justin ott manager, Information Services, Billings Clinic As manager of information services at Billings Clinic, Justin Ott makes sure a vast array of computers, tablets, phones and other electronic devices work together. From a practical standpoint, he reminds people at work that there is no purpose to acquiring technology unless it helps patients. “If they’re not providing value for our patients, why would we you have the technology?” he said. Ott’s job keeps him busy. But he also manages to find time to volunteer at Tumbleweed Runaway Program and was named the organization’s volunteer of the year for 2013. “I try to assist with their IT needs whenever I can, and they really appreciate it,” Ott said. “I make sure everything is working correctly, so the kids can come in and do school work if they need to.” In addition, Billings Clinic donates its old computers to the agency. Ott got his start with technology during high school in Reed Point. After attending May Technical College in Billings, he gave the district’s technology a boost. “Remember the dial-up Internet? You
Age: 35 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Repair technician at antique dealer What I’m reading: “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson Liked this movie: “Silver Linings Playbook” My theme song: “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor Biggest passion outside of work: My son thought it was slow, but just try sharing it across 30 users,” Ott said. “It was the next evolution at the time. They had never had anything like it before.” A few years ago, Ott renewed his commitment to physical fitness largely so he could keep up with his son, who is now 4. “If I could figure out how to can some of that energy, I’d be a rich man,” Ott said. Describe how you got where you are in your work today: I was given opportuni-
ties and worked very diligently to make the most of those opportunities and provide the best possible service for my organization. What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business? To constantly strive for excellence in customer service and performance, while being innovative and creative, and always keeping our organization’s focus on the best patient experience. What did you learn from that challenge? To keep setting the bar higher and higher — creative thinking, innovation and teamwork make anything possible. What’s the best business advice you have received? Have empathy and be kind. Treat everyone with respect, as you never know what tomorrow brings. Who gave you that advice? My high school principal. Here’s what I’d like to do to improve
Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Justin Ott is manager of information services at Billings Clinic. my community: The programs at Tumbleweed assist our community’s youth and provide them opportunities that they might never receive. Sometimes that opportunity is all that is needed to change one’s life. I will continue to volunteer and support Tumbleweed’s positive youth development throughout my professional and personal career. Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? By the happiness and success of my department
as a team and our overall impact in the organization’s success. Which living person do you most admire? My dad. What do you consider your greatest achievement? After my son, it would be getting my formal education while in my 30s. I’m happiest when I’m… with my family.
Kevin Rookhuizen vice president of marketing, Billings Federal Credit Union In a highly competitive financial services market, institutions are constantly prospecting for credit-worthy customers. Kevin Rookhuizen, vice president of sales and marketing for Billings Federal Credit Union, says credit unions work to provide competitive rates for a variety of products, such as loans, credit cards and deposit accounts. “But our business allows us to look at more than a customer’s credit score,” Rookhuizen said. “There are scenarios where a customer may have a low credit score. We have the time and business model that allows us to peel back the layers and find out why a credit score is the way it is. This creates an opportunity to create a lending relationship and set a course to righting the ship.” Within a few months, the customer usually sees his credit score improve, and that opens up new opportunities to consolidate debts or provide other services, Rookhuizen said. “We say yes to a lot of people,” even though they were turned down previously by other financial institutions, Rookhuizen said. “We have a number of testimonials where I February 2014 26
Age: 35 Family: Married First paid job: Bus boy at Perkins Family Restaurant What I’m reading: “Day by Day Devotional” Liked this movie: “The Shawshank Redemption” My theme song: Structured, fair and host with a lot of guitar Biggest passion outside of work: The great outdoors, construction and investing people came to us and we gave them a chance, and they’re truly appreciative for that,” he said. “It’s neat to make that kind of a difference.” Many people might not realize that you don’t need to belong to a certain employment group in order to be a member of a credit union. “We are a community credit union that serves anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Yellowstone, Carbon or Big Horn counties,” Rookhuizen said.
Describe how you got where you are in your work today: Having a goal-oriented mindset, a little bit of luck and being at the right place at the right time. What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business? Rolling out new products/services and executing strategies that allow us to truly differentiate and remain relevant in a highly competitive industry. What did you learn from that challenge? Stay focused and do not give up. Not every product roll out or marketing campaign will be a complete success. But I always learn something through the process and hopefully use those experiences to make more educated decisions moving forward. What’s the best business advice you have received? Be patient, open-minded and persistent and get your education. You will never regret it. Who gave you that advice? A combination of family, friends and co-workers.
Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Kevin Rookhuizen says Billings Federal Credit Union works closely with customers to help them improve their credit scores. Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Better educate our community to the importance of establishing a savings plan and how to improve and/or maintain a good credit score. Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Happy, productive and engaged employees.
Which living person do you most admire? Stan Simmons. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having a great career in a field I am passionate about. I’m happiest when… I’m traveling with my wife and spending time with family and friends. Billingsbusiness