When Ambassador and former Colorado Springs Managing Partner Brenda Smith became co-owner of the Garden of the Gods Resort in 2013, the private club that once catered to the rich and famous was in tatters and heading toward foreclosure. Today, Brenda and her business partner, Judy Mackey, have revitalized the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club into a world-class retreat offering relaxation, recreation, rejuvenation—and a little slice of heaven.
Brenda, how did you go from managing partner at BKD, now Forvis Mazars, to co-owner of one of the nation’s most iconic resorts?
As strange as it may sound, it was actually via the Presbyterian Church. In 2007, I sensed a calling to leave BKD—a place I loved—to become COO of the 5,000-member First Presbyterian Church here in Colorado Springs. A few years later, seven pastors in that denomination felt led to form a new denomination, today known as ECO—a Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Since First Pres was one of the seven churches, and they needed help on the business side, in essence, I became the functional business arm of this new denomination. And I needed help setting up some very complex health and welfare plans.
Do I sense a Forvis Mazars connection coming?
Exactly. So, I reached out to Judy Mackey, a long-time BKD client and friend who I knew had extensive experience with self-funded benefits plans. Together, we developed a novel solution. Well, it so happened that Judy—along with a renowned cardiologist—was interested in forming a wellness center focused on integrated medicine. She asked me to help write her business plan. When I asked Judy about her ideal location for this wellness center, she didn’t hesitate: “At the Garden of the Gods Resort.”
What was the likelihood of that happening?
In some ways the timing couldn’t have been better. This was 2013 and the resort was, frankly, tanking. So, Judy and I met with Dr. Barber and several resort investors I knew. The investors felt the integrated medicine concept was just what the property needed. However, the resort was in foreclosure and just days away from being put up for sale. Leaving the meeting, I’ll never forget Judy turning to me and asking, “Why don’t we just buy it?” I replied, “What, are you crazy?” But that’s exactly what we did.
Fast forward 10 years … how’s the resort doing and what changes have you made?
We’re doing great. We’ve been under some form of construction since purchasing it. But I think we’re nearly there. Aside from extensive renovations to the existing lodge, we modernized 56 guest rooms and built seven luxury cottages, or casitas, for a total of 117 guest rooms. We have a 27-hole golf course, several tennis courts, and added pickleball courts. And Judy’s dream of an integrated wellness center has come true: we offer concierge medical services comprising more than 30 clinicians who provide a holistic range of eastern and western medicines and therapies. But I think the best improvement we made is just bringing renewed energy and vision.
What are some of your biggest challenges or successes?
I’d say it’s been nurturing our culture. And that’s where my BKD experience continues to pay dividends. I remember how excited I was when the firm’s first “culture book” came out and how I drilled those values of integrity, respect, and caring into our people. That’s the culture we strive for at Garden of the Gods. We’d rather be a 4-star resort that genuinely cares about our guests and each other than be a 5-star resort that doesn’t.
You were BKD’s first woman managing partner and served on the Management Committee. What are some other career highlights?
I’m most proud—and grateful—for the opportunity to develop others. I remember one of the partners, Dave Henderson, telling me, “You should train people to become managing partners; that’s your natural gift.” So, I focused on that. And over the years, I helped develop lots of folks, several who became managing partners. That’s very rewarding. But the icing on the cake is now watching them develop the next generation of leaders. Now that’s the culture of the firm.
Are there other alums or Forvis Mazars people you still connect with?
We use the firm for everything at the resort—they serve as my sounding board—so that keeps me close to everyone on the account. I still stay in touch with Ambassadors Wendy Henry and Tamie Lowrie who are retired partners, and current Southwest Regional Managing Partner Kimberly McKay. The four of us formed close bonds at the firm and remain fast friends. I’m also really pleased with the firm’s efforts to help keep ambassadors and alumni connected. Attending Alumni Network events is like hanging out with several dozen of your closest friends!
What does it mean to be a Forvis Mazars alum?
Forvis Mazars will always be my family. I joined the firm because it was a perfect fit for me philosophically and ethically. To see the firm—all these years later—still true to its culture and core values, it just makes me so proud of what we’ve become.
More About Brenda
- Born in Colby, Kansas and grew up in Colorado Springs
- Has six brothers, who she says “made me tough”
- Received her accounting degree from the University of Colorado,Colorado Springs
- Worked full time at the accounting firm Strait, Kushinsky, & Company while attending college
- Became managing partner at Strait, Kushinsky, which merged with BKD in 1993
- Was married to her late husband, Chuck, for 32 years
- Enjoys biking and actively helping her community unlock its full potential
