50

MONTANA SILVERSMITHS YEARS!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCT ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“We take great pride in our people,” Lance Neirby, newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Montana Silversmiths, said of their employees. “Our strength comes from our people. We have a winning mindset coming from what the original founders of Montana Silversmiths built and we’re moving forward with that attitude.”

Lance is at the helm of the 50-year-old company and oversees 175 employees – a feat he said is made easy by a good team to help. Part of that team is Colette Schlehuber, Director of Human Resources, who has been with Montana Silversmiths for 43 years.

“We take our time finding the right people,” Colette explained.

“Our employees are treated like family here. They take pride in what we do, and they embrace who we are.”

In the packed parking lot in front of the Montana Silversmiths’ building is a row of spaces reserved for employees who have been with the company for over 35 years. Two employees have even reached the 45-year milestone.

“We have a proven track record of caring for our people,” Colette continued. “Employees stay, on average, 14 years.”

As the second largest employer in Stillwater County, Montana Silversmiths provides career opportunities for Columbus locals and, with the exception of sales reps and remote workers, all employees reside within a 75-mile radius. For rural Montana, where competitive wage-earning jobs can be difficult to find, the company has been a huge asset to Montana families and the community of Columbus.

Master engravers, designers, and skilled craftsmen work in the state-of-the-art facility creating artful jewelry and buckles sold across the country. Whether they hold high school diplomas or master’s degrees, or work on the factory line or as an engineer, each individual is considered an inherent piece of the backbone of the company.

“There is a respect and understanding of the culture of our people,” Lance added. “We have a lot to offer, and the success of our business shows that.”

Located in a beautiful building on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Montana Silversmiths takes pride in offering employees a working environment which reflects the care they have for one another. The clean, welcoming foyer extends beyond the front door and carries throughout the building.

“We have created a work environment that is accommodating and inviting,” Colette said. “Guests are genuinely amazed at what goes on here. When they tour the factory, they are always surprised at how much is happening and our employees love visiting with them and showing off who we are.”

Employees are heard, appreciated, and valued, and the company acknowledges from the top down that the success they have achieved could not have happened without each individual’s contribution.

“Montana Silversmiths is plural for a reason,” Lance concluded. “It’s not just a few of us, we are all part of the whole picture.”