Meet the Venture Sports Team

Mike Brumbaugh

Owner

I often tell people that I would trade bank accounts with a lot of people but I wouldn’t trade lives with anyone. I sell fun for a living and get to work in a place where most people save all year to vacation for a week. I am blessed 🙏🏽  I proudly consider myself very mediocre at a variety of sports from skiing to rock climbing to road riding.

Ski Delivery Team Jacob Bangtson

Jacob Bangston

General Manager  & Delivery Manager

 I learned to ski at Welch Village, Minnesota. There was almost no snow and towards the bottom I skied and fell onto dirt, it was Amazing! I visited the mountains in CO when I was a Freshman in high school and I made it my mission to live here someday.  So I made it happen after college. I love running Venture Delivery because I really enjoy connecting 1 on 1 with guests in the comfort of their own spots, getting everyone fitted & kitted just right. 

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Mike Beckley

Base Camp
Store Manager

I was born and raised in the Adirondacks  and have spent the past 22 years calling Vail home. I’ve been with Venture Sports for 15 years and have been split-boarding since 2004. When the weekend hits, you’ll usually find me bird hunting with my two German Shorthaired Pointers, ripping around on my sled, or relaxing with my wife.

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Dan Burrow

The Lion
Store Manager

Originally from Wisconsin I am no stranger to snow.  I’ve been living in the Vail Valley for 7 years now. I consider it the greatest place in the world!

Hard to beat living in the Colorado mountains and selling FUN!!

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Chuck Burton

Tune Kitchen
Store Manager

I came to Venture 6 years ago from Washington State, where I was raised as a feral kid. I’ve been in the outdoor industry for 20 years and have no plans to leave. 

My favorite quote is from Warren Miller “If you don’t do it this year, You’ll be one year older when you do.”

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Tracy Calderone

Mother Hen
Head Buyer

Mother Hen of Organized Chaos – Where the cluck does it all go? Tracy knows. She keeps all of Venture Sport’s locations stocked, synced and ready to roll. She thrives on smooth flow, upbeat energy and knowing the roost has everything they need to soar. Keeping all of our Vail Valley locations stocked and in sync… turning logistical chaos into effortless flow. 

Outside of work, she finds her flow biking, skiing and soaking up the mountain life.

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Zach Cole

Four Seasons
Store Manager

I love bikes. I ride road, mountain, and gravel. I used to be a snowboarder… but I’ve grown up now. I ski.

Fun fact: I’ve watched the sunrise while ice climbing at 23,000 ft on Peru’s tallest peaks, shared sardines on El Cap with two climbing partners who didn’t speak English, and mountain biked through multiple lightning storms over 12 days on the Colorado Trail.

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Cooper Edwards

Avon Center
Store Manager

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, I came to Colorado for the first time in 2015 on a whim and fell in love with the mountains! I started coming out several times every year and have been all over the state exploring and climbing/hiking random trails. 

I moved here in 2019 ready to start anew. I met a few of the guys/gals from Venture right after moving out here and quickly became friends with them. After a short coffee meeting with Zach I was in the door.

After years of working for a company that didn’t value its people, finding Venture Sports felt like a beacon of light through the clouds. From day one, I discovered a community that works hard, plays harder, and genuinely supports one another. Over the past six years, I’ve found not just a job, but a true family.

Since moving to Colorado I found an absolute love for riding bikes and getting a little “sendy”.

Fun Fact about Me – I was struck by lightning when I was 8 years old and I did NOT get super powers

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Jon Johnson

Christie Lodge
Store Manager

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — and yes, I proudly bleed Black & Gold. When I’m not cheering on the Steelers, you’ll usually find me shooting hoops, spinning bike miles, hiking trails, or chasing fresh powder in the mountains. On my off-days, I’m likely hanging out with my cat, Elvis.

Working at Venture Sports has been such a wonderful opportunity thanks to both the people that I work with, and the community that we serve. Venture has provided me with wonderful opportunities for personal and career growth and I’m thankful to have found a home here. 

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Chad Mackenzie

The Residences Bachelor Gulch
Store Manager

Hailing from North Platte, Nebraska, I’ve been part of the Venture crew for 17 years… well, sort of — two stints, because after leaving for five years, I just couldn’t stay away! I’m all about fat skis and even fatter tires (mountain bikes and dirt bikes only, please). Oh, and when I’m not shredding slopes or trails, you’ll find me rocking out to some serious metal — because life’s better loud. 🤘🏼

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Robert Ratto

Grand Hyatt – Vail
Store Manager

I grew up carving turns at Dodge Ridge, California, and after college in Denver (Go Pios!), I made my way to Vail. The ski industry quickly became my home, and these days you’ll find me chasing adventures uphill—whether it’s biking, hiking, skiing, or hunting down that rogue tee shot.

I’m excited to work with a team of like minded locals, who have a passion for all things outdoors.

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Jolene Sandoval

Director of Sales & Marketing
Ambassador of Stoke

As an Ambassador of Stoke, I live for adventure in every season. I’m an endurance athlete who thrives on pushing limits—whether that’s taking on ultra runs, grinding through mountain bike and gravel races, or exploring new trails and challenges.

When winter rolls around, you’ll find me snowboarding, splitboarding, Nordic skiing, or snowshoeing—staying active and inspired no matter the temperature. My training blends grit, determination, and a deep love for the outdoors, with each sport offering its own unique challenge. The balance between summer and winter keeps me motivated and stoked year-round.

Working at Venture Sports lets me fuel my passions while being part of a team that sells fun, spreads stoke, and gives back to the community. It truly doesn’t get better than this!

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Sam Tyler

Official Swiss Army Knife
Admin Manager

I grew up on the Front Range but have been a mountain enthusiast for as long as I can remember. My childhood in Colorado was filled with mountain town vacations and countless outdoor activities. I discovered my passion for the Tourism and Hospitality industry while living in the mountains, starting in whitewater rafting, later moving to hotel spas, and then finally landing at Venture Sports.

I genuinely love helping people make the most of their vacations and create lasting memories; selling fun, excitement, and relaxation is truly the best job! Around here, I’m known as the Official Venture Sports Swiss Army Knife—I jump in wherever I’m needed, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it’s supporting the team, solving a new challenge, or helping ensure our guests have an incredible experience, I’m always ready to lend a hand!