Since 1984, Leadfoot Linda’s has been a fixture in the Vail Valley. This premier family-owned auto repair shop is where generations of Eagle County locals have brought their cars, trucks, and their trust. Founded by George Brodin and now run by his son Kenny, the shop’s story is one of hard work, loyalty, and deep roots in Eagle County.

As the valley has grown, so have the challenges for local businesses. The soaring cost of living and the scarcity of affordable housing have made it harder than ever to attract and keep skilled employees who keep the community and their vehicles running. For Leadfoot Linda’s, the solution was not just to adapt, but to invest.

A New Kind of Business Investment

When Kenneth Brodin learned about the opportunity to purchase a deed-restricted condo at 7 Hermits at Haymeadow, he saw more than a great real estate deal. He saw a way to give his team something extremely valuable: stability. “It gave us the ability to purchase an employee housing unit in the valley that will allow us to better attract and retain employees,” Kenneth explains. “The hardest part of living in the valley is housing. Now, we can offer real help.”

Unlike most local homebuyers, Leadfoot Linda’s was not looking for a family home. They were looking for a foundation for their workforce. Their new condo at 7 Hermits is dedicated employee housing, a place where staff can settle in, focus on their job, and feel secure about their future in Eagle County.

A Seamless Process, a Lasting Impact

The journey from application to closing was, in Kenneth’s words, “a 10-star experience.” The support from Housing Eagle County and The Valley Home Store made the process straightforward, and Kenneth is quick to credit the staff. “Great staff! Helpful, informative, and knowledgeable. Melinda was great to work with!”

For Leadfoot Linda’s, this investment is about more than just business. It is about community. “We’re excited to build more families and community in the Vail Valley,” Kenneth says. “Having a place an employee can call their own, and not be uneasy about their living arrangements, will highly improve daily life.”

Strengthening the Local Workforce

Leadfoot Linda’s is part of a growing movement of local businesses taking action to address Eagle County’s housing challenges. By purchasing employee housing, they are not just helping their own team. They are setting an example for others and contributing to the valley’s long-term vitality.

“Supporting our workforce is essential to the health of our local economy,” says Kim Bell Williams, Housing Director. “When businesses like Leadfoot Linda’s invest in housing for their employees, it strengthens the entire community.”

Looking Ahead

For Kenneth and the crew at Leadfoot Linda’s, the new condo isn’t just just slabs of concrete and wood beams. It is a promise to their employees and a commitment to the valley they have served for decades. “Love it!” Kenneth says with a big smile, rating the new home a perfect 10 out of 10.

As Eagle County continues to innovate and invest in affordable housing, stories like this show what is possible when businesses, local government, and community leaders work together. Leadfoot Linda’s is not just fixing cars. They’re helping fix the future of Eagle County, one home at a time.

Learn more about Housing Eagle County and Good Deeds today!