40 Under Forty

BILLINGS BUSINESS

best & brightest

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the editor

40 Under Forty is produced by the staff of Billings Business, a specialty publication of Billings Gazette Communications

40 U NDER F ORTY WINNERS AN INTERESTING MIX OF PROFESSIONALS If you happen to be reading these words, it means the date is somewhere around Feb. 1, 2013. Contrary to what the Mayan calendar might have predicted, the world didn’t come to an end last Dec. 21.

Aside from the fact that a Mayan-predicted apocalypse would have been an all-around bummer for mankind, the end of the world as we know it would have also prevented me from having an opportunity to introduce our 40 Under Forty winners for 2013.

As usual, we have an outstanding group of individuals who were selected from among hundreds of nominees.

This year’s group features an interesting mix of professionals, business owners, champions of free enterprise, public-sector workers and folks who work in the nonprofit sector.

Some of our winners work with their hands. Others have careers whose specialized skills require years of education and training.

Stephen Casher, market president for Rocky Mountain Bank, jump-started his business career by running

a profitable technology business from his dorm room while he attended the University of Wyoming. His example of on-campus entrepreneurship bears many similarities to the early career of Michael Dell. The founder of Dell Computers built and sold computers from his college dorm room.

Mason Hill, a project manager and estimator for Hill Masonry, seemed destined to become involved in the family’s masonry business, as his name implies.

The decline of service clubs — community-oriented organizations that have played a key role in American society for generations — is one of those trend stories that pops up in the media every now and then. But two of this year’s 40 Under Forty winners — Justin Wutzke and Amanda Lechner — are actively involved in the revival of the Billings Jaycees. This service organization has done some pretty impressive things in a short time.

Once again, I’d like to extend my thanks to all of the 40 Under Forty winners, to all who were nominated and to those who made the nominations. Last but not least, I’d like thank my Billings Gazette colleague James Woodcock, who did a terrific job with the photography.

mike gulledge tom howard COPY EDITOR chris jorgensen GENERAL MANAGER allyn hulteng PUBLISHER

EDITOR

SALES

dave worstell ryan brosseau RETAIL SALES MANAGER shelli scott ADVERTISING SALES gail ball ADVERTISING COORDINATOR linsay duty

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR CLASSIFIED MANAGER/ONLINE MANAGER

PRODUCTION

DESIGNER

karen scherting bob tambo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please e-mail it to: editor@billingsbusiness.com website: www.billingsbusiness.com Information published herein does not reflect the opinion of Billings Business. Contents are the property of Billings Business.

BILLINGS BUSINESS LEADER ADVISORY BOARD Adam Kimmet, president, Cellular Plus; Bill Lucas, US Bank; Greg McCall, McCall Development; Justin Mills, general manager, the NILE and MATE; Nancy Boyer, Boyer and Dimich Associates; Kate Hamlin, Century 21 and Life Launch; Lane Basso, business consultant; Marilyn Floberg, Prudential Floberg Realtors; and Greg McDonald, Wendy’s of Montana.

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BILLINGSbusiness

Joel Anderson took a memorable trip to India through his job as a design architect for CTA Architects Engineers.

joel anderson Lisa Abeln, a dentist at Turley Dental Center, was interested in health care at a very young age, starting out as a candy striper in the fourth grade.

lisa abeln dentist, Turley Dental Center While most kids her age were playing with Barbies, Lisa Abeln was already thinking about a career in health care.

“I volunteered as a hospital candy striper from the time I was in fourth grade until I graduated from high school,” said Abeln, a dentist with Turley Dental Center.

“I used to watch Dr. John Dorr in his surgeries. He was my mentor, and I thought that I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon,” she said.

She became more familiar with health care by participating in the medical careers program at Billings School District 2.

Abeln underwent dental surgery after she got into an accident as a youngster.

“You’d think it would scare you, but it was interesting to me,” she said.

At Montana State University, Abeln took a pre-dental class, and that steered her toward a career in dentistry. She graduated from MSU with a degree in cell biology and neuroscience, then graduated from the University of Minnesota. She gladly returned to Billings to launch her career.

“I like working with my hands in small places,” she said. “I especially enjoy working on front teeth and changing people’s smiles. You can do little things and make a big difference in people’s lives.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

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I believe that you will be successful by working hard, dedication, and always being prepared for everything.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The economic depression four years ago was a challenge for the practice as we slowed down just like many other businesses.

What did you learn from that challenge?

If you genuinely care about your patients and want to have a lifelong relationship with them, your business will continue to thrive through tough economic times.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

One positive change in Billings would be to continue to strengthen the downtown presence in the community. It is important that downtown businesses continue to strive and that it becomes more of a destination for Billings natives as well as travelers.

Since 1984 Turley Dental Care has been located downtown and we have supported the downtown community.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I measure success in how many happy, smiling patients walk out the

Age: 31 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Elderly chabar (companion) at St. John’s Nursing Home What I’m reading: “The Happiest Toddler on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp Liked this movie: “Remember the Titans” My theme song: “Gangnam Style” because it’s so fun to dance to!

How I relax: I play dolls with my toddler and scrapbook door. When a patient leaves with a better understanding of their dental health and how they can achieve a healthier body through their mouth, we have made an important step in the right direction. Also when a patient feels more confident smiling, talking to friends, and chewing, we have had a successful outcome.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom because she always manages to take on a million projects and make it seem easy. She also always makes everyone seem special and important.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

It was in dental school when I received the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award and Clinical Excellence in Prosthetics.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Relaxing at the beach on vacation or working on someone’s front teeth and helping them achieve a better smile.

design architect, CTA Architects Engineers Many people equate globalization with shipping American jobs overseas.

But CTA Architects Engineers is one example of an American company that is profiting from the increasingly global nature of business.

While working on a project in India for Dell Computers, one of CTA’s clients, design architect Joel Anderson found himself participating in 4 a.m. conference calls with clients to accommodate the 12-hour time difference between Montana and India. Those earlymorning conference calls were just a prelude to a memorable trip to India.

“English was in all the meetings, but they speak faster than us,” Anderson said. “We were doing some conceptual work and feasibility studies.

I thought we did a great job for them, and I had a lot of fun, but it was very intense.”

At the moment, Anderson is leading the design for four projects.

He describes his role as the keeper of the vision.

“I’m the guy who comes in, trying to dig out of a client what they’re looking for in a building, and where they want to go. We’re trying to see how we can work with that,” he said. “At the same time, I’m interested in how we design the building, how it looks.

“A vision in the beginning still needs to be built. I like to walk through a project and connect the pieces.

Something as simple as the trim on the door reflects the entire design of the space. It all has to work together. I’m always the one in the meetings making sure we’re aligning with the vision.”

Anderson’s sketchbook is a constant companion.

“I’m a big proponent of the idea that making is thinking,” he said.

“While you’re drawing or building a model, you’re making design decisions.”

Aside from holding down a challenging career, Anderson is an avid rock climber. He moved to the West to be closer to good climbing and has authored a guide book on Billings rock climbing: billingsclimbingguide. blogspot.com.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I interned with a high-end residential firm in Minnesota. I did intern work at SOM and VOA in Chicago.

Then worked in Chicago at ARIA Group Architects for a couple of years designing national boutique restaurants (P.F. Changs, Wildfire, etc), moved to Billings in 2004 to work at CTA. Professional success was (has failed? is being?) achieved by staying authentic to my instincts and vision. Allowing and expressing individuality and constantly critiquing and learning from the work we do. Not being satisfied with the generic and cliché What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

I’m concerned with how easy it is for a design firm, and their community at large, to be architecturally stagnant.

Current policies, construction methods and design processes reward repetition. This comes as a sacrifice to a community’s diversity and individuality.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Architectural design is best when it’s pushed beyond preconceived assumptions and lands upon a design

Age: 33 Family: Single First paid job: Intern at a video production studio in Minneapolis What I’m reading: Design magazine on my iPhone Liked this movie: “Cloud Atlas” My theme song: “All My Friends”

by LCD Soundsystem How I relax: Rock climb, ice climb, snowboard. that excites both the client and architect. I have a deep interest in how our community represents itself through its buildings. I’m constantly exploring and evolving our design processes to better understand our clients, where they’re coming from, and their history so that we can produce a building experience that comes from a place that is significantly evolved from our starting point and both the client and the design team stand proudly next to the completed project.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Leading the education and evolution of architectural progress and diversity in Billings.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

How a finished building looks and performs. If I want to include it in our portfolio. Awards from a jury of our peers.

Which living person do you most admire?

Architects Glenn Murcutt and David Salmela.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Climbing Mont Blanc without lifts in winter.

I’m happiest when I’m…

In the zone. Be it drawing, climbing or snowboarding powder.

Billingsbusiness

shane anderson owner, Anderson Electric Last summer, Shane Anderson’s crews installed some 28 miles of data cables throughout Senior High as part of a $4 million renovation that has whittled down energy costs and improved comfort at the oldest high school in Billings School District 2.

Officials estimate that new energy-efficient light fixtures that were installed as part of the project will reduce energy consumption at Senior High by about 40 percent per year.

The Senior High project is just one example of how investing in a modern electrical equipment can pay for itself in a relatively short time through energy savings, Anderson said.

Anderson became an electrician just a couple of years after graduating from high school. But owning his own business was never far from his mind.

“I realized that I wanted more than what being an employee had to offer,” he said.

When Anderson passed the master electri-

cian license at age 30, a state official told him he was one of the youngest people to ever do that.

“It was the hardest test I’ve ever taken. It was a written exam, no hands-on work,” he said.

Anderson Electric opened in 2005.

“It started out with just me,” he said. “But in 2007 I started getting into commercial work, where the profits are a little better.”

Anderson Electric still does a fair amount of residential work but has largely steered clear of new-home construction. “You’re competing against a guy in a Honda Civic hatchback with a few hand tools and a drill,” he said.

These days, Anderson Electric has grown to the point where he frequently supervises about 18 workers. Like most contractors, Anderson spends a lot of time reviewing plans and preparing bids. “We do service work, remodels, anything from a huge project like Senior High to changing a lady’s light fixture in her living room,” Anderson said.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Staying in business during an economic crisis.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Always keep the costs as low as possible and not having too many payments.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I live in the Poet Streets and would love to get the roads in my neighborhood fixed.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

At the end of the day, I am the owner, and not vice versa.

Which living person do you most admire?

My grandma.

Shane Anderson started Anderson Electric in 2005, and the company has grown to the point where Anderson is often supervising about 18 workers.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My four children.

Age: 36 Family: Married, four children First paid job: Delivering newspapers What I’m reading: “Pirate Latitudes” by Michael Crichton Liked this movie: “Skyfall” How I relax: Golfing at Hilands Golf Club

I’m happiest when I’m…

Camping with my family in the mountains.

Jenny Barriger owner, Simply Family magazine After moving to Billings, Jenny Barriger thought there should be a better way for young parents to find the kind of information they needed to raise their families.

That led the former teacher to create Simply Family, a monthly magazine that is designed for helping parents thrive by dealing with the issues they’ll face raising children.

“When we started Simply Family, we weren’t looking to start a business. We just wanted a resource for the community,” said Barriger, who launched the publication with Kim Nelson, a friend and business partner.

“I moved here with an infant, and we were trying to find that sector of family life: the play groups, the sports, that kind of information,” Barriger said.

“We were never in it for the money,” Barriger said. “We were in it because we wanted it for Billings. And it has been way bigger than we ever imagined.”

Simply Family, a free publication, is available at a variety of retailers in the Billings area, and by mail subscription. Barriger said 95 percent of Simply Family’s editorial content is produced by local writers and photographers.

“We want it to be local kids on the cover and on the inside because we want it to be a community publication,” she said. Many contributors to Simply Family magazine are parents.

“There’s a whole sector of people who were professionals but gave up that life to raise their kids. This allows them to make a living.”

Like other busy working parents, Barriger Billingsbusiness

has to juggle schedules and activities.

“Running a business around your family is both a blessing and a curse,” she said. “I don’t know if there were many nights where I slept for more than four hours a night for the first couple of years. Deadlines can be a challenge.”

known what I was getting myself into, I would have not been brave enough to take the first step. I have been trying to keep up with the demand of Simply Family over these past few years. Thankfully, I had some great people I could turn to for help.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I have always been passionate about children. I realized in the early years of my career as a teacher however that I wasn’t personally able to sacrifice my own family and raising my kids to teach full time so I decided to change directions. When my husband and I moved to Billings almost 12 years ago, I had just given up my teaching career to stay home with my infant daughter. It was a tough transition personally, professionally and geographically, and although Billings is an amazing community, information for parents was scarce. I actually remember crying in my pediatrician’s office shortly after I moved here. I realized that even though I chose to no longer teach, I could reach children indirectly through their most valuable influence, their parents. By giving families the tools they need, we are helping them become more involved in our community and to become involved as families.

We can build a new generation of community oriented kids who appreciate community and tradition.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Treat people well. Even if you don’t know the answer to any given challenge, if you treat people fairly and like they truly matter to you (as they should), then it will work out for everyone in the end. Mistakes happen, it is how you deal with them that truly speaks to who you are as a small businessperson.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Growth. I often joke that if I would have

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Supporting our schools and encouraging the infrastructure that is beneficial to our families such as parks, trail systems, children’s museums and more. A community that helps families thrive is a benefit to every citizen.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I measure success one person or organization at a time. I consider what we are doing a success every time a person emails or calls me to let me know that they value Simply Family Magazine or that it helped them find a local event or helped them with their parenting or family situation. To me, it is a success when an organization lets me know that many or most of

Jenny Barriger started Simply Family magazine to help young parents find information and deal with issues they face raising their children. their attendees knew about their event because of Simply Family Magazine or have learned about their cause because they were on the pages of our magazine. I feel we are a success when parents turn to us to ask questions because they know that we are there for them.

Which living person do you most admire?

There isn’t any one person for me; there is something to be admired about everyone. You just have to take the time and care enough to find it.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Waiting tables at a bowling alley What I’m reading: “Live Your Strongest Life” by Marcus Buckingham Liked this movie: “Lincoln” My theme song: “Your Life is Now” by John Mellencamp How I relax: Spending time with my husband and two kids My greatest achievement is now and always will be my kids. They are what I pour my energy into; they are what I will leave behind.

I am happiest when I’m…

Balancing work, life and family well.

February 2013 I

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A childhood in foster homes inspired Michele Braukmann to pursue a career in law so she could help kids in similar situations.

She went to law school at Notre Dame.

As an area loan specialist for USDA Rural Development, Eric Blumhardt helps people achieve their dream of home ownership.

Eric Blumhardt

area loan specialist, USDA Rural Development

Eric Blumhardt says the best part of his job is moving day. That’s when his clients get to fulfill their dream of home ownership.

“We just closed eight homes over the last couple of weeks, which is nice because it shows what we are doing is paying off,” Blumhardt said in an interview in early December.

Blumhardt, an area loan specialist for USDA Rural Development, travels through Eastern Montana administering a federal home loan program.

“We go to rural communities all over Eastern Montana and work with low-income families and try to get them into their own homes by offering government assistance to those who qualify,” Blumhardt said.

Aside from covering such a large demographic area, another challenge is letting people know about the program, Blumhardt said.

“I’m trying to do an outreach program so communities know it’s out there and can utilize the program,” he said.

The program provides a variety of assistance, such as help with a down payment and subsidies to help the buyer pay for the mortgage.

However, clients must have a good credit rating and must show the ability to repay the loan, he said.

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While completing his mass communications and public relations degree at Montana State University Billings, Blumhardt worked as a part-time sports writer for The Billings Gazette.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I worked as a legal examiner for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for six years prior to accepting employment with Rural Development. I’m extremely grateful for my time with BIA because so many aspects of that position prepared me for my current position.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The restrictions set in place to ensure that our borrowers are satisfactory applicants is challenging. Any time you are use a government program that allows government assistance, that’s just how the system works. The process is frustrating but well worth it in the end.

What did you learn from that challenge?

You learn that honesty and being forthright with the applicant is the best way of doing business. It’s easier to be upfront from the beginning than to

Age: 34 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Coaching youth sports What I’m reading: “Bringing Up Boys” by Dr. James Dobson Liked this movie: “The Flight” My theme song: “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi How I relax: Watching sports work with a frustrated applicant down the road.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I’d like to see continued expansion on activities for the youth of Billings.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

My position allows for a very easily diagnosed measure of success, and that’s getting families into homes. The more qualified applicants that I can get into homes, the happier, not just myself, but USDA Rural Development is.

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents, Craig and Florrinda Blumhardt. They are the epitome of selflessness and sacrifice.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My children, Jacob and Noah. I didn’t do too bad getting my beautiful wife, Marie, to marry me, either.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Home with my family. I truly relish my time with my wife and children.

Michele Braukmann shareholder attorney, Moulton Bellingham PC. Having spent much of her childhood bouncing among foster homes, Michele Braukmann chose a career in law. Her goal: helping children who grew up in similar situations.

“I was put into foster care when I was about 8, and I had a lot of exposure to the legal system at that time, and I was in court with a lot of judges. I decided I wanted to be part of the judicial process,” said Braukmann, a shareholder attorney with Moulton Bellingham PC. By the time she graduated from high school, Braukmann had attended 39 schools.

Growing up in foster care is often seen as a big obstacle. But Braukmann also received encouragement along the way. “I had never talked about going to college when I was growing up.

But I had a really great teacher in high school who told me, ‘Michele, you have really good writing skills and speaking skills, and I think you would be a really good lawyer,’” she said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montana, she attended law school at the University of Notre Dame.

“I picked Notre Dame because they had a great legal advocacy program. They’re very much public service-based. I felt like I would be acquiring a lot of people who would be part of my life,” Braukmann said.

“There’s a reason they talk about the Notre Dame family.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Age: 36 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Busing tables What I’m reading: Choose Your Own Adventure series with my oldest son Liked this movie: “Legends of the Fall” My theme song: “Here Come the Irish” How I relax: Cuddling with my three kids and, when I need alone time, long baths and a good glass of Pinot Noir.

Since graduating from law school, although I have not made child advocacy work the primary focus of my career, I have been able to handle many cases that I am proud of the legal work that I was able to provide, including defending many local business owners, Aside from profit and loss, how representing individuals that have been do you measure success in your discriminated against, and defending job? the work of public employees.

When I am complimented by judges or opposing counsel, regardless What’s the toughest challenge of “winning or losing” a case, because that you have faced in your busiof how I handled things for my client, ness? that makes me proud of the work that The legal world is made up of I did. significant conflict, and it is important to remember that, even in light of that conflict, there are individuals who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity on both sides of cases.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have learned that what measures success the most is being able to feel proud of how you treat others, even in adverse situations, even when others do not reciprocate the same respect, and even when litigation is emotional.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

If I were to change anything for the positive, it would be to continue to grow family-friendly infrastructure in our community. The new library, Dehler Park, bike paths and local parks are great examples of what we need plenty of in our community.

Which living person do you most admire?

My husband, who came from a difficult background without any good strong male leadership in his life, and yet he has not allowed that to stop him from building a good life for himself and being a good role model to the three children we are raising.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Growing up without a family, and not having a mother and father to teach me how to parent effectively.

Without a doubt, I consider my greatest achievement to be mothering my children. I am far from perfect at it, but I work every day to provide them the life that I never had and that they deserve.

I’m happiest when I’m...

With my husband and children.

Billingsbusiness

Michele BraukMann, on being recognized as a leader in

billings’ business community.

We are proud to call you our Wife and mother.

Matthew, Reese, Levi and Jamison Treating Each of Our Clients Like Family

• Workers’ Compensation • Personal Injury www.braukmannlawfirm.com 3860 Ave. B, Suite C • Billings 406-294-0294 Billingsbusiness

• Insurance Disputes • Discrimination Law

Matthew Braukmann February 2013

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Stephen Casher market president, Rocky Mountain Bank While many of his classmates were struggling through math and basic English composition, Stephen Casher was running a successful computer business from his dorm room at the University of Wyoming.

“As I was moving to Laramie, cellular phone service abruptly stopped in southeast Wyoming,” Casher recalls. “I began looking into the availability of cellphones. The offerings were antiquated and limited, so I started a paging business from my dorm room.”

Casher later diversified the business by offering cellphones and computer systems, eventually employing 10 people. His client list even included the university.

“We were building computer systems for many of the labs on campus,” he said.

Casher founded the company, Performance Systems, in 1992. A former employee still runs the computer side of the business, now known as Penstar Systems, in Laramie. “We sold the paging side of the business to one of our competitors,” Casher said.

After graduation, Casher decided to stay in Wyoming and lived in Laramie for about a year. He then moved to Casper, where he went to work for Wells Fargo Bank. After a series of promotions, he later moved to Sheridan, Wyo. He accepted a job with Rocky Mountain Bank in Billings in late 2011.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I was taught at a young age by my parents that anything worth doing was worth doing right. By following that early advice, I developed a habit of following through, never quitting, and not being daunted by seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Another motto instilled by my father is: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” This drives me to look for other ways to accomplish an objective I’m struggling to achieve.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Making credit decisions is a constant, tough challenge. On a daily basis, we strive to do what is best for both the customer and the bank, effectively trying to minimize risk while helping our customers succeed financially. As a Montana-chartered institution, we are small and nimble enough to think outside the box and realize that what may work for one customer or in one locale, does not mean that it works for everybody or everywhere. At the end of the day, I try to find ways to approve a loan rather than finding a justification for declining it.

What did you learn from that challenge?

The challenge above causes me to get to know each and every customer and understand how they and/or their business operate. I take the time to learn what makes them unique, what individual challenges they face, and present solutions that are tailored to them. If,

Stephen Casher got his start in business by starting a pager business from his University of Wyoming dorm room. He is now with Rocky Mountain Bank. for example, they don’t have sufficient equity, down payment, cash flow, etc., how can we modify their request to allow them to obtain the financing (or other product) that they need while not unduly exposing the bank to unnecessary risk.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Selling part of my communications If you could make one positive change company back to a competitor that had been in Billings, what would it be? in the market for decades, doubted my ability Increase funding sources and availability for business start-ups and significant expansion to succeed as a start-up, and then overtaking their market share within a few years. of existing businesses, both of which would result in job growth.

PEOPLE MAT TER .

CONGRATUL ATIONS KRIS, YOU ARE A GREAT AS SET TO THE A&E TEAM. 8

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Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I measure success with happy employees and happy customers.

Age: 39 Family: Single, two children First paid job: Mowing lawns What I’m reading: “Crucial Conversations — Tools for Talking when Stakes are High” Liked this movie: “Hotel Transylvania” My theme song: 007’s Theme Song, “Since I wear so many hats each day” How I relax: I read I’m happiest when I’m…

In balance all around, including work goals, family time, employee satisfaction, and just being “ahead of the curve.”

Congratulations, Coralee Goni!

We’re proud to have you on our team!

1231 N. 29th St. | 248-3175 | www.rimrock.org Billingsbusiness

Mike Craighill owner, Soup and Such restaurant Some know Mike Craighill as the ambassador of comfort food, a business owner whose friendly demeanor consistently leaves his customers smiling.

Lunch hours tend to be busy at Soup and Such, Craighill’s downtown restaurant. On most days you’ll find him at the front counter, welcoming new customers and chatting with regulars.

“I love everything about this job,” he said. “I love the business side of it, knowing what your numbers are. I love making the soup. And I love the customers.”

Craighill and his wife, Antonia, started Soup and Such in the Heights in 2006, then expanded to downtown in 2008. The Heights restaurant had to close shortly afterward because they lost their lease. But that allowed Antonia to pursue another dream by opening Velvet, a bakery that specializes in cupcakes and special-occasion cakes, just up the street from the downtown Soup and Such.

The most popular soup on the menu? That would be the baked potato chowder. Craighill’s personal favorite is the creamy tomato.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I met my wife at the Heights Wal-Mart, where I worked. We dated and we were married in 2004. I was planning on going to law school, but my priorities changed when we found out we were having a baby. After some deep soul searching, I decided that law school wasn’t the right path for me.

My wife had always had a dream of opening a restaurant/bakery.

A local restaurant in the Heights closed, so on a whim we inquired about the terms. We had a very rough business plan that needed a bunch of work. We started working with the Big Sky EDA/EDC on our business plan, lease terms, financing and more.

Rebecca Hedegaad was our personal counselor, and we relied heavily on her for advice and direction.

We decided that I would help Antonia get started and then move on once the restaurant was established.

I really had no desire to own a restaurant. Here I am, however, almost seven years later, and I couldn’t be happier.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Closing the Heights location had to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in business and in life. Although it was not our choice — we were unable to

negotiate a new lease — it still felt like we failed. We live in the Heights, and so many of our customers expressed what we felt: Heights businesses always seem to struggle. The last few weeks were especially hard. We laughed with our customers as we retold stories from our first year in business. We cried when we remembered that our two youngest children had taken their first steps in the dining room. We worried about what would happen to the downtown restaurant and the company. It was a very trying time. Antonia and I told each other that we could make it through anything if we could just keep holding hands.

What did you learn from that challenge?

The first lesson, obviously, was protect yourself in your lease. We were inexperienced and naive about commercial leases when we started out. There may not have been a lot of things we could have done differently in this particular case, but we sure learned what red flags to look out for when leasing. Second, and more importantly, we learned to have more faith in God about the future. I like the quote “Pray like everything depends on God; Work like everything depends on you.” In reality, closing the Heights

Mike Craighill and his wife, Antonia, took a leap of faith when they started their Soup and Such restaurant in 2006. location opened up an opportunity for us in Velvet, my wife’s cupcake/ cake shop downtown. That opportunity would not have happened if we were still operating two locations.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would do more to develop the Heights. That area of town has so much potential.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

The success of our business is based solely on our customers’ satisfaction. We like to say that you come to

our restaurant as a customer and leave as family. If we are successful doing that, the profit and loss (and every other matrix) will follow.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

It may sound cheesy, but raising my family is the greatest achievement of my life.

Age: 37 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Mowing lawns What I’m reading: “The Signal and the Noise” by Nate Silver Liked this movie: “The Lorax” My theme song: “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks How I relax: Read with my kids

Which living person do you most admire?

Bill Clinton.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With customers in the restaurant.

I love to hear about their families, their work, their lives.

Jared Dickerson, ASID, CGP Construction Coordinator

Congratulations to Jared Dickerson and all recipients of 40 Under 40 honors.

We are proud of all of the people who work at Billings Clinic in many diverse roles. With a staff of over 3,600 employees, Billings Clinic is one of the largest employers in the state.

For more information about careers at Billings Clinic, visit www.billingsclinic.com/careers Billingsbusiness

February 2013

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Jared Dickerson, construction coordinator at Billings Clinic, started playing soccer when he was 6.

Broker Angel Davis-Viren started her business, Keystone Mortgage Co., after having twins. Her first job was breaking and training horses.

Angel Davis-Viren

broker-owner, Keystone Mortgage Co. When Angel Davis-Viren says she goes the extra mile to make her customers happy, she’s not just making a sales pitch.

A customer seeking to refinance his mortgage had been turned down by three lenders because of a low credit score. Davis-Viren, broker-owner of Keystone Mortgage Co., scratched below the surface and found that his report contained a mistake — a collection made against his ex-wife four years ago. “I read the whole credit report and told him what was bringing his credit score down,” she said. “I sat on a conference call with him and the company and got a letter of deletion.

We did a rapid recheck seven days later and his credit score had come up by 110 points.”

Now that his credit score is fixed, the client will receive a discount of onequarter percentage point on his interest rate. “That’s huge,” Davis-Viren said.

“I don’t have a big company name over my door, but I know my clients personally,” she said.

Stricter lending guidelines implemented in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis are making it more difficult for many borrowers to finance a home. Still, Davis-Viren said it’s a good time to buy.

“Even if you think you’ll be buying in six months, you should come in now to find out what you should be doing to

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make sure you qualify,” she said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I started off in the mortgage industry as a secretary for a small office. I realized I had found my niche and learned everything I could as fast as I could. Before I knew it, I had transferred to a large commercial mortgage company and had accelerated through the underwriting program and was approving loans for the largest mortgage company at that time in the U.S. After my twins were born, I wanted to stay home and found that the only way I could was to come to the front side of the business and structure the loans for the clients to get approved through the underwriting system.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Managing people.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have learned that there is a fine line on setting proper expectations and motivating a strong work force and treating others the way you would want to be treated. I don’t want my employees to feel like they are just a number, either. So that is something that sets us apart from a bank or corporation as far

Age: 32 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Breaking and training horses What I’m reading: “The Heartsong of Charging Elk” by James Welch Liked this movie: “Secretariat” My theme song: “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia How I relax: Movie night with my family as the working environment.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I want to help people. At Keystone Mortgage you start as a client and continue on to be a friend. You aren’t a number, you are a person who we take a personal vested interest in seeing your goals for the immediate needs and your future.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

My clients who are in turn my friends by the time the process is finished. My personal relationships are what set me/us apart from the rest.

Which living person do you most admire?

Clint Eastwood. He’s never afraid to tell it like it is.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Well, they are a work in progress, but my children. They are the most beautiful things I have ever created.

I’m happiest when…

I have found that perfect balance between my clients, work and family.

Jared Dickerson construction coordinator, Billings Clinic assistant men’s soccer coach, Rocky Mountain College Jared Dickerson is proud to have helped coach the Rocky Mountain College men’s soccer team to a spot in the NAIA national tournament.

Dickenson works as a construction coordinator at Billings Clinic. But he gets to fulfill his passion for soccer as an assistant coach for the Bears, who earned their first trip to the national tournament after defeating Martin Methodist College of Tennessee in the championship match for the Frontier/ TranSouth Unaffiliated Group tournament.

The Bears lost to Jamestown College in the first round of the 32-team tournament. But keep in mind that Rocky has fielded a men’s team only since 2009.

“For a fourth-year team to make it to nationals was a very good accomplishment,” he said.

“Not many people get to mix their passion of soccer and work,” he said.

“It has been great working at Billings Clinic, because they allow me to take part in the Rocky soccer program.”

Dickerson started playing soccer when he was about 6 years old while growing up in Colorado. At Seattle Pacific University, Dickerson was a defensive marking back. His job was to hound the opponent’s best player to prevent scores.

Since college, where he majored in interior design and fine art, Dickenson has worked in the construction indus-

try, with KW Signature Homes, McCall Development, and now Billings Clinic.

Making the transition from residential construction to health care was a big adjustment, he said. But the Billings Clinic’s supportive staff has helped ease the transition.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I work hard daily at whatever I do in life and give God the glory for who I am today.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The transition that I made from residential construction and design to health care construction and design.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have learned to rely on the team members in the facility’s department at Billings Clinic. With such a steep learning curve, it has been important to look to the leaders for guidance. Billing Clinic has a wonderful staff who go out of their way to help with information needed to be successful.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would like build or remodel houses for people that do not have the

Age: 35 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Golf cart attendant What I’m reading: “Finishing Strong” by Steve Farrar Liked this movie: “Seabisuit” My theme song: “Beautiful Things” by Bungor How I relax: Camping with family

means to get into homes of their own.

Owning a home is so empowering, and I would like to be able to help individuals get into their first home.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Completing a project on time and under budget with full client satisfaction.

Which living person do you most admire?

My wife, Natalie Dickerson. She is a great wife, mom, sister and daughter.

I am blessed and proud to be a part of her life.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Being a father to my daughter Lillian. The best part about Lillian is that she has a spirit and drive about her that I look up to. I can’t imagine who I would be without her in my life.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Having coffee on Saturday mornings either in our camper or at home with my wife and daughter. I cherish Saturdays simply because we have each other without distraction. No matter how busy life gets, I can always look to the family and find peace and serenity.

Billingsbusiness

Jen Mercer ‘02 Director of the Billings Depot Pat Holman Professor Emeritus, MSU Billings

Michelle Dowler owner, Apricot Lane

Michelle Dowler strives for style and value at her women’s clothing boutique, Apricot Lane.

Michelle Dowler has a knack for business, but loves fashion. Two years ago, she melded those two interests and opened Apricot Lane, a women’s clothing boutique in West Park Plaza.

“I was always passionate about fashion and clothing, and I felt like I could create something where I could practice business and create a whole different customer service atmosphere,” Dowler said.

“I put myself in the position of the customer and offer things that make them feel special, not just in merchandise, but in customer service.”

Apricot Lane stores are supported by the franchise company Country Visions, which has more than 120 stores nationwide. Just because the parent company uses a franchise model doesn’t mean that all stores are identical. Dowler said Apricot Lane franchisees have a lot of flexibility in choosing their inventory. She travels to Las Vegas twice a year for buying trips and to scout out the latest trends.

“Apricot Lane also has a buyer who works directly out of the garment district in Los Angeles.

She sends up to 150 photos and we get to pick what we want,” Dowler said. “Every store has different merchandise.”

Dowler said Apricot Lane strives for style and value.

“We wanted to make sure there’s an opportunity for the customer to buy something that’s not necessarily from a big box store, so you feel like you’re treating yourself without killing your budget,” she said.

Facebook has proven to be a useful marketing tool.

“We wanted to have a vehicle where we really get to know our customers. In the last couple of months we’ve started shipping all over the United States,” she said.

(albeit five years after completing my first business plan), and took the risk. I do have to say, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am in love with what I do.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Recognizing that everything has a learning curve.

I have to remember to slow down, it isn’t a race, you don’t have to know everything right now. I am learning to take one day at a time and appreciate what every turn teaches me, good and bad. There is a lesson and opportunity in every obstacle. Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure, but I am constantly working on staying “present.” Although my competitive personality is most comfortable at full speed, I am doing better at accepting this learning curve and working to make it the best it can be. I want to be the best, I’m competitive. I want the best staff, best clothing, best customer experience.

Slowing down and accepting the learning curve has been challenging.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I am learning to look at every day and every challenge as a growth opportunity. Truthfully, I look at my mistakes differently now, or at least I try to. It isn’t fun to make them, but it is part of life and business.

Each mistake is a new learning experience and a huge foundation for growth. I step back every day and recognize that I am just where I’m supposed to be, and there is so much more to learn. There are more mistakes to be made, but to me, mistakes are proof that you’re trying.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Schools. I’m sure every mom says this, but I do wish there was more funding for our schools, educational programs, extracurricular activities, parks and community groups.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I have held a few management positions and Aside from profit and loss, how do you mealearned a tremendous amount. My father is an amazsure success in your job? ing businessman, and I’m honored to have sponged Smiling customers and a laughing staff. Watchoff some of that DNA. I have always dreamed of owning my own clothing boutique. Did I ever think I would ing the relationships build and grow every day pull the trigger? Probably not, but I did it. I jumped in between our customers and amazing staff is astonBillingsbusiness

Age: 36 Family: Three children First paid job: Sales associate, Herberger’s shoes What I’m reading: Inspirational quote books Liked this movie: “Bridesmaids” How I relax: I drive and sing ishing. New friendships are made here all the time.

Hearing someone come out of the dressing room saying “I never would have tried that on and I love it” makes me smile every time. Everybody deserves to feel beautiful. We are lucky to get to experience that every day. Also, I have high expectations and a hard working staff. But I also believe in fun. I love my job, it is fun, and it feels good when you get a text after a “staff meeting” saying how much fun they are.

You probably can’t love your job all the time, but If you don’t love your job most of the time, there is still work to do. Watching the relationships that build here is so rewarding.

Which living person do you most admire?

My three little boys. They remind me every day what is important, and how the simplest things mean so much.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

I would have to say it was the grand opening day of Apricot Lane. Being an extremely competitive person, I had set myself some lofty goals. Not having spent more than a few weeks total in the retail industry (in my life), I had no idea what to expect. We more than tripled our already lofty goal on opening day.

More than 1,000 people walked through our doors that day, and we were full speed until we locked up at 10 p.m.

I’m happiest when I’m…

On vacation. As cliché as that sounds, I love vacations, time away from the everyday life stuff.

It’s like I transform into the world’s happiest human.

I really get to stay present and enjoy myself and my family. Taking vacations has been a way for me to step away from the hustles and bustles of everyday life. I like to look forward to things. A close second would be on my couch with a glass of wine and “Bridesmaids” on the TV.

HOME GROWN SUCCESS So how do you make 40 Under Forty?

Attaining a degree from MSU Billings is a good start. Just ask Jen Mercer. Her relationship with College of Business Instructor Pat Holman goes far beyond professor and pupil. See their story at

msubillings.edu/alumni

alumni@msubillings.edu 247.5781 Since 1927 MSU Billings Graduates have been shaping Montana’s greatest city.

Whether they chose to pursue careers in education, business, science, the arts, health care, or technology, our graduates are the heart of the city. Follow in their footsteps to success. visit: msubillings.edu

Congratulations to all our grads who made 40 Under Forty!

Kelly McCandless, B.A. in Communication Coralee Goni, B.S. in Psychology Sylvia Noble, B.A. in Communication February 2013

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John ‘Bing’ Ellinghouse owner, Bi Concrete Design and Fabrication

You say you’re inspired by stories of people who have overcome enormous challenges on the road to success? Meet John “Bing” Ellinghouse, owner of Bi Concrete Design and Fabrication.

The business has enjoyed steady growth by fabricating decorative concrete floors, countertops, sinks and other fixtures. In the Billings area, you can see Bi Concrete Design’s work at Cabela’s, Off the Leaf coffee shop and the new expansion of Hardin High School.

Concrete can be dyed, stained and polished and is being put to use in more ways.

“Designers want new stuff, and architects want a look that’s unique and different,” Ellinghouse said.

Ellinghouse has also landed a fair amount of work in booming North Dakota, where he’s working on a $35 million commercial project.

But the outlook for his business wasn’t always so rosy.

Ellinghouse said his troubles began about four years ago when a person he had been doing business with dropped a trailer door on the back of his head.

“It broke both of my retinas loose from my eyes,” he said.

Ellinghouse said he recovered after receiving treatment from Dr. Deborah Keenum, a Billings ophthalmologist.

“Their team and her consistent ability to help me see is the only reason I’m able to work,” Ellinghouse said.

It was a long road back from the injury.

Ellinghouse is grateful for his company’s recent run of success, but he’s hoping to avoid the problems that other small-business owners encounter when they grow too quickly.

“The biggest problem in our industry is big projects,” Ellinghouse said, adding that Walmart, Shopko and other major retailers are among his customers. “If you get overextended and something happens and they reject your surface, it can be a real blow. When you have a small company like mine, you’re done. You just can’t recover.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I’m always looking for ways of finding the customer’s real need and creating it.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

It can be a challenge keeping focused on our narrow market segment and educating our architects and customers in new trends and technologies.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Bing Ellinghouse, owner of Bi Concrete Design and Fabrication, recovered from an accident that temporarily blinded him to lead his company through a recent run of success.

You must be the leader and the expert within your industry. Sometimes that means making the right decision, not just the easy one. This will not always be what the customer wants to hear. Sometimes that is my job. And when it is, I am very good at it.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I think that we need to fill up some more of the corners with some much-needed banks.

This town just has no access to a bank when a guy or gal needs one. LOL. I think that this town is well on its way. ... I have chosen to stay and raise a family with people that are like me, and

that is saying a lot that they, too, have stayed.

This town is how we as a community have crafted it to be and like it just the way that it is.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

When it is all over, I’m hoping that my family will know that I gave it my best and can see the truth in my actions.

What living person do you most admire?

My father.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Returning from being blinded to a profes-

Age: 38 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Busing tables Liked this movie: “Office Space” My theme song: “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young How I relax: Work on vintage cars and motorcycles

sion that is so visual, and keeping my wife and kids, not to mention being so happy with how they are turning out.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Working creating or developing new ideas.

opportunity what does

look like?

Congratulations to the 40 under Forty.

We applaud your aCComplishments. visit your local branch or firstinterstate.com

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Billingsbusiness

Nash Emrich, an architect at High Plains Architects, became a licensed architect, LEED -accredited professional and president of a local nonprofit by age 27.

Dr. James E. Turley Dr. Christopher Hirt

Nash Emrich architect, High Plains Architects Nash Emrich grew up in the western Colorado mountain town of Durango and pursued his passion for the outdoors while attending Montana State University.

So how has Emrich coped with moving from the mountains to the relatively wide-open spaces of the Yellowstone Valley?

So far so good. Even though his favorite ski areas are a little farther down the road, Emrich still looks for full-tilt fun outdoors. Soon after moving to Billings, where he’s working as an architect for High Plains Architects, Emrich embraced the trails movement.

As president of BikeNet, Emrich is encouraged by the progress that Billings has made developing a growing network of walking and cycling trails.

At work, High Plains Architects has been involved in a lot of exciting projects, including the development of the Exposition Gateway project, an area between MetraPark and downtown that’s being targeted for development.

The project presents an exciting list of new challenges.

“For me as an architect, it’s more master planning, more urban planning.

It’s a much bigger scale, instead of looking at the architectural details of a building,” he said. “We’re meeting with landowners and we’re working with the different stakeholders and piecing it all together.”

architecture degree at Montana State University in the spring of 2008, I accepted my job at High Plains a month after graduating and started working immediately. One benefit of working for a small architecture firm was that I was able to work on all aspects of projects from the beginning, and became a project manager early on. I gained experience in project design, construction administration, marketing, and LEED documentation, and became a LEED accredited professional in 2009.

I was also working toward becoming a licensed architect — accumulating the required 5,600 training hours in early 2012, and finishing all seven extensive licensing exams during the summer of 2012. I received my license to practice architecture in October 2012, capping a nine-year effort for this professional recognition.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

In architecture, and many other industries, it is said that a project contains three main elements: quality, time and cost, and that it is very difficult to achieve all three. For example, you can have a project with a tight timeline and low budget, but it ends up with poor quality, or a project with low budget and high quality will take longer.

Finding the perfect balance of these aspects for each unique client and Describe how you got where you circumstance is the toughest challenge in my business. are in your work today.

More specifically, I was project After receiving my master’s of Billingsbusiness

manager for the recently completed Boys & Girls Club of Carbon County remodel and addition project in Red Lodge. We had to work within the budget for the nonprofit, comply with the strict guidelines of the Community Development Block Grant and construct the project while the club was still occupied. To increase the challenge, the club set a goal to achieve LEED certification at the Platinum level, which is anticipated. This includes sustainable design strategies related to the project’s site, water and energy use, materials installed and the indoor air quality. The project was completed successfully this past year and provides an inspiring new facility for club members.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned the importance of the integrated design process and project communication. Coordination between the client, contractor, and other design consultants was essential to achieving the ambitious sustainability goals and a happy client. Communication between all project parties is extremely important to making sure everyone shares the same understanding. This has been a lesson on every project I’ve worked on.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would like to increase the amount, enthusiasm, and safety of

Age: 27 Family: Single, one child First paid job: Tee ball coach What I’m reading: “Pedaling Revolution” by Jeff Mapes Liked this movie: “Wanderlust” My theme song: “With a Little Help from My Friends,” The Beatles How I relax: Get into the mountains, go for a bike ride, play guitar, golf, watch movies and sports bicycling on our streets and trails.

Bicycling is not only a healthy, fun and economical way to get around town.

For me, it is also a sign of a community that has placed a priority on quality of life and enjoying the ride.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Success is measured by a happy client and healthy, inspired building occupants. I also measure my personal success by how much I’ve learned and how much fun I’ve had working on the project.

Dr. Lisa Abeln

Congratulations to Dr. Abeln!

We are very proud to have you in our practice

Comfortable Dentistry you can afford and trust

Open

Saturdays & Extended Weekday Hours!

Which living person do you most admire?

David Byrne, Mia Birk, Yvon Chouinard, Tom Danielson, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Becoming a licensed architect, LEED accredited professional, and president of a local nonprofit all by the age of 27 — and still finding time to have fun with family and friends.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Getting off the chairlift on a powder day.

315 North 25th Street, Suite 101, Billings Call for Your Appointment Today!

(406) 248-6177 www.turleydentalcare.com

February 2013

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Liz Enslow, owner of pottery studio In Good Glazes, enjoys seeing people light up when they see their finished creation.

Liz Enslow owner, In Good Glazes Maybe someday one of Liz Enslow’s customers will become a world-famous ceramic artist whose works are displayed in museums all over the world.

As far fetched as it sounds, Enslow’s business, In Good Glazes, has a way of helping regular folks discover a vein of creativity they didn’t know they had.

In Good Glazes, a studio where customers paint their own pottery, has developed a steady clientele for birthday parties, date nights and other special occasions. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift to give a loved one, In Good Glazes might be your place.

The success of Etsy, an online store that specializes in hand-made crafts, illustrates the growing popularity of one-of-a-kind gifts.

As Enslow notes, most family members will prefer a toddler’s unique creation over the choices from this year’s gift guide. Hand-crafted gifts from friends or family members are treasures that are kept for years to come, she said.

Recently, In Good Glazes branched out by adding pottery wheels so that customers can learn to throw their own pots. Customers had been requesting clay activities for some time, and so far that has been a big hit, Enslow said.

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Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

First, I grew up with an entrepreneurial attitude. Secondly, just as I was graduating with a business degree I got hooked on painting ceramics, so I wrote a business plan and was brave enough to take the risk of business ownership right out of college. Thirdly, community support: When my customers realized what a positive and upbeat place we wanted to be for the community, they brought in their friends, which helped make us successful.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The decision to move after only four years was a big challenge. There were many factors that went into this, such as location and property management, size of facility and ability to expand.

What did you learn from that challenge?

The cliché “location, location, location” has some truth. By picking the right new space, we have been able to grow our sales by 60 percent. We have kept existing customers and added new customers and were able to expand our product offering to include pottery throwing wheels.

Age: 31 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Mowing lawns What I’m reading: “Life of Pi” Liked this movie: “Wall-E” My theme song: “Happy Birthday” because I get to hear it almost daily in the studio and because my son could sing it by the time he was 1.

How I relax: Read, hike, knit If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

The high school dropout rate. I have teenage employees and have seen them affected by it.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Seeing people light up when they see their finished product sitting on the pick-up shelf, and seeing them beam with pride as they show off their creation.

Which living person do you most admire?

My employee, Bobbie. She has avoided teenage pitfalls and I have seen her grow from a shy kid into a confident junior in high school. She has an excellent work ethic and I know it will help her achieve many things in her life.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Having consistent growth through the last five years even in economic downturns.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Checking things off my list.

Shara Ford stays busy as general manager of both Granite Fitness locations, but manages to still teach four classes a week.

Shara Ford general manager, Granite Fitness You could say that Shara Ford built her career with an investment in sweat equity. Ford joined Granite Fitness soon after it opened, then began teaching classes in the fall of 2008 after becoming a certified instructor.

Over the next several years she taught just about ever class at Granite, including Pilates, body pump, cycling, weight lifting and cardio classes.

She became program director of the West End Granite Fitness in December of 2011. Last July she took over as general manager, then took on more responsibilities as general manager of the Heights Granite Fitness last November.

Ford supervises 80 employees between the two locations but still manages to teach four classes per week.

“I believe it is very important to teach and have that connection with the members,” she said. “There are relationships you develop, and it gives me a pulse on what is happening in the gym.”

Ford has always been active, and the gym also provides an opportunity to socialize.

“I really enjoy working out and making friends with other people in class,” she said. “I also love management and public speaking. So in regards to transitioning into fitness as a career, it just came as a natural evolution to where I am now. Granite for me is friends, management and public

speaking all in one. I wake up and I look forward to going to work.”

Just before she was to graduate from college with a degree in business management and marketing, Ford pursued an opportunity to become involved in a different kind of fitness-oriented business. She was a franchisee for Gymboree Play Music, which provides interactive locations for parents and young children.

“I went through the franchise school and it was very cool, but I haven’t gone back. I got married and had kids, and wasn’t able to pursue it,” she said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I started with Granite as a member.

From there I got certified to teach classes which lead to the program director job and now I am the general manager.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The changes that have occurred in the Medicare supplemental insurance industry, which directly affected the senior population at Granite.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned how important Granite is to the senior population in Billings and how open communication with

Age: 35 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Clothing store in Rimrock Mall What I’m reading: “Dark Places”

by Gillian Flynn Liked this movie: “The Lorax” My theme song: “Feel Again” by OneRepublic How I relax: Spend time with my kids and read the insurance parties is vital to provide quality service to our members.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

We need more funding for our public schools. The more we invest in education, the more we invest in our future.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Success to me is when my staff is happy and enjoys coming to work.

When they enjoy what they are doing then we provide a great environment for our members.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom. She has taught me to embrace others but not to sacrifice who I am.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Aside from being a mother of three great kids, my greatest achievement would be working my way up to the position I am currently in at Granite Health and Fitness.

I’m happiest when…

I’m with my family.

Billingsbusiness

Dennis Forleo owner / master instructor, Billings Chi-Tu Do Dennis Forleo’s martial arts academy, Billings Chi-Tu Do, emphasizes a lot more than kicking and punching.

“Martial arts teaches things like patience, focus, discipline, self control and respect,” Forleo said. “But we take that further. We ask what the Bible says about things like respect, focus, patience and perseverance.”

As part of their training, Forleo’s students are asked to memorize Bible verses. They’re tested on it along with other disciplines. Many students appreciate the marriage of Christian principles and martial arts instruction.

“A lot of families come in for that reason,” Forleo said. “We’re supporting the values they’re trying to teach their kids at home, and they have to have that as part of their testing every month.”

The school attracts students from many Christian denominations, as well as students who have no religious affiliation, Forleo said.

Forleo’s school provides instruction from four martial arts disciplines: tae kwon do from Korea, kung fu from China, jujitsu from Japan and eskrima from the Philippines, a discipline that utilizes sticks and other weapons.

“I love empowering people and giving them the tools to improve their lives,” Forleo said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I have been in martial arts since I was 9 years old. I had taught under my instructor (who was also my pastor) in his school for many years before moving to Billings. After I moved here, I didn’t want to start over with another instructor, so I opened a school of my own so that I could teach what I already knew. I had no business background at that point, so I had to learn on the fly. In the 10 years we have been open, I have had to make a number of changes to our business model to ensure the long-term survival of the school. I went from teaching every class myself, in addition to prospecting, sales and client fulfillment, to now having people who can teach and operate the school without me having to be there.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Not only has it been our toughest challenge, but it has also been my focus for the past few years, which is identifying and preparing the next generation for leadership within the school. If something were ever to happen to me and I wasn’t around anymore, I would hate for my students to be left with no idea of how to carry

on without me. Finding the right staff and training them to take my place is hard for a guy who, admittedly, has a superman complex and wants to do everything himself. Being a leader of a school of 50 students is much different from being a leader of a school of 200.

I have had to grow and change as a leader and learn to develop others to do what I do, as well as finding people who complement what I don’t do.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I love the quote from leadership guru John C. Maxwell, who said, “Achievement comes when you can do big things by yourself. Success comes when you empower others to do big things for you. Significance comes when you develop other leaders to do great things with you. But legacy comes when you put leaders in position to do great things without you.”

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Empower every child in Billings to be able to have the self-confidence to stand up for themselves and not allow themselves to be bullied or picked on.

Fighting is not the answer to childhood bullying; confident and courageous children are.

Dennis Forleo’s Billings Chi-Tu Do blends martial arts and Christian principles.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

When I get letters or emails from a parent or student saying how much our program has impacted their child(ren) or themselves and how much they have improved since they’ve been in the program. I just got one recently from a mom (and student herself) saying that it has been more through attending karate here this past year than it has attending church that has kept her close to her faith. That just blows me away that we can have that kind of an impact on our students and their families. It trips my trigger to have a student come up to me and tell me about how he got the bully at school to leave him alone. These kinds of things define success for me and for our school — regardless of the profit/loss.

Which living person do you most admire?

I really try and not hold other people in high admiration over anyone else. People are human, and that makes them fallible and susceptible to falling off of the pedestal I place them on.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My two kids, Kaeden and Teagan.

Age: 36 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Building block walls, concrete work What I’m reading: “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn and “Good to Great”

by Jim Collins Liked this movie: “The Matrix” and “Wall-E” My theme song: “How Great is Our God?” by Chris Tomlin How I relax: Sit on the couch at home with my wife while we rub each other’s feet

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, as long as we are together.

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Coralee Goni operations manager, Rimrock Foundation

Once you jump on the Green Bay Packers bandwagon, there’s no turning back.

Coralee Goni took the plunge when she married her high school sweetheart, Cameron, 12 years ago. She has remained an avid Packer Backer through the best of times — the magical 2011 championship season — and bitter disappointments like the Pack’s playoff losses to the New York Giants in 2008 and 2012.

The Gonis have made the pilgrimage to several games in Green Bay, and they have watched their heroes arrive at the stadium through the window at Curly’s Pub at Lambeau Field. They own a Packer helmet autographed by Brett Favre, and they’re shareholders in the team. Green Bay Packers Inc. has been a publicly owned, nonprofit organization since 1923, an ownership arrangement that’s unique in professional sports.

When she’s not rooting for the Packers, Goni works hard at Rimrock Foundation where she is operations manager. Billings is fortunate to be home to Rimrock Foundation, which helps people deal with a broad range of addictive behaviors and co-occurring disorders such as mental heath issues, she said.

Once, after she had expressed an interest in working for Rimrock Foundation, Goni was told she didn’t have a chance of working there, and it had nothing to do with her support for the Packers.

“They said I was too nice,” she said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Attending college at MSUB, I supported a family member during family week at Rimrock Foundation and made the decision that this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. In 2001, I started in the admissions department and was given an opportunity to head up the Truancy Project program with Billings School District 2. From this program grew a full continuum of adolescent services, including day treatment, separate residential houses for boys and girls, and school-based counselors in the local high schools.

Rimrock Foundation went from treating approximately 80 teens each year to serving more than 1,000 through all of the programs. As Rimrock Foundation’s opportunities grew, I was able to gain experience in supervision of several departments. Over the years I developed an interest in administration

and returned to school to obtain my MBA in health care administration and quickly began learning the administrative ropes. When the outgoing COO resigned in August 2012, I was offered the opportunity to move into the clinical director position. None of my successes would have been possible without the support, encouragement and opportunities given to me by my colleagues.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Dealing with the changing trends and needs of clients. ... Knowing what is going to be stable in our field and what is going to be gone in a year and making sure we are offering the most current and effective treatment available.

What did you learn from that challenge?

That if you make a mistake, you need to be swift in correcting it. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but be alert enough to know when it isn’t working.

Coralee Goni, operations manager at Rimrock Foundation, is a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would support the residents of Billings to be more tolerant of each other; just respecting each other’s right to have a space in this world.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I measure success in three ways.

The clients we serve: Are we improving overall quality of life, physically, spiritually, mentally and socially? Not only through long-term sobriety, but by improving family relationships and an individual’s impact on society.

Through growing and empowering our employees: Working in the human

services field takes its toll, and it’s imperative that the staff at Rimrock Foundation feel respected and empowered to be the best that they can be in their contribution to the organization.

How we are viewed by our field: Rimrock Foundation should be viewed by our colleagues as being a leader in addiction treatment. Stable, but able to move quickly with new opportunities.

Which living person do you most admire?

My grandfather. Born in 1920, he has experienced the life I only read about in history books. Although he has the means to do otherwise, he chooses a humble life, using his finances to help others follow their dreams.

Age: 36 Family: Married First paid job: Working in a nursing home What I’m reading: “When Hell Freezes Over” by Admiral Jeremiah A. Denton Jr. Liked this movie: “A Dangerous Method” My theme song: “Imagine” by John Lennon How I relax: Walk my dogs, watch football with my husband What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Being someone who my parents can be proud of.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family.

Congratulations Mason Hill

from everyone at

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Billingsbusiness

Molly Hale program manager, Montana Cancer Screen Program and Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center, RiverStone Health Molly Hale does double duty running the Montana Cancer Screening Program and the Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center for RiverStone Health.

Plush blankets adorned with hearts and pink ribbons provide a source of hope and comfort for women with cancer. Molly Hale, who runs the Montana Cancer Screening Program for RiverStone Health, says the blankets are handmade by members of the cancer screening coalition, and by inmates of the Montana Women’s Prison.

Last year, the Montana Cancer Screening Program enabled more than 800 Montana women who have low incomes and may have little or no health insurance to receive essential cancer screening.

Hale also runs the Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center, which educates Montana health care providers on how best to deal with patients who have HIV. Although Montana ranks 48th in the nation in the number of AIDS cases, there’s still a need to help providers do a better job of treating patients.

“We try to reach people so they have it on the radar, so they’ll be doing testing and prevention with their patients,” Hale said. “Also, we serve those providers who want to be at a higher level, so where they’re an expert in HIV care and they can manage their own patients and become comfortable with that.”

Thanks to more effective drug treatments, HIV is now considered a chronic but manageable disease, Hale said.

RiverStone Health is one of 13 sites across Montana that provides cancer screening.

“We cover Yellowstone, Stillwater, Carbon and Big Horn counties, and we do a lot of outreach to American Indian reservations, the Crow and the Northern Cheyenne,” Hale said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I came to RiverStone Health as a student from Montana State University in Bozeman to complete a four-month internship. After graduation in May 2000, RiverStone Health was able to create a position for me as a case manager. I have received two promotions in my tenure and am currently program manager of the Montana Cancer Screening Program and the Northwest AIDS Education and Training Billingsbusiness

Center. The Montana Cancer Screening Program provides financial assistance for breast and cervical cancer screening services to more than 862 women in a four-county region.

We have approximately 10 to 15 women a year who are diagnosed with cancer and we work to navigate them through a Medicaid Treatment Program in order to pay for their treatment. Within the last two years, we have started providing financial assistance for colorectal cancer screening to approximately 100 men and women. The Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center is a medical provider training program to ensure HIV/AIDS patients receive high quality medical treatment. I coordinate over 50 trainings a year to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and dental professionals across Montana.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

When working for grant programs, the biggest struggle is lack of funding. You have to be innovative and have a tremendous ability to think outside the box. Collaboration and partnerships with others is a key to making resources go farther. Personally, it’s always a struggle to balance my home life with my professional life.

What did you learn from that challenge?

All things are possible if you give it your all. There are always solutions to any problem, you just have to be creative and willing to take risks. It’s OK to not have all the answers but you also have to be willing to seek out help when needed. I have been fortunate to have great mentors at RiverStone Health who model this well.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would create more free opportunities for our families in Billings to be active together and learn about healthy eating and exercise. Making healthy choices begins at home, and there are many families who do not have the education or resources to know what they can do to have a positive impact on their

Age: 36 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Worked for cleaning company What I’m reading: The Bible, Dr. Seuss books with my kids Liked this movie: “Remember the Titans” My theme song: “Beautiful Life” by Mikeschair How I relax: Spending time with my amazing husband and kids. We love to ski in the winter and be in the water in the summer. children in regards to staying healthy.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Success is when we provide support and cancer screening services to clients who may never have taken the opportunity to get screened without our program. These clients invite us in to their lives every day in order for us to break down barriers and access resources for them. If we help one person identify cancer early, at its most treatable stage, then we have made a difference.

Which living person do you most admire?

Fred Nelson, local community member and friend to many. He has had such an impact on my life as an individual and on my marriage. I definitely would not be the person I am today without his mentorship.

Congratulations

Dianne We are so proud that you are part of

AVITUS GROUP

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

First of all, I have the privilege to be a wife and mom each and every day. Secondly, I get to work for RiverStone Health. I work with some of the best people I know. We are all like family. I love that I have the opportunity to work with our community and make an impact on people every day. I am fortunate to love what I do and look forward to what new opportunities will come my way.

I’m happiest when...

I get to experience the new things that my kids experience, and when I get to make a difference in someone else’s life.

800-454-2446 www.avitusgroup.com (O p e r a t i o n s C e n t e r, B i l l i n g s , M T )

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mason hill project manager and estimator, Hill Masonry Inc. Officially Mason Hill has worked for Hill Masonry Inc. for a dozen years, and his title is project manager and estimator. But he has been associated with the family business for as long as he can remember. “I’ve been doing this since I was right out of the womb,” he joked. “They probably changed my diaper a few times on the mud board.”

“I’ve been a hod carrier, a forklift operator, a mud man, a brick layer, the delivery guy and the foreman,” he said.

Having grown up in the business, Hill learned the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age.

“Right after high school, I was a project foreman for a project in Bozeman that had 1 million bricks in it,” Hill said. Known as the Village, it’s a high-end residential development just off Main Street on the east side of Bozeman.

The masonry business has been busy lately.

Hill Masonry has been working on the new Billings library. The building’s masonry features distinctive weeping mortar joints, where mortar

between the bricks is allowed to squeeze out slightly. Advocates say weeping mortar joints require exceptional skill on the mason’s part because the joints aren’t tooled. Hill said it’s a trademark of Arizona architect Will Bruder, who is designing the library. New construction is a significant part of the masonry business. But Hill Masonry also does a fair amount of renovation work. During a recent renovation of McMullen Hall at Montana State University Billings, Hill Masonry’s crews restored an estimated 27 miles of mortar joints.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I got to where I am today by working hard every day, always willing to learn, and always doing more than others ask of you. Defiantly not because of my name.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Implementing Hill Masonry’s safety, quality

and production philosophy.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I am learning that it takes everyone involved through a team effort to be willing to “live” this lifestyle, and if someone isn’t, find a way to help them live the SQP philosophy.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

To build a more beautiful Billings by using more masonry products on new buildings and restoring old masonry to its previous beauty.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

First is safety, second is quality, and third being production. At the end of the day, if these three things are not achieved, I feel that the day and possibly the project was a failure. Because, without all three, it does not matter how pleased the customer is, if we can’t stand behind our

Mason Hill, project manager and estimator at Hill Masonry Inc., focuses on safety, quality and production. product as being the best in all aspects, then no one else will.

Which living person do you most admire?

Besides the obvious picks (my wife, father, mother and grandparents), I would have to say Donald Trump.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Marrying the most amazing woman ever.

Age: 27 Family: Married First paid job: Working in the masonry business What I’m reading: The Bible Liked this movie: “Forrest Gump” My theme song: “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd How I relax: Read or play with my dogs.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family, friends and dogs.

Toby Hedges vice president of marketing, Kampgrounds of America Kampgrounds of America has enticed millions of Americans to gather around the campfire over the past 50 years. And Billings-based KOA has big plans in store as it heads into its second 50 years. “We’re marketing such a fun business,” said Toby Hedges, vice president of marketing for KOA. “It’s a great environment to work in.”

Hoping to introduce new generations to camping, KOA has rolled out a major new marketing initiative. The plan entails segmenting the KOA brand into three new brand positions.

Campgrounds that cater to travelers interested in overnight stays will be known as KOA Journeys.

The middle tier of KOA properties, KOA Holidays, will focus on customers seeking a short getaway or possibly weekend trips. This group comprises about three-quarters of KOA properties. The third category encompasses KOA’s resorts, which are larger properties that are destinations in their own right.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

After college, I pursued a career in software development and joined the information technology department at Montana State Fund in Helena for several years. I then relocated to Chicago and moved into technology and management consulting with Deloitte Consulting and a boutique consulting firm named STA Group. I returned to graduate school to obtain an MBA, which led

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me to transition into marketing. I spent several years in brand management on brands such as Hillshire Farm, Silk Soymilk, Horizon Organic Milk and International Delight. Working in this space is what brought me to KOA, where I was originally hired as the digital marketing director to lead Web, email and social media initiatives.

into the area to the fuel the creation of jobs and grow the economy. As native Montanans, it was important to my husband and me to raise our family here close to our families. I believe attracting more business and professional growth to the Billings area would have a great impact on our state.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

What has been new to me since joining KOA is learning the franchise business. Most of my prior experience has been in a consulting role and/or working directly for nonfranchised enterprises. The relationship between franchisor and franchisee and the expectations and challenges encompassed within that are very different.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Our marketing goals at KOA are oriented toward increasing loyalty and attracting new customers to grow business. But beyond a measurement of the bottom line, I am very focused on our reach and engagement within digital mediums. We have a robust social media strategy that is based on creating brand advocates and using online influencers to reach new audiences.

In a less tangible respect, I also measure success in my job through the camaraderie of those on my team.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I’m still learning our business every day and the nuances of franchising. Fortunately, KOA has very high franchisee satisfaction and it has been a very good model in which to learn. What I have learned the most from my experience is the necessity to balance the focus we tend to place in marketing on the customer needs with an equal emphasis on serving the needs of our business owners.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would love to see more business move

Which living person do you most admire?

Last spring I attended a conference and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to hear Scott Harrison, founder of “charity:water” speak.

I was floored by the impact he and his organization is having on the world as he works to bring clean water to impoverished nations.

As vice president of marketing, Toby Hedges is working on creating three Kampgrounds of America brands.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

I feel very fortunate for my education. When I was in second grade, I recall telling my dad while watching college football with him one Saturday that I was going to go to school at Notre Dame one day. I became very focused on that goal from that moment forward. I graduated from a small high school in a class of 19, and many thought my goal was unrealistic. But being accepted to and ultimately graduating from Notre Dame is among my achievements of which I’m most proud.

Age: 35 Family: Married, expecting second child First paid job: Sales associate at local pharmacy What I’m reading: “The Book of Business Awesome / The Book of Business UnAwesome” by Scott Stratten Liked this movie: “Magnolia” and “Babel” My theme song: “Float On” by Modest Mouse How I relax: Listen to music I’m happiest when I’m...

Spending time in the outdoors with my family.

Billingsbusiness

Jennifer Ingraham manages Marketplace 3301, a 44,000-squarefoot antique mall that has been open a little more than two years.

Jennifer Ingraham manager, Marketplace 3301 “Antiques Roadshow,” “Storage Wars” and other reality TV shows have spawned a cottage industry in which modern-day fortune hunters comb garage sales, estate auctions and even sales to clear abandoned storage units in hopes of unearthing valuable treasures.

Jennifer Ingraham, manager of Marketplace 3301, sometimes has to remind customers to adjust their expectations, even when they’ve been told that their stuff is rare and valuable.

One man came in with a barbed-wire collection that had been appraised at $16,000 by an “Antiques Roadshow” expert, Ingraham said.

While she didn’t try to discourage him from trying to make a profit, Ingraham told him that his collection could very well bring that much money in other parts of the country, but he might have trouble getting full value in a town like Billings.

“The Internet and TV shows like that have really changed the market,” Ingraham said.

It’s been a little more than two years since Marketplace 3301, a 44,000-square-foot antique mall, opened in the former Holliday Furniture store. Ingraham has seen hundreds of pieces of merchandise come through the store, but so far she hasn’t seen any eye-popping discoveries such as a genuine Ming vase or an Andy Warhol painting.

Still, Ingraham sees a lot of interesting merchandise. One of her favorite items was a first American edition of the “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Ingraham sold the book on the store’s Billingsbusiness

new eBay page, which has succeeded at putting merchandise in front of a larger audience.

“We’re the middle man between vendors and the public,” Ingaham said. “We have more than 100 booths.

People bring in things on a weekly or daily basis. We sell it for them and manage the public coming in.”

The store sells a lot of antiques, but some of the more popular merchandise is what Ingraham describes as “shabby chic” and “repurposed, classy second-hand” items, such as used furniture made from real wood that still has plenty of life left.

With the store’s eBay page, “We’re trying hard to embrace the Internet age,” Ingraham said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Creativity. There is only one way a career or a business can survive, and that is thinking outside the box and then following that imagination.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

I love my family more than anything. However, sometimes the greatest challenge of running a family business, ironically, is that you are with your family...all the time.

What did you learn from that challenge?

We have all learned that we must each have an individual role and passion within our business. For me, I have found my niche and passion running our eBay and Etsy stores. For my

Age: 23 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Busing tables What I’m reading: “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Liked this movie: “2016” My theme song: “Home” by Michael Buble How I relax: Curl up with a good book and a cup of tea husband, it is working with the vendors and customers, etc.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would love to see Billings become more attractive. I feel that we are the major hub of Montana, and I would love to see some of our major entrances become prettier. For example, I drive in the King Avenue West/City Center exit every day. The median is huge, industrial and boring. I wish the city would consider doing some landscaping and adding some trees and flowers.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

How happy your job or business makes you, and as a result, how happy your job or business makes your customers or clients.

Which living person do you most admire?

My brother-in-law, Jed. He has a crippling disease known as Freidrich’s Ataxia and uses a wheelchair. However, he is still the happiest, funniest person that I know.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Running a business and a family at the same time, especially considering I take my baby to work with me.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Doing something fun with my whole family.

Heidi Jensen is the first woman to serve as chief administrative officer for Laurel.

Heidi Jensen chief administrative officer, city of Laurel A little over two years ago, Heidi Jensen was hired to be the planner for the city of Laurel. But just two months into the job, a new opportunity came her way.

“When the chief administrative officer’s job came open, they offered me this position to try out on an interim basis, and after a couple of months it became permanent,” said Jensen, who is the first female to serve as Laurel’s chief administrative officer.

Jensen set out to prove herself, and two years later, she believes that Laurel is on the right track.

“Every day I’ve learned an immense amount of stuff,” she said. “The job isn’t physically exhaustive, but my brain is tired at the end of the day.”

Encouraging signs for Laurel include recent commercial development with the opening of the new O’Reilly’s auto parts store, an Auto Zone store and Pitt’s Pizza. Fiberglass Structures, which manufactures tanks and other vessels out of fiberglass and composite materials, is running round the clock to keep up with demand from the Bakken oil boom, Jensen said.

“Commercial growth is the best kind to have,” Jensen said. “We’ve heard of the possibility of a half-dozen other commercial businesses coming in.”

Jensen enjoys working with the city council. “They’re very progressive, and they’re interested in moving Laurel forward,” she said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

After high school I attended college at Montana State University. I graduated with a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in business administration.

Fortunately, I graduated during the construction and population boom in Gallatin County, and when I saw the opening for a planning position with the City of Belgrade I knew it would be a perfect fit with my interest and degrees.

I worked for the city of Belgrade for four years before having the opportunity to be the city-county planner for the City of Laurel. I was offered the position of chief administrative officer with the city and have not looked back at the fantastic opportunity to grow in government experience and provide excellent service to the Laurel residents.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The city of Laurel experienced significant damage during the flooding of 2011 and I have been learning how to navigate the process of acquiring federal funding through permits and applications. I also deal with the day to day challenges of managing 64-plus employees.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Persistence, and that taking small

Age: 31 Family: Single First paid job: Basketball referee at Helena YMCA What I’m reading: “The Racketeer” by John Grisham Liked this movie: “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” My theme song: “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys How I relax: Water skiing steps toward a large goal makes things seem much more manageable.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would like to see increased recycling opportunities for plastics, steel, newspaper and glass, with easy accessibility and pick-up for residents.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Public satisfaction. Being in the public sector, I am here to serve the people, and Laurel is a very vocal and participant-oriented community. I will receive many calls when residents are upset or disagree with a decision that has been made, but the one call I treasure is the thank you.

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I think that since we are all under 40, our greatest achievements are still to come. I am proud of being Laurel’s first female and youngest CAO. I’m happiest when I’m…

At the lake with my family.

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Amanda Lechner, special events and volunteer coordinator at Yellowstone Art Museum, enjoys painting furniture and working on her house.

Kris Koessl, an associate and construction manager for A&E Architects, is spending a lot of time at two major Billings projects — the Northern Hotel and the new library.

Kris Koessl associate and construction manager, A&E Architects After all of the plans are completed, the building materials are ordered and the actual construction gets underway, it’s up to Kris Koessl to make sure that a building project comes together as planned.

“I work between the owner and the contractor to make sure that everything goes well,” said Koessl, an associate and construction manager for A&E Architects.

Koessl’s job requires him to be organized, pay attention to details and work closely with the owner, the general contractor and subcontractors.

These days he’s spending a lot of time at two sites that are altering the skyline of downtown Billings: the soon-to-becompleted Northern Hotel and the new Billings library.

“I answer questions with the contractor and make sure the owner is getting what he wanted and make sure we’re keeping on budget,” Koessl said.

A&E has stayed quite busy in the wake of the 2008 recession, and several major projects are under way.

“The nice thing is, you get to work on some exciting projects. I’m fortunate to be working in Billings right now, and that means I haven’t had to travel much.”

After graduating from Montana State University with a business degree, Koessl received a certificate

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in construction management at San Jose State University. He worked in construction staffing in California for a while, but Montana was never far from his mind.

“I used all of my vacation to go visit family and to come home,” he said. “I knew I would always be back in Montana.”

After returning to his home state, Koessl worked construction for about a year.

“That gave me a little practical experience. I did concrete for a summer and worked at framing, and that helped me out when I started at A&E,” he said.

A&E has been involved in some major projects in the Billings area in recent years, and Koessl is pleased that he and his employer are playing a significant role in helping to revitalize downtown Billings.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Developing my role with A&E. They hadn’t hired my type of position before, so I had to feel my way through what they expected and deliver a good service to our clients.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Age: 36 Family: Married First paid job: Delivering newspapers What I’m reading: “Heads in Beds” by Jacob Tomsky ... job research for the soon to open Northern Hotel Liked this movie: “The Big Lebowski” How I relax: Hunt To be flexible and adapt to a variety of personalities and that there are a lot of ways to do the same tasks.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I’d like to continue to improve the vitality of downtown.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

The attitude of the team at the end of a project.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Finding a woman to put up with me for the rest of my life. Helping bring the first Healing Field to Montana.

Working on some great projects throughout Billings: Northern Hotel, the new Library, Billings Clinic Trauma Center, GE Operations Center, Montana State University Billings Student Union Building.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my wife.

Amanda Lechner special events and volunteer coordinator, Yellowstone Art Museum Without the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the Yellowstone Art Museum probably wouldn’t be able to put on Summerfair, the Yellowstone Art Auction and other signature events, says Amanda Lechner, the museum’s special events and volunteer coordinator.

In fact, the National Council of Nonprofits says that most nonprofit organizations would not be able to fulfill their missions without volunteers.

Lechner has first-hand knowledge about the essential role that YAM’s volunteers play because she volunteered at the museum before she began working there.

Lechner works to make sure all of the events at the YAM run smoothly.

Most volunteers, especially those who have been doing it for a number of years, always make sure things go off without a hitch, she said.

“They have their specific jobs they do, and they know what they’re doing.

A lot of them have been there longer than I have, and if they don’t show up, there’s a piece of the puzzle missing.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

The Yellowstone Art Museum was in need of volunteers for several of their events, and I have always been a big supporter of the arts, so I jumped at the opportunity. I wasn’t in a position where I could donate money, but I had plenty of time to donate. I started out as a volunteer for Summerfair and that led to Oktoberfest and then the Art Auction.

Soon after Art Auction, I learned that the museum was looking for an events

coordinator and now here I am. I also have a background in art from the Art Institute of Seattle, and I have a business management degree from Rocky Mountain College. I have been waiting for the day that I could put both of these to use at the same time.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Every day can be a challenge working for a nonprofit. I am always looking for new ways to cut expenses and to make a profit on my events, and I have learned to budget. It has been a huge change for me because I have never worked for a nonprofit before. I have a great respect for other nonprofits in Billings. It is tough in this economy to keep our heads above water. Billings is a great community. Without the financial support of the individuals and businesses we have in Billings and the surrounding areas, we would not be here today.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

It has been my goal since I started working at the museum to get new faces in the door and to let everyone in Billings know what a privilege it is to have such a great museum. We have started to do various cultivation events to get people in the museum that wouldn’t normally visit an art museum.

We have seen a large increase in attendance.

Age: 32 Family: Single First paid job: Godfather’s Pizza and the Great American Bagel What I’m reading: “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins Liked this movie: I don’t watch many movies, but I am addicted to “Mad Men.” Can’t wait until next season.

My theme song: “Betty Davis Eyes” How I relax: Sitting on my front porch reading a book or magazine Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I always feel like an event has been a success when everyone is excited to be there, whether it is their first visit to the museum, or if they have been there several times. We had a couple attend a recent event and they had never been to the museum before. While touring the galleries, the gentleman discovered a photo of his grandmother in our collection. He was ecstatic. He called his mother from the gallery and then brought her back for a visit later.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom. She is the hardest working person I know, and she is always pushing me to go farther and work harder.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

I have always wanted to open my own store and sell repurposed and recycled furniture. I finally rented a space at Marketplace 3301 this year to start my dream. Since I don’t have the funding or time to have my own store, this was the next best thing.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Painting furniture or working on my house.

Billingsbusiness

Kelly McCandless communications manager, Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau During two trips to Europe — Italy and Greece in 2005 and Paris and Germany in 2010 — Kelly McCandless remembered to bring along appropriate footwear for when she and her husband visited nice places. When you think about it, tromping through a nice restaurant in your hiking boots just doesn’t cut it.

The birth of her daughter some 18 months ago tempered McCandless’ travel plans for the time being. But she plans to again venture overseas when the time is right.

McCandless joined the Billings Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2008 as a guest services manager and leisure sales manager. The position gave her important hands-on experience working in the travel industry. Using money from a $1-per-night fee on hotel rooms, the Tourism Business Improvement District has gained a lot of marketing clout in promoting Billings as a tourism destination.

Last year McCandless was named the chamber’s communications manager, and she now handles the chamber’s websites, media relations, publications, social media and leisure travel marketing. “What I’m doing now is what

I’ve always wanted to do, but I have an opportunity to work in travel,” the Billings native said.

“It’s lots of fun.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I was fortunate enough to hear about a new opportunity with the Billings Chamber/ CVB in my last semester of college. I applied for the open position, but was not selected for it. I am grateful, though, that the organization saw something in me and chose to create a position for me to begin in. Five years and three positions later, I am doing exactly what I love to do for an organization and a community I am sincerely passionate about.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Balancing the eyes and mind of the consumer/member with my marketing, advertising and communications. Striking a balance between the latest and greatest marketing tool and what the real needs for communicating with our client base can be difficult.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I’ve learned that being new and cutting edge isn’t always the right approach. It’s better to create a complete and appropriate message geared toward the client than to latch on to the newest tools and techniques.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would resolve the issues with the school district. A healthy and productive educational system is one of a community’s most important foundations.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

It’s based on knowledge and recognition among our membership and the community.

I am tasked with sharing the broad variety of messages our organization has to share. I’m doing my job well when people tell us they read about what we are doing or saw something we are working on out in the media sphere.

Which living person do you most admire?

As communications manager for the Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kelly McCandless handles the chamber’s websites, media relations, publications, social media and leisure travel marketing.

My grandmother. She is confident, intelligent, caring, graceful, warm, gracious and beautiful.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My daughter. May be cliché, but I just can’t top that.

Age: 27 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Ice cream cone creator, Dairy Queen, Billings Heights What I’m reading: Parenting books and “Goodnight Moon” about four times a day Liked this movie: “Argo” My theme song: “Change your Mind” by Sister Hazel How I relax: Play with my family and cook.

I love to cook.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Relaxing with my family.

Jennifer Mercer executive director, Billings Depot Twenty-five years ago the Billings Depot was in a sorry state. The historic structure was home to roosting pigeons and vagrants who huddled around fires built in metal barrels.

But the depot started making a comeback in the middle of the 1990s thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic community leaders who were determined to rejuvenate a historic area.

The depot was shuttered in 1979 when Amtrak passenger service ended in Billings. But in 1994, Billings Depot Inc. was formed to restore the depot and surrounding buildings.

Today, the Billings Depot operates as a special events venue for more than 100 events each year. Jennifer Mercer, the Billings Depot’s executive director, works tirelessly scheduling events and all of the associated tasks involved with running the depot.

Previously, Mercer had divided her time between the Clocktower Inn and the depot. In December, the depot’s board of directors made Mercer’s position full time.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Billingsbusiness

I have been lucky enough to have some wonderful mentors in my life, and I have tried to learn from them and emulate their examples of leadership as much as possible. Being a farm kid means that hard work comes naturally, but the best piece of advice I have received to date was “find something you are passionate about and success will follow.”

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Trying to learn to prioritize and execute several dozen projects that I felt were all imperative to the betterment and success of our organization, while only being at the Depot part time. I created a very long “to-do” list when I started here, and everything seemed like it needed to be done yesterday. There wasn’t enough time in the day to get it all done.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned that working into the wee hours of the night is usually the only way to really get things done. My productivity is much higher without all the normal little interruptions through-

out the 8-to-5 workday.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would love to see our community come together to build a community resource center for homelessness that would include a new shelter for women and families, job skills training and resources to help many of the homeless struggling with mental illness and substance abuse.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Our customer satisfaction ratings are very important to us. We strive to offer our clients the most beautiful facility in the city, accompanied by service that exceeds their expectations. If we haven’t accomplished those things, we haven’t succeeded.

Which living person do you most admire?

Steve Wahrlich, the owner of the Clocktower Inn. What do you consider your greatest ac-

Jennifer Mercer became the full-time executive director of the Billings Depot in December. She enjoys scuba diving in the Caribbean. complishment?

Receiving the award as the “outstanding graduate of the marketing program” at MSU Billings while starting and operating a business full time was one of my favorite achievements.

Age: 35 Family: Single First paid job: Clerk at a pharmacy/gift store White Drug What I’m reading: “Proof of Heaven” by Eben Alexander Liked this movie: “Rock of Ages” My theme song: “Mi Vida Loca”

I’m happiest when I’m…

Scuba diving in the Caribbean.

February 2013

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As art director for OA Graphics, Willy Miller designs larger-than-life advertisements for vehicles ranging from subcompact car to semitrailer. He practices armed martial arts in his spare time.

Willy miller art director, OA Graphics Have you seen those giant advertisements featuring larger-thanlife photos of real estate agents, and company logos on the sides of MET Transit buses? There’s a good chance that Willy Miller designed them.

Miller, the art director for OA Graphics, a Billings sign and graphics company, can make dazzling printed signs and logos that conform to the contours of just about any vehicle, whether it’s a subcompact car or a semitrailer.

Computer technology has enabled graphic artists like Miller to be a lot more flexible and creative when it comes to designing signs. Personalized logos and graphics that wrap around a vehicle have been a growing trend in the sign business in recent years.

One key to making a good looking logo is to make sure you have the technical information nailed down, Miller said.

“It’s getting the make and model of the truck, the size of the graphic and whether they want to put their company logo on it. You kind of have to get your ducks in a row,” he said.

The creative process usually goes better when the client provides detailed information about his or her preferences.

“Sometimes if they’re not giving me much in the way of direction, I follow my design sense and come up with something.”

Most of the time the client likes what Miller has come up with. But when they want something changed, it’s back to the drawing board, or more specifically, the computer screen, for Miller.

“I can transpose a lot of images onto a picture of the truck, or do some

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schematic drawings of a vehicle,” Miller said. “We can change it right on the screen so that they’re absolutely happy with it.”

The final images are printed on vinyl, then a clear, weatherproof layer is laminated on top of the image.

Beside providing more flexibility, new sign printing technology also reduces labor costs, compared to earlier techniques when vinyl was hand cut and applied, Miller said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I was employed by a sign shop in Bozeman for five years, and a good amount of our work was real estate and construction signage. When the economy slowed and property prices dropped in Bozeman, most of our business went with it. My job was reduced to part time and that was only a few hours a week. I qualified for unemployment but preferred to look for additional work. Jobs were few and far between in Bozeman, so I started as a contract graphic installer for OA Graphics, but soon the lady running the shop left and I was offered her position. I took it, although it required me to commute from Bozeman until my wife finished school and we could move here.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Keeping everything going and getting jobs out in a timely manner.

The workload is sizable, especially for one person. We do work for the city Police Department, Fire Department and advertising on the MET buses just to name a few of our larger clients. It is

Age: 34 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Maintenance crew at a Boy Scout summer camp What I’m reading: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu Liked this movie: “Gettysburg” My theme song: “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath How I relax: Hike, play with my children, practice armed martial arts challenging balancing the work needed for each job; designing, printing, laminating, cutting and installation are all required for each job, and I must allow time for each step among all the other jobs that need to go out the door.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Scheduling and communication with customers are key.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Add more parks and walking/ biking trails.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

If I have a smile on my face when I go home at night and when I open the shop in the morning.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Raising my children to the best of my abilities.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family.

Mistie Mims, health and wellness director at the Billings Family YMCA, teaches kickboxing and supervises some 64 instructors and coordinators.

mistie mims health and wellness director, Billings Family YMCA Mistie Mims regularly shows groups of people how to take out their aggressions by delivering repeated kicks and punches.

But don’t get the impression that Mims is a mean girl. In fact, she has never entered a ring with the intention of knocking out another person.

Mims teaches kickboxing classes at the Billings Family YMCA, where she is health and wellness director, supervising some 64 instructors and coordinators. Kickboxing is an excellent cardiovascular workout that also builds muscle. “I tell people, where else can you go and punch and kick and it’s all OK?” Mims said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I have been able to turn one of my interests/passions into a full-time career. After a decade of being a stayat-home mom, I decided I wanted to do something part time. I was already a current member at the Y and loved going there every day. I decided to check out what it would take for me to be a fitness instructor. I was brought on and trained as a volunteer to teach kickboxing. I became the coordinator of group exercise, and then on to the health and wellness director position. I also in the last year earned my trainer status for the Y of the USA and I am able to certify group exercise instructors. As of today I hold 22 certifications.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

We help over 13,000 members on their path to healthy living. There are thousands of fitness trends out there. I am constantly researching the impact, safety and value of each of these trends to decide if we should incorporate them and offer classes at the Y. What did you learn from that challenge?

Lofty goals always present challenges, but I won’t know the answers unless I try different things. It is also important to listen to the people you are trying to serve — their feedback is vital to our future programming.

Lastly, I’m blessed to have an awesome team of passionate instructors who are as dedicated to serving our community as I am. We work together to identify gaps in our programming and find new ways of motivating people to work on their physical, mental and spiritual health.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Walk the walk. And not just from the fitness standpoint. I want to lead by example and not have people concentrate on the faults of their neighbors, but by setting a good example of their behavior.

You can improve your life by being friendly and outgoing toward the people around you.

Age: 39 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Worked at an ice cream/hamburger restaurant What I’m reading: “More than a Mom” by Amy Baskin and Heather Fawcett, a book about living with a special needs child Liked this movie: “The Notebook” My theme song: “YMCA” by the Village People, of course!

How I relax: Long hot baths, and having a little peace and quiet and, of course, exercise!

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Luckily, working for a nonprofit organization, we measure success by so much more than numbers. We are in the business of serving others. I know I have done my job every time one of our members accomplishes one of their personal health goals.

Which living person do you most admire?

My dad, he has the biggest heart and is always so giving.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Being a mom, my kids are the best part of me and being blessed to be called their mom is my greatest achievement.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family. Life is so hectic and busy, you have to stop and make that time. Having everyone at the dinner table together is one of my happiest times. Our society has really gotten away from the value of making time for family.

Billingsbusiness

Rich Naylor owner, My Handyman Service

Rich Naylor’s business, My Handyman Service, does so many different construction and repair jobs that it’s easier for him to explain what he doesn’t do.

“We don’t do concrete. We don’t do carpeting or flooring. We don’t do roofing or pools, and we don’t do veterinary work,” Naylor said. “Everything else is fair game.”

Naylor launched his handyman business in 2010, ending a seven-year career with New York Life Insurance Co. “I started off by myself, and word spread mouth to mouth,” he said. Within a year he had hired a helper, and by the end of 2012 he was keeping a crew of four busy.

“We’re booked up through the end of February right now,” Naylor said.

Naylor said his career with New York Life taught him a lot about running a business. But he also missed working with his hands.

“I just got to a point where I needed something a little more,” he said. “My skill sets and gifts deep down are craftsmanship and working with my hands.”

Some home-repair specialists advertise that no job is too small. Naylor still takes small jobs, such as repairing a

leaking faucet or a toilet. But when he’s too busy, he’ll refer the work to other handyman services.

“Scheduling is the most challenging part of the business,” Naylor said.

“When we put together a schedule, we try to build a route and coordinate several projects in the same area.”

Larger projects, such as bathroom and basement remodels, have slack time built in. So when Naylor and his crew are waiting for drywall mud or paint to dry, they’ll sometimes make a side trip to handle a few small jobs.

“Each guy on our crew has specific talents that we try to capitalize on,” Naylor said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Within the last three years, we have worked hard to communicate with our clients, and help our clients accomplish their vision and goals for their projects.

We have gotten where we are today primarily due to referrals. Our clients have referred us to their friends and family. Taking good care of our clients is just part of what makes us so referable.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your

business?

Cash flow obviously can be challenging. We are a debt-free company, so staying disciplined to stay debt-free really has been one of our biggest challenges. Second would be the challenge of finding qualified and quality help that have the same heart for treating our clients as we do.

What did you learn from that challenge?

There is tremendous power in paying your vendors as they bill you. I like to get paid when the job is done, so why wouldn’t I treat those that provide for me in the same manner? In most cases they make us a priority and bend over backward to help when you need them most. I have also learned to analyze our purchases more carefully. Does it make sense for me to rent that item or own it? Or do I really need it at all? In some cases it makes more sense to hire subcontractors that can perform the work more cost effectively. That is a win-win situation for everyone. We are never too proud to say something is out of our realm of expertise. In regards to finding qualified help, I don’t typically advertise for any positions available. I reach out to my peers and ask for referrals to people

CONGRATUL ATES

MOLLY HALE

Rich Naylor started My Handyman Service in 2010 and by the end of 2012 had enough work for a four-person crew. they know that would fit our team with the qualifications we are looking for in a team member.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would like to bring “service” back to the phrase “customer service.”

The thing I hear most frequently in the construction world is “so and so never called me back, or they came to give a bid and we never heard back from them again.” My Handyman Service is working really hard to change the clientcontractor experience, and put service back into customer service. Obviously we are not perfect, and we screw up, too. It’s not typically the screw-up that

is the problem; it’s how you handled it.

We try to provide an experience to our clients that make us easy to work with, and you can’t do that without customer service.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Success for me is when our clients tell us that we have exceeded their expectations. When our clients love the finished product and have complimented our process, that truly is a great success.

Which living person do you most admire?

My uncle Wes Naylor.

Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Odd jobs at Fichtner Chevrolet, Laurel What I’m reading: “Great by Choice” by Jim Collins Liked this movie: “Avengers” Here’s what I do to relax: I play Legos with my son

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My family.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Snowmobiling in the mountains in five inches of fresh powder.

Congratulations Jennifer Thanks for making our business shine!

We are proud of you.

Community Health Services One of Billings 40 Under Forty honorees.

Thank you for helping to improve the life, health and safety of our community.

406.247.3200 • 123 South 27th Street Billings, MT 59101 Billingsbusiness

www.riverstonehealth.org

Antiques and so much more 3301 1st Ave N • Downtown Billings 281-8460 February 2013

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Sylvia Noble human resources director, STEP Inc.

When someone describes themselves as a “people person,” it’s usually within the context of being sociable and eager to get along with others.

Sylvia Noble takes the concept to a higher level as human resources director for STEP Inc., a Billings nonprofit organization that supports people with developmental disabilities.

“People development is what I’m most interested in,” Noble said. “I get to do that at STEP.” Noble said she became interested in human resources and development while working for Wells Fargo.

“They had a lot of employee development training, and I was interested in that. Team members would go through these day-long classes, and they would be able to come out and really apply it,” she said. “The way Wells Fargo did it was almost back-to-back training. I figured that human resources would be the best way to get my foot in the door for that.”

Noble went back to college while still working full-time and graduated from Montana State University Billings with a degree in organization communication with an emphasis in human resources and operations management.

Having integrity and being respectful to employees are two important traits for human resource professionals, Noble said.

“Especially as agencies have grown, it’s important to not lose focus of the individual team members,” she said. “Even though they might work only a couple hours a week for families, you treat them like kings and queens when the walk through the door.”

surely I completed my degree. Along the way, I met strong people who modeled to me the type of professional I wanted to be. I maintained relationships and worked closely with them as I began to navigate my career moves. Of course, my favorite part of the job is that I get to help develop team members every day. Seeing that growth in individuals is one of the most rewarding experiences I could ask for.

Update: In late January Noble began working for Elation, a Billings start-up company that works to help companies and their employees fulfill their full potential.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

As much as I have a desire to bring out the best in people, there are times they have their own personal obstacles to get past first. I interact with “gems” every single day of my life, and sometimes those gems just need a little self polishing before they see their worth. It sounds cliché, but our team members are our most important asset. Personal growth is a huge challenge, and we get the privilege in fostering this type of environment every day at STEP.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

At Wells Fargo, I admired the way the trainers were able to bring out the best in the participants and people would leave the classes with their heads held a little higher. I was a single mother at the time and knew I was going to have to make some life choices that allowed me to follow my dreams in pursuit of helping develop people.

I continued to work full time and enrolled in classes at MSU-B. Slowly but

What did you learn from that challenge?

I’ve learned that patience is very

important when it comes to personal growth. There are so many factors in a person’s life that get them where they are, a lot of layers to get past. As much as I may want them to take giant leaps for themselves, I’ve learned that the “baby steps” are just as valuable.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

There is a reason we have come this far already. Billings has so many wonderful resources throughout the community. I imagine a place where the resources are able to reach out to each other, think out of their silos, and allow for an even stronger foundation for community members. I would love

to see collaboration on a deeper level between community partners.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

I’m a strong believer in a person feeling fulfilled and satisfied in their job.

A person may not be happy every single day in their work, but should feel a sense of worth and accomplishment.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. His integrity and compassion are traits I’ve always respected, and strive to have with every interaction I make.

Age: 31 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Pizza Hut phone center What I’m reading: “The Divinity of Dogs” by Jennifer Skiff Liked this movie: “Spanglish” My theme song: “Blessed” by Brett Dennen How I relax: Running and working out What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My children-hands down.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my family.

Congrats to a great team leader!

Congratulations to our Alumni

No Initiation Fee this week!

Amanda Lechner Aaron Pohle Dave M. Shumway

Granite Health & Fitness is celebrating with Shara Ford by offering a free week at both Granite locations Feb. 3rd – 9th!

TWO LOCATIONS Westend - Shiloh & Grand • • • • • • Heights - Main & Logan

3838 Avenue B - Billings, MT 59102 • (406) 294-5040 1323 Main St - Billings, MT 59105 • (406) 252-7737 www.granitebillings.com 24

Sylvia Noble, human resources director for STEP Inc., said integrity and being respectful of employees is important in her profession.

I February 2013

Best Fitness Center

in 40 Under 40!

You demonstrate the leadership qualities which are a major component of a Rocky Mountain College education.

rocky.edu 1511 Poly Drive Billings, Montana 59102 1-800-877-6259 Billingsbusiness

Work in the Bakken is bringing Jennifer Olsen, a petroleum engineer and drilling consultant, closer to home in Billings, where she is chairwoman of the Yellowstone County Republican Party.

Jennifer Olsen petroleum engineer, drilling consultant, Itty Bitty Oil, LLC. Like others involved in the oil industry, Jennifer Olsen leads a nomadic lifestyle that has taken her all across the country.

“Last year I worked in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. I’ve worked all through the Rockies, south of Salt Lake City and in South Dakota,” said Olson, who is a petroleum engineer and drilling consultant based in Billings.

Her company is Itty Bitty Oil, LLC. Recently, Olsen has been working in North Dakota, where the Bakken oil boom shows no sign of slowing down.

But she’s also looking forward to working closer to home in 2013.

“After I’m done with the well we’re on in North Dakota, we’ll have one to drill near Sidney, the first well I’ve worked on in Montana,” Olsen said.

As a petroleum engineer, Olsen designs how a field is developed.

“I decide where to drill and put together a program on how we drill and get from Point A on the surface to Point B at the end of the horizontal,” Olsen said. “And I supervise the operation in the field. I set out when all of the contract companies come out, and make sure they do their jobs correctly.”

Once the drilling is done, Olsen moves on to the next location. The newly drilled well is completed with the arrival of fracking crews. In the hydraulic fracturing process, sand and chemicals are pumped into the well, and oil-bearing shale formations deep underground are fractured in order to stimulate oil recovery.

When she’s not drilling for oil, Billingsbusiness

Olsen pursues her passion for politics.

She’s the chairwoman of the Yellowstone County Republican Party. Thanks to cellphones and the Internet, she manages to keep in touch with other politically-minded folks, even when she’s on a job.

She remains hopeful that Montana’s oil industry will follow North Dakota’s lead. “We’re still optimistic that Gov. (Steve) Bullock will be more willing to work with us and business in general,” she said. “The oil business provides lots of good jobs.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I attended Montana Tech once graduating from Billings West High School in 1999. I graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering following in my father’s footsteps. Once graduating, I went to work for a company called Computalog, a wireline tool company, whose office was in Billings. I worked for that company in Baker, gaining great experience for about six months. I then went on to work as a consultant for JAKE Oil, LLC, also in Billings as a petroleum engineer overseeing multiple employees as well as college student interns.

Six years later, I began consulting for August Energy Services, which I still consult for. Currently, I am on a work schedule of two weeks on/off drilling Bakken oil wells in North Dakota.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your busi-

Age: 31 Family: Single First paid job: Bagging groceries at Buttrey Foods What I’m reading: “American Assassin” by Vince Flynn My theme song: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper How I relax: Walk my 5-year-old German shepherd dog, or read a book ness?

Being one of the few women in the field.

What did you learn from that challenge?

Brains and confidence in your ability to do good work go a long way.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Get more young women interested in engineering.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Long-term clients.

Which living person do you most admire?

Besides my mother, my father.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Owning/operating my own small business.

I’m happiest when I’m…

That’s a toss up. I really enjoy my time working, but that takes me away from family and friends. I also enjoy my two weeks off where I can spend it with friends and family (especially my niece and nephew). I also really enjoy my daily workouts, which include P90X and Insanity.

Dianne Parker is a communication specialist for Avitus Group. She enjoys making and decorating cakes in her free time.

Dianne Parker communication specialist, Avitus Group You’ve probably seen Dianne Parker on television, explaining the workings of Avitus Group, a growing Billings-based company that provides bookkeeping, payroll and other administrative services that are often a challenge for businesses to provide on their own.

As a professional employer organization, Avitus Group handles payroll, health insurance, safety, human resources management and other administrative tasks for thousands of workers in numerous states.

In testimonials, clients say that outsourcing their administrative tasks to Avitus Group saves money and prevents headaches. To many, outsourcing has a negative connotation that’s associated with sending American jobs to India or other low-wage areas. But Avitus Group employs dozens of people at its Billings operations center.

Parker is a former reporter and anchor for KTVQ. She left Billings to take a television job in a larger market, Anchorage, Alaska. But she returned to Billings when she got married. She likes decorating cakes in her spare time.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Explaining exactly what Avitus Group is in 30 seconds. Here it goes: “We’re a company that helps other companies with administrative hassles

(bookkeeping, payroll, taxes and much more.) When these things become our responsibility, the business owner can focus on what they do best, allowing their business to grow.” We actually offer more than a dozen services from safety training to helping businesses expand internationally. It is not possible to explain all of the services we offer and why they are important to a business owner in 30 seconds.

What did you learn from that challenge?

It is not a good idea to overwhelm a busy business owner with too much information, especially if they have to decipher what piece of information is applicable to them. Keep the message simple and explain in detail to those who are truly interested in learning more.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Billings is a great community, I love living and working here, but I also love traveling. I would add more direct flights to various locations.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

If I feel like I’ve given it my all each day at work and my team has, too, I call it a success. A positive work environment is a productive one. Avitus Group is a positive work environment

Age: 31 Family: Married First paid job: Farm hand for family farm What I’m reading: Billings Business Liked this movie: “The Notebook” My theme song: “Beautiful Day”

by U2 How I relax: Spa day, manicure, pedicure and the employees are empowered to work harder.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire my mom, Teresa Baker.

She is such a saint; we actually call her “Mother Teresa.” She will stop by the VA to check in and see what they might need and come back with a car full of coffee creamer and sugar packets.

She’ll do the same for the homeless shelter. This selfless personality is admirable, and she carries it through in all aspects of her life (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) She has shown by example the importance of caring for people, not things.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I hope it hasn’t happened yet. I am proud of my journalism degree from the University of Wyoming and how it has set me up for personal success in life, but I hope to leave a legacy and an example for my children someday like my parents have left for me.

I’m happiest when I’m…

On vacation with my husband on a beautiful beach with no worries, making new memories.

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Aaron Pohle head golf pro, Yegen Golf Club, and golf coach, Rocky Mountain College “Golf, like the measles, should be caught young, for, if postponed to riper years, the results may be serious,” observed author P.G. Wodehouse.

Aaron Pohle caught the fever when his parents introduced him to golf at age 6. Twenty years and countless rounds later, Pohle makes his living by helping others improve their skills in a game that has been a source of frustration and amusement for generations of players.

“I found a love for it right away,” said Pohle, the head golf pro at the Yegen Golf Club and the golf coach for Rocky Mountain College. “My parents chopped down a set of clubs for me when I was little, and I set out. I started playing tournament golf when I was in fifth grade.”

He played all through high school and in college, first at Spokane Falls Community College, and later at Rocky Mountain College. The Bears won the conference title during Pohle’s senior year, and he was named a second-team all-conference player.

Golf requires patience and practice.

Even the best players risk developing bad habits without coaching, Pohle said.

“It’s a hard game,” he said. “When

you think about the distance that little ball has to travel and all the obstacles, and Mother Nature is part of it. Hitting that little ball in direction you want to go isn’t always the easiest.”

Although he’s a teacher and coach, Pohle still relies on others to analyze and improve his game. Randy Northrop, his former coach at Rocky, continues to be a mentor, as is former pro golfer Leslie Spalding, who now coaches at San Diego State University.

“She’s the one I really latched onto a few years ago. She helped me out with my mental game and my swing,” he said.

Some golf pros have turned to video technology to help people improve their game.

“Some people taking lessons like instant feedback,” he said. “I don’t like video for everybody, but it’s nice to use every once in a while.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I started working as a pro shop employee while playing golf at Rocky Mountain College. In the fall of 2009, I was promoted to the assistant golf professional. As the assistant, I was

responsible for scheduling the range staff, golf instruction, assisting in running youth golf programs, and daily golf course operations. In the fall of 2011, the head golf pro left to pursue other career options, and I was promoted.

As the head golf professional, I am responsible for scheduling pro shop staff, golf instruction, running youth golf programs, merchandising, and daily golf course operations.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Managing staff. At first I was more of a friend to my employees. I learned very quickly that I had to modify that tactic to meet my needs to manage a successful business. The toughest challenge I have faced so far is letting our players see their full potential.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned that there are times when a manager should be a friend, and there are times when a manager has to play a different role. The biggest thing I have learned is that I am still learning from this. I believe that not one way is

Aaron Pohle is the head golf pro at the Yegen Golf Club and head coach of the golf team at his alma mater, Rocky Mountain College. perfect and there is always room for improvement. I enjoy trying to reach perfection and love learning along the way. I have learned that each person is different in how they view their golf game and themselves, and the way that I help them to reach that potential has to be different.

compliments on my players outside the golf course, I know that our coaching staff is doing their job.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Getting the head coaching job at my alma mater, Rocky Mountain College. It is not every day that you can coach the team that you played for.

Age: 26 Family: Engaged First paid job: Range kid at Downriver Golf Course What I’m reading: “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack Liked this movie: “The Greatest Game Ever Played” How I relax: Fly-fishing and hunting

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Which living person do you most I measure success by customer satisfaction. Golf is a sport that is meant admire?

My dad. to be enjoyed. When I see a customer leave our facility with a smile and openly I’m happiest when I’m… expressing that they cannot wait to Teaching juniors the game of golf. come back, I know that we have done our job from top to bottom. As a coach, I measure success by how my players improve as individuals. When I hear

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Billingsbusiness

Amanda Roth chief executive officer for Meadow Lark Companies, has been around the family business since she was a child.

Amanda Roth chief executive officer, Meadow Lark Companies Billings-based Meadow Lark Companies, a trucking and transportationrelated business that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has diversified its services with the creation of an energy division.

Amanda Roth, Meadow Lark’s chief executive officer, has been involved in the family business for as long as she can remember. “I learned to walk in the halls,” she said.

“My parents (Rick and Donna Jones) started out with a card table and a phone, and it’s going to be a company with $100 million in revenue this year,” Roth said.

Meadow Lark Agency is a transportation logistics company, which serves the freight industry throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Independent operators, drivers who own their own equipment, also contract with Meadow Lark.

The company expanded into the energy industry in 2011, concentrating on service work, such as hauling fracking sand and tearing down and moving oil rigs.

And if that’s not enough, Meadow Lark is also preparing to launch a line of clothing just for truck drivers. It will be practical work wear that’s odor-free and sweat-resistant.

“We interviewed drivers on what they wanted, and we’re now dealing with an overseas manufacturer,” Roth said.

Like most businesses, Meadow Lark Companies felt the effects of the Billingsbusiness

2008 recession.

“A lot of our drivers hauled building materials, so they lost work when the building industry slowed down,” Roth said.

But Meadow Lark’s energy business has been a big success so far, and even if that sector slows down in the future, the company will look for other opportunities to diversify, Roth said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Shortly after high school, I made the decision to go to “dad’s college” to learn to be a transportation broker in my parents’ small but successful company. I fell in love with the industry and the people and became a certified transportation broker and leader.

Through the years I have grown with the company and brought my own sense of style to the workplace. In 2011, I purchased the two Meadow Lark Companies, Meadow Lark Agency, freight brokerage, and Meadow Lark Transport, the trucking company and then started a third company, Meadow Lark Energy, to service the energy sector.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

Overcoming challenges that meet our industry. It is rewarding when this is accomplished and problems are solved.

Age: 33 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Meadow Lark Companies What I’m reading: “The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt” by T.J. Stiles Liked this movie: “Twilight” My theme song: “I Like to Move It” from the movie “Madagascar” How I relax: I like to spend time with my family, learning to ice skate, going to movies, or just hanging out.

What did you learn from that challenge?

You can find a solution to every problem and to never think small.

There is always an answer if you step back and look at the problem head on.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

To give back to our community in a positive way.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

By the happiness and success of my employees.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. In business, he taught me the core values of ethics and integrity, which I have learned to use to grow the business.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Having an amazing husband and three beautiful children and being a young business owner at the age of 33.

CarpetPlus Colortile owner Tysen Rovig is optimistic about 2013 as his business has some large projects in the pipeline.

Tysen Rovig owner, CarpetPlus Colortile You say you need proof that the Billings housing market is on the rebound?

Tysen Rovig says the signs are unmistakable.

“New home construction is a lot better than it has been for a few years,” said Rovig, owner of CarpetPlus Colortile, a flooring and cabinet store.

Statistics from the city of Billings confirm Rovig’s observations. Commercial development showed strength last year. Through the end of November 2012, permits for single-family homes were running 80 percent ahead of the same period in 2011, with 336 new homes permitted.

“My best customer, McCall Development, has been building houses like crazy, and that’s a really fun project to work on,” Rovig said.

In fact, Rovig lives in the Josephine Crossing subdivision, which has been in development since 2006.

“It feels like a neighborhood,” Rovig said. “It’s a nice place for people to hang out on their front porch. Our kids all play outside and get along.”

CarpetPlus Colortile sells directly to consumers, but about half of Rovig’s business is with contractors.

These days, it’s not uncommon for local business owners to count their lucky stars for being in an area that has enjoyed relative prosperity over the

past decade.

“I’m very lucky to be in Billings,” Rovig said. “When I started out, the economy was great, but then two or three years into it is when everything went bad. If I was anywhere other than Billings, I’m not sure I could have absorbed the downturn.”

So far, Rovig is optimistic about his business’s prospects for 2013.

“We have some large projects in the pipeline. Once we get through January and February, which are our slowest months, it should be a very good year,” he said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I have always strived to have happy customers. I work hard to guide people toward products that will fit their needs. Being honest and ethical has gone a long way in keeping us busy.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The ups and downs in business are difficult to deal with. Cash flow management can be tricky.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have learned not to count on or try to predict when we are going to be

Age: 33 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Telemarketing (I lasted two weeks) What I’m reading: The Billings Gazette, Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest Liked this movie: “Avengers” My theme song: “Back in Black”

by AC/DC How I relax: Play with my kids and golf

busy or slow.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would like to see the city of Billings actively and aggressively try to attract energy companies to our area.

It would be nice to have the funding for new schools and family centers, as well as create many new jobs.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Happy customers. It’s all about having a customer’s eyes light up when they see what we have done.

Which living person do you most admire?

My dad. He is a very wise businessman and an excellent grandfather.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Raising my two boys.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Watching Broncos games at my house with my family in the winter, golfing in the summer.

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Dave Shumway’s lifelong love of photography began at age 4, when he took his first photos.

dave shumway staff photographer, web content manager, adjunct instructor of photography, Rocky Mountain College owner, Shumway Photpgraphy Dave Shumway became a shutterbug the first time he picked up a camera.

He was 4 years old when his grandfather handed him a Minolta SRT 101, a heavy, steel-bodied, single-lens reflex with manual exposure.

They spent time roaming the back yard, taking pictures of squirrels, and Shumway still remembers the fascination when he saw the images magically appear in the developing trays.

“I kept on doing it, moved up through film, and took classes in high school,” he said.

Shumway continued to pursue his passion for photography through his college years. After attending several other schools, he completed his degree in business and economics at Rocky Mountain College.

Right after graduation Shumway landed a job at Rocky, where he was in charge of revamping the college’s website and logo.

Nature photography is a passion, and Shumway has traveled thousands of miles to photograph scenery and wildlife. Over a five-year period, he visited Yellowstone National Park 101 times, capturing thousands of images.

He also runs his own photography business.

“I’m in negotiations with two publishers, but the world of publishing books is not what it used to be,” Shumway said. “They have their own

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vision and a process.”

Teaching photography classes at Rocky is especially rewarding. “I don’t think I could teach middle school or high school students,” he said. “College kids are coming in with a desire to learn and can understand things at a higher level than other kids.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

Dedication, long hours, confidence in myself and my work, and a refusal to be looked down on for my age have all contributed, along with being incredibly blessed, to place me where I am today.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

I walked into a brand new position at RMC (fresh out of college), with a website that had been made for free by the college’s computer science program. Along with a handful of others, I completely revamped the website and worked with an ad agency to simultaneously redo the college’s logo and entire brand (publications). Talk about learning on the job and under pressure.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned that I am very capable and if I trust myself and my expertise I can help make almost anything happen. I also learned the real power of

good photography.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

For the last five or six years, it has been a goal of mine to improve the level of photography, and the appreciation of photography, in Billings. I have worked with both camera clubs, some of the schools, and numerous organizations to that end.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

What I do at RMC has several ways to see/measure my success.

First, I measure my success by the success of my students, especially those who seek to earn a living with their photography upon graduation. For non-major photography students I judge my success both by the work that they produce and by their semester’s end review of the class and myself.

The other part of my job at RMC reaches far beyond anything easily measurable. The overall quality of publications from the college has improved significantly in my time here, and though many people have had a hand in that, the quality of the photography and my role on the Brand Management Team has had a significant impact in our success. If you were to use enrollment numbers to measure what I do, publications and the website, then those numbers would shine very favorably on

Age: 27 Family: Single First paid job: Math tutor, teaching photography at Best Buy What I’m reading: “An Economist Gets Lunch” by Tyler Cowen Liked this movie: “The Shawshank Redemption” My theme song: The drum solo from “Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin the work that I have done.

For my side job (Shumway Photography) sales, to magazines and ad agencies, are how I measure success.

Which living person do you most admire?

Based solely on his work, Art Wolfe is the living photographer that I most admire, but knowing him personally I can’t say that I admire him as a person.

The list of extraordinary people who have influenced me is a long one, but I can’t say there is a single living person who I admire on all levels.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I hope my greatest achievements are still ahead of me, but I am very proud to be earning my living as a photographer in a place that I love.

Coming from the suburbs of Chicago, this is a long way from the path that most expected me to take. I have won art shows, had my images published in countless manners nationally and internationally, but all of that is just part of making a career as a professional photographer.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Deep in remote places photographing (experiencing) this amazing world that we all live in.

Billingsbusiness

Brad Sperry associate principal architect, Billings office manager, financial vertical market leader, CTA Architects Engineers CTA Architects Engineers, which celebrates its 75th birthday this year, lists Dell Inc., Whole Foods and the National Park Service on its list of national and international clients.

CTA, which began in Billings in 1938, has experienced impressive growth and now has 400 employees scattered among 16 offices in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana.

Are big clients ever surprised to be dealing with a company that got its start in Billings?

Brad Sperry, whose titles are associate principal architect, Billings office manager and financial vertical market leader, said it helps when new clients learn that CTA has established a long track record.

“We have built up a pretty good reputation with a lot of long-lasting clients, Dell being one of them. We’ve been dealing with them for about 10 years,” Sperry said.

It also helps that CTA has established a presence in larger markets, he said.

“We have an Austin office, a Denver

office and a Seattle office, but there’s so much that comes out of Billings, and Boise is our second-largest office.

We have learned how to deal with Dell and what to do right, and they’re taking us pretty much anywhere. We’ve done work for them in Panama, and we went to India to do a case study for them.”

Being diversified helps in other ways. If one location or a market sector is experiencing a slowdown, other markets can make up the difference, Sperry said.

“We equate it to a big raft going down the rapids,” he said. “When you hit a bump you feel it, but you’re not throwing people overboard. There’s always somebody else there to pick up the slack. Even in our worst year, we still made money.”

CTA is planning to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The firm may try to host Alive After Five at its downtown office, 13 N. 23rd St. The company logo will mention the anniversary, and the company will amend its vision statement and goals to reflect the milestone, Sperry said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I started at CTA as an architectin-training right out of Montana State University and have had the chance to work with several great people and mentors who have helped me get to the level I am today. Enjoying this job as an architect and manager helps out quite a bit.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

The recent economy has created several challenges over the last few years, including my time as the office manager. Bringing in the steady amount of work for this office has been a challenge that our entire team does a great job at.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I learned all of the basics and aesthetics of architecture. I think I have learned the other 90 percent of the business of architecture once I started at CTA.

Brad Sperry wears many hats at CTA Architects Engineers — architect, office manager, financial vertical market leader.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would build more schools or at least renovate the schools that need the most help. We haven’t completed a major school project in Billings since Skyview High School and Big Sky Elementary in the mid-’80s. We should have five new major schools or renovations already and looking at another one. I’m not a parent, but I understand the positive role our schools play in the community.

as employees happiest. As an architect, a satisfied client is the best measure.

There’s not much better than walking through a completed project and seeing the client’s face excited about moving in.

Which living person do you most admire?

I would have to give that to my grandpa. He is in his early 90s. He’s lived through farming, World War II, building his own house, owning and running his own business, and two heart attacks. He’s still kicking and playing golf.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

What do you consider your greatAs the office manager, I would meaest accomplishment? sure success by keeping our company Since I haven’t had any kids yet, I rolling along, which in turn makes us

Age: 39 Family: Single First paid job: Working at Target on Central Avenue What I’m reading: “The Kennedy Detail” by Gerald Blaine Liked this movie: “Looper” My theme song: “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi would have to lean to my profession.

The completion of the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center in Gardiner was my favorite achievement.

I spent about three years on the project, including a year in Gardiner during construction.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Walking my dog on the Rims or watching football on Sunday.

Congratulations

JIM

on your recognition as one of the 40 under forty we are proud you are part of our team

Billingshabitat.org

Billingsbusiness

February 2013

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michelle williams strategy and business development director, AD Creative After taking a vacation to Montana, Michelle Williams was so impressed with the state that she decided to pull up roots and move here.

“I was on a daddy-daughter trip, and I loved it so much that I didn’t want to leave,” Williams said.

Williams didn’t exactly drop everything, pack her bags and flee Texas for Montana. She approached the move strategically by drawing up a list of companies where she would like to work.

“For the longest time, I had a map of Montana on my wall just to keep me motivated,” she said.

AD Creative, a Billings marketing firm, was on top of her list of prospective employers, and today she is the firm’s strategy and business development director. To many, a well executed marketing plan seems to work like magic. In reality, a lot of thought and creativity goes into the process.

“My job is strategy,” Williams said. “I’m working with clients to understand intimately their vision for the future. I do the research and trending and put together the strategies that are then executed through the office by other members of the team.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

I’ve been extremely lucky to have worked with some incredible bosses who taught me a few very important lessons in business: Don’t make it personal or emotional. Always give more than what was asked.

What’s the toughest challenge you have faced in your business?

Working in a creative environment, clients expect you to deliver a little magic every day.

In most businesses, there are efficiencies built into creating a product/service, which can then be adapted and used with other clients. This is not the case in a creative firm. Clients come to us for new ideas, unique thoughts and exciting opportunities. Every strategy, every design, every positioning statement, every idea, etc., must be different from anything else we’ve done before.

This industry is unique in that it requires you think both practically and creatively at the same time. You find inspiration in the most unexpected things around you, so you learn to look beyond the obvious and consider everything as a possibility.

What did you learn from that challenge?

To excel in a creative environment, you need to understand how to manage intangibles: dreams, fears, emotions, etc. I’ve learned that fear is good and if you’re afraid of something, it’s probably a clue you’re on the right track. I’ve also learned that the excitement of challenging status quo and functioning within chaos is completely addicting.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I’d like to see some improvements made to the downtown area specific to unique design elements and some additional lighting.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

By the strength of my relationships with clients. When the tone of a meeting sounds more like friends catching up than business associates talking budgets, I know I’m doing something right.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire anyone brave enough to do something out of the ordinary.

Michelle Williams set her sights on Montana after falling in love with the state during a visit.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My brother was struggling with personal challenges for a time. His decisions to change were all his own and he deserves full credit for everything he’s accomplished, but I’m grateful to have had the means and ability to provide a new opportunity for him to make that change.

I’m happiest when I’m…

When I realize I don’t want to be anywhere else than where I am at that exact moment.

Age: 36 Family: Single First paid job: Teaching gymnstics to children What I’m reading: “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain” by David Eagleman and “Game of Thrones” Liked this movie: “Lincoln” My theme song: “I Wanna Do it All” by Terri Clark How I relax: Getting lost in a good book and riding my horse

jim woolyhand development director, Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Yellowstone Valley Jim Woolyhand fell head over heels in love with Montana the first time he set foot in the state. Just days after graduating from high school, the Florida resident visited Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, where he and other members of a church youth group built houses.

That pivotal summer also helped set the stage for Woolyhand’s future career. “When I left Montana after that 10-day trip, I wanted to be in the mountains and fishing. That’s what kickstarted my passion to help out with charities,” he said.

He worked hard, saved his money and graduated from the University of Montana, where he majored in communication studies with an emphasis in nonprofit management and public relations. For the past 18 months, he has been development director for Habitat for Humanity Mid-Yellowstone Valley.

“I like Habitat a lot because it’s an organization that’s not a handout, it’s a hand up,” Woolyhand said. “The great thing about the program is we sell these homes to our clients for the cost of construction, but they have to be willing to do their part. It teaches them home ownership, responsibility, and they become contributing homeowners.

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The best part of his job, Woolyhand said, is after a house is completed and the new owners receive their own keys.

“The family is so proud because it was their own sweat that went into building their own home,” he said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

My greatest passion in life is family. I am extremely passionate to safeguarding and maintaining healthy, quality family relationships. I have been blessed by so many people in my life who have helped me become the person I am today. I thank God for my parents, friends and mentors who have helped me realize the value in relationships, and serving one another.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

All challenges pale in comparison to the need for funding to continue our mission in the community.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I’ve learned it is important to never lack ideas, enthusiasm and vision for our mission.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I would move the Beartooth Mountains closer to Billings.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job?

Success is a finished house, a new homeowner and mortgage payments made on time.

While some families struggle, we have found our delinquency rates are low. Success is a volunteer learning a new skill. Success is handing the keys to the new homeowner at the dedication ceremony. Success is raising enough funds to finish the house without borrowing (which we have never needed to do).

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. He taught me what it means to be a Christian man, and the importance of leadership, integrity and perseverance.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I love Montana. I saved up money for five years because I wanted to move to Montana and

A summer helping build houses in Montana led Jim Woolyhand to move here and helped launch his career working with charities. graduate a “Griz.” Every day is a gift that I get to live and work under the Big Sky of Montana.

Now I dream of raising my own family here in God’s Country one day.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Outdoors and with family.

Age: 29 Family: Single First paid job: Bagger at a grocery store What I’m reading: “Relenteless” by John Bevere Liked this movie: “Courageous” My theme song: “Wild Montana Skies” by John Denver How I relax: Flyfishing, hiking in the mountains, spending time with family and friends.

Billingsbusiness

justin wutzke senior graphics designer, Kinetic Marketing & Creative Waning membership in communityoriented service clubs has been well documented for more than a decade.

But Justin Wutzke is part of a group of young professionals who are determined to reverse that trend.

The Billings chapter of the Jaycees went out of existence in 2005 in the wake of declining membership. But the service organization has undergone a revival and is now thriving. Wutzke, senior graphics designer for Kinetic Marketing & Creative, was among dozens of young professionals who have been working hard to put the Jaycees back on the map.

“The Jaycees, I feel, is a great way to meet other people outside of the bars.

We’re all like-minded and wanting to develop ourselves and help in the community,” he said.

Wutzke was part of the Jaycees’ successful Haunted Hallows fundraiser at Two Moon Park, which raised more than $15,000 for local charities.

“It’s about finding the right people who are open to making a difference and empowering and inspiring them,” Wutzke said. “I just believe in empowering people and letting them know that they’re important. Everybody possesses the ability to do anything they put their mind to.”

Wutzke showed aptitude for art at an early age. But, others convinced him

to pursue it as a career.

“I was always doodling, and I liked to draw. When computers came out, I played with Microsoft Paints and always drew little scenes,” he said.

“I took one art class in high school and the art teacher suggested that I should take art, and I kind of laughed.

And when I went to college, my girlfriend at the time was an art education major and she suggested that I should look into graphic design,” he said. “So it took somebody else to let me know that I have a skill and should pursue that.”

Because graphics, ideas and art can be very subjective, everyone has a unique perspective on them. You never know when your creative vision won’t resonate the same way with another person as it did with you. The toughest challenge I have faced in business is learning to build consensus on projects with our clients and with other coworkers, making sure that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal, even if the final creative execution isn’t exactly what if I — or they — had in mind to begin with.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

After 10 years of experience in different industries and fields using my design background, I was given the opportunity to take on a position at Kinetic Marketing & Creative. Prior to Kinetic, I began my first full-time graphics job at The Billings Gazette, where I honed in my skills of turning around projects with quick deadlines and out-of-the-box thinking. We were pushed hard to make sure we made every advertiser with the newspaper a satisfied customer, a philosophy I continue to incorporate into my daily work.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have learned the key to any relationship is communication. Good communication is the only way that walls can be broken down and the real answers to the underlying issues discovered. If all involved are communicating to their full potential, then the likelihood of success is greater. I’ve also learned to be gentle at giving critiques; always having an unbiased view, focusing on both the positive and negative parts, and collaborating to discuss how to make something the best it can be.

What’s the toughest challenge that you have faced in your business?

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

I’m pushing to expand the volunteer movement with young people under the

s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C

40 Under

Forty Billingsbusiness

To

Heidi Jensen We are so proUd of tHe LeadersHip in LaUreL! www.laurel.mt.gov

Justin Wutzke, senior graphics designer for Kinetic Marketing & Creative, was part of group that has helped revitalize the Billings chapter of the Jaycees. age of 40. This is one of the reasons I’ve put so much of my own time, resources and efforts into the re-establishment of the Billings Jaycees. I started off on the inaugural executive board in 2009, becoming the local president the following year, and the chairman of the board this past year. I am the 2013 Montana Jaycees president-elect, and I’m very excited about all of the positive change about to occur at the state level.

I believe in putting out there what you want to receive. Volunteering is a way for people to help our fellow persons in their time of need. I also love inspiring people to make themselves better. It’s heartwarming to see where they go and what they do once given the opportunity to shine.

Aside from profit and loss, how

do you measure success in your job?

Through how satisfied a client or my peers are with a creative assignment I was given and the end product I delivered. If I gave them something better than what they (or I) could have imagined, then it’s definitely a success.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Graduating from college with virtually no outstanding debt thanks to grants and scholarships. I am also very proud of my work in re-establishing the Billings Jaycees and helping to reinvigorate the statewide Jaycees movement.

Age: 30 Family: Single First paid job: Hospital meal attendant What I’m reading: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald Liked this movie: Anything by Disney/Pixar: “Toy Story,” “Up,” “Finding Nemo” My theme song: “Won’t Stop” by OneRepublic How I relax: Hanging out with friends, watching our favorite movies or television shows, and laughing.

I’m happiest when I’m…

With friends laughing and having a good time doing absolutely something random and spontaneous.

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