The Vault at 201 N Broadway

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Amundson and Erika Purington to talk about the merger of Big Sky Senior Services and the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County—now united as Allies in Aging . Together, they bring nearly 100 years of experience in serving older adults, offering essential services like in-home care, meals, caregiver support, transportation, education, and social conne...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Michael Sanderson, engineer and CEO, whose career has been shaped by family legacy, problem-solving, and intentional leadership. Michael shares his journey returning to the family business, starting at the bottom, and eventually buying the company with partners in 2002. We discuss his approach to leadership, the company’s breakthrough with the Shiloh Crossing p...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Christina Henderson, Executive Director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. Christina shares her journey from growing up in rural Iowa with community-minded parents to building a career that’s taken her from teaching and marketing to economic development leadership across multiple states. We talk about her move to Montana, the connections and experience...

In this episode, we sit down with Debbie Desjarlais, co-founder of Keya Advertising and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa, with Assiniboine roots from Fort Peck and Fort Belknap. Debbie shares her journey from early creative work with major brands to building a business alongside her brother that partners with Native communities across Montana. We talk about their years of storyte...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Gregory, founder of Resilient Guides and a Wyoming-based business coach who helps mission-driven leaders grow without burning out. Ryan shares his journey from California to Wyoming, his experience building and selling a self-managing company, and how the Cowboy Code of Ethics —“doing what you say you’re going to”—guides his approach to leadership and life. W...

On this episode, we dive into Judi Powers’ journey from healthcare to hospitality — starting as a nurse, growing into an executive leadership role in major health systems, and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. Judi shares what it means to lead with vulnerability, how to build strong teams by hiring to your weaknesses, and why mentoring others has always been a...

On today’s Vault short we talk about the importance of your business name and things to consider when naming your business.  We cover key considerations when naming your business—like clarity, memorability, brand alignment, and how your customers will search and engage with your business name. We talk about the value of getting feedback from potential customers, friends, or family before deciding....

Join us as we sit down with Jen Rahr with Deer Creek Design Studio to talk about creativity, entrepreneurship, and growing a design business in Montana. Jen shares her journey from small-town freelancer to full-time business owner, and how a passion for design—from school posters to full brand packages—turned into a thriving company. We talk about being ahead of the curve in graphic design, buildi...

Join us as we sit down with Matthew Weber, owner of Alpha Overhead Doors.  He shares how stepping into his family’s garage door business—and eventually buying it—sparked a shift not just in ownership, but in purpose. We talk about the difference between camaraderie and  culture, why strong relationships are essential, and how he’s built a business focused on developing people personally and profes...

Join us as we sit down with Tyler Wiltgen, Executive Director with St. Vincent Regional Hospital Foundation to explore what it means to lead with purpose and serve with impact. Tyler shares how his small-town upbringing, early involvement in FFA, and love for sports shaped his deep commitment to community. From calling MSU Bobcat football games on the radio to studying abroad in Russia, he’s carri...

Join us as we sit down with Tyler Geiger, founder of Nock Performance, former police officer, and dedicated coach on a mission to help men become the best version of themselves. Tyler shares his journey from policing in Nashville and Billings to launching his own coaching brand—where mindset, lifestyle, and community are at the core of everything he does. He talks about the joy of telling a story...

In this Vault short, KaVo & Marce B are back with a follow-up episode all about the newest tools available on BetterOffinBillings.org . These resources were built with employers and newcomers in mind—and they’re designed to help elevate Billings’ talent attraction and retention strategy. They walk through three key additions to the site: the Cost of Living Calculator, a regional Industry Map,...

Join us as we sit down with Patrick Daley—businessman, Army veteran, and son of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley—for a wide-ranging conversation on life, discipline, and business. Patrick shares his journey from growing up in Chicago and attending an all-boys Catholic school, to enlisting in the Army’s airborne infantry and working in investment banking in New York. He reflects on the value o...

Join us as we sit down with Lazy K Bar Whiskey’s Britt West, Partner, and Casey Mitchell, Head of Sales and Marketing—the team behind a bourbon crafted to honor Montana’s legacy and values. In this episode, they share their personal stories—what inspired them to create Lazy K Bar Whiskey, how the founding team came together, and the importance of honoring Montana’s heritage throughout the process....

In this episode, we sit down with personal trainer Ryan Jore to explore the connection between physical strength, personal growth, and building a supportive community. With over a decade of experience at Granite Health and Fitness, Ryan shares how he found his passion for helping women reach their fitness goals—and how creating the right environment is just as important as the training itself. We...

In this episode, we sit down with Alana Sukut, the owner and founder of Casual Space in Billings — a one-woman business that’s redefining what it means to build community through place. Alana shares how her vision for Casual Space was shaped by a desire to make connecting easier and more natural, especially in a time when meaningful interaction can feel hard to come by. From hosting chunky blanket...

In this episode, we dive into the story behind Triia, a powerful initiative from the Native American Development Corporation (NADC) that’s elevating Native voices through art. Our guests, Tally Monteau and Maddison Wilhite, share how Triia is creating a space for Native artists to share their work, connect with a broader audience, and grow as entrepreneurs. We explore the mission behind Triia—to c...

In this episode we sit down with Dianne Parker - she shares her journey from farm life in Wyoming to the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism. She reflects on the lessons learned growing up in a hardworking, agricultural and entrepreneurial family. She dives into her early days producing weekend news in Billings and the career journey she has had in journalism and public relations. Dianne open...

Join us as we sit down with Andrew Newman, founder of Newman Restoration & Cleaning and proud community advocate. Andrew shares his journey from growing up in a family-run restoration business in Sheridan, Wyoming, to becoming a leader in the Billings business community. Inspired by hands-on experience and a strong work ethic, Andrew talks about what drove him to start his own company and how...

In this episode, we sit down with Maddison Wilhite and Tally Monteau from the Native American Development Corporation (NADC) to explore how this organization is driving economic growth, wellness, and opportunity across Native communities in Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Maddison shares how NADC’s holistic and culturally rooted approach supports Native-owned businesses through business develop...

 Join us as we sit down with Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development, for his final Vault podcast episode before retirement, as he reflects on 16½ years of leadership and impact. From launching major initiatives like BillingsWorks to founding Rock31, helping bring RVU – Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine to Billings, and navigating the transition of the GE Capital...

Join us today as we sit down with Nichole Mehling, President of the Billings Clinic Foundation to share her journey from music teacher to community leader. Inspired by her grandmother to find her voice and shine her light, Nichole talks about growing up in a service-minded family, her early career in education and hospitality, and the natural path that led her to philanthropy. A founding member of...

Join us as we sit down with Rebecca and Jamie, the dynamic duo behind The OCD Girls—Billings' premier organizing team. With diverse backgrounds—Rebecca in professional writing and Jamie in real estate—they turned their passion for organization into a thriving business that helps others reclaim their spaces and their peace of mind. In this episode, Rebecca and Jamie share their journey of entr...

Join us as we sit down with Nick Steen Gullings, Head Chef and Owner of Walkers, to explore his journey of discovering passion and purpose. From influential mentors to unexpected career detours—including firefighting, selling Kirby vacuums, and a legendary moment when he quit and rode away on a Harley—Nick shares the pivotal experiences that led him to the world of hospitality. He reflects on the...

Join us as we sit down with Mike Nelson—community leader, business owner, developer, and hospitality expert—who revitalized the iconic Northern Hotel and helped shape downtown Billings. Mike shares his career journey, from working for major hotel brands in Las Vegas to returning home to Billings to restore the Northern.  He dives into his three legs of hospitality at the Northern—Connect, Empathiz...