Consultants – No Longer with the SBDC

Financial Management

Bob practiced large animal veterinary medicine for over 40 years. Graduating from Iowa State University in 1972 he spent several years in rural farm and ranch practice in Iowa and Colorado. In the early 1990’s, while in practice in rural Iowa, Bob received seed capital from the Iowa Department of Economic Development to start up a specialized veterinary diagnostic and service company specifically aimed at improving health in cattle and swine – (Veterinary Biological Systems Analysis, Inc.). VBSA, Inc. started as an entrepreneurial company offering consultation and laboratory services in the area of nutrition and nutritional physiology related to livestock production. In 1987 Bob acquired a U.S. Patent for his invention of a Mobile Livestock Intensive Care Unit (U.S. Patent #4,657,004).

During the last 15 years of active practice he did the practice and financial management for a 6 veterinarian large animal practice in west central Nebraska. During this period the practice experienced double digit growth in 10 of the 12 years through detailed financial management and marketing. Additionally, Bob assisted in the technology management of a 45,000 head cattle feedlot allowing for extensive experience in information technology and data acquisition. He also was responsible for developing and implementing the FDA Compliance Program for the feedlot. 

At the end of 2012 Bob retired from active practice and has shared his life experiences by being a guest lecturer at CSU, third year veterinary students, and also volunteering with local business development centers in the area of financial management and spending time with companies providing financial analysis.

Business

Kent is a Colorado native who grew up in Englewood, attended Colorado State College and the University of Northern Colorado. His degrees are in history, historical research, economics and geography.

After teaching for a few years in the 60’s he returned to the family sign business and has operated Smith Sign Studio full time since 1972. As a specialist in gold leaf signs, he wrote the textbook, Gold Leaf Techniques for sign painters which is now in its 4th edition.

After 40 plus years in Greeley he moved his family and business to Estes Park. With an interest in civic involvement, he is now on the board and executive committee of the Estes Chamber of Commerce.  He chairs the Entrepreneur Center committee and serves on the Strategic Planning committee for the EDC.

Smith Sign Studio is a Give Back Business Partner with Estes Park Non-Profit Resource Center. on the board and executive committee of the Estes Chamber of Commerce and now their ex-officio representative to the EDC

Health and Wellness Consultant

Libby is the founder of the Women’s Business Collective and the former owner of Elan Yoga and Fitness. She loves brainstorming, empowering, and strategizing with other business owners.

Libby is a Fort Collins native and CSU Alumni. She has a passion for maintaining the special sense of community she has come to know and love in her hometown. Community, together-ness, and a sense of belonging have always been of most importance to her.