Michigan company acquires Erie ice machine company

Michigan-based Easy Ice, an ice machine rental company, has taken over the operations of Carefree Ice LLC in Erie, marking the company’s second acquisition of the year.

Established in 2012, Carefree Ice leases commercial ice machines, ice storage bins, ice dispensers and water filter systems for the restaurant industry.

Colorado remains a key market for Easy Ice, which has been working consistently to boost operations in Colorado to enhance its presence and improve its customer experience, according to a news release. Easy Ice is headquartered in Michigan and provides ice machine rentals.

Easy Ice broke into the Pacific Northwest market in January, acquiring the ice machine rental division of Rose’s Equipment & Supply in Portland, Oregon.

With over 37,000 machines under management across 47 states, Easy Ice has made affordable ice machine rentals available to customers all over the United States.

Carefree Ice customers can expect a smooth transition as their service changes hands to the ice machine experts at Easy Ice, the release said.

National Western Stock Show names new president

The National Western Stock Show has hired ag veteran Wes Allison as its next president and CEO. The move comes in time for the National Western Stock Show to open The Legacy Building and the Sue Anschutz Rogers Livestock Center for the 2026 Stock Show.

Allison is no stranger to running fairs and rodeos. He spent nearly 23 years as president and CEO of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, where he expanded operations and the Houston livestock exhibits, advanced agricultural education programs and transformed it into year-round multi-event venue, the release stated. Prior to that, he oversaw livestock exhibits at the Houston Livestock Show, one of the largest events of its kind.

Raised in West Texas, Allison’s lifelong connection to agriculture began with 4-H and youth rodeo competitions. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, with bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in agriculture.

Boulder VC firm Rubicon makes software company investments

Rubicon Technology Management LLC, a Boulder-headquartered venture-capital outfit that operates as Rubicon Technology Partners, recently made a majority investment in CollegeNET Inc., a higher-education software solutions provider.

Terms of the investment deal were not disclosed.

Rubicon has also made a majority investment in Work Truck Solutions, a software company in the commercial vehicle industry.

The “investment will further accelerate product initiatives, strengthening relationships with OEMs, upfitters, and dealerships, and helping all stakeholders drive growth and profitability,” the companies said in a release.

Terms of the Work Truck Solutions were not disclosed.

Lyons Gaddis welcomes Robyn Smith and James Godbold

The Lyons Gaddis law firm in Longmont has welcomed Robyn Smith and James Godbold to its team of attorneys, the firm announced last week.

Smith joins the Government Practice Group, representing school districts and special districts in employment law, contracts, constitutional issues, and regulatory matters. She previously practiced water law at Vranesh and Raisch, LLP, advising private clients and municipalities. Smith earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado and dual bachelor of arts degrees from the University of Georgia.

Godbold brings over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, corporate transactions, and risk management. Most recently, he served as counsel at Brinkman Real Estate, overseeing high-value acquisitions, commercial leasing and regulatory compliance. He has also worked in real estate and energy law at Otis & Bedingfield, LLC, and Partner and Head of Litigation at Illingworth Renner, LLP. Godbold earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Indiana University McKinney School of Law.

“We are excited to welcome Robyn and James to Lyons Gaddis,” said Cameron Grant, head of the Real Estate Team, said in a news release. “Their breadth of experience and deep commitment to their respective practice areas will bring tremendous value to our clients. Robyn’s passion for supporting local governments and James’s expertise in commercial real estate law strengthen our ability to provide outstanding legal services across Colorado.”

— BizWest and staff reports