Dr. Laura Milnor
Owner of Milnor Orthodontics
What is Milnor Orthodontics?
Milnor Orthodontics is a woman-owned business specializing in tooth movement, bite problems, crowding, and smile esthetics.
Describe your education and/or certifications.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Colorado State University, then attended the University of Iowa for dental school on an academic and research scholarship and did my orthodontic residency there. I also passed written and clinical dental boards, maintain my dental license in Colorado, and keep up on continuing education.
I am a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Colorado Dental Association (CDA), the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists (RMSO), the Larimer County Dental Society (LCDS), and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). I am also formally certified in Invisalign® treatment.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I was born and raised in Fort Collins, so I have a big place in my heart for this community. I dedicate a portion of my practice to serving low-income children—not just “seeing them,” but making it my mission to deliver excellent orthodontics and top-notch customer service.
This year’s community service includes a coat drive for the homeless, the Adopt-a-Street program, serving at a local mission, supporting shelter animals, and participating in Project Smile, a local in-school screening program that helps identify low-income children who need dental treatment or vision.
What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
At the end of the day, it helps me to remember I am serving human beings who have their own feelings and life experiences. Everyone has a unique perspective that you don’t always have to agree with, but you should at least appreciate. For example, I encourage my employees to give me their opinions because they have a different point of view and I may miss out on something important if I ignore it.
What advice, as a mentor in leadership, do you have for those getting started?
Make a list of your core values and take the time to write a vision and mission statement for your business. This provides focus on who you are and what you want to accomplish, then you can expand from there.
Always be surrounded by peers who are at the top of their game. There is something very inspiring about being with people like this, and it will encourage you to continue to grow and keep moving in a forward direction.
What is the best part of your job?
The absolute best part of my job is helping individuals who don’t like their smile. Orthodontics can be life-changing, and their self-confidence blossoms within a few months of starting treatment. We see this every day, across all age groups.
What inspires you to be motivated every day?
I have always had an internal drive to show up, work hard, and push for the next level. I believe we need to keep growing and adapting to the changes around us. As a result, I look for ways to be a better leader, doctor, employer, and person. It keeps life fun, gives me new perspective, and challenges me to work toward and achieve new goals.
1103 S. Shields St.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
(970) 230-3187
www.milnororthodontics.com
Monday thru Thursday
8:00am – 5:00pm
Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic
Tell us about your business. How did you get established?
Allura is a medically focused Skin Care and Wellness clinic dedicated to enhancing the lives and well-being of our clients. Allura, along with its owners, Rebecca de la Torre, MD, and Yvonne Hampson, grew out of another clinic and we are now in our tenth year of business. We began with four employees and now employ 35 staff members.
Describe your providers’ education and/or certifications.
Allura has three physicians, two physician assistants, four registered nurses and five aestheticians as well as our ancillary staff. Their advanced training, and master certifications in fillers, lasers, injections and skin care, as well as their many years of experience, guarantee the best outcome for our clients.
To what do you attribute your success?
Allura’s commitment to ongoing training and a medical staff that ensures we offer the latest products, techniques, and technology to our clients as well as our commitment to customer satisfaction.
What sets Allura apart?
Allura has a loyal client base. Our clients are more like partners in our business. We believe our clients return to Allura because of the quality of our services, our inviting atmosphere and our commitment to community. Allura focuses on hiring talented, passionate people who focus on giving extraordinary customer service. Allura has ongoing training and education as well as hosting informational events with special pricing opportunities.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Allura supports many causes and organizations such as Hope Lives, Crossroads, Pathways, SAVA, Respite Care and many other local charities and organizations.
What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
Every contact we have with a client is an opportunity to establish trust and build a long term relationship
(970) 223-5318 • www.alluraclinic.com
Michelle Vos
Business Coach, Brand Strategist and Personal Development Mentor
Give us a description of your business and area of specialty.
The body of work I have created empowers women entrepreneurs to Rise Up and become the leader their life and business is calling them to be, allowing them to manifest their big vision, create true wealth, stop playing small and be fully seen and heard in the way they want. I combine big-picture strategy with energetic and spiritual principles, so my clients can awaken, align and embody who they truly are; with where their business is heading. And thus, no longer feel drained, overwhelmed, or stressed out. I specialize in personal branding, big picture business strategy, and personal development work.
What does it take to become a woman of influence?
I believe that every woman is a woman of influence, but you must recognize that power, and take on a true leadership role that inspires you and others into positive action. And that starts with an honest look at how you’re truly showing up within your life and within your business. It is also important to have a clear vison, communicate value with confidence and recognizing that being REAL with people is better than trying to be perfect.
What advice would you give women who are looking to reach their next level of success?
My advice is to stop trying to be all things to all people. Be fiercely committed to your area of brilliance, your core values, and to your desire to make a positive impact; over your fear of success or failure (which by the way, is most likely a fear of Visibility). I have found over years of working with clients and from my own business growth, that you can have all the strategy or accountably you need, but it won’t happen or be sustainable without personal growth as the foundation. If you want your business to grow, then YOU must grow! And, with that said, it is important to also grow with grace and ease. So many women are getting burnt out because of the “way” they are going after what they want. I am a fan of inspired action, increasing your intuition, standing strong in your values, and increasing your authentic voice and visibility. If you’re interested in learning more, head over to my website and take the “Are you positioned for an Up-Level” Quiz.
ABOUT MICHELLE VOS
Michelle Vos is the creator of the Be365 Body of Work, The Authentic Signature Brand Session and Vision Process. She is a Professional Certified Coach, an Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, a Trainer, Professional Speaker, Mentor and runs a highly profitable business with grace.
www.MichelleVos.com
Theresa Rudel
Owner of Da Vinci Body
Tell us about your business.
Foco Da Vinci Body is a resistance-band, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. The resistance-bands (imagine long, wide, stretchy rubber bands), attach to multiple floor and ceiling anchor points, allowing for an infinite variety of movements designed to promote strength, mobility, balance and improve cardiovascular health. Instructor-guided, 30-45-minute, music-motivated classes use multiple fitness methods including Pilates, yoga, strength training, power and cardio. The level of intensity is easily determined by each person, simply by adjusting the number of bands used or how far from the anchor point the band is held. This allows people with greatly varying fitness levels to work out together. The resistance of the bands can be used to minimize impact or joint strain. Workouts for those needing a slower and more gentle approach are also offered, such as our Active Agers class.
What kind of workout environment is Foco Davinci Body trying to cultivate?
My goal is to create a fun, social environment in which to share my knowledge and experience with the intention of helping others to be their best. To achieve that goal, I have gathered a team of the most compassionate and friendly fitness professionals I have met in my 26 years in the industry. Our close-knit team works together to provide a welcoming environment to people of all ages and fitness levels. The first class is free. We invite you to join us for the adventure.
Located at The Exchange in Old Town, northeast corner.
(970) 227-7822
Karen Kinnes
Owner of Pet City
Tell us about your business.
Pet City of Fort Collins sells puppies, cats and small animals. We sell a variety of pet supplies and food, and our knowledgeable staff is at the ready with training and health tips.
Selling puppies is a large focus of our business. Our puppies come from over 100 USDA-licensed, out of state breeders. I believe in matching people with animals who are healthy and well-socialized. Our puppies and other animals are in frequent contact with our vet and our caring staff and receive plenty of love and play-time from our staff and customers.
What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
One of my main priorities is to be informative and transparent. Some people have preconceived concerns about pet stores and where puppies come from. The best way to address these concerns is with information. We keep detailed records of breeders, their USDA reports, vaccinations, health records, and even exercise logs for our puppies! I advocate for responsible pet ownership and do everything I can to make sure that a customer is truly ready to have a pet. Our staff’s ability to provide so much information ensures that customers are comfortable and confident in purchasing a pet here, and plays a large part in our success.
What is the best part of your job?
Although it can be hard to let them go, the best part of my job is sending animals off to their forever homes. I love providing a temporary home for animals before they meet their families.
(970) 223-5318 • www.petcityfortcollins.com
Linda Gabel
Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors
You worked in universities for nearly 30 years. What caused you to start your own business after that career?
Although I enjoyed working in universities, I wanted to work in a field where I felt that I was giving more back to our community and making a difference in people’s lives. At age 60, I decided to start my own business. The Seniors Helping Seniors franchise appealed to me because of its mission to both give and receive in helping our older population.
What were your challenges in starting a business from the ground up?
There were many challenges and opportunities. No one can run a 24/7 business by themselves, but I found the right team to assist in building the business to where it is today. Tina Saldanha is an exceptionally caring person and a great leader. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many wonderful care providers.
What do you believe is most important in running a home-care business?
My guiding principle is that all people should be treated with respect. Just because we lose our memory and our independence as we age, does not mean that we lose intelligence. I am blessed to have met and learned from our clients. We provided services for the first female marine and currently help a retired pro football player. It has been an honor for SHS to serve them.
Do you feel that you have met the goals you set out to achieve?
Yes. I know that SHS has made a difference for many families and I have learned many things too. The agency in Fort Collins was the first SHS franchise in Colorado and is one of the highest-performing franchisees, so I have also had many opportunities to assist others who are starting out in this business. It is satisfying work for me and it has filled my soul in many ways.
(970) 631-8251 • www.homecarenortherncolorado.com
Dr. Elise Rigney, D.C.
Impact Chiropractic & Impact Medical Stem Cell Therapy
What are your responsibilities?
I am an entrepreneur, wife and mom to two little girls, as well as a Chiropractor. I own Impact Chiropractic, a family health center on College Avenue, and Impact Medical, a stem cell therapy clinic. I employ a team of four doctors, a nurse practitioner, and three assistants. I also am a speaker and educator in the Chiropractic profession and speak all over the country.
What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
I make sure every decision aligns with my core values of Integrity, Excellence, Relationships, and Impact. We want to make sure the care patients receive in our office is to the highest level of training, done with integrity, makes an impact in their life, and that we create an authentic doctor-patient relationship.
What advice, as a mentor in leadership, do you have for those getting started?
Success is between choosing what you want now, and what you want most. Embrace right now, the struggles and the challenges, in order to propel yourself to the future. Remember to stay true to yourself and your vision. No one is ever going to care about your dreams as much as you do.
What inspires you to be motivated every day?
Being a role model to my daughters and other young women. I love showing girls that it’s possible to be incredibly passionate about your career, able to keep yourself happy and healthy, and still an amazing mother and wife at home. You CAN have it all!
(970) 223-5501 • www.impact-chiropractic.com
(970) 568-8799 • www.stemcellfortcollins.com
