Learn More About Us
Mark Bittle, President & CEO
Mark’s journey into business strategy began after recognizing a gap in the way businesses were being served by traditional strategies. His experience as the Director of Marketing and Development for the largest media company in Southern Colorado, combined with his role as a local executive for a Fortune 150 company, and VP of Membership for the largest business membership organization, allowed him to see firsthand how businesses could thrive if provided with the right guidance and strategic insight.
Frustrated by the lack of attention given to the long-term development of clients’ businesses, Mark created Connectionmark™. The company’s unique process includes a strategic workbook that prompts businesses to ask critical questions like:
What do we know?
What don’t we know?
What would be nice to know?
Where can we find the right resources?
By helping clients answer these questions, Mark and his team guide them toward sustainable growth, smarter resource allocation, and more effective decision-making.
Mark's extensive background spans public relations, community engagement, sales, market development, and strategic planning. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that meaningful relationships and thoughtful strategies are the keys to success. He has been recognized nationally for his ability to help businesses grow through strong, purpose-driven strategies. As a Connectionmark™ Certified Resultant™ and Chief Intrapreneur, Mark brings entrepreneurial passion to every project he works on.
Since 2009, Mark facilitated the Pikes Peak SBDC’s Leading Edge Business Planning Course, as well as many others helping thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners develop effective strategies to achieve their goals. His work continues to inspire others as he combines his love for business with a strong commitment to supporting local communities. There is a growing demand for clients needing more assistance today than ever, and his decision to step-away from the SBDC network in 2025 to focus on growing his own brand Connectionmark, allows him the opportunity to provide a more in-depth approach to working alongside clients to more effectively mentor, coach, and consult them without limitations. Mark can now offer his immediate assistance, while also providing all of the options for clients to consider which resources in the community make the most sense for them, and yes, the SBDC remains one of them near the top of the list.
Shaula Denton, Vice President of Client Strategy and Operations
Shaula Denton brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial and operational leadership to her role as Vice President of Operations & Client Strategy at Connectionmark™. A dynamic business strategist and builder, Shaula has launched, operated, and grown several businesses across diverse industries, including event rental businesses, a concrete and landscaping company, a power washing service, and a craft brewery, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges small business owners face every day.
At Connectionmark™, she leads company operations, enhances the client experience, and plays a key role in guiding strategic programs that help business owners move from overwhelmed to optimized. Shaula is known for her ability to design systems, streamline processes, and deliver practical, people-first solutions that unlock growth.
Her deep background in small business development, paired with her previous work advising hundreds of entrepreneurs through the Pikes Peak SBDC, allows her to offer clarity, accountability, and high-impact support to every leader she serves. Passionate about building strong foundations and stronger teams, Shaula thrives at the intersection of execution and empathy, making her a powerful ally to founders ready to lead with intention.
Outside of work, Shaula enjoys time with her two adult children, grandchild, and family in the Denver-metro area, as well as connecting with her community through local events and brewery partnerships.
Deb Bartholomew, M.Ed. Curriculum Development Specialist, Virtual Assistant with Organized By Design, LLC
Ellen Rhoads, Director of Client Experience
Ellen Rhodes serves as the Vice President of Business Development at Connectionmark, acting as the welcoming "front door" to our growing small business village. With a deep passion for human-centric development, Ellen's primary focus is on building genuine, lasting relationships rather than pushing transactional sales.
A Champion for the Small Business Owner Having navigated the business world, Ellen deeply understands the isolation, stress, and pressure that business owners face. She recognizes that taking the leap to ask for help can be intimidating without a proper safety net, and she is dedicated to providing exactly that. Ellen naturally relates to the "misaligned achievers" in our community, ensuring they feel heard, seen, and understood from their very first conversation.
Curiosity Over Pitches Ellen's approach to business development perfectly aligns with Connectionmark’s core philosophy. She possesses a very strong sense of fairness and actively rejects the "greedy salesperson" mentality. Instead of relying on high-pressure pitches, Ellen leads with empathy and curiosity. She focuses on building rapport, uncovering the root of an owner's challenges, and simply letting them know that an opportunity for growth and support exists.
Building the Village At her core, Ellen loves to talk to people, meet new faces, and discover what makes each business unique. In her role, she bridges the gap between overwhelmed entrepreneurs and Connectionmark's vetted network of strategic partners. Whether she is inviting a prospect to experience a complimentary "Tuesdays with Mark" session or guiding them toward a strategic business plan, Ellen's ultimate mission is to support the growth of the individual behind the business. She firmly believes in the Connectionmark vision, noting that it provides a level of collaborative support that is missing from traditional consulting.
When you connect with Ellen, you aren't just meeting a business development executive, you are meeting an advocate who truly wants to see your business thrive.
Maisel Golden, Efficiency Expert
Connectionmark’s Original Efficiency Expert & Golden Heart
Maisel was never “just a dog” at Connectionmark. She was a calming presence, a trusted companion, and a quiet reminder of what genuine connection is supposed to feel like.
Known affectionately as Connectionmark’s Efficiency Expert, Maisel approached every interaction with curiosity, attentiveness, and enthusiasm. Whether greeting clients, sitting in on strategy sessions, or simply reminding the team to slow down and be present, she embodied the very qualities Connectionmark strives to bring into every client relationship: warmth, responsiveness, loyalty, and intentional care.
Maisel taught us that people do not simply want information, they want to feel heard, valued, and supported.
That philosophy continues to shape how we communicate today.
While “Maisel” is far more personal than a generic info@ inbox, the spirit behind her name represents something much deeper within our organization. When you communicate with Maisel, you are experiencing a team intentionally modeled after the qualities she demonstrated so naturally:
Eagerness to respond
Thoughtfulness in communication
Genuine care for people
Presence over transaction
Support rooted in connection
At Connectionmark, we believe responsiveness is not simply about speed, it is about making people feel seen, understood, and welcomed.
Maisel never met a stranger.
Neither do we.
Her legacy continues to influence our culture, our communication, and the way we show up for business owners every single day. She reminded us that leadership is built through consistency, trust, and the willingness to stay beside people as they navigate uncertainty.
In many ways, Maisel helped define the heart of Connectionmark.
And while her paw prints may no longer echo through the office, the standard she set continues to guide us forward, with clarity, compassion, and purpose.