Every now and then, you meet someone whose story sticks with you, not just because of what they’ve accomplished, but because of the way they think.
That was my conversation with Marcus Alvarado.
I’ve had the honor of interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs on the Exceptional Companies Podcast, but Marcus brought something different to the table: a real-world case study in how to build not just businesses, but an entire ecosystem—one that’s collaborative, creative, and rooted in purpose.
Here’s what I took away from our conversation—and why I think Marcus’s story matters so much for entrepreneurs, especially those trying to grow in emerging cities like Colorado Springs.
Marcus Was Learning Business Before He Could Even Spell It
Marcus grew up around high-level business strategy, thanks to his mom, who ran advertising for major newspapers back in the ’90s. We’re talking hundreds of millions in annual revenue, back when print was still king.
From a young age, Marcus was the kid walking up to adults at events, introducing himself. He wasn’t pretending to be in the room—he belonged there. That energy carried with him into college, where he co-founded the Marketing Club at UCCS. Instead of waiting to “get experience,” they created it—offering free marketing work to local businesses in exchange for real-world learning.
That mindset? It’s what separates dreamers from doers.
Then He Accidentally Helped Launch the Tiny House Movement
Marcus’s journey into entrepreneurship took a wild turn when he took a freelance gig with a local tiny home builder in 2014.
At the time, tiny homes weren’t mainstream. HGTV wasn’t all over it. Most people didn’t even know what they were.
Marcus helped that builder enter a model into the Parade of Homes—and they ended up winning People’s Choice. That was huge. And it ruffled some feathers among traditional builders.
So what did they do next? They bet on something bigger: a full-blown event.
They called it the Tiny House Jamboree. They expected 2,000 attendees. Instead, 40,000 people showed up.
People were parking in fields. Rental cars were towed. There wasn’t enough water, enough parking, or enough infrastructure—but no one got hurt. And that event became the spark that helped ignite the national tiny house wave.
It was chaos. And it was brilliant.
He Built a Festival… Then a Marketing Agency… Then a Podcast
Marcus went on to start his own event—The People’s Tiny House Festival—and brought in 20,000 attendees. Then COVID hit. His biggest event yet, scheduled for Denver, had to be canceled.
But here’s the thing about Marcus: he doesn’t panic. He pivots.
He saw what I saw in 2020—the entire marketing world being upended—and launched Recon Marketing with a few trusted partners. Timing-wise, it was perfect. People were stuck at home, glued to their phones, and companies needed to get digital fast.
Eventually, Marcus opened his own solo agency, Red Mojo Marketing, to go even deeper on creative, brand-first work.
Marcus’s Definition of Marketing Is the Best I’ve Heard
We talked about marketing, and honestly, I asked kind of a dumb question. I said, “What is marketing, really?”
But Marcus’s answer was anything but dumb:
“Marketing is a brand’s voice—and the art of getting that voice out there.”
That’s it. That’s the clarity so many business owners are missing.
He went on to explain how good strategy brings together email, Google, social, and other channels—not in silos, but in harmony. “They all hum together,” he said. And when they do, they create real momentum.
The Podcast That Became a Platform for Connection
After returning to the Springs during COVID to care for his grandfather, Marcus stumbled across a show called the COS Business Podcast—created by a young videographer named Andrew.
Andrew had already recorded 80 episodes. He was doing 3–5 interviews a week but hadn’t turned it into a business.
Marcus met him for coffee. A few hours later, he was in.
Eventually, Marcus stepped in as co-host and brought his business acumen to the table—sponsors, guests, strategy. Today, the podcast has over 100,000 views a month across all platforms.
But what I love most is how he describes its purpose:
“It’s not just about content—it’s about connection. I love introducing people. I love watching the micro-wins that come from those conversations.”
Same here, Marcus.
So, How Do You Build a Business Ecosystem That Lasts?
I asked Marcus that exact question. Colorado Springs is growing fast, but it’s still not an Austin or a Seattle. So, how do we keep it from stalling out?
His answer was powerful:
- We need volume. Not one event or one connector—we need 10, 20, 30 things happening each week that bring entrepreneurs together.
- We need centralization. Springs is a pocketed city. “Northgate folks stayed in Northgate,” he said. “We’ve got to bring the energy downtown.”
- We need better communication. There’s a ton of talent here, but many of us are missing each other. The message isn’t strong enough yet.
“We’re finally at the point where the players are already in place,” Marcus said. “We just need to link them up.”
Three Lessons for Entrepreneurs in 2025
Toward the end of the interview, I asked Marcus what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur today, and his answer is worth repeating:
1. Plug into para-social mentorship.
“You have access to the best minds in the world—through podcasts, YouTube, social. Choose your mentor. Learn from them.”
2. Build your circle intentionally.
“Entrepreneurship is isolating. Surround yourself with people who get it. That proximity changes everything.”
3. Master people and money.
“You can’t scale if you can’t manage people. And you can’t survive if you don’t understand margin.”
This is the stuff they don’t always teach. But it’s the stuff that builds sustainable businesses.
His Favorite Tool? A Smarter AI Assistant
Marcus also dropped a tool I hadn’t heard of before: Genspark.ai.
“It’s like ChatGPT,” he said, “but with agents that can actually perform tasks. It’ll help block focus time, send emails, manage your calendar. Super intuitive.”
His advice?
“Pick a tool and use it every day. Learn how to prompt. That fluency is one of the most valuable skills you can build right now.”
What He’d Tell a Younger Marcus
I always wrap up my interviews with this question, and Marcus’s answer hit home:
“Learn how to deal with people—and lean into your discernment. Not everyone is meant to walk with you forever. Trust the red flags. Have the conversations. Protect your time.”
That’s real wisdom, especially in a time when business can feel like a nonstop blur of Slack pings, meetings, and hype.
Marcus Isn’t Just Building Businesses. He’s Building Belonging.
The truth is, Marcus’s story mirrors Colorado Springs itself.
It’s a place full of potential. A place that’s had moments of greatness, but also seasons of stagnation. A place that needs connectors, builders, and believers.
Marcus is one of those people.
And I’m glad he’s here.
AND MORE TOPICS COVERED IN THE FULL INTERVIEW!!! You can check that out and subscribe to YouTube.
If you want to know more about Marcus Alvarado, you may reach out to him at:
- Website: https://redmojomarketing.com/
- Podcast: COS Business Podcast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cosbusinesspodcast
Connect with Chris Seegers:
- Website: https://exceptionalcos.com/
- Email: Ch***@************OS.com
