LEADERSHIP & SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Featuring Cecil Gutierrez, Former Mayor of Loveland, CO

Cecil Gutierrez is a man who has served and led his community in many ways.  Cecil has been part of the Loveland community of Colorado for many years. For 23 years of those years, he served as band director at Loveland High School. For 10 years he also served on the Loveland City Council, including 8 years as mayor.

Cecil draws from his multicultural background for both his leadership and perspectives on service.  His mix of Colorado, Mexican, and Native American cultures is reflected in his work and his impact.

Cecil’s commitment to leadership and to education has been a part of his many years of service.  He especially holds in high regard the many teachers who serve the community. –He honors his own teachers, such as a teacher who too him to see concerts by Rafael Mendez, a world renowned Mexican trumpet player.  Mendez was a positive Hispanic role model for Gutierrez. And his teacher reinforced Cecil’s by recognizing his own musical talent.

His generous spirit also allows Cecil to recognize the leadership and commitment of others in the community, whether volunteers or others who support causes such as the Food Bank, House of Neighborly Service, KidsPak, etc.  He himself has supported many of these causes.

For his years of leadership & service, Cecil Gutierrez received a Humanitarian Award in 2019 from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission.  The Denver-based nonprofit is dedicated to uplifting and magnifying Dr. Martin Luther King, his legacy and his dream that all people should be able to enjoy a life of equality and freedom without threat, fear of retaliation, or hate.

In addition, G.L.O.B.A.L. was pleased to feature Cecil Gutierrez among our community leaders highlighted in our CONVERSATIONS video study series. His insights on race, cultural, and leadership helped guide our conversation on Race and related issues.

Cecil Gutierrez stands as a shining example of someone who is dedicated to his community, able to serve many, and willing to try new approaches to help those in most need in the community.

FACILITATING LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

Featuring Curt Bear, Founder, LoCo Think Tank

Curt Bear is an entrepreneur who is servant-hearted and collaboratively focused.  His intent is to facilitate opportunities for engagement and growth, especially for leaders of small businesses.  Curt is an idea guy who loves nearly everyone he meets and is dedicated to service to the community.

Curt was raised in North Dakota by a 1st generation farmer/entrepreneur.  He earned a Bachelors in Economics at North Dakota State University. His career began as a Credit & Management Trainee at Community First National Bank  This path landed him a job in Fort Collins in 1999, sight unseen.   He later rose to Vice President roles at other banks.

 After a 15-year career as a small business banker, Curt launched LoCo Think Tank in 2014 mostly as a means of transforming himself from Banker to Restaurateur.  He started a mobile catering business called Bear's Backyard Grill. Soon, his work focused solely on LoCo Think Tank.  As the Founder of LoCo Think Tank, he serves as a Facilitator, trainer, and encourager for the growing team of LoCo Facilitators.

 Curt’s training in meeting facilitation included his role as Discussion Leader with Bible Study Fellowship.  He learned about Service Above Self from his fellow Rotarians in the Fort Collins Breakfast Rotary Club.  He developed an understanding of business-owner peer advisory techniques as a member of Vistage and came to understand a whole-person approach to success in life by his long-term involvement with The Matthews House in Fort Collins, where he served on the Board and as Chair.  These experiences are the cornerstones of LoCo Think.

 Curt is grateful for the influence of the organizations and individuals who inspired and encouraged him during his banking career and entrepreneurial journey.  He also enjoys serving as a volunteer emcee or facilitator for non-profit causes and is a speaker on many topics. 

 The many experiences of his upbringing in the Midwest, a career in CO, and service opportunities have made Curt Bear a servant leader who facilitates leadership and service for the community.