The Partnership Podcast

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...

Seth Ehrlich, CEO of SOS Outreach, joins Erik at VVP’s new office for a conversation about the organization’s 33-year journey, the thousands of young people it has supported, and the recent surge of community members stepping up as volunteer mentors. Seth reflects on what this moment reveals about a broader shift across the nonprofit landscape. It is one fueled by love for this valley and a shared...

 Erik visits the Core Transit Operations Center in Gypsum for an inside look at the heartbeat of Core—its people. Through compelling conversations with four dedicated team members—Dave, Cisco, Alex, and Al—you’ll gain a fresh perspective on what makes transit more than just transportation. Their stories reveal valuable insights for businesses of all kinds, from innovative employee retention strate...

Erik sits down with Samantha Hodgkins, Executive Director of Caregiver Connections, for a thoughtful conversation about one of our valley’s fastest-growing populations—adults aged 65 and older—and the incredible people who care for them. Caregiver Connections’ mission is to empower family caregivers of older adults by connecting them to vital resources, support, and moments of respite. Erik and Sa...

 Erik welcomes Tia Bent to the podcast for an insightful conversation about the world of project management and its impact on businesses of every size and focus. Tia shares how effective project management weaves together marketing, communications, process improvement, and strategic planning to drive results. This episode is a must-listen for any business with big goals but not always enough time...

Erik heads to Eagle River Water and Sanitation District to talk about our most precious resource...and what's coming to protect our waters.  ERWSD will be putting a ballot measure forward this coming election season and David Norris, Director of Business Operations joins Erik to talk about this regulatory-driven necessary upgrade and what a "yes" or "no" vote will mean in...

Erik heads over the Mountain Youth offices to chat with Executive Director Michelle Hartel and Marketing and Events Manager Nick Krishnan about the amazing work that Mountain Youth did over this past summer, their plans for this upcoming school year and what the future holds for this important organization.  Their vision is that ALL youth in Eagle County thrive and hear how they are making that a...

Erik welcomes Brett Donelson, Founder and CEO of The Cycle Effect to the podcast.  Brett discusses where the idea for TCE came from and how it's grown over the years through their strategic and thoughtful processes.  Brett also the current state of affairs with non-profits and how we can all rise above the political turmoil of our world to focus on the mission.  This podcast is a must for non...

Erik heads to Colorado Mountain College to chat with Anne and Scott Pasquale about their recent award from the Vail Valley Partnership Success Awards, Small Non-Profit of the Year, and why they are such a deserving non-profit (and business!)  Learn about what a "food incubator" is, why they support the Community Market, how all of this came to be and what the future holds!  You'll a...

Erik heads to Minturn to spend some time with Spence and Stefanie Neubauer, owner/operators of Minturn Whisky Co. and The Wee Dram and honestly has a hard time leaving!  They discuss business creation, strategies for growth, following your passion...and sip some fine whiskey in their unique "third space", a place for all, tourists, locals and even Erik to unwind and feel at home.  Eagle...