The Partnership Podcast
Dive into the latest happenings in the Vail Valley direct from the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Vail Valley Partnership brings you the scoop on business news and current issues to advocacy alerts and community conversations.
Episodes
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.
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 ...
Erik get's a chance to talk with Brandon Daruna, CEO of Eagle County Paramedics. They discuss both comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the community paramedic program, which provides health services in the home, increasing health and well-being by mobilizing care, addressing healthcare gaps and connecting people to necessary services.
Learn more about Eagle County Paramedics HERE
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?"
Erik "heads on down" to the Eagle River Center to check out the action at Trio Therapy Partners this week. He's joined by Lauren Cremonese, Executive Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and Amanda Moody, Director of Operations and Occupational Therapist. Tom the Horse is standing nearby as well, although he keeps pretty quiet. Lauren and Amanda talk about the ma...
Erik gets a chance to spend some time with Peak Plumbing Heating and Cooling with owner Mike Goldberg. Mike talks about his business philosophy, hiring practices and the power of an education in the trades. In addition, Mike takes Erik on a tour of Peak PHC to show their new training area for the future plumbers of this valley.
To learn more about Peak Plumbing Heating and Cooling click HERE
Join Erik as he gets a tour of Roundup River Ranch from Mackenzie Koffenberger-Young, The Community Engagement and Recruitment Manager for this wonderful organization. RRR is part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of medical specialty camps founded by Paul Newman. He believed that kids with serious illnesses needed a place to “kick back and raise a little hell.”
Mackenzie gives Erik the rundown of what a week...
Erik is joined by Erin Ivie, Executive Director of SpeakUp ReachOut, to talk about the history, current initiatives and future of the organization. Erin gives historical perspective and current insights into our valley's mental health as well as discusses the upcoming Workplace Wellbeing Summit on Friday, April 11th.
This immersive, workshop-style event is designed for teams of 5-10 members per organization. Through engaging &...
Erik goes on location to the new Salvation Army headquarters and is joined by Monica Villalobos-Russell, Executive Director, to talk about their new location, new staff and the ways in which they serve the community. Monica shares why community partnerships and engagement with the Salvation Army is so important and how we can all be part of the solution.
Learn more about the Salvation Army HERE
"Insurance protects what we love." Join Erik this week as he welcomes a friend to the podcast, Tony Martinez, President and Principal Agent at Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group. Tony frames insurance in the best possible way, explaining when we are protecting our businesses it's more than just "insurance", it's about the success of the entire community. In this episode, Tony shares lessons f...
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