The Partnership Podcast

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...

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...

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 &...

"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...

This week Erik is joined by Kaitlyn Merriman, Senior Manager of Youth and Family Programs for YouthPower365 to talk about an important topic. The Vail Valley Foundation’s YouthPower365 is intensifying efforts to combat youth violence and promote student success through enhanced family-centered initiatives. 

Kaitlyn talks about the $1 million federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, enabling the h...

Erik is joined by Core Transit Deputy Director Scott Robinson for an enjoyable conversation about Core Transit.  Scott shares that Core isn't just "ECO Transit with a new name" it's a completely new company with an expanded community vision.  They discuss the company formation, the marketing vision and the fact that Core Transit was honored with the Large Community Transit Agency of the Year award at the fall Co...

Erik is joined in "the Bistro" (yes, that's what he calls his office) by Samantha  Hodgkins, Executive Director of Caregiver Connections to talk about an extremely important, and often overlooked, demographic.

With older adults 65+ as the fastest growing population in Eagle County and 70% of people preferring to age in place, Caregiver Connections is expanding its reach to address the growing needs of careg...

Let's talk energy savings!  With winter breathing down our necks we all are wondering the same thing, "Am I prepared?"
Black Hills Energy is ready for this question and happy to help.  Erik is joined by Amy Fiala, Energy Efficiency Expert and Jason Auslander from Public Affairs to talk about simple steps we can all do to make our houses more efficient as well as long term solutions that make sense for both your f...

Erik gets a chance to go on one of his "plodcasts" where he walks and talks with a local business and is so happy to tour the newly renovated Eagle River Inn in Minturn.  Tierney Delude, General Manager at the Eagle River Inn provides the tour and information, guiding Erik through the idea, the renovation process and the reception the Inn has received.  Spoiler alert, it's already a local's favorite!  This is a ...

Erik gets a chance to talk with someone he has long respected in this valley, Bob Bandoni, Executive Director of Students Shoulder to Shoulder.  For years Bob and his team have shared ethical leadership practices with the youth of this valley and it's a better world because of it.
Bob explains how leadership influences every part of society, and its ethical quality determines whether it drives progress or exacerbates chall...