At Thrive Workplace, we believe every member should have access to the tools, knowledge, and connections that help them grow, and that includes staying ahead of emerging technologies like AI. That’s why we recently hosted a member-focused AI Panel Event, giving our community direct access to real-life strategies, practical tools, and inspiring examples of how AI is being used by business leaders today.

This wasn’t your average tech talk. It was a hands-on, honest conversation about what AI really means for small businesses and entrepreneurs, led by experts like Jim Kreinbrink of Hyper Dog Media, Brandon Melton of Digital Good, and Nathan Pavelka of CBRE, who are actively using AI to shape smarter operations, safer communities, and more scalable solutions. Ent Credit Union, generously sponsored the event, while Richard Hern served as our moderator, guiding the conversation with insightful questions and real-world perspective.

Demystifying AI: Making the Complex Clear

We kicked off the event by grounding the conversation in the basics: what AI is, how it works, and why it matters, especially for small and growing businesses. Our panelists made it clear: AI isn’t science fiction anymore. It’s here, it’s accessible, and it’s becoming a powerful tool in everything from marketing and operations to client experience and business development.

Real Tools. Real Results.

The standout message? You don’t need to be a coder or a tech company to start using AI today.

Brandon shared how platforms like Notion + AI are transforming the way teams organize work, automate tasks, and even “train” virtual team members. Jim showed how AI-powered business development tools can analyze data and spot opportunities faster than ever, helping teams make smarter decisions without hiring a data scientist.

AI in the Wild: Beyond the Boardroom

One of the most powerful parts of the panel was hearing how AI is being used outside traditional business functions. Brandon highlighted a compelling use case in school safety, where AI models are trained to detect potential threats. This hit home for many members, showing just how far-reaching and impactful these tools can be.
Nathan also walked us through how custom AI instructions can make even the most advanced tools approachable and personalized to your business needs.

Meet “Vibe Coding”: The Future of Tech, No Experience Required

One of the most exciting innovations discussed was vibe coding, a new way to build websites or applications using natural language prompts. No code. No tech background. Just your idea, your voice, and an AI assistant that brings it to life. It’s a game-changer for business owners who want to move fast without hiring a full dev team.
This is exactly the kind of innovation we love to spotlight at Thrive, because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your business, regardless of your technical background.

The Responsibility Side of Innovation

Of course, with any powerful technology comes responsibility. Our panel closed with an important reminder: while AI brings opportunity, it also requires thoughtfulness. From bias and privacy to long-term sustainability, we need to build and use AI in ways that are transparent, fair, and ethical.
At Thrive, we’re committed to helping our members not just use the latest tools, but use them well.

What It Means for You

Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, here are a few key takeaways from the event:
  • AI is here and it’s practical. You can start small and still make a big impact.
  • You don’t need to be a tech expert. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, NotebookLM, Notion AI and vibe coding are designed to meet you where you are.
  • Learning happens together. Events like these are part of our commitment to helping you stay sharp, connected, and empowered.

Why We Host These Events

At Thrive Workplace, learning is part of the experience. We don’t just give you a place to work, we give you a platform to grow. Our workshops, panels, and community-driven events are designed to help members connect with what’s next and turn insights into action.
Because at the end of the day, your growth is our mission.
Stay tuned for our next event and in the meantime, stop by the front desk or reach out to learn how Thrive can help you explore new tools and technologies to keep your business moving forward.

About Ent Credit Union

Ent Credit Union is Colorado’s largest credit union and a proud supporter of local entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on community and small business, they offer tools, resources, and financial solutions that help business owners, like so many of our Thrive members, start, grow, and succeed. We’re grateful for their partnership in making events like this possible and for their commitment to helping Colorado’s business community thrive.