Ranch Operations Staff, Colorado Luxury Resort Vista Verde

Vista Verde Luxury Ranch Resort in Colorado - Our Staff

Ben Martin

Executive General Manager
Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Terre Hill, PA

This is Ben’s 18th year at the helm of Vista Verde Ranch, where he oversees ranch operations and keeps the staff focused on the VVR ethos of servant leadership and life change. When he is not at the ranch working, as he says, “with the best folks a guy could ever ask for,” Ben enjoys time at home with his wife of 25 years, Holly. These days, they are empty nesters, with one kid in college and three fully launched. That is, if you don’t count the recent addition of Murphy, the Goldendoodle pup and his trusty big (but tiny) sister Hazel, who occasionally steps in as office assistant. Ben loves his Philadelphia sports teams, listening to and playing music, coaching track and field at Steamboat Springs High School, and playing on the North Routt softball team. Fun Fact: He’s the youngest of 49 grandkids.

Jason Sample

General Manager
Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Terre Haute, IN

Jason graduated from Scott College of Business at Indiana State University in 2015. Then he spent several years working as a financial advisor in his home town of Terre Haute. He grew up driving horses for his family’s carriage business and brought his expertise back to the ranch in 2022 along with our newest team of Percherons. Jason worked at VVR 10 years ago as a seasonal employee where he met his now wife, Lauren, and we are so lucky to have him and his infectious smile back at the ranch in a leadership role. In his free time Jason enjoys snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and just got a pair of ATV’s for some off-road adventures this summer!

Roxy Kestner

Director of Sales and Hospitality
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Roxy first came to Vista Verde starting in 1997 then left at the turn of the millennium to finish school and pursue a teaching career in Philadelphia. Many moons later she learned that the greener pastures are still right here, and spent the summer of 2018 with us before taking a Peace Corps assignment in Uganda, which was cut short by the pandemic. She then returned here in 2021 and has since stepped into a long-term role heading up our reservations. When not in the office, you’ll find her communing with hummingbirds or dipping her toes in a babbling brook.

Mette Rousseau

Human Resources, Staff Relations & Development Manager
Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Bellingham, WA

Mette is responsible for hiring all the amazing staff our guests will get to meet! When she’s not interviewing potential staff, she’s pouring into the community and culture of VVR. This is Mette’s fifth year at the ranch, and she loves getting outdoors and still finds time to put on her guide pack for ski or fly fishing trips with guests. Mette was born and raised in the beautiful PNW and moved out to VVR after living in British Columbia where she managed a sea kayaking operation and mountain guided for a wilderness ministry. She heard about Vista Verde while backpacking in New Zealand, where she met a former Vista staff member, and is always planning that next adventure!

Mandy Anzalone

Director of Training and Development/Youth Program Manager
First Aid, CPR, and WAFA Certified
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Mandy got her start at VVR 20+ years ago as a wrangler after graduating from college. She spent a couple of summers with the horses before moving to Steamboat, where she met her husband, enjoyed being a middle school special education teacher, became a mom to two awesome kids, dogs, cats, and fish. The love for the ranch and the Zirkel wilderness never left her, so when the family moved to Clark 7 years ago, all of the pieces fell into place for her return to VVR. Utilizing her background in education and a passion for kids and horses, she jumped into managing the youth program. More recently, she became our Director of Training and Development, to ensure our staff members are receiving all of the tools they need to be prepared for their roles here at the ranch and beyond. On her time off, she enjoys watching her son play hockey, her daughter immerse herself in art projects, and spending time with her family outdoors.

Nate Margason

Safety Manager
CMC EMT Program, Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Elgin, TX

Nate is officially our Safety Manager, but that is just the start of what he does at the ranch! When not fixing fences or overseeing our fleet of hot tubs and snowmobiles…or guiding… or wrangling, he finds time to pursue his hobbies that include hiking, playing softball, curling and dancing. Nate really enjoys playing on Vista Verde’s intramural softball team during the summer and volleyball during the winter. For his first job, Nate was involved in restoring a 1939 Cadillac LaSalle. He is a volunteer with North Routt Fire Department as an EMT and Firefighter Type 2. Finally, Nate married our own lovely Melissa in October 2016 in VVR’s Great Room and they’ve more recently settled into a lovely home they’ve spruced up just across the road on the Elk River.

Sara Brinkley

Licensed Massage Therapist & Store Manager
CPR Certified
Hometown: Clark, CO

Sara lives in Clark with her husband Phil, our Director of Finance. She is passionate about caring for others and found her calling as a talented massage therapist. More recently, she took charge of Fancy’s Mercantile and we have her to thank for all the fantastic items we peddle in our shop. Prior to working with our guests, she was the Aquatics Coordinator at an Athletic Club. When Sara’s not here easing sore muscles or tidying up in the shop, she’s home taking care of her and Phil’s tiny farm, complete with goats and Levi the dog. Fun fact: her stepdaughter lives in Mallorca and is married to a Spaniard, and her stepson is married to an Australian, and living Down Under!

Holly Martin

Bookkeeper
Hometown: Clark, CO

Your story matters to Holly and hearing about your journey is what she loves to do when she is not working on bookkeeping for the ranch. In addition to her role as bookkeeper she is also a Realtor with Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty where she enjoys offering exceptional service to her clients. Home is very important to Holly. She and her husband, Ben, have called North Routt home for years, and they recently moved off the ranch into a log house they share with their two dogs. Mom to four grown kids and one son-in-law, Holly looks forward to time with family. She loves to learn and has a law degree from the University of Arizona. When not working, she can be found reading, knitting, or laughing loudly through her days.

Erin Brosterhous

Director of Marketing
Hometown: Steamboat Springs, CO

Erin joins us here at Vista Verde to tell our story! As our Director of Marketing, her background in marketing and public relations, specifically focused around the outdoors, drew her to the serene and natural beauty of the ranch. In addition to her new role, she is a mom to her two amazing kids, Davis and Jett. In her free time Erin takes to the trails for hiking, biking, and skiing around Emerald Mountain or Mt. Werner. We are beyond excited to welcome her to our team this season.

Libby MacPherson

Front Desk Assistant
Hometown: Boston, MA

A recent graduate from The University of Denver, we welcome Libby to the Front Office for her first season. Despite being a Boston native, she loves everything Colorado has to offer. She loves to run and she ran her first Marathon in Morrison, CO in 2023! She is an avid skier, she grew up ski racing and this winter, on top of working here, you can catch her teaching little buckaroos to ski at Howelsen Hill. She also loves to line dance, you will see her showing off her skills at our barn dance and on music night! Her infectious smile lights up the office and we are lucky to have her.

Cameron Wormley

Guest Experience Coordinator
Hometown: Woodstock, IL

A recent graduate from CU Boulder, Cameron wasn’t ready to leave the state of CO just yet! She has been coming to Steamboat since she could walk and loves everything it has to offer. In her second season, she is most excited to take advantage of all the snow- whether that is skiing, snowshoeing, or tubing! When she isn’t in the office, you can find her with the horses, she carries the title of “horse girl” with her 12+ years of riding experience. Fun fact: She is a triplet!

Nancy Manroe

Front Desk Assistant
Hometown: Austin, TX

Nancy is a southern girl at heart but has found herself in the beautiful state of Colorado. She was born and raised in Austin and went to school at The University of Mississippi where she majored in Integrated Marketing Communications. Nancy’s love for horses is contagious, fun fact, she gentled and trained her two Mustang horses when she was in high school. Before Vista Verde, she worked on a ranch out in California as a wrangler but is excited to take on all things guest related at the Front Office! In her free time she enjoys riding, being outside, or listening to music.

Ranch Hands

Joe Birchard

Ranch Hand Manager
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Joe joins us for his fourth season (as a staff member) after finishing up his degree in Engineering Management from Miami University. Previously, he spent his summers in Chicago working as an installer for Chicago Marine Canvas. Now, after many family vacations at the ranch, he’s taking up the position of Ranch Hand manager. And we are so excited for him! When he’s not ranch handing, he enjoys exercising, horseback riding, skiing and hanging out with friends and family.

Michael VanDenBerg

Facilities & Grounds Coordinator
Hometown: Aurora, CO

Michael went to school in Spokane, WA where he earned a degree in International Business while also competing in soccer and track and field. Upon graduating, He moved back to work full-time at his family’s landscaping company in Denver, CO. After becoming a partial owner, Michael and his family decided to sell the company. He then took time off to travel the world before moving up to Steamboat Springs in October of 2022. He loves being outside, working with his hands, and helping people in any way he can, which makes him a great fit for a first-season ranch hand!

Jack O’Hanlon

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Ossing, NY

Let’s give a warm welcome to Jack for his second season on the ranch. Jack has spent his past summer working as a summer Naturalist Guide in Aspen, educating and guiding trails. He is excited to remain in Colorado and take in the mountains, rivers, and views that our beloved Yampa Valley offers! In his free time Jack enjoys reading, fly fishing, golfing, skiing, and playing music- he is the drummer for our very own Farwell Mountain Band! Fun fact, Jack has been skydiving! We are thrilled to add Jack to our wonderful crew.

Ian Fletcher

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Wichita, KS

Ian steps onto the Ranch Hand team for his first season. He has always had a self-directed and hands-on approach to learn and he comes to us with a diverse background. He began his career in aviation manufacturing and later branched out to construction and residential remodeling. Most recently, he expanded to the creative arts like videography and voiceover and is ready to explore all of the experiences our ranch has to offer.

Mike Clasing

Ranch Hand
Wilderness First Responder
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

There are nothing but warm welcomes for Mike, who is back at VVR for his 4th winter season. During his first season, you could find him at the front office, but he since has traded in the computer for the outdoors! Mike has been doing seasonal work for the last 11 years, when there is no snow here, he spends his summers in the American South-West as a tour guide! He is most excited to soak in the Old Town Hot Spings and see his favorite Jazz band, The Cat Pack, play in town. Fun Fact: He has been a karaoke host and his go-to song is “She’s Gone” by Daryl Hall & John Oates.

Elijah Burns

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Savannah, GA

Eli joins the Ranch Hand Team, after doing the same thing on a Ranch out in Montana, he decided to follow where the snow blows! Originally from Georgia, he is no stranger to travelling. Elijah spent 2 years in the Coast Guard travelling everywhere from Alaska to the Florida Keys. He also went on a mission trip to Greece! For now, he is settling in to the West and has no intention of leaving. He is most excited to grow his skills and take in all that VVR has to offer.

Liam Walker

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Born and raised in Maryland, Liam grew up going hiking, kayaking, climbing, and looking for wildlife out East. With his passion for the outdoors and animals driving him, he decided to go into veterinary medicine 3 years ago and never looked back! His dream has come true, being able to live and explore out west. We are thrilled to welcome Liam to his first season here at VVR.

Maximillian Brunner

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Boston, MA

Max is an East Coast boy at heart, growing up outside of Boston and spending his college years in Burlington, Vermont where he graduated with a BA in History and Political Science. He has spent the majority of my career as a wilderness educator teaching boys ages 9-14 bushcraft, and other assorted Outdoor living skills. He has worked outdoors all my life and his passion for it shows. When he isn’t outside, he enjoys practicing film photography. A fun fact is he can speak fluent German!

Clay Cummins

Ranch Hand
CPR & First Aid Certified
Hometown: Asheville, NC

Meet Clay – Originally from North Carolina, Clay joins us at Vista Verde for his first season as a ranch hand. Coming from a role with United Ground Express, where he worked alongside aircraft and used flight benefits to travel to places like Germany and Hawaii, he’s now trading airport runways for ranch trails. Clay loves being outdoors and is eager to dive into the hands-on work of ranch life. In his spare time, you’ll find him exploring new music or enjoying backpacking and photography in the great outdoors.

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