Meet the Ambassadors
Michelle Friedman
Born and raised in Central New York, Michelle 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.
An Ambassador that serves on several Eagle Chamber committees and Board Member for 13 years up until 2023, Michelle currently serves as the Chair the Chamber's 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!
Patty Hood
I grew up in a small town in Northern Indiana and loved being from a small town. I just didn't like the midwest winter and grey days. Living out west was a dream of mine, and I was able to move to Eagle in 2001. I love the small town atmosphere and Eagle is a great fit for me.
I opened Hood Insurance Agency in February of 2011 after working for several different agencies in both the independent and captive arena. I really wanted to build my own agency that had my personal stamp on it.
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.
Stop by and say hello, I'd love to get to know you, your story, and help if I can .... or just come by and say hello to Cowboy. He always appreciates visitors.
Patty Hood
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.
Rhonda Tatham
I am the Senior Treasury Management Representative for Eagle and Summit counties . My role focuses on making sure our business account customers have the best account structure and product packages we have to offer to ensure they are getting the best deal from an interest and fee perspective. I have over 25 years of experience with FirstBank, and use my experience to help you overcome some of the banking challenges that businesses encounter.
Headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, FirstBank has been providing full service banking for over 55 years. Since its initial bank charter was granted in 1963, FirstBank has grown into a highly successful organization with more than 100 locations. We have nearly 2,800 total officers and employees, and more than 100 of those officers and more than 650 of those employees have at least 10 years of experience with the company. We continue to provide our customers with innovative banking products, outstanding customer service, and local decision makers.
FirstBank is well-capitalized according to all regulatory guidelines. As of September 2021, our total deposits were over $25.1 billion and total assets were more than $27.4 billion. We continue to experience solid growth in both assets and deposits. We do not originate, hold, or purchase subprime mortgage loans or securities. Continued focus on credit quality has enabled us to succeed in all economic cycles.
FirstBank serves over 800,000 customers across three states. We opened our doors to the residents of Palm Desert, California in 1985, and in 2007, expanded to Arizona. Today, Palm Desert, California has four locations and Arizona has 14 locations. Our solid banking history and strong financial position enable us to meet the credit needs of customers and communities across several states. Please see us for all of your business banking needs.
Edgar Chairéz
I grew up in a small town in Durango, Mexico and moved to the United States after graduating from college. My degree is in law, and I spend the most part of 10 years working for the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, Texas, where I helped in the protection department. This position was very rewarding, and it was there, I learned how much I enjoyed helping people with their problems.
I began working for Hood Insurance Agency in August of 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. During the past year, I have acquired my insurance license and very much enjoy working with clients to help them with their insurance needs. As a broker, I have several different Insurance carriers which I have access to. This allows me to work closely with my clients, while providing them more options and choices.
As a local professional living in this valley, I feel it is important to give back to the community of which I am a part of. I sit on the board of directors for a non-profit and collaborate with many organizations such as Law Enforcement Immigrant Alliance, and Hearts Reign & Mountain Recreation. I also work for Mountain Youth, supporting local Latino families.
Please call or email me if you would like a quote, ask questions, or just get acquainted. I’d love to have the opportunity to help you with your insurance needs.
Hablo Español.
Crecí en un pequeño pueblo en Durango, México y me mudé a los Estados Unidos después de graduarme de la universidad. Mi título es en derecho, y pasé la mayor parte de 10 años trabajando para el Consulado General de México en Dallas, Texas, donde ayudé en el departamento de protección. Esta posición fue muy gratificante, y fue allí donde aprendí lo mucho que disfrutaba ayudando a las personas con sus problemas.
Comencé a trabajar para la agencia de seguros Hood Insurance en agosto del 2020, en medio de la pandemia. Durante el último año he adquirido mis licencias de seguros y disfruto mucho trabajando con clientes para ayudarlos con sus necesidades de seguros. Como agente comercial, tengo varias compañías de seguros a las que tengo acceso. Esto me permite trabajar en estrecha colaboración con mis clientes, dándoles diferentes opciones.
Como profesional local que vive en este valle, siento que es importante retribuir a la comunidad. Formo parte de la junta directiva de una organización sin fines de lucro y colaboro con muchas organizaciones como Law Enforcement Immigrant Alliance, Hearts Reign y Mountain Recreation. También trabajo para la organización Mountain Youth apoyando a las familias latinas.
Por favor, llámeme o envíeme un correo electrónico si desea una cotización, hacer preguntas o simplemente familiarizarse. Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarlo con sus necesidades de seguros.
Jan Rosenthal
Shadey Deals, Inc. Window Treatment Specialists was founded in 1991 by Jan Rosenthal & Jay W. Townsend. Because of our personalized service, attention to detail and the desire to satisfy our customers completely (before, during and after the sale) we have established a sterling reputation amongst thousands of homeowners, realtors, property management companies, homebuilders and lodges over the years.
We at Shadey Deals maintain the philosophy of “personalized, friendly, exceptional customer service”. Recognizing that the interior of one’s home (even if it is just a simple window treatment,) is the most intimate expression of one’s personality & lifestyle, we enjoy the rewarding challenge of finding just the right thing for all of our clients. Our forte is making design and color recommendations based on each client’s individual needs with free in-home consultations and competitive pricing.
Our #1 goal is to fully satisfy each and every one of our clients! No job is too small!
Shadey Deals welcomes your business !!
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.
Emma Mitchell
Do you want better friends and deeper connections in your life? Do you ever think about what it would feel like to have more fun, be content, and just be okay being you?
I used to think about these things all the time. I was unhappy with the person I was showing the world, not letting people truly get to know the real me, and worst of all, life felt lonely and pretty joyless. The irony of it all was that I owned an event planning business centered around getting people to socialize during fun and creative activities. But I wasn’t having fun doing it.
Once I got intentional about changing my life, I decided I needed to go on a Journey of Joy. I started shedding the unauthentic layers to reveal my true self and what I really wanted out of life. I began finding joy in the simple things, acting like a kid again, utilizing energy healing methods, plus creative and movement activities. But mainly, I got really intentional about having fun and adventure. Through this growth, I’ve found my voice, more confidence, better boundaries, and stronger relationships. Best of all, I’ve had many experiences that bring me ear-to-ear grinning happiness.
Now I’m on a mission to help women find more joy in their own life. As your Joy Guide, I’ll walk you through those same methods to lead you towards a more fun and fulfilling life – with better friends, feeling more content with yourself, and excited to be alive.
If you are interested in meeting new friends local to the area, you can also check out the variety of community events that I host.
I am also a certified Reiki Master and aid my clients in finding more clarity and peace through 45-minute sessions.
Outside of my business, I’m passionate about other simple joys, like cooking, reading, being out in nature, exploring ghost towns, and volunteering. I love to meet new people, so please reach out if you want to chat about food, the best book you’ve read lately, or an interesting fact you’ve learned about Colorado history.
Everything you need to flower is already inside you.
Learn more about my company here: www.rosajoyco.com
