Aspen Exec Fired, Accused of Stealing Clients

A dramatic legal dispute has emerged in Aspen, Colorado, involving former Aspen Air executive Gabrielle Sandino and her ex-president, Richard Collins. Collins alleges Sandino, whom he hired from a retail job, betrayed his trust by using his established client list and business goodwill to launch her own rival private jet company, VisionAir. He claims she started VisionAir while still under contract, violating an agreement that stipulated any clients or information obtained would belong to Collins if she were terminated.

Following her termination in February 2026, Sandino is accused of deleting Aspen Air's Mailchimp marketing account, locking out other employees and erasing approximately 5,000 emails. She allegedly then sent an email blast to Collins's clients, directing them to her new business, VisionAir. A judge recently granted a temporary injunction against Sandino and VisionAir, ruling she attempted to solicit clients while still employed by Aspen Air.

Sandino maintains she has not competed with her former employer and that VisionAir was intended to broaden her professional profile beyond Aspen. However, the judge found her reasoning unconvincing and ordered the return of confidential documents. The court has prohibited Sandino from competing with Aspen Air for 60 days post-termination, citing the need to protect both parties.