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

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

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? campaign, a no-nonsense travel guide that advocates for sustainable adventuring in Eagle County. 

Businesses! They Did What? was built for you and this place, please visit TheyDidWhat.org for assets that you can share with your team and clients.

Learn more about HyFyve HERE

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 Eagle County, and you can feel that difference in everything they do—from exceptional customer service to impressive employee retention. Case in point: Rachel has been with the company for 21 years, and now her son works alongside her.

So what’s the secret sauce? According to Rachel, it all comes back to genuine hospitality. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways that any business—big or small—can learn from.

Learn more and book with Dollar HERE

Learn more and book with Thrifty HERE

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 brings a wealth of perspective that resonates with businesses of every size. This episode delivers lessons you can put to work immediately. 

Learn more about Growth Solutions Coaching HERE

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 invest in one another. In a time when division feels loud, this discussion offers a grounded message of hope and a reminder of the power of community connection.

Tune in to hear how you can make a difference right here at home. 

Learn more about SOS Outreach and how you can be a Mentor HERE 

 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 pipelines to fostering a genuine sense of belonging that fuels purpose and performance. 

Learn more about Core Transit HERE

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 our local business community and the valley as a whole, while sharing simple, meaningful ways to get involved.

If you know a family member, friend, or neighbor who could benefit from this important conversation, please share the podcast with them—and learn more about Caregiver Connections HERE

 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.

Find more information about Peak Management Solutions HERE

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 moving forward.

Find more information about this ballot measure HERE