The Other Side of the Mountain: Summer Unfolds in Vail

When I think back to growing up in the Vail Valley , I remember far more than just the mountains. I remember the dreamers and doers who built something extraordinary here, who believed this remote alpine town could become the greatest ski resort in the world. Not with grand plans on paper, but with handshakes, warmth, and a belief that hospitality was about welcoming people in as family. At that early age, I didn’t fully realize how much those initial experiences would shape and move me. Like many young locals, I dreamed of going out into the world, proving myself, and building something extraordinary. Leaving Vail with that aspiration in mind, I immersed myself in the world of all things food and beverage — studying, practicing, and honing my craft until hospitality became not just a career, but a calling. Along the way, I promised myself: if I ever came back to Vail, it would only be for something truly remarkable, something uniquely differentiated . Something that would honor this community, the 1960’s pioneering spirit of the founders, while at the same time redefining what hospitality could mean for generations to come. Influenced by Pioneers That promise was anchored in the lessons of those in Vail who came before me. The Valley’s earliest pioneers taught me that hospitality was never about flash or profit — it was about people. It was Walter & Mary Claire Moritz making guests feel like family as if they were lifelong old friends. Sheika & Pepi Gramshammer infusing Old World warmth into the alpine experience, making visitors feel as comfortable at their table as they would in their own home. Renie & David Gorsuch bringing craftsmanship, style and genuineness to every element, pouring their passion into every detail, proving that excellence and authenticity could live side by side.  These and so many others proved that conviviality is about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, recognized, and at home; those moments, often small and unassuming, taught me that the spirit of true hospitality was about genuine heartfelt connection. Their examples formed the foundational DNA of what would eventually become the spirit of THE SIXTY TWO™ Society Vail. Shaped by Peers While chasing my own ambitious career path, those lessons stayed with me as I pursued my profession across the food and beverage landscape. I was fortunate and had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and visionary leaders in the industry, learning from noteworthy peers whose influence shaped not just my career, but my overall executional philosophy. People like Paul Fleming , whose influence on concept creation and restaurant culture taught me the importance that courageous visionary ideas mean little without the discipline of execution. Colleagues such as Rick Federico who instructed me that it is the people, that drive the quality of operations that result in sales and profits and finally Rob Samuels , who reinforced that real leadership is measured not by what you gain, but by how you treat the people you serve and whose standards of excellence and commitment to people over profit left an indelible mark. These relationships, forged across decades and diverse settings, were more than professional collaborations — they became masterclasses in how to lead from out front, how to build top performing teams, and how to create spaces where people truly want to belong. These pioneers and peers — some I knew from a boyhood vantage point, others I worked beside as a professional — together formed the circle of influence that guides me today. Their decades of operational excellence and wisdom have been woven into every decision behind THE SIXTY TWO™ Society — from the way our dining service strategy is curated to the core values and executional ethos we are cultivating within our walls. Returning With Purpose In truth, it would have been easier to sell the parcel of land and step away, but that’s not who I am. I felt — and still feel — a deep responsibility to give back to the town that gave so much to my upbringing and my career. That responsibility became a vision: to bring energy back to the top of Bridge Street at the base of Gondola One. To create a space that is intentionally intimate and extraordinary, where families connect, friendships deepen, and legacy roots are cemented in stone. THE SIXTY TWO™ Society is not a money grab. It is a passion project. A legacy project. A generational tribute to Vail’s earliest days of authentic hospitality and the many people — pioneers and peers alike — who shaped my journey. This is not just a place to store skis. It is a place to belong. With appreciation, Brad Kaemmer Founder, THE SIXTY TWO™ Society Vail If you would like additional information about membership, please fill out the form below or schedule a call today.