The Partnership Podcast

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 discuss the recent They Did What? cam...

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 locally owned car rental companies in E...

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 and across the country, Holly brin...

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 belief in what’s possible when we i...

 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 strategies and building internal talent p...

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 Samantha discuss what that means for o...

 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 or structure to bring them to life.

...

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 terms of your wastewater bill movin...

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 reality.

Learn more about Mountain Y...

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-profits looking to grow and any bu...

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 also hear Chef Scott's favorite...

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 River Whisky was recently named Sma...

Erik has the opportunity to speak to two amazing guests, both leaders in their respective mental health fields.  Dr. Charles Raison is the Director of Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center as well as a professor of Human Ecology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Christine Whelan from Emory University, affectionalty known as "The Purpose Professor".  Dr. Whelan gives a preview of her upcoming ...

At the 2025 Annual VVP Success Awards, we were honored to highlight Julio Garcia as our Young Professional of the year and Erik had a chance to sit down with him recently.

 In 2024, Julio Garcia Jimenez produced 141 episodes of Conexión Latina, welcomed over 200 guests, and created 10 unique segments to better serve the Latino community in Eagle County. He also launched Conecta en Vivo, a 24/7 livestream of Spanish-language programm...

Erik heads to the Eagle County School District office to talk Community Engagement with Superintendent Phil Qualman and Engagement Coordinator Tia Luck.  They discuss a number of initiatives meant to bring students, families and businesses together with the common goal of supporting the next generation.  In the words of Superintendent Qualman, "Our students are watching, and we will continue to lead by example, proving that ed...

Erik heads to Eagle to chat with Ben Caton, State Farm Agent and Owner to talk about insurance...and so much more.  Erik and Ben discuss retirement planning, the challenges of taking over a "legacy" business, and the changing state of insurance both locally and regionally.  Ben isn't afraid to answer the hard questions such as, "why are premiums going up?" and "how should I prepare for natural disaster...

Erik heads to Edwards to talk with American Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electrical CEO and Owner Brad Payne.  Brad talks about his business journey from acquiring and refining into strategic growth and how that has lead to where they find themselves today.  They also discuss some of the latest trends in heating and cooling and the homeowner in Erik really struggles not to come out!  Listen in to hear a great business story, learn ...

Erik heads on down to Coldwell Banker to meet Amy Pates, a residential and commercial broker with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this Valley.  They discuss the current Real Estate climate, housing trends and commercial trends.  Erik asks Amy the question that many of us wonder, 

"Is it still possible for a young professional to find housing and make this place their home?"

Listen in and I know you'll be intrui...