The Partnership Podcast

Hosted by Vail Valley Partnership

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Episodes

160

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 11, 2026Episode 14918 min

Vail Valley Charitable Fund, 30 years old and going strong!

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 financial assistance to over 2,400 local individuals and families facing medical crises and long-term illness, helping neighbors stay in their homes, pay medical bills, and focus on healing instead of financial survival. Brooke shares the remarkable origin story of the organization, the real-life impact of community generosity, and why the Vail Valley continues to rally around neighbors in their greatest moments of need. From emergency grants to innovative programs that improve access to dental care, physical therapy, and breast cancer screenings, this conversation is a reminder that strong communities are built by showing up for one another. Learn more about VVCF HERE Learn more about Eagle County Gives HERE

July 21, 2026Episode 14817 min

2026 Small Business OTY Avanti Tattoo!

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 building an award-winning business, the artistry behind tattooing, safety and professionalism in the industry, and the meaningful work Avanti does for the community—including providing free restorative nipple-areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors. It's a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, giving back, and what it takes to earn the trust of hundreds of clients. Plus, you'll hear whether Erik makes it through the whole experience! Learn more about Avanti Tattoo HERE

July 14, 2026Episode 14715 min

2026 Community Impact, meet the Chicken Man!

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 at town meetings and Vail Yeti hockey games, Tim shares why connection, compassion, and persistence matter more than recognition. It's an inspiring conversation about ordinary people making an extraordinary impact—one conversation, one sign, and one act of kindness at a time.

July 7, 2026Episode 14627 min

2026 Small NonProfit OTY! Speak Up Reach Out

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 education, collaboration, workplace wellness, firearm safety initiatives, and peer support. They share powerful stories of hope, the importance of reducing stigma around mental health, and how partnerships with schools, first responders, businesses, and community organizations are helping save lives. This is an inspiring conversation about compassion, connection, and the collective responsibility we all have in supporting one another. Learn more about Speak Up Reach Out HERE

June 30, 2026Episode 14519 min

2026 Innovation in the Public Sector Eagle Valley Library District

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 across nearly 1,700 square miles can read, learn, and connect close to home. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Chromebooks, a printer, a wheelchair lift, and collections in both English and Spanish, the Bookmobile provides a full-service library experience that is tailored to the unique needs of each community it visits. In response to growing demand, the District has expanded service to additional locations, including The Community Market in Gypsum, Roundup River Ranch, and Freedom Park in Edwards, increasing access to educational resources for even more residents. By removing transportation barriers and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for lifelong learning, the Bookmobile strengthens connections, promotes equity, and enriches communities throughout Eagle County. Learn more about services and routes for the Bookmobile HERE

June 23, 2026Episode 14416 min

2026 Business OTY! Moe's Original BBQ

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 business philosophies that have guided their growth, the intentionality behind every aspect of the company, and the culture they've worked hard to build. He also offers one powerful piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders hoping to achieve similar success. Whether you're a fan of great barbecue, passionate about business, or simply looking for inspiration, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in to discover the secret ingredients behind Moe’s remarkable journey. Learn more about Moe's HERE

April 7, 2026Episode 14120 min

Family Heritage with Holly Johnson

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 about all of this and contact Holly HERE

March 31, 2026Episode 14315 min

Summer '26 Readiness...with Eagle River Fire Protection District

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 what you can do to create fire safe areas for both home and business. As Hugh says in the podcast, "Wildfire is a unique natural disaster in the way that you can mitigate and prepare to lessen the severity." Learn more about how you can be prepared HERE For Eagle County Preparedness resources visit HERE Hugh also mentions for an inspection email home@eagleriverfire.org

March 31, 202627 min

Summer '26 Readiness...with Eagle River Water and Sanitation District

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 - but also one of preparedness as to what to expect with water restrictions and how it takes all of us banding together, a skill that this valley truly has. Learn more about your water usage and how to be prepared HERE

March 24, 2026Episode 14017 min

Summit Express

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 how Summit Express supports the broader business community while maintaining its well-known reputation for serving the region’s tourism industry. Learn more and make your reservations HERE