career in real estate, raise a family, and stay grounded in service to Pueblo.

We talk about growing up in a military family, choosing Pueblo as home, earning Rookie of the Year during the 2008 recession, and why collaboration matters more than competition. Felicia also opens up about her work with CASA of Pueblo, the Latino Chamber, and why giving back is not optional when you build something meaningful.

This conversation is about people first, community always, and doing the work when no one is watching.

Watch or listen now.

Stories that lift us all.

Noah Parmelee is the founder of Alltech Systems, a managed IT provider based in Pueblo, Colorado, known for helping small and mid sized businesses build secure, scalable technology foundations. He brings a lifelong passion for technology, starting from age eight when he built his first computer with his grandfather, and later gaining experience through repair work, sales, and hands-on IT roles that exposed him to companies across the country.

Born in Arizona and raised partly in Pueblo West, Noah grew up between two very different worlds. Moving from Phoenix to Pueblo West as a young boy created early tension, but as he matured, he discovered the depth of community, connection, and opportunity in Pueblo. That shift in perspective shaped his mission-driven approach to technology. Pueblo’s people-first culture became the backbone of his business and the environment where he now raises his family.

Known inside Alltech as a strategist, builder, and “technology for humans” advocate, Noah focuses on helping companies evolve without losing their personal touch. He has guided businesses through major IT overhauls, network redesigns, cybersecurity improvements, and long-term compliance planning. He also emphasizes the importance of human connection in an era dominated by AI and automation. Noah helps business owners deploy technology intentionally so they improve operations without alienating customers.

Beyond technology, Noah is an accomplished home chef, a car enthusiast who has driven everything from Lamborghinis to Jaguars, and a lifelong learner who builds, tinkers, and experiments. He channels that same curiosity and attention to detail into Alltech’s work. His team assists companies with network architecture, hardware procurement, cloud solutions, cybersecurity protection, compliance planning, and ongoing support.

Noah also invests heavily into the Pueblo community. Alltech Systems partners with Pueblo Community College to provide internships for students entering the IT field. The company participates in local chamber events, business networking groups, community gatherings, and is preparing a free technology support event for 2026 to serve residents who need help with personal devices.

Today, Noah advocates for secure, intentional, human-centered technology. He focuses on helping small businesses build strong foundations, protect their data, plan for growth, and use technology to expand rather than restrict their potential.

Sponsors:

• Martinez Agency – Insurance for home, auto, life, and business - https://agents.farmers.com/co/pueblo/freddie-martinez/

Producer:

• Anthony Burciaga with Everyday People Digital – Smart websites, AI automations, and digital marketing - www.epdigitalseo.com

Guest Links:

• Alltech Systems Website – https://www.all.tech

• Email – info@all.tech

• Phone – 719-283-2100

In this episode, Freddie sits down with Amber Doss, owner of Active Body IV and a Colorado native who built her business around one simple idea: keep people feeling good without the stress, the cost, or the wait. Amber shares how IV therapy helps Pueblo stay healthy during flu season, why hydration matters more than most people think, and how mobile IV services support families, workplaces, and athletes across Southeast Colorado.

Freddie and Amber talk about the kind of care people usually overlook until they need it, and how something as small as a wellness drip can help you get back on your feet faster. Amber opens up about her nursing background, the story behind Active Body IV, and what she’s learned from serving everyday folks who work long hours, raise families, and push their bodies hard.

This conversation shines a light on a local business built on service, trust, and heart. You hear the passion in Amber’s voice when she talks about helping people avoid long ER waits, supporting employers who want to keep their teams healthy, and bringing affordable wellness directly to Pueblo homes and businesses. If you care about practical health support, real community impact, and stories from the people who show up every day, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Freddie connects with Noah Commerford to explore the work happening behind the scenes at the Latino Chamber of Commerce. They talk about access, advocacy, and the simple act of showing up for your neighbors. Noah shares stories from Pueblo’s past and what he hopes the next 46 years look like. If you care about local business and the people who keep our community moving, you’ll feel right at home with this episode.

Visit the Latino Chamber: https://www.pueblolatinochamber.com/

Latino Chamber Events: https://business.pueblolatinochamber.com/events

Sponsor: https://agents.farmers.com/co/pueblo/freddie-martinez/

Podcast Producer: Anthony Burciaga

Everyday People Digital: www.epdigitalseo.com