2026 CCBA THRIVE Conference

Influence

Friday, October 09, 2026

9:00am – 3:00pm

Join us at our new location!

Colorado Christian University

Anschutz Student Center

Donnithorne Great Hall

8787 W. Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226

Abide in Me

and you will...

Discover how abiding in Christ influences your life and business success.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory...”

John 15:7-8 NIV

At this year’s conference, you’ll gain insight into how God’s Kingdom economy operates on earth.

***Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing!***

Keynote Speakers

John & Ashely Marsh

Topic: Growth Entrepreneurship

John and his wife Ashely currently steward a collection of 10 companies they have built that work to bring beauty and creativity into the world. Using what they learned in restoring and revitalizing Opelika, AL, they now help other entrepreneurs, leaders, and companies define and complete their purposes.

Ashely Marsh is the Chief Executive Officer with exceptional people and operation skills. John Marsh is a serial entrepreneur, teacher and visionary with a love for redeeming work with people and places. He brings courageous vision with a pioneering approach to the companies and communities they work with. Helping other people build and grow a meaningful business and restore and revitalize their communities is a passion for them and those around them.

John speaks globally on such topics as entrepreneurship, redeeming communities, meaningful work, and historic restoration. John has shared keynotes for private clients like Chick-fil-A and also for technology conferences like Revolve Creative Collaboration Conference and for higher learning institutions such as Auburn University.

Keynote Speaker

Robert C. Benson

Topic: Can you influence God?

Robert C. Benson III (Bob) is the President of The Colorado Christian Business Alliance and Founder and Past President of American Business Advisors, Inc. He is a CPA*, Certified Management Consultant CMC and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

Bob has advised the presidents and owners of hundreds of companies on how to to increase profits and how to move to the next level of growth. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur who successfully founded or co-founded and helped developed seven businesses. One of them was a self storage company that went public as National Storage Affiliates. NSA recently merged with and is now part of Public Storage.

*Retired Status

Keynote Speakers

Grace and Max

Topic: How We Built 24,000 Monthly Paying Listeners

Crace & Max will share how they built an online streaming music business with 24,000 monthly paying listeners.

Conference Emcee

Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith is a Human Resources Consultant with PuzzleHR, bringing more than 20 years of experience helping organizations build strong teams, develop leaders, and navigate complex people challenges. She previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati, teaching courses in human resources and leadership.

Lisa is passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping leaders create workplaces where people can thrive. She serves on the Board at Journey Church in Castle Pines, is actively involved in the church’s children’s ministry, and also serves on the Board of Builders & Believers. Lisa is married and has two teenage daughters. Outside of work and ministry, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, camping, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys bringing together her experience in business, leadership, and faith to encourage others to use their influence for Kingdom impact.

Conference Emcee

Parker Samelson

Parker Samelson is the founder of Ivywild Capital, a boutique real estate private equity investment firm that focuses on storage investments in Colorado. He also helps run the young adults ministry at his church in Colorado Springs. Previously, Parker worked for a family office that focuses on real estate development and commodity trading after getting a double major in Business and Bible from Wheaton College. In his free time, Parker enjoys climbing mountains, traveling, and reading classic literature.

Conference Curator

Craig Johnston

Conference Curator Craig Johnston has led this event for over a decade. Founder of Fiduciary Counsel, Inc., he advises families and organizations on the impact of investing to solve some of the world’s greatest problems. Formerly COO for Youth For Christ/USA and for Dr. James Dobson.

Conference Entertainment

Grace and Max

Husband-wife duo Grace + Max create music marked by rare chemistry,
heartfelt storytelling, and a shared desire to point listeners toward Jesus.
Married in June 2024, Grace Korak Allard—a Texas-born singer-songwriter—
and Max Allard, a multi-instrumentalist and writer from the Northeast, met in
Nashville’s Christian music scene, where their individual paths merged into
one creative calling.

Blending acoustic warmth with pop sensibility, Grace + Max craft songs built
on soul-stirring melodies, thoughtful lyricism, and harmonies that feel both
intimate and anthemic. Drawing from deep faith and lived experience, their
music explores themes of love, redemption, and spiritual longing—designed
to resonate in both personal and communal worship settings.

After a breakout first year that included major festival appearances and four
original singles released in 2025, Grace + Max enter 2026 as the newest
recording artists on WieRok Records. With new music in production and an
expanding touring footprint, the duo continues to focus on their core mission:
creating songs that stir the soul, reflect real life, and glorify the name of Jesus.