Colorado Small Business Council
Our Colorado Small Business Council consists of small business owners from various industries across the state. Council members volunteer their time and entrepreneurial expertise at board meetings, public events and in the media to help Small Business Majority identify and address the biggest issues facing small businesses today.
Alejandro Flores-Munoz
Alejandro Flores-Muñoz is a seasoned entrepreneur, advocate, and activist who has dedicated his life to championing marginalized communities. As a proud queer, DACA recipient, and Latino entrepreneur, he is committed to advocating for the small business community. His upbringing and resilience inspired him to launch his own businesses, including Unum Sunglasses, an e-commerce shop, Stokes Poke, a food truck, and most recently, Combi Cafe, a brick-and-mortar location.
Alejandro resides in Littleton, where he works directly with local agencies and nonprofits as a leading advocate for the DACA community. His outspokenness has earned him commentary roles on leading media outlets such as Telemundo and a coast-to-coast college speaking tour promoting his how-to-book "No Papers, No Fear: You Can Do Business Here."
Alejandro hopes to continue to be civically involved and give back to the community.
Rodney Gulatte, Jr.
Rodney Gullatte, Jr., is a community leader, U.S. Air Force Veteran and CEO of Firma IT Solutions, a Managed IT and Cybersecurity service provider for businesses from healthcare and real estate brokerages to automotive repair and home improvement. With a background in Information Technology and Cybersecurity that includes the Department of Defense, retail, healthcare, casinos, utility companies and more, Rodney has developed Firma IT Solutions to bring enterprise technology solutions to businesses in the Pikes Peak Region and across the country.
He is also the first Black President of the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs (2020-2021), founder of the Colorado Springs Black Business Network and the winner of Small Business Week 2019 Veteran Business Owner of the Year.
In addition, Rodney is President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, Better Business Bureau of Colorado Springs, Rotary Club of Colorado Springs and The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.
Sarita Parikh
Sarita Parikh is the owner of Mind, Body, & Play Therapies, a physical therapy private practice focusing on creating optimum health and wellness, and the co-founder of Glow + Gather, a retail lifestyle and wellness brand that believes in social impact and sustainability.
Sarita’s experiences as an Indian American have guided her passion for social, economic, and environmental justice. Her commitment to addressing diversity, race, and equity, and belief in the role of regenerative business as a path to uplifting communities and creating change led her toward entrepreneurship.
From healthcare to retail, Sarita has 20 years of experience successfully starting and running companies committed to facilitating health, creating impact, providing mentorship, advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice, and building community. She serves on multiple non-profit boards and councils focusing on policy, advocacy, healthcare equity, small business, sustainability, and empowering diverse and inclusive communities.
Sandra J Payne
Sandra J. Payne is the President of Denver Concrete Vibrator (DCV). DCV manufactures, markets and repairs a wide range of concrete and industrial vibrators, which are used in commercial and civil projects. The products are sold throughout the United States and around the world.
Sandra grew up in Colorado. Early in her career, she worked in marketing and special events at the First National Bank of Denver, the region’s largest bank at the time. She also worked in sales, systems development, training and product management for MCI Telecommunications.
Jeff Rogoff
Jeff Rogoff is the owner of Sazza Restaurant. Prior to starting his own business in 2006, he held various positions in the hospitality industry. Entrepreneurship was a way for him to provide for his family and make his own hours. Now, 17 years later, Jeff and his family are working together to keep operations running.
Jeff’s vision was to put a healthy and local twist on an American favorite dish—pizza. Over the years, he has built his business into his local community by working with local farmers and suppliers to get fresh and organic ingredients for his menu.
Michelle Talarico
Michelle Talarico is the co-owner and Director of Sales for Picnic Basket Catering, Cravings Five Star Events and Buffalo Gals Grilling Company. Being a Colorado College Alum helped build a passion for community y service, and she has been a leader in the Colorado Springs community for over 30 years. She has served on many non-profit boards including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children’s’ Literacy Center, Greenberg Center for Learning and Tolerance, The Colorado Springs Wine Festival, Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, Colorado Caterers Association, The International Caterers Association, Colorado Springs Diversity Forum, and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, Care and Share. Her companies have won Gold Best Catering Category for thirty-plus years awarded by The Independent, The Gazette, and The Business Journal & Colorado Meetings and Events.
Michelle is a 2002 graduate of the CSLI program at The Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs, Care and Share, NAMI and The Colorado Event Alliance. She was the chair of several successful fundraising events, JDRF Promise Ball, Children’s Literacy Center Vintners dinner, Colorado Springs Wine Festival Grand Tasting. Michelle was recipient of the 2021 Athena Award presented by CSCEDC. In September of 2022, Michelle was awarded the Smith Tutt Positive Impact Award from The Colorado Springs Leadership Institute. In April of 2023, Michelle was sworn in to City Council District 3. Michelle and her partner Kathy have been making a direct social Impact on the Pikes Peak Region for the past 30-plus years.
