Meet the Ambassadors
Michelle Friedman
Born and raised in Central New York, she moved to Colorado at 19 years old, where she received an Associates Degree in Travel and Tourism Management, and then she moved to Alexandria, Virginia to work in hospitality. Michelle moved back to Colorado after 2 years as she missed everything about it. After a year in Denver, she was very fortunate for her company to move her to the valley in 2000 and has lived in Eagle ever since and really love being here.
Michelle soon changed careers into Media Marketing in 2004 and currently works with KNS Broadcasting, home of TRUE LOCAL RADIO "The Outlaw, Colorado's High Country 102.1".
She really loves that her career enables her to meet new people, learning about their business and helping them to grow their business with the right message to the right audience, as well as growing the relationship and continue working together for many years.
Michelle has served on the Eagle Chamber of Commerce’s Board since 2010, and chairs the Leads Group. She really enjoys the networking events the most.
Although she’s not a skier, she loves to camp and get on the river on with her duckie!
Jessie Steinmetz
As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I believe it's important to invest my time to understand what you're working toward before you invest your money. It's also important to understand the level of risk you're comfortable accepting when investing so we can balance it with the steps necessary to reach your long-term goals.
Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We can also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, we're dedicated to providing you top-notch client service.
But we're not alone. Thousands of people and advanced technology support our office so we can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone's expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.
Patty Hood
Patty Hood opened Hood Insurance Agency in February of 2011 after working for several different agencies in both the independent and captive arena. Patty's goal was to build an agency with her own personal stamp on it, and to serve her local mountain community in Eagle, CO. Edgar Chairez joined the agency in August 2020 to help Patty better serve her clients as well as the latino families and business owners in the area.
“It has always been vitally important to me to build relationships with my clients and create an environment where people feel appreciated and valued. I want to provide my clients with the choices and options that best fit their needs. As an independent broker, I have access to some the best insurance products on the market. That gives me flexibility and options to find the best product for your insurance needs.
I am a local, hometown agent. I feel as a local business owner I have a commitment to support the community in which I live and enjoy. I sponsor and support a number of different non-profits locally including Eagle County 4-H and The Cycle Effect. I also sit on several different boards including the Eagle Chamber of Commerce.
When I'm not working, I enjoy river rafting, camping, or hiking with my side-kick, Cowboy, a Border Collie Aussie mix that is 5 years old now. Cowboy grew up under my desk and is part and parcel of this agency. He'll greet you at the door, ask for a little attention, and go back to sleeping under my desk.”
Sandy LaBaugh
Sandy LaBaugh, CFA is a Business Banking Relationship Manager for U.S. Bank, providing loans and banking services for businesses and organizations in the Vail Valley, Eagle County. She loves to help both small and large businesses in Eagle County, Colorado with banking services. U.S. Bank offers a full spectrum of excellent services for businesses and sole proprietors including several types of bank accounts, commercial loans and lines of credit, real estate financing, SBA loans, equipment financing, business credit cards, merchant credit card processing and several benefits for employees of businesses enrolled in our free Workplace Banking program.
U.S. Bank N.A. acquired Vail Banks, Inc. which owned WestStar Bank in 2006. We still operate as a local community bank while offering broader capabilities of a national bank. We have 111 U.S. Bank branches in Colorado including branches in Gypsum, Edwards, Avon, West Vail and Vail Village. U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $573 billion in assets as of December 31, 2021, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. The Minneapolis-based company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses: Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; Corporate & Commercial Banking; and Wealth Management and Investment Services. The company has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about.
Josie Haxton
Born and raised in Smyrna Georgia, Josie moved to Colorado in May of 1999 and has made this forever home. She has worked in sales and hospitality for the last 23 years and currently works for Always Mountain Time in media marketing and Radiant Events. Josie spends her time hiking and playing in the Mountains winter and summer. When not working she enjoys spending time with her friends and pups, fishing and rafting the beautiful rivers and attending concerts or music festivals.
Kent Welsh
Kent Welsh, CPA, CFP
A New Jersey native, with Lehigh University and Virginia Tech University degrees under his belt, Kent moved to Eagle, CO with his wife Janet after 24 years living in the town of Blacksburg, VA.
The move provided the opportunity to be closer to soon-to-be grand children and enjoy the beauty of Rocky Mountain lifestyle. Kent continued his 36 year career as a Certified Public Accountant here in Eagle County while Janet resumed her career as a certified nurse in the Eagle County public school system.
In 2020, Kent decided to capitalize on his extensive knowledge from 36 years as a practicing Certified Public Accountant and 22 years as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to found Brush Creek Financial Advisors, LLC. With a mission to personally provide greater positive impact on the lives of others, Kent brings a wealth of experience to the new firm and has shaped the direction being taken to best provide for the firm’s clientele. It is his belief that the best financial advice is given holistically, with knowledge of the client’s entire financial position and the foresight to know how that advice will affect this position moving forward.
Jackie VanEyll
My name is Jackie VanEyll. I’m a Florida native who always preferred mountains over beach. With a heart for adventure, my husband and I moved to Colorado in 2016, without ever visiting, and never looked back. We love everything this colorful state has to offer and are excited to raise our daughter in a place that embraces so many of our passions. I love all things sustainability and after graduating at Colorado Mountain College have used my Sustainability Studies degree where I can, including creating the Green Team for the Town of Eagle. Besides my passion for the ecofriendly, I have been writing stories and poems since I was six, and hope to one day be a published author starting with my fantasy fiction trilogy on murderous merpeople who walk among us.
