Summit Express was founded in December 2010 by Bob and Jackie Roppel with a clear vision: to provide dependable, professional transportation between Denver International Airport and Colorado’s mountain communities. The company began with three vehicles, five drivers, and a small office in Frisco, Colorado. During its first winter season, Summit Express transported 6,100 passengers—establishing the foundation for a locally owned company built on trust, reliability, and exceptional service.
The initial Summit Express fleet.
Bob brought 15 years of airline operations experience to the business, including roles in flight operations, maintenance control, and systems operations. His understanding of complex passenger transportation helped Summit Express develop disciplined operating practices focused on safety, communication, and dependable execution. Jackie’s background in education, human resources and military leadership provided the expertise needed to build the company’s people, training, administrative and financial functions.
As demand grew, Summit Express expanded its fleet, increased the frequency of its shared airport shuttle schedule, and introduced additional private transportation options. The company began offering summer service in 2013 and later expanded its operations from Summit County into the Vail Valley. Today, Summit Express operates approximately 40 vehicles, maintains locations in Silverthorne and Avon, and transports more than 60,000 guests annually throughout the greater Colorado.
While the company has grown considerably, its purpose remains the same: to provide safe, reliable, and professional transportation while treating every guest with care. Summit Express continues to offer door-to-door airport transportation, private car service, group and event transportation, wedding shuttles, and customized travel throughout Colorado.
Bob and Jackie remain actively involved in the company and work alongside an experienced management team committed to accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. As a family-owned Colorado business, Summit Express is proud to serve its guests, support its employees, and build lasting relationships throughout the communities it calls home.
Welcome to Summit Express, Colorado transportation you can trust.
Meet Our Founders
For the Roppel family, Summit Express is more than a business-it is a long term commitment to our employees, our guests and the Colorado communities we are proud to serve.
Robert “Bob” Roppel, President and Co-Founder
Bob Roppel earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University and spent 15 years with America West Airlines and US Airways. His career included leadership and technical responsibilities in flight operations, maintenance control, and systems operations, giving him extensive experience in safely and efficiently moving passengers. After making Colorado his home, Bob recognized the need for another dependable transportation option connecting Denver International Airport with Colorado’s mountain communities. That vision became Summit Express in December 2010. Today, Bob remains closely involved in the company’s strategy, operations and service standards, ensuring the organization continues to grow without compromising safety, reliability or professionalism.
Jackie Roppel, Vice President and Co-Founder
Jackie Roppel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Colorado State University. She also served in the Air National Guard for 25 years, including extensive experience as a logistics officer. Her background in education, military recruiting, leadership development, and logistics positioned her well to build Summit Express’s human resources, training, finance, and administrative functions. Jackie has played an essential role in developing its employees, leadership team, and workplace culture. She remains focused on building a professional, accountable organization where employees feel valued and guests receive the dependable service they deserve.
