From the Field to the Boardroom: Tony Thompson on Building the Colorado Spartans and a Winning Culture

UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits Episode 4

What does it take to turn a dream into reality—both in sports and in business? For Tony Thompson, owner of the Colorado Spartans, it all comes down to leadership, perseverance, and building a culture where everyone is empowered to succeed.

In this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we sit down with Tony to hear the remarkable story behind his journey from a passionate sports enthusiast to owner of a team in the Arena Football League (AFL). It’s a conversation packed with motivation, insight, and real talk about what it takes to overcome obstacles and build something meaningful.

Whether you're a sports fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a big goal, this episode is your playbook for grit, ambition, and relentless focus.

Meet Tony Thompson: Visionary Behind the Colorado Spartans

Tony Thompson isn’t your average team owner. He’s not just invested in the business of football—he’s deeply committed to creating opportunities for athletes, fans, and the local community. His leadership of the Colorado Spartans, part of the revamped Arena Football League, is fueled by a desire to build more than just a team. He’s building a movement.

From day one, Tony envisioned the Spartans as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and Colorado pride. In this episode, he shares how his background, drive, and vision came together to turn a dream into one of Colorado’s most exciting new sports franchises.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunity: Lessons in Leadership

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Tony’s openness about the roadblocks he’s faced—both personally and professionally. From financial hurdles to industry skepticism, launching a professional football team isn’t for the faint of heart. But Tony's mindset is simple: every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.

His lessons on leadership are as relevant in the boardroom as they are on the field. Tony shares practical takeaways for anyone starting a business, running a team, or leading a community. It's a masterclass in resilience, vision, and keeping your values front and center.

The Colorado Spartans: More Than a Game

The Colorado Spartans aren’t just here to play football—they’re here to make an impact. Tony talks about the deeper purpose behind the team, including:

• Creating career paths for athletes

• Engaging the local community

• Inspiring the next generation of leaders and fans

Tony believes sports have the power to change lives, and he’s using the Spartans as a platform to prove it.

With the Arena Football League’s return, the Spartans are positioning themselves as more than a team—they’re a brand rooted in excellence, inclusion, and hard work.

Building a Winning Culture in Sports and Business

One of the key themes of this episode is culture—how to build it, sustain it, and lead by example. Tony shares what it means to create a “winning culture” that people want to be part of. It’s about more than trophies. It’s about:

• Setting high expectations

• Leading with integrity

• Putting people first

If you’re growing a startup, managing a team, or launching a project, Tony’s insights on building culture are worth their weight in gold. You’ll walk away from this episode ready to lead with confidence and purpose.

Why This Episode Matters

This is more than a sports story—it’s a story about dreams, discipline, and dedication. Tony Thompson’s journey is proof that with the right mindset, any dream can become reality.

So whether you're:

• An entrepreneur looking for motivation,

• A sports fan excited about the Colorado Spartans, or

• Someone facing your own mountain to climb,

This episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits is here to inspire, empower, and remind you that success is built, not given.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Don’t miss this conversation with Tony Thompson. Hear how he built the Colorado Spartans, overcame the odds, and created a winning culture that’s making waves in the Arena Football League and beyond. Stream it here or on your favorite podcast platform.

📱 Follow the Colorado Spartans: @coloradospartans🍸