Five Firsts With Erin Forsey and Amy Groom, Editors of The Scout Guide Aspen

Photography by Brooke Casillas.

We’re always hoping to make a good first impression, and that first-time readers of The Scout Guide will put the publication down feeling inspired to learn more about the featured businesses—and, if they’re out-of-towners, to seek out (or start) a guide in their own hometown. In this series, we talk to our editors about their TSG “firsts,” from their first encounter with The Scout Guide to the first business they approach to be in the guide and more. Read on to learn about how The Scout Guide Aspen editors Erin Forsey and Amy Groom discovered the brand, and what it was like to launch her first volume. 

When did you first discover The Scout Guide?

As small business owners, we first discovered The Scout Guide after volume 2 was published. (Then) editor and owner Brooke Casillas introduced us to the guide and we loved the publication—the paper, the photography, the people behind the local small businesses. We were members of the next two guides after that!

What made you decide to become editors?

When Brooke was looking to sell, she immediately thought of us. We owned a retail and graphic design business at the time and our skills perfectly complemented what it takes to be the editors of a Scout Guide. We loved being on the member side of the guide and jumped at the chance to be on the owner side, too.

Tell us about the first business you approached to be in the guide.

Besides our own, we approached Meridian Jewelers in Aspen. Owners Robin and Kenny are exactly what we love about the guide—dedicated to their community, supportive of fellow small business owners, and passionate entrepreneurs. They have been in every TSG Aspen guide and we felt strongly that their constant presence in the guide is one thing readers and locals seek out every year! They are one shining example of the many locally-owned businesses that comprise the backbone of our local economy.

“You really get to create connections within the community, and within the broader national network, that reinforce the framework of living, loving, and supporting local.”

What was it like to launch your first volume?

It’s so rewarding to publish your first guide, and of course, we did it in the midst of the holiday season. We were cross-country skiing together just 11 months earlier, and talking by phone to the TSG co-founders Susie and Christy, committing to get a guide out that same calendar year for Aspen. And we did! It was a whirlwind and a couple weeks later we truly enjoyed the holidays and had a chance to soak in the best of local.

What’s the first thing you would tell a prospective editor?

No two days are alike as an editor. And you wear a lot of hats, from sales and marketing to accounting and creative director and everything in between! The best part though? You really get to create connections within the community, and within the broader national network, that reinforce the framework of living, loving, and supporting local.

To learn more about Erin and Amy and The Scout Guide in her area, follow The Scout Guide Aspen on Instagram. Learn more about starting The Scout Guide in your city here.