We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Leahan & Ryan Bishop. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew Leahan & below.
Hi Andrew Leahan &, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
We stayed committed to our vision despite the doubts and skepticism from others by focusing on what felt right for us and what brought us joy. Life is too short not to pursue what makes you happy. Starting a business came with its fair share of challenges, and we were well aware of the statistics about how many new businesses don’t succeed. But we held strong in our belief that even if we failed, not trying at all would have been the greater regret.
After nearly a decade of conversations and dreaming about this, we decided it was time to take the leap. We needed to follow through on something that had lived in our hearts and minds for so long. That decision wasn’t just about business, it was about personal fulfillment and taking ownership of our path.
Interestingly, while we anticipated more resistance or negativity, we’ve actually received overwhelming support. Our friends, family, and fellow business owners have shown up in big ways. From asking how they could help, offering guidance, and sharing their own experiences when we faced tough decisions. Their insight has been invaluable, especially when navigating unfamiliar territory.
In the end, we’ve been met with far more encouragement than doubt. We’re incredibly proud to be part of such a supportive and generous community here in Wellington, and we’re deeply grateful for everyone who has helped lift our small business along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
We first met over 14 years ago in Colorado Springs, where we were both living at the time. Eventually, the opportunity arose to start a new chapter up north, and we decided to take a leap of faith, without realizing just how much that move would impact our lives.
In 2013, we spent a year living in Loveland, but we quickly realized we wanted a place to truly call our own. That led us to Wellington, where we bought our first home in 2014. While the idea of starting a business was always in the back of our minds, our first priority was to give back to the community in a more personal way. We became licensed foster parents through Larimer County, eventually purchasing a larger home to better support that journey. Today, we’re proud to be fostering three amazing teens. Alongside that, Ryan is currently a full-time high school teacher and is halfway through his master’s program. Andrew works as the Director of Operations for a local dental company. And together, we run The NoCo Clover, our other “home away from home.”
The NoCo Clover was built around our passion for plants and our love for Northern Colorado and the incredible talent found here. Today, about 90% of our store’s products come from local artists across the NoCo region. We proudly display their biographies alongside their work so that every visitor can connect with the people behind the products. Even our plants are sourced from Colorado-based growers, helping us support the local agricultural community.
Our mission is to continue growing a brand rooted in community, creativity, and connection. That’s why we actively host Plant & Sip events at Deppen Brewing every other month, collaborate with other local businesses, supply plants and tools to other partners that want to bring nature indoors, and donate to school programs in Wellington and Fort Collins whenever we can.
We’re committed to not just building a business, but to creating something that uplifts others, especially the artists and families that make Northern Colorado such a vibrant place to live.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most critical qualities that contributed to our success in launching and growing The NoCo Clover was having a strong business mindset. Andrew’s background as a Director of Operations brought a level of strategic thinking and problem-solving that made our business journey not only possible, but sustainable. His understanding of Colorado laws, licensure requirements, and relationship-building strategies laid a solid foundation. But what truly set things in motion was his determination to do the research, ask the right questions, and learn from the experiences of others. What he found especially informative, was their mistakes.
That openness to learning is something we encourage all aspiring business owners to embrace. One of the most valuable resources you can tap into is the wisdom of other small business owners. More often than not, they’re eager to share their stories, both the wins and the setbacks. Their honesty about what didn’t work can be even more impactful than their successes. Every business is unique, but those shared experiences offer real insight. In a tight-knit town like Wellington, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive candid feedback and meaningful advice from fellow business owners who genuinely want to see others succeed. These conversations have helped shape our own journey and continue to inform the decisions we make today.
Community has played a huge role in our growth, not just professionally, but personally. Whether it’s a fellow entrepreneur, a life partner, a friend, or a family member, having people who support you, challenge you, and step in when needed is essential.
And of course, one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of staying open to change. When we started, we knew we had a lot to learn, and that mindset has never left us. We’re still evolving, still adjusting, and still listening. That willingness to adapt has been just as important as any business plan.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At The NoCo Clover, we’re always looking for talented local artists, makers, and growers to join our community. Our space may be small, but it’s filled with unique, handcrafted products and that’s thanks to the incredible local vendors we partner with.
If you’re a Northern Colorado creative with something special to offer, or a local business interested in collaborating, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out via Instagram or Facebook (@noco.clover), or email us at [email protected].
It’s through these connections that we’ve built a space full of creativity, collaboration, and community. Stop by the shop to see the latest local work and explore our ever-growing collection of greenery and gifts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenococlover.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noco.clover/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoCoClover/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
