The Vault at 201 N Broadway

On this Vault short Kayla and Marcell dive into what a “BAIL” team is and why small businesses and entrepreneurs should have one!  We talk about what the “BAIL” team stands for, why it’s important and what to consider when picking your “BAIL” team. We discuss where to get started and things to look for when choosing your “BAIL” team members.  Make sure to subscribe and share with a friend. To conn...

In today’s episode we sit down with entrepreneur, business owner, team builder, speaker, TEDx speaker, and author, Karen Grosz, owner of Canvas Creek Team Building. Karen shares her dynamic journey from working in sales, to the corporate world then on to opening her own businesses. She dives into the experiences and people she encountered along the way that helped her find her “next”. Karen discus...

On this Vault short we interview Big Sky Economic Development team members, Brandon Berger and Heather Kirpach to learn more about BSED’s Big Sky Finance Program.   We talk with the about what the SBA 504 Loan is, who and how it can be utilized, and their statewide footprint. We discuss the types of projects they have been part of across the entire state of Montana, the benefits of utilizing this...

In our latest episode we sat down with Owner and Founder of Hannesson Home and Made for Home, Jessica Hannesson. We dive into what it means to “never sacrifice the dream”, creating your own destiny, working with your significant other, and building a business in Billings. She reflects on growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and the experiences she had that led her to where she is today. Jessica...

On this Vault short we interview two members from the young professional program of Billings, Billings NextGEN a program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Cathy Grider and Abbey Wink. We talk with Cathy and Abbey about why NextGEN was created, the importance of providing a network for Billings’ emerging leaders to engage in and  foster relationships, develop business opportunities, support civi...

Today, we’re sitting down with the founder and owner of Stacked, A Montana Grill, Stephen Hindman. Stephen is a business owner, culinary creator, United States Army Veteran, husband and father. His story is one of humble beginnings, when he joined the army and was stationed in Europe, and that’s when his curiosity and passion for food grew. We have a conversation about winning national food champi...

On this Vault short we interview Big Sky Economic Development team member, Thom MacLean to learn more about BSED’s placemaking micro-grant. We talk with Thom about the importance of empowering your community’s residents to transform spaces in their neighborhood into places. We discuss the types of projects our community has accomplished, what is placemaking, and the economic benefits of building a...

In this episode, we delve into the world of tourism and leadership with Alex Tyson, Executive Director of Visit Billings. With 15 years of experience in broadcasting, Alex shares the keys to success in the tourism industry, emphasizing the love for both your job and your industry. Join us as we explore the intricacies of hiring the right team, effective board management, and the unique challenges...

Today, Kayla and Marcell are kicking off season 2 sharing their story of how they met through a local young professional network.  From forging connections to diving headfirst into community initiatives, they share their journey of growth, friendship, and career milestones. Discover the twists and turns that led them to Big Sky Economic Development, where they now thrive.  Brace yourself for an ex...

Today we’re sitting down with Jake MacKenzie, one of the first listeners of The Vault. As he says he’s our “our longtime listener, first time caller.”  Jake spent his first few years in Montana going to school at Montana State University transitioning to Rocky Mountain College in Billings where he finished his bachelor's degree in business master’s in accountancy. While at Rocky he works as a...

Join us in the heart of downtown Billings, Montana, as we delve into the inspiring journey of Wade, a dynamic entrepreneur and passionate podcaster. In this episode,  we uncover the fascinating story behind Wade's evolution from a college podcaster at Wabash to the visionary founder of Lamplighter Creative. Immerse yourself in Wade's world as he shares his profound experiences within his...

In this episode, we venture into the world of family businesses, commercial ranching, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our hosts, Kayla and Marcell of Big Sky Economic Development, sit down with the remarkable Sara Hollenbeck, affectionately known as "Sara the Sheep Lady." Sara's journey is nothing short of inspirational. She shares her story of moving from California to the heart of Mon...

What's it like to embark on a journey to a new country and state for college, stepping into the unknown with the hope of embracing a welcoming community that opens doors you never knew existed? Join us on this episode of "The Vault," where we're delighted to have Irene Ramirez and Gabriel dos Santos, fellow Battlin' Bears, to discuss the unique experience of being college...

In this captivating episode of "The Vault at 201 N Broadway," we sit down with a true Billings enthusiast, Ryan Cremer. As one of our Better Off in Billings Ambassadors, Ryan offers a unique perspective on the city he calls home. Join hosts Kayla and Marcell as they dive into Ryan's fascinating journey from growing up in Billings, venturing to different Montana towns, and ultimately...

In this episode of 'The Vault at 201 N Broadway,' we're excited to introduce you to the multifaceted and community-driven Justin Hutchinson, known to many as "McLovin." From his unexpected journey into radio to his passion for producing content and helping others, Justin wears many hats in Billings, Montana. Justin's radio career started with a curiosity for pushing b...

Get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired in this hilarious and insightful episode of The Vault at 201 N Broadway ! We're thrilled to have Lukas Seely, a Billings native, join us to share his incredible journey from open mic competitions to making audiences roar with laughter in LA and beyond. Lukas, the youngest in his family, discovered his knack for humor early on and drew inspiration fro...

Step into the captivating world of international trade as we sit down with Owen Haacke, the visionary owner and founder of Empress Brokers International LLC. In this episode, we delve into Owen's remarkable journey, starting from his roots in Billings, Montana, to his adventurous exploits across continents. Growing up with a deep love for Montana's rugged outdoors, Owen's passion fo...

In this inspiring episode of The Vault, we sit down with Sarah, a remarkable entrepreneur who embarked on a transformative journey from her hometown of Billings, Montana, to the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica. Sarah takes us through her captivating story, sharing her profound connection to movement and dance, which ultimately propelled her into the realm of entrepreneurship and led her to establ...

In this extraordinary episode, we embark on a captivating journey through the heart of ZooMontana, a zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum, and educational facility nestled in the scenic landscapes of Billings, Montana. At the helm of this remarkable oasis is the visionary Director, Jeff Ewelt. Discover the magic of ZooMontana as Jeff shares his inspiring career story, from humble begi...

On this episode of The Vault the hosts sit down with Julie, the dynamic owner of Yellowstone Valley Women magazine. Julie gives listeners a glimpse into her early love for storytelling which ignited her passion for journalism, and how it led her to pursue a career in journalism. She shares her journey from news reporter to marketing director and finally to editor, culminating in her successful ven...

"We're all about service to this community and making impacts that will have a lasting and positive value for our community economically. We show up everyday and we put in a lot of work to do that and I'm proud of this team." In this episode of The Vault, Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) walks us through each of the BSED programs and t...

No matter where you are you can do big things, you can create industry changing instruments and technology - so just go for it!" In this episode of The Vault, Bryan Wood walks us through the history of his grandfather starting Wood's Powr-Grip in rural Montana and how it has flourished into an international company that is now in its fourth generation of the Wood family working within th...

As President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc., Toby O'Rourke oversees KOA, the world’s largest branded system of campgrounds with over 500 franchised and company owned locations across North America. (Fun Fact: KOA is headquartered right here in Billings MT!) In this episode of The Vault, Toby shares her career background beginning in technology then to marketing and how it eventually...

"As you start looking at the second half of the game, it's like 'What have I become? How did I become that? And how do I influence who I want to be by taking the history of how I got here?" Karl Rude is a Billings born and raised entrepreneur that has used his formative life experiences to be innovative in his work and to build a career that is highly meaningful to him. In this...

Zero to Five Montana is a statewide early childhood organization focused on increasing access to early care and education, supporting and strengthening families, uplifting voices, and empowering small businesses and communities.   Jason Nitschke currently serves as the Senior Childcare Business Advisor for Zero to Five Montana. In this episode of The Vault, Jason walks us through his own entrepren...