Business as a Force for Good: Philanthropy at Every Scale in Northern Colorado

About This Episode What happens when giving back becomes part of how a business operates, not an occasional add-on, but a shared commitment woven into company culture? In this episode of NoCo Voices, host Kristin Todd welcomes Tim and Carol Cochran of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company and Amy Hoback of The Group Real Estate and GroupGives. Together, they explore how businesses of different sizes can use their resources, relationships, and influence to strengthen Northern Colorado. Horse & Dragon was recognized as Colorado’s Outstanding Small Business at National Philanthropy Day in 2022. The Group Real Estate received the Outstanding Large Business honor in 2025. Their approaches reflect the character of their organizations, but both demonstrate that authentic business philanthropy goes far beyond writing a check. It grows through employee participation, volunteerism, community partnerships, thoughtful grantmaking, and a willingness to keep showing up. The guests also discuss how businesses can sustain generosity during uncertain economic times, why community investment strengthens company culture, and how any business can begin regardless of its size or budget. Listeners Will Hear About How philanthropy became part of the identity of Horse & Dragon and The Group The ways employees and business partners participate in giving and volunteerism How each organization chooses causes and opportunities to support What statewide recognition for philanthropy meant to these Northern Colorado businesses How companies can remain generous while navigating economic uncertainty Practical first steps for building a genuine culture of giving About the Guests Tim and Carol Cochran are the founders of Horse & Dragon Brewing Company in Fort Collins. The brewery’s guiding principles include treating people ethically, reducing its environmental impact, and being a proactive member of the community. Horse & Dragon supports local organizations through partnerships, events, product-based giving, volunteerism, and the gathering space it creates for community efforts. Amy Hoback is Vice President of Marketing and Technology at The Group Real Estate and chair of the GroupGives board of directors. GroupGives, a fund of the NoCo Foundation, focuses the collective generosity of The Group’s partners, engages their families and customers, and helps ensure the company’s tradition of charitable giving and volunteerism continues. Resources Learn about Horse & Dragon Brewing Company Learn about GroupGives Explore the NoCo Voices podcast About NoCo Voices NoCo Voices features conversations with neighbors across Northern Colorado who are building connections, strengthening community, and creating meaningful change. Each episode highlights the people and ideas shaping our region and reminds us that when we work together, we make more possible.