Meet Eric Goodman | Owner of Your FUNdraising Team, benefit auctioneer, fundraising consultant and emcee,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Goodman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’ve been down the entrepreneurial road before, so when I launched Your FUNdraising Team, I knew exactly what I was signing up for—the long hours, the countless decisions, and the pressure that comes with building something from scratch. But I also knew the flip side: the freedom to shape a business around my core values and ideas, and the satisfaction of seeing those ideas come to life.

What made the process smoother this time around was having a solid foundation of knowledge and a network of incredibly smart people around me. I had mentors, peers, and friends I could bounce ideas off, which helped me make thoughtful, strategic decisions from day one.

If you’re wondering specifically why I started Your FUNdraising Team, the answer is rooted in passion and purpose. I spent five years working as a benefit auctioneer and fundraiser for another company—and I absolutely loved raising money for non-profits. But in that role, I was only a piece of the puzzle. I wasn’t involved in pre-event planning or the broader strategy, and I felt that limited the impact I could have on a fundraising event.

So, I took what I had learned as an employee, combined it with my own ideas for elevating fundraising events, and built a business where I could do it all—from pre-event consulting to running the show on gala night. Today, I’m proud to say that Your FUNdraising Team isn’t just about me—we’re a powerhouse of trained benefit auctioneers who are passionate about helping non-profits raise more and do more.

Seeing the impact we’ve made for clients and causes I care about? That’s the real reward.

Let’s Talk Shop: Tell Us About Your Career Journey—What Can You Share With Our Community?

For over 35 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in sports—as a television and radio sportscaster. My career has taken me across the country, from anchoring sports at CNN in Atlanta, to leading the sports desk in Chicago, to serving as the main sports anchor at Fox 31 in Denver. Telling stories, breaking down plays, and connecting with audiences has always been my passion.

But in 2009, I stepped off the traditional broadcast path and into something much less predictable: entrepreneurship. I launched my own sports radio talk show on Mile High Sports Radio—this time not just as the host, but as the owner. I handled everything: sales, marketing, booking, branding—you name it. That experience became my first real leap into business ownership, and it taught me two powerful lessons: surround yourself with people who know more than you, and (just as importantly) listen to them.

These days, I still wear my broadcaster’s hat—but now through a modern lens. I co-host and produce the podcast Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl, using many of the same principles from my radio days to grow and monetize the show.

At the same time, I also run Your FUNdraising Team, helping nonprofits crush their fundraising goals through benefit auctions and event strategy. It’s incredibly fulfilling work, and it’s a space where I get to bring together my love of live performance, storytelling, and making a real impact.

Owning and running two businesses has been deeply rewarding, but I won’t sugarcoat it—reinventing myself wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge wasn’t logistics or strategy—it was accepting the fear of doing something totally new and not knowing if I’d succeed. But once I got comfortable with that discomfort, it opened up a whole new runway for growth.

There will always be obstacles. You’ll hear “no” more than you’d like. But if you stay curious, work hard, and really listen—to your mentors, your market, and your instincts—you’ll build something that’s not only successful, but deeply yours.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week-long trip. Where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.?

Denver is one of those rare places where you can truly have it all—year-round sunshine, incredible access to the outdoors, and a city that feels both vibrant and welcoming. I’ve lived all over the country, and I can honestly say there’s no better place to show off to visiting friends, especially if you want them to experience a little bit of everything: great food, stunning views, and that laid-back Colorado energy. There are also very few places in the world where you can ski and golf on the same day.

We’d start with a hike—maybe Mount Falcon or Chautauqua in Boulder—to get a dose of mountain air, then head to Avanti for lunch with rooftop views and a variety of local food stalls. One night, we’d grab dinner at Nola Jane in Lodo, which brings a fun New Orleans flair right to LoDo—think flavorful Southern classics and cocktails that make you want to linger especially on their roof top deck. I love great BBQ and the best in town is Smokin’ Daves BBQ. Denver is a great sports town, so I always take my guests to the Sportsbook Bar and Grill in the Denver Tech Center or Highlands Ranch. For something a little more elevated, El Five is a must for its skyline views and Mediterranean plates, or Guard and Grace if we’re in the mood for a high-end steakhouse experience. We’d carve out time to explore RiNo, where the street art is as bold as the breweries—Ratio and Our Mutual Friend are a couple of my favorites. If we’re lucky enough to catch a concert at Red Rocks, we’d make a night of it. If not, just visiting at sunset is still a wow moment. We might golf at Arrowhead with its surreal red rock backdrop, or if it’s winter, sneak in a quick ski day at Loveland or Eldora. Mornings would start with coffee from Huckleberry Roasters, and maybe a lazy brunch at Snooze or Onefold, depending on what we’re in the mood for. We’d ride bikes along the Cherry Creek Trail, pop into Union Station for a little shopping or people-watching, and somewhere in there, grab a bite at Leven Deli Co.—a hidden gem for sandwiches and fresh salads.

Denver has a way of converting visitors into future residents. It’s that mix of adventure, flavor, and friendliness that makes it so easy to fall in love with Colorado. Whether you’re in hiking boots or heels, there’s always something great to experience here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely! If it takes a village to raise a child, I believe it takes a village to build a business, too. I’m humble enough to admit I don’t know everything—but I’m smart enough to recognize that a successful business is built when you surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in certain areas. I believe the most effective entrepreneurs share a few core traits: they’re intellectually curious, they work relentlessly hard, and they understand why God gave us two ears and one mouth—we’re meant to listen more than we speak.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my wife, Mandie. She’s been the wind in my sails from the very beginning. Not only is she a brilliant businesswoman in her own right, but her encouragement was the push I needed to launch Your FUNdraising Team. From ideation to execution, she’s been in the trenches with me—designing strategy session brochures, helping refine the brand, and being a sounding board I trust without question.

I also owe a great deal to Reggie, the owner of the company where I got my start in fundraising back in 2015. He took a chance on a total newbie and gave me the tools and training that sparked this entire chapter of my career. Even now, years later, he still picks up the phone when I call with questions or need perspective.

And then there’s Dani—a true force on the backend side of the business. Her expertise was invaluable when launching Your FUNdraising Team, and she continues to be a collaborative partner as we each grow our respective fundraising ventures.

I know what I know—and I also know what I don’t. The people I’ve mentioned here—Mandie, Reggie, and Dani—have filled in those gaps with generosity, talent, and trust. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Website: https://www.yourfundraisingteam.com

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