The Partnership Podcast

What does it take to turn a passion into your very own small business? In this episode, Erik sits down with Isaac and Karen, Co-founders of Flour Power Craft Pizza , to talk about the challenges, rewards, and realities of building a business from the ground up.  Their story is about much more than classically crafted Italian pizza! They share how relationships, a genuine commitment to community, a...

In this episode, we sit down with Grace Anshutz of Eagle Valley Community Foundation and Ian Grask of Bravo! to discuss Eagle County Gives (Tuesday, December 8th) and the power of supporting local nonprofits. Learn how this collaborative effort brings our community together to strengthen the organizations that make the Vail Valley a better place to live, work, and play. We also look ahead to the u...

On this episode, Erik sits down with Nick Krishnan of Mountain Youth to explore how the organization has been empowering young people and families in Eagle County since 2001. From leadership development and community engagement to critical safe driving initiatives, Mountain Youth works to help young people make informed decisions and build healthier futures. Nick shares how Mountain Youth educates...

On October 3, Vail Health is taking a major step toward a more connected healthcare experience with the launch of Epic, one of the leading electronic medical record systems in healthcare. In this episode, Erik sits down with Julie Jackson, Chief Information Officer at Vail Health , to talk about what this change means for patients, providers and the future of healthcare in the Vail Valley. Julie e...

Erik sits down with Deanna Woodroffe, Owner and Women's Nurse Practitioner, of Vibrant Health of Colorado for an engaging conversation about functional health and the powerful role hormones play in how we feel every day. They explore why symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, changes in mood, weight gain, or simply not feeling like yourself may be connected to what’s happening beneath the surface...

In this episode Erik is joined by Eric Smith, Founder and CEO of Pak Exteriors, to talk about his journey in the roofing industry, how he built Pak differently, and why roofing in the mountains is far more than just putting shingles on a house. From snow loads and ice dams to ventilation and material selection, Eric explains why high-altitude roofing requires a scientific approach. We also dig int...

What happens when your toughest challenge isn't just your health—but the financial burden that comes with it? In this episode, Erik sits down with Brooke Skjonsby, Executive Director of the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, to explore the powerful mission behind one of Eagle County's most impactful nonprofits. Since 1996, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund has provided more than $10 million in f...

Avanti Tattoo: "Erik, when we record the podcast, do you want to get a tattoo live?' Erik: "Anything for the listeners." Erik does exactly that as he sits down with his new favorite Artist, Petro and Michele Toon, owner of Avanti Tattoo, for the most unique episode recorded so far of the Partnership Podcast. While Petro creates a tattoo on Erik in real time, they talk about bui...

What does one person in a slightly smelly chicken suit have to teach us about building a stronger community? Quite a lot, actually. Erik sits down with local community advocate Tim McMahon to talk about mental health awareness, civic engagement, voter registration, and why simply showing up can change lives. From holding signs promoting the 988 crisis line to encouraging neighbors to get involved...

Small Non-Profit of the Year winner SpeakUp ReachOut is making a profound impact across Eagle County by creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life worth living. Erik sits down with Executive Director Erin Ivie and Awareness and Brand Manager Leslie Robertson to discuss how the organization is taking a proactive, public health approach to suicide prevention through educa...

Eriks heads down to the Eagle Branch of the Eagle Valley Library District for a very special tour of the Bookmobile with Tegan, Rocio, Patty and Monique, all of whom play an important role.  Recently honored as the 2026 winner for Innovation in the Public Sector, The Bookmobile is bringing library services directly to communities that have limited access to a physical library, ensuring residents a...

Moe’s Original BBQ , honored as the 2026 Vail Valley Partnership Business of the Year, has grown from a single restaurant into a thriving brand with 51 locations nationwide—all while keeping its headquarters right here in Eagle County. In this episode, Erik sits down with Jeff Kennedy, one of the three owners behind the company’s success, to talk about what truly sets Moe’s apart. Jeff shares the...

Erik sits down with podcast favorite Holly Johnson to unpack the current state of insurance in the valley—and why alternative models, including those offered by Global Life Family Heritage, are becoming increasingly attractive for both individuals and businesses. If Holly can make insurance make sense to Erik…you know this conversation is approachable, practical, and right on time. Learn more abou...

Erik heads to the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District to speak with Lauren Snyder, Government and Public Relations Manager and David Norris, Director of Business Operations about what's in front of all of us this summer with the severe drought conditions we will most certainly be facing.  This is a message of hope - the ERWSD team have been preparing for a summer like this and are ready...

Erik heads to the Wildland Fire Office to speak with Hugh Fairfield-Smith, Division Chief of Wildland Fire Operations about what's in front of all of us this summer with the severe drought conditions we will most certainly be facing.  This is a message of hope - Hugh and his team have been preparing for a summer like this and are ready - but also one of preparedness with some great tips as to...

Erik heads to the Avon offices of Summit Express to sit down with Jackie Roppel, Owner and Human Resource Manager of Summit Express. Their conversation covers the unique challenges of running a transportation business in the high country, building a strong company culture, and Summit Express’s innovative approach to hiring—an approach that businesses of all sizes can learn from. Jackie also shares...

Erik sits down with Deanna Woodroffe, owner of Vibrant Health of Colorado , for a thoughtful conversation about functional medicine, personalized care, and the evolving landscape of healthcare. Deanna explains what functional health really means and how her practice focuses on understanding the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. They also explore Vibrant Health’s me...

Erik is joined by Vail Valley Partnership President and CEO Chris Romer for a timely conversation about Colorado’s new requirement that high schools offer Personal Finance courses. The new AP Business with Personal Finance class equips students with practical, real-world skills—how to build a career, manage money wisely, and gain momentum toward the most popular college major in the country. Devel...

Erik heads to one of his favorite places on Earth—the stunning mountain town of Red Cliff—to sit down with Justin Carter, Founder and President of Brand-On. Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey, what it really takes to open a showroom in Red Cliff, and why building a business in a remote mountain town is both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s...

Erik is joined by Beth Swearingen and John Tedstrom from the Vail Valley Theatre Company to preview their ambitious and joy-filled 2026 season. From big, bold productions to beloved community offerings like Valley Voices and improv—described by John as “really just games with friends”—this conversation captures the heart of what makes VVTC so special. February 7th is a community Casting Call for a...

 Jake Voss, Assistant General Manager of the Residence Inn Vail, takes Erik on a “plodcast” (yes, that’s walking + podcasting and Erik is still very proud of it) through the property to explore the amenities and, more importantly, spotlight an often-overlooked community resource. With affordability and short-term housing options increasingly hard to find in the Valley, the Residence Inn offers a c...

Erik has a conversation with Mollie Case to talk about the return of Rocky Mountain Ski Fest to Beaver Creek and the heart behind the mission.  Rocky Mountain Ski Fest blends skiing, live music, and purpose into one unforgettable winter experience—raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. The multi-day event features a concert with Old Dominion and Edwin McCain, a fun-filled ski d...

Erik gets a chance to spend some time with Dennis McMahon, Brand Strategist and Founder of HyFyve.  Dennis and his incredible team have been responsible for some of the most notable branding and marketing campaigns here in the valley and Erik picks his brain on his process, inspiration and some of those basic questions every business asks when it's time to revamp or rebrand. Dennis and Erik d...

Erik heads down to the Eagle County Airport for a conversation with Rachel Yandle, the longtime General Manager of Dollar and Thrifty Car Rentals. Sure—they cover the essentials: the best vehicles for winter driving, the eternal all-wheel vs. four-wheel debate, and even a little roundabout etiquette. But at its core, this episode is about hospitality . Dollar and Thrifty stand apart as the only lo...

Erik sits down with Holly Johnson—author, profit-acceleration coach, and seasoned business strategist—for an insightful conversation about the everyday mistakes that hold organizations back. Together they unpack practical, easy-to-apply strategies for overcoming procrastination, taming your inbox, and elevating genuine human connection in the workplace. With deep experience both here in the Valley...