The Partnership Podcast

Hosted by Vail Valley Partnership

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Episodes

154

Latest episode

Apr 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

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 HEREFor Eagle County Preparedness resources visit HEREHugh 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

March 17, 2026Episode 13919 min

Vibrant Health of Colorado

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 membership-based model, designed to build strong relationships between provider and patient while delivering research-based, individualized care.If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare might work differently — with more time, more connection, and more focus on the whole person — this conversation offers an insightful look at a model that’s gaining traction.Learn more about Vibrant Health of Colorado HERE

March 3, 2026Episode 13814 min

Why Advanced Placement Business Classes are GOOD for our businesses...with Chris Romer

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.Developed in partnership with college faculty and industry leaders, this rigorous yearlong course gives students the opportunity to earn college credit and an employer-endorsed credential before they even graduate. Chris shares why this isn’t just another mandate to check off—but a powerful opportunity. By leaning into this requirement, our community can better prepare students for their futures while also strengthening the pipeline of talent local businesses so desperately need. It’s about aligning education with opportunity—and making sure the next generation is ready to thrive.Learn more about this important initiative HERE

February 10, 2026Episode 13715 min

Brand-On, Serving the world from Red Cliff

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 ever dreamed of turning a side hustle into a sustainable business—one that supports a family, serves the valley and the region, and reaches the world through a strong online presence. And yes… Erik loves every minute of being there.Learn more about Brand-On HERE

February 3, 2026Episode 13715 min

Vail Valley Theatre Comany's upcoming season and current impact!

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 all shows, including Rent, Murder on the Orient Express, Rocky Road Improv, and A Christmas Carol, and talk about how VVTC has grown into more than a theatre. It’s a safe space, a gathering place, and— for many— a second family. IF you cannot make Feb 7th, never fear, there are more than enough ways to get involved.Find out more about the upcoming Casting Call HEREFind out more about Vail Valley Theatre Company HERE

January 20, 2026Episode 13617 min

Residence Inn Vail, walking and talking!

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 comfortable, flexible solution for local businesses needing temporary placements for employees and families. Jake leads the tour, Erik asks the questions, and together they unpack why this hotel is more than a place to stay — it’s a practical workforce tool for our community. Learn more about the Residence Inn Vail HERE

December 23, 2025Episode 13516 min

Rocky Mountain Ski Fest 2025!

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 day with the artists, supporters, and pediatric cancer warriors, and The Lodge Sessions—a special songwriter round hosted by legendary broadcaster Storme Warren and featuring Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite, and Edwin McCain in an intimate lodge setting.This event isn’t just about great music and mountain views- it’s about creating meaningful moments and making a real impact for families affected by pediatric cancer. Find out more and get tickets HERE