Michelle Jackson market development manager, CenturyLink More and more, the way to do business in the 21st century is to get your head in the cloud. No, we’re not talking about spending long hours daydreaming like Walter Mitty. Cloud computing involves moving certain information technology functions such as data storage and even some applications into the cloud, a vast array of servers located in remote sites. Michelle Jackson of Billings, market development manager for the telecommunications company CenturyLink, says more businesses have grown to understand the advantages of working in the cloud. “It’s exciting to see where the cloud is going,” Jackson said. “More businesses are moving their entire networks to the cloud, and from a cost perspective, it makes sense.” Rather than investing in servers and other equipment that will likely be obsolete in a year or two, it makes sense to move functions to the cloud, Jackson said. Before going to work for CenturyLink, Jackson worked in the Officie of Political Practices in Montana. That agency will often spend months investigating complaints about campaigns or candidates. By contrast, Jackson
Age: 34 Family: Married, two children First paid job: McDonald’s What I’m reading: “Economic Issues and Policy” by Jacqueline Murray Brux Liked this movie: “Pride and Prejudice” My theme song: “Beautiful Day” by U2 Biggest passion outside of work: My family enjoys the fast pace of working for a technology company. What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business? As the market development manager, I face the challenge of managing a large territory that encompasses Eastern Montana and Wyoming. Each local community is unique and the marketing tactics that may work in one particular community may not always work in another community. It is my goal to put together effective localized marketing plans that will make an impact in each local community. What did you learn from that chal-
lenge? Over the past few years, I have learned that working closely with the local employees in each community is of the utmost importance in order to put together a successful marketing plan. Being in the trenches with the local teams makes all of the difference. What’s the best business advice you have received? Always give people a second chance in business. If you end up having a fallout with someone, make the effort to reach out to him or her later. You never know what kind of business relationship you may end up developing with that person. Who gave you that advice? Jeremy Ferkin, the VP/GM for CenturyLink over the states of Montana and Wyoming.
Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Michelle Jackson says she enjoys the fast pace of working for a technology company. Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? This question can be answered in one word: Relationships. Every successful public relations and marketing professional understands the importance of relationships. In order to help a business build and grow a positive image within a community, one must develop key relationships within that community.
Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I would like to provide the Billings Public School district with the most up-to-date and available technologies for the classroom. Technology is going to continue to play a crucial role in the workforce. Providing children with Which living person do you most technological hands-on experience will only admire? Richard Branson. He started his busihelp strengthen our community and future ness from his basement and grew it into what workforce. it is today. Along the way he has built up and
empowered many other entrepreneurs to start their own successful businesses. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a mom. It may sound cliché, but family really is one of the most important things to me in life. I’m happiest when I’m… collaborating with a group of like-minded professionals to come up with a creative solution to any given problem. I love working with a group that is not afraid to develop creative and innovative ideas. Working with a team where the sky is the limit is refreshing and empowering.
andy kautz owner, A&E Curbing and Landscaping, Sylvan Nursery Andy Kautz taught elementary school after graduating from Montana State University Billings. Like many teachers, in 2005 he began working on the side to bring in extra money. But as the years progressed, the landscaping business he started began occupying more of his time. “Pretty soon I had to make a choice, and I decided to go with landscaping,” he said. After running A&E Curbing and Landscaping for a seven years, an opportunity to expand came Kautz’s way. In 2012, the longestablished local business, Sylvan Nursery and Landscaping, came up for sale. “I was there looking at a vehicle they had for sale,” Kautz said. “I started chit-chatting with the previous owners, and about 20 days later, we were signing the papers.” Kautz continues to operate both A&E and Sylvan Nursery’s landscaping businesses. But the two businesses may eventually merge to simplify bookkeeping and reduce confusion for customers, he said. Billingsbusiness
Age: 31 Family: Married, two children First paid job: 4-H projects, Shipton’s Big R What I’m reading: “Lawn and Garden Magazine” Liked this movie: “Iron Man 3” My theme song: “All I Ask For Anymore” by Trace Adkins Biggest passion outside of work: Family Running a nursery, greenhouse and landscaping business requires careful planning. Sylvan Nursery has already begun planting in anticipation of the spring gardening season, which hits its peak around Mother’s Day. Typically, he orders Christmas trees in July. “We used to have a down time, but that has disappeared,” Kautz said. One advantage of owning the greenhouse is that it provides opportunities for diversification. “We want to adapt and have a few gift
items for sale, and we just started selling cut flowers out of a cooler,” Kautz said. “We don’t want to be just a seasonal business.” Describe how you got where you are in your work today: Lots of hard work, help and support from family and friends. What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business? Trying to balance work and family. What did you learn from that challenge? Still working on that. What’s the best business advice you have received? Shoot for the stars, but set goals to get there. Expect delays and bumps along the way. Who gave you that advice? It’s something that I’ve personally learned along the way.
Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Andy Kautz, with daughter Avery, left a teaching job to concentrate on his landscaping business. Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Establish more green space, parks, and conserve water. Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? The smiles on the face of customers. Which living person do you most
admire? The person who is out there working 60 hours a week to support their family. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My wife and children. I’m happiest when I’m… able to take off and spend a week at Disneyland with my family. February 2014
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