The Team - Nederland buying Eldora

Dwight DeBroux brings a decade of senior leadership experience in the ski industry, having played a key role in retail expansion and large-scale change management at Vail Resorts during its global workforce growth of 400%. He now owns the General Store in Gold Hill and Ned General in Nederland while leading DeBroux Enterprises, an investment group focused on preserving historic buildings and fostering economic vitality in Boulder.  Previously, he operated multiple Vic’s Espresso locations, gaining deep insights into local business dynamics.  He also raced both road and mountain bikes professionally. An avid outdoor enthusiast and community advocate, DeBroux bridges corporate resort operations with independent business ownership, balancing economic growth with community interests.

Justin Gold is the founder of Justin’s, a Boulder, CO-based company known for its high-quality nut butter, organic nut butter cups, and plant-based snacks.  Growing from local Farmers’ Markets to a national brand, Justin’s became one of the fastest-growing natural food companies before its 2016 acquisition by Hormel Foods, where Gold remained until 2021 to oversee integration and culture. He now leads product development and strategy for Rudi’s Organic Bakery, the first nationally distributed organic bakery.  Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year (2013) and featured in Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, he also serves on the boards of US Biathlon, Conscious Alliance, and chairs the Wild Bear Nature Center.  A mentor and frequent speaker at CU’s Leeds School of Business, Gold holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Dickinson College (2000).  A longtime resident of Boulder and Nederland, CO, he’s an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing, mountain biking, and trail running.  Beyond his professional and community work, he strives to earn “Father of the Year” and “Husband of the Year” honors.

Dave is the CFO of SNOW Partners, managing the financial operations of its portfolio—including Mountain Creek Resort, Big SNOW American Dream, and Snowcloud—and playing a key role in boosting national snowsport participation as NSAA Growth Committee co-chair and Economic Committee member. Previously, he was Director of Consulting Services at RRC Associates, where he became a recognized expert in ski resort operations, finance, and snowsports demographics, frequently presenting his findings at NSAA events. A Colorado resident who teaches skiing at Eldora on weekends, Dave holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University. 

Emily Smith is a seasoned ski industry executive and was POWDR’s General Counsel and SVP of HR. She drove POWDR’s profitability by establishing a robust legal department and managing key transactions—including the Eldora acquisition and an Alterra partnership for the Ikon product—while leading an HR strategy that honored each resort’s local identity. Prior to POWDR, she practiced litigation for ten years at Ray Quinney & Nebeker and Snell & Wilmer. Emily holds a B.A. from Stanford University, where she was an NCAA All-American swimmer, and a J.D. from UC San Francisco, College of Law.

Mark is the founder of Adventures in Leading, a group that connects leaders and teams with their purpose and potential. He also teaches in the Master of Science in the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he emphasizes ethical, environmental, social, and economic business practices. Previously, he was an associate professor and program director at Colorado State University’s tourism programs and served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Vail Resorts, helping the company earn national accolades from Forbes and Fast Company. His career also includes key roles in organizational development and HR at companies such as Comcast, AT&T Broadband, Lexis-Nexis, and Target, as well as service as a commissioned officer and aviator in the U.S. Army. Additionally, Mark has volunteered on various nonprofit boards. He holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change from Pepperdine University, an MBA from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Systematic Biology from California Polytechnic State University.

Matt is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record for founding and leading companies across multiple industries. He founded one of the largest insurance providers in the outdoor industry, SPOT, which serves ski resorts (IKON Pass, Jackson Hole, Telluride, etc… ) and sports organizations across the US. With deep expertise in risk management and cost optimization, Matt has a comprehensive understanding of the insurance landscape and the unique risks within the ski industry.