40 Under Forty 2016

BEST AND BRIGHTEST

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the editor

Attention baby boomers: These millennials will make you proud

Baby boomers like to take credit for inventing rock ‘n’ roll. On the other hand, they must shoulder the blame for having foisted bellbottoms on an unsuspecting society.

Because there are some 75 million baby boomers still kicking around, their influence on society will probably be felt long after Bill Gates draws his last breath.

But watch out for those millennials, 76 million strong, who last year overcame boomers as the nation’s largest living generation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The oldest members of this up-and-coming cohort were born sometime during Ronald Reagan’s first term in the White House. The youngest were born around the turn of the 21st century.

You’ve probably heard some of the negative stereotypes directed toward millennials. Their parents spoiled them. They don’t go to church. Heck, they don’t even watch TV. Don’t bother trying to make eye contact.

They’re too busy scrolling through their Tinder contacts on their phones.

Millions of millennials remain saddled with college debt. Not surprisingly, many question whether Social Security will be around when they reach retirement age.

But here’s something for us boomers to think about: Rather than criticizing young adults as

slackers who are still living in their parents’ basements, you should embrace their fresh ideas, their creativity and their contributions to society.

Which leads us to the 2016 40 Under Forty winners. They’re high-achieving professionals, business owners, artists and managers who are all working to make Billings a better place.

Adrian Jawort is a writer and publisher of a company named Off the Pass Press LLC, which works to give voice to Native American writers. He is also co-founder of the Native American Race Relations and Healing Symposium, which has sought to improve relations between whites and Native Americans.

Amy Fladmo began working at the Center for Children and Families, a behavioral health and child well-being agency, while searching for an internship as she completed her degree in human services. She has been working to strengthen families and help children achieve their potential ever since.

Musician Janie Rife Sutton is just 24 years old, but she has been performing and directing in various musical productions for at least eight years.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading about this year’s 40 Under Forty winners. They’re all making a difference in their community.

mike gulledge tom howard COPY EDITOR chris jorgensen GENERAL MANAGER dave worstell PUBLISHER

EDITOR

SALES

ryan brosseau shelli scott ADVERTISING SALES karen anderson, milt lang, arcadea scott ADVERTISING COORDINATOR linsay foley ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

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HERE ARE SOME STATISTICS ABOUT THE 2016 40 UNDER FORTY WINNERS

34.4

The average age of this year’s winners.

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621

The number of people who the winners collectively employ or supervise.

30

Winners who are currently married.

2

The average number of children for winners who have children.

9

The number of winners who have at least one tattoo.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

BRYAN ALEXANDER.................................................4

JOSHUA KOTTER.................................................... 24

SCOTT ASPENLIEDER...............................................5

CASSIE LAGRECA.................................................. 25

DEREK ASPINWALL..................................................6

ZAC LINTON............................................................ 26

HEATHER BERGESON...............................................7

DARRIN MAAS....................................................... 27

ERICA RYBERG BRUEN.............................................8

KATHERYN MAEHL................................................ 28

MARC BURR..............................................................9

RUDI MARTEN........................................................ 29

JAMIE CANNING.....................................................10

KRISTA MONTAGUE............................................... 30

KEVIN CREMER.......................................................11

HEATHER MOSSER................................................ 31

KATIE ELLIS.............................................................12

AMBERLY PAHUT................................................... 32

AMY FLADMO.........................................................13

DANIELA PAVUK..................................................... 33

TIM FREEMAN........................................................ 14

TARYN PLOUFFE.................................................... 36

KRIS FRENCH..........................................................15

ERIN RODRIGUEZ................................................... 37

JANA GRAHAM.......................................................16

ANTHONY ROCCISANO.......................................... 38

CHAD GREEN...........................................................17

KATIE ROEDOCKER................................................ 39

TAMI GREWELL.......................................................18

SAMMIE ROZETT................................................... 40

CATHY GRIDER........................................................19

KASSIE MARIE RUNSABOVE..................................41

SHAUNA HOHN............................................................

ERICA SCHUPPE..................................................... 42

KATIE HUSO............................................................ 21

JOE SPLINTER........................................................ 43

ADRIAN JAWORT................................................... 22

JANIE SUTTON....................................................... 44

KATHERINE KILZER............................................... 23

JOHANNA THOMPSON.......................................... 46

Congratulations on being recognized as one of Billings’ 40 Under 40.

Heather Bergeson Dr. Erica Bruen Dr. Kris French Dr. Anthony Roccisano Katie Roedocker Kassie Runsabove St. Vincent Healthcare is focused on quality and driven to provide the best patient care experience in the region.

Our core values are reflected in the work of associates like Heather, Dr. Bruen, Dr. French, Dr. Roccisano, Katie, and Kassie. Congratulations!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A LOOK AT SOME OF LAST YEAR’S WINNERS.......................................................... 47

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BRYAN ALEXANDER Senior engineer, project manager, Sanderson Stewart As a kid, Bryan Alexander loved taking things apart and putting them back together.

In fact, he still owns the 1960 Chevrolet pickup that he and his dad restored when he was 14 years old.

“The mechanical mindset was there early on,” said Alexander, a Billings native. “That’s what put me on the mechanical engineering path.” Initially, Alexander thought that his education would lead to a career in industry, perhaps designing complex machinery or working in the automotive industry. But things changed after he graduated from Montana State University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He landed a summer position in Billings at Engineering Inc., now known as Sanderson Stewart.

That summer position evolved into a permanent position.

While Sanderson Stewart specializes in civil engineering projects, Alexander didn’t mind making the transition from his background in mechanical engineering.

“Basically, I learned all of the civil engineering aspects on the job. There were some crossovers from the mechanical engineering side,” he said. “They had a need, and I was able to take that on and met that challenge.”

Alexander enjoys the ana-

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Age: 36 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Bus boy, Elmer’s Pancake House What I’m reading: “Ocean Colors,” and other children’s books Liked this movie: “A Clockwork Orange” Biggest passion outside of work: Family lytical challenges that his career presents. But he has explored his creative side with a side business, Alexander Photography, which he runs with his wife. He got his feet wet by taking pictures at a friend’s wedding, but the business grew from there.

“Growing up, I always had an artistic side, which got suppressed because of the timing of my education,” he said. “One thing that photography allows you to do: It’s more instantaneous. You don’t need to spend three hours to make something beautiful. You can do it in a short amount of time. There’s also the technical side, which I like. So I enjoy the blend of the technical side and the artistic side.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

In my job, there are a number of challenges ranging from technical projects to management challenges. It seems like the biggest challenge is balancing the management of several projects at once especially when facing

staffing shortages and inexperienced staff.

What’s the best business advice you have received? I was told as a child that I could do whatever I wanted to do as long as I put my mind to it and work hard enough. I think of it more as life advice and not just business advice, but I took that advice to heart and credit it for where I am.

Who gave you that advice?

My mother.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I grew up in Billings and love the community. One of the great benefits of my job is that I can work on projects that provide lasting impact on the community such as designing livable neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and many other such projects. My wife and I also are committed to doing our part for the help of neglected and abused children as foster parents. We currently have one foster child and talk about it to others at every opportunity in order educate and

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Julie Alexander

When he’s not working as an engineer, Bryan Alexander pursues his passion for photography by shooting weddings, portraits and other events.

Here, he’s photographed during a wedding.

get others involved.

Which living person do you most admire? My grandmother is the person I admire most. She

is a very strong woman that had to make many sacrifices and difficult decisions to protect her children and family. I admire her

courage, strength, and commitment to family.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Completing a project that will have a lasting positive impact on the community and by passing down knowledge to lessexperienced staff members and furthering their development.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I feel my greatest achievement, though very much a work in progress, is providing my daughter a safe and happy home. It is truly amazing to watch her grow and learn.

I’m happiest when I’m… spending time with my wife and daughter, whether it is camping or spending an evening watching a baseball game at Dehler Park (by watching I mean chasing a toddler around the ballpark).

SCOTT ASPENLIEDER Owner, Performance Engineering and Consulting PLLC Scott Aspenlieder put 50,000 miles on his pickup while seeking the Republican nomination for secretary of state in 2012.

Aspenlieder, an engineer who grew up in Culbertson, lacked the name recognition of the GOP’s eventual nominee, former Secretary of State Brad Johnson. But running a statewide campaign taught him many valuable lessons.

“It gave me the perspective on how to connect with people,” Aspenlieder said. Not long after his campaign ended, Aspenlieder decided to leave a regional engineering firm and launch his own business, Performance Engineering and Consulting PLLC. “Working for the big regional firms, I lost a lot of what was important to me. I wanted to get back into building relationships and creating more of a family atmosphere,” Aspenlieder said.

“Billings is a great community,” he said. “We’re doing what we love doing. There’s a lot of freedom and opportunity here.”

Performance Engineering and Consulting is involved in residential and commercial development, municipal services, transportation and oil and gas development. The company has also developed expertise in water resource development.

a growing experience for me as a person.

Which living person do you most admire? My father.

My dad was my coach in nearly every sport, pushed me to excel in everything I did, and was always there to support me in just expanding the recreational What’s the biggest chalmy many failures. He’s the most lenge you face in your job? I opportunities we often times giving and selfless man I’ve love what we do here and the take for granted to help show been around, never concerned people we have are great so go- our appreciation, we can do about himself and giving first ing to work and doing the work better. These men and women to others. As a retired football is not difficult. My biggest chal- deserve more from those of us coach, retired National Guardslenge is more finding a happy who benefit every day from the man, former EMT, fire chief, and balance between my professacrifices they make to allow church leader he has always led sional and personal life. us to do what we do. Expanding by example.

What’s the best business the Montana Wounded Warrior Aside from profit and loss, advice you have received?

Foundation and its reach in Bill- how do you measure success ings while providing the city of “Never get too big to take out in your job? First, client satisBillings with more opportunity to faction with the service we’ve the trash.”

Who gave you that advice? help these men and women is a provided and the end product My grandfather Jerry Knick. He priority for me. they have received. Our goal is Outside of work, my was a small-business owner in to provide the best client service biggest passion is: I started northeast Montana. in the area and give the client a working with the Montana Here’s what I’d like to do product that will help them meet Wounded Warrior Foundation in their goals. Secondly, probably to improve my community: Create a better support network 2012 and can’t really explain the more importantly and close to and foundation for Billings’ vet- rewarding experience working home, the personal and profeserans returning from active duty with men who have sacrificed sional growth of our employees. oversees. Seeing friends and for our country. I didn’t serve What do you consider your acquaintances go through those but watched friends complete greatest achievement? Hiring experiences and come home; their tours oversees. The ability our employees. Each time we there’s more we can do to sup- to bring these outstanding men expand our team at PEC it’s a port these men. Whether that’s who were injured in their deploy- milestone and an achievement ments to my home town and through scholarship for workfor us. force training, helping to provide share our hunting experiences I’m happiest when I’m… a network for job placement or with them each year has been Out hunting with my bird dog.

Age: 33 Family: Married Firt paid job: Mowing lawns What I’m reading: “EntreLeadership” by Dave Ramsey Liked this movie: “Lone Survivor”

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Performance Engineering also helps assess and develop hydroelectric power projects.

“Headwaters states like Montana have a lot of hydropower potential,” he said. “So we go out and chase those things down by partnering with irrigation districts and other owners.”

Aspenlieder’s interest in engineering took root while he was in high school, interning with the NRCS field engineer in Culbertson. Later, he interned with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Wolf Point, and with the Fort Peck Irrigation Project. That practical experience gave him a leg up coming out of school, he said.

Join our team!

Be part of the region’s fastest growing health care organization for many exciting and rewarding opportunities.

Visit our website for positions in: • Nursing • Finance • Leadership • Information systems • Clerical • Technical/clinical • Physician recruitment • Safety

billingsclinic.com/careers Billings Clinic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EOE/AA) E-Verify Employer.

February 2016

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DEREK ASPINWALL Chief executive officer, Aspinwall Mountain Wear A 2014 poll by the Gallup organization found that three in four Montanans say they wouldn’t want to live in any other state.

One Billings business, Aspinwall Mountain Wear, specializes in sportswear that taps into a deep vein of home-state pride.

Derek Aspinwall, chief executive and co-owner, says his company’s merchandise is now sold in 65 retailers throughout the state. They range from sporting goods giant Scheels to a number of mom-and-pop stores scattered around the state.

Building a brand from scratch requires persistence and attention to detail, said Aspinwall, who is the creative force behind the business. His wife, Lucy, provides the business acumen.

“My goal from the beginning was to build and develop apparel and products that were suited for the hiker, backpacker, skier and snowboarder,” Aspinwall said. “While I was still in my full-time job I started gathering as much information as I could that would help me to take the next steps.

“I had very limited exposure in the apparel industry and zero experience in creating artwork digitally. I started watching video tutorials, reading online articles, and developing my skills. We eventually started to produce a handful of Montana shirts and approach stores to carry our product. After several months we were in enough stores for me to go full time with the new adventure.”

Aspinwall said some of his best ideas came to him while he was dreaming.

The couple started their business in their home during June 2014. Last May they opened a store at 2411 Third Ave. N. Their business plan relies on selling merchandise through established retailer, he said.

“We have a website presence, but we have no desire to open up an Aspinwall Mountain Wear store in other communi-

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HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff

Courtesy photo

Derek Aspinwall is shown during a hunting trip in the Missouri Breaks.

and the placement. That’s before you get to the screen print side,” Aspinwall said. “We’ll go through everything from the color of the thread to the length of the hem to the label and the care contents. Even with the color of the T-shirt, you have to decide whether it’s a solid color ties,” he said. slapping it on a T-shirt. or heather,” Aspinwall said.

Designing outdoor-oriented “Even something as simple Aspinwall said it simply clothing involves a lot more than as a T-shirt, you have to figure makes sense to run an outdoor simply sketching out a logo and out what size the logo should be clothing store in Montana. For Age: 32 Family: Married, three children First paid Job: The Buckle What I’m Reading: “First Samuel” Liked this movie: “The Ultimate Gift” How I relax: Watching movies with my wife and kids

starters, you don’t have to go far to test your product.

“There are a lot of mountain apparel brands that are headquartered in California, but I always thought it was strange that Montana doesn’t have one,” Aspinwall said. “We have the Beartooths in our backyard, and there’s a big population of people who do this every day or every week.”

What’s the biggest chal-

lenge you face in your job? Establishing trustworthy relationships with multiple factories all over the world that can not only produce a product that meets our high standards but also do it in a timely fashion and be of good reputation.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.”

Who gave you that advice?

Winston Churchill.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I would love to help other aspiring entrepreneurs get started and get on their feet and succeed.

Whether that is in the form of advice, coaching, partnership, etc. I am a big fan of the American small business. For America to win, it has to win.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Skiing or bowhunting.

Which living person do you most admire? My wife.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Fulfillment, joy, seeing the fulfillment of a dream come to pass, involving others in my journey, inspiring others to take the leap of an entrepreneur, believing in our destiny and seeing it come to pass.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Creating a business from nothing and seeing it develop from the dream stage to currently selling our products in over 60 stores.

I’m happiest when I’m… with my family.

HEATHER BERGESON Director of special events, St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation Many consider Billings a generous community, where the well-to-do and even those of modest means all contribute to numerous worthy causes.

Heather Bergeson experiences that generosity regularly through her job as director of special events at St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, a not-forprofit organization that develops philanthropic gifts to support St. Vincent Healthcare.

People may not realize the extent to which gifts from individuals and businesses assist the medical community, which in turn improves patient health, she said.

Working for the foundation, “It seems like every day is different and exciting,” Bergeson said. “Sometimes foundations are overwhelmed with donors’ generosity.”

One great example of philanthropy making a difference was in 2014 when St. Vincent Healthcare and the Billings Clinic divided the $38 million estate from businessman Paul Metzger, who died in May 2014, just before his 98th birthday.

In another example, the SAINTS Ball raised more than $1 million for St. Vincent Healthcare’s Medical-Surgical Center of Excellence.

Bergeson worked for the Alberta Bair Theater in development and as box office manager for eight years before she was recruited to join the St. Vincent Foundation. The job turned out to be much more than the “party planner” position she had envisioned, she said.

“I was surprised by the unexpected rewards in my work,” Bergeson said. “Together with volunteers, generous individuals and community businesses, we’ve brought philanthropic investment to St. Vincent’s healing mission. The funds we raise through SAINTS and our other events, profoundly affects people’s lives.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? I am privileged to hear inspiring patient stories of great

Courtesy photo

Heather Bergeson with her husband, Robb; daughter, Finley; and son, Riley.

Age: 39 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Working at The Granary What I’m reading: “The Matheny Manifesto” How I relax: Being on Flathead Lake perseverance and courage.

For me, when a child has an acute injury or illness and the family faces a heart-wrenching outcome, it is difficult to not internalize that challenge and become overwhelmed. Each day the staff in a hospital faces great joys and great sadness.

Accepting both is my greatest challenge.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Volunteers do not get paid. Treat them with kindness and respect and they will reward you over and over again.

Who gave you that advice?

I don’t remember, but as the director of special events for St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, I work with volunteers often. I

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

am so grateful for their support, friendship and time.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community:

We need more funding for our public schools. Our children are our future.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Spending time with my family.

Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She showed me that you can work, volunteer, attend every sporting event and still have a hot dinner on the table. She is always helping a friend and never says no to a sleepover or a chance to spend time with her grandchildren. She is simply amazing.

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

Other than dollars raised, I am successful if our patrons have gratifying experiences, our volunteers have fun and feel appreciated, and I can see firsthand that the dollars raised help patients and their families in our community.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My family. I have an incredible husband and two beautiful children that make me want to be a better person.

I’m happiest when... I feel balance in my life; family, friends, work, volunteer obligations and overall organization in our dayto-day activities.

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ERICA RYBERG BRUEN M.D.-Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Healthcare While preparing for a career in health care, Erica Ryberg Bruen sometimes thought about heading to the front lines in the battle against infectious diseases. Such a career might have involved traveling to the far corners of the world and bringing modern science to bear against outbreaks of scary diseases.

She already knew what it’s like to live overseas. In college, while studying in Ecuador for a semester, she worked in a cancer hospital for the poor.

Bruen’s career as an internal medicine physician at St. Vincent Heathcare keeps her closer to home. But she relishes her role in keeping people healthy.

“I like the primary care aspect,” she said. “I still see infectious diseases and can treat them or refer patients as needed.”

Bruen said her practice allows her to form a long-term relationship with her patients.

“It’s neat to be able to see patients through their ups and downs, and what’s happening in their family,” she said.

“I see several families where I take care of all the siblings and the parents, too.”

Bruen has always had an interest in medicine. “I started out as a candy striper taking ice chips to pregnant patients and delivering flowers in the hospital,” she said. “I remember reading about small-town female doctors as a kid, so I was always drawn to that. I liked science and biology, and looking at colleges I had a feeling that I wanted to go into pre-med.”

For the past three years, thousands of Montanans have gotten to know Bruen through her monthly appearances on KTVQ’s Montana This Morning news program. People sometimes stop her in the store because they recognize her from TV. Bruen tries to emphasize information that viewers can

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Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Working in skiing, sporting goods store What I’m reading: “The Reason for God” by Tim Keller, and “Carry On Warrior” by Glennon Melton Doyle Liked this movie: “Inside Out” How I relax: Being outdoors, especially at the family cabin on Hebgen Lake use. During the winter, she has discussed seasonal affective disorder. During the summer, she has provided tips on how to avoid food poisoning or dealing with West Nile virus.

“It’s all in the interest of improving community health.

We’re able to reach a greater audience that way,” she said.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Being able to take the time I want to with patients in a changing medical world with aging population and high demand for primary care physicians. Also work/life balance with a wonderful but busy husband and young kids.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

When I started at St. Vincent, my senior partner Neal Sorensen, M.D., who is beloved by his patients, stated that the best part about our jobs is the ability to close the exam room door to the outside world and just simply take care of the patient. I try to remind myself of that when things get crazy.

Who gave you that advice? Neal Sorensen M.D. Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Expose our children to the beauty of nature in hopes of preserving it for future generations. I also value my time providing medical information on Q2 news in hopes of reaching out to a greater audience of patients and in doing so help the health of the community Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My kids and family. Traveling, watching them grow and learn about different places and people.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Which living person do you most admire? Has to be both my mom and my dad in their own ways they have taught me strength, determination, perseverance and humor even through adversity.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Keeping patients healthy, seeing patients meet their personal health goals, hopefully finding disease early and being able to treat it, supporting patients through disease both during the fight and also when it is time to stop fighting.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Becoming a doctor.

The years of preparation, testing, applications, training and long work hours. That was rough, but worth it.

I’m happiest when I’m… spending time with my family, in nature, spending time at family cabin on Hebgen Lake. Also I find myself to be very happy having time relaxing and catching up with girlfriends.

Courtesy photo

Erica Ryberg Bruen with her husband, Kevin; daughter, Lannon; and son, John.

MARC BURR General manager, Billings Wolves football team More than 19,000 fans trooped to MetraPark last year to watch the inaugural season of the Billings Wolves. Marc Burr, general manager of the Indoor Football League team, said players, coaches and managers are all focused on fielding an improved squad for 2016.

“You never want to put the cart before the horse. But with the majority of guys we had from last season and a coach in his second season, the expectations are high this year,” Burr said.

The Wolves started their 2015 season slow, but finished 5-9 after reeling off four wins in their last five games. The Wolves brought indoor football back to Billings after a four-year hiatus, and familiar faces contributed to the team’s popularity. Wolves coach Chris Dixon was a star quarterback of the successful Billings Outlaws, who won backto-back championships before the team folded in 2010.

Burr earned his stripes on the field before taking over as general manager of the Wolves.

He was an All American wide receiver at Urbana University in Ohio and attended a rookie camp with the Cincinnati Bengals after graduation. While he didn’t catch on in the National Football League, Burr played indoor football for the Colorado Ice and later the Billings Outlaws before ending his playing career in 2008.

Burr doesn’t miss the physical pounding he received playing football.

“I don’t have to run and hit anymore. But I miss my teammates,” he said. “When you’re sitting there and watching a full game, sometimes you think about what it’s like to catch a touchdown.”

Burr never suffered any serious injuries playing football. But he also prefers to play it safe with his own three sons. They play lots of sports, but tackle football is ruled out until they reach middle school.

As a rule, IFL players view the league as a stepping stone for a chance to play at the next level. “Everybody is hoping to put together the right tape that gets

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HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff

Kids line up and cheer for Wolves quarterback Darakatalib Britt during the Billings Wolves vs. Tri-Cities Fever game at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

Age: 33 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Lifeguard What I’m reading: “The Sacred Band: The Acacia Trilogy Book 3” Liked this movie: “Sicario” How I relax: Reading, lifting weights sent to the right agent,” Burr said.

One example is Jamel Johnson, a former Wolves player, who closed out 2015 on the Green Bay Packers practice squad.

Coaches are always on the lookout for on-field talent. But Burr also looks at a player’s character.

“Coach might have a guy that he wants, but if he doesn’t fit in here in Billings, it won’t work out,” Burr said.

What’s the biggest chal-

lenge you face in your job?

Sponsorship partnerships within the community. “The toughest thing about any minor league sport, because you don’t have the NFL to back you. So it’s important how you market to your fans and reach them,” he said.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

“There is no absolute rule. If your approach works then you made the right decision. Get out there

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

and react to the initial feedback you get.”

Who gave you that advice?

Greg Gianforte.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I try to improve the community by

working in the low-income energy assistance program and energy share program (HRDC7) and help provide heating assistance to those that need it.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Spending time with my family creating memories.

Which living person do you most admire? My father, Marc Burr Sr. Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Success with a football team can be measured in a number of ways. We were nominated for Best Fan Base and Community Relations Award in 2015.

Our coach was a Coach of the Year candidate. We average the sixth largest crowd in the league.

Those with larger crowds have a

winning record where we did not.

We made over 150 community appearances in 2015. Our fans stayed engaged with us before we started winning, which in itself is a feat. I measure success based on how well we operate overall.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Personal life: buying a house. IFL: As a member of the IFL directors being on the committee that made the new veteran rules that only allow each team to have seven vets, so that we continue to recruit and give young players to showcase their talents. Billings Wolves: nominated by the IFL for the Community Relations award.

I’m happiest when... my sons are excited and smiling.

JAMIE CANNING Owner, Tiny Miracles Doula Services As a doula, Jamie Canning helps expectant mothers prepare for giving birth. She provides assistance in the delivery room and even helps new mothers with the transition to parenthood.

“We also do postpartum support, where we come to a client’s home,” said Canning, owner of Tiny Miracles Doula Services. “We even do chores around the house so mothers have time to bond with their baby.”

Doula is a Greek word referring to a female servant. The modern definition refers to a woman trained to assist before, during childbirth and after childbirth.

Canning said she and her husband hired a doula when she was pregnant with their first child. “It was really nice because she was there to let us know what our options were. Being a first-time mom, that was helpful,” Canning said.

“She was the one constant that I could count on during my birth. Not knowing which doctor would show up and being a first-time mom was scary,” Canning said. “She let me know that I had options and what my options were, and supported the decisions I made. I have always been fascinated with pregnancy and birth. After my first birth I did more research, did the doula training, and started attending births. I wanted to pay it forward to other families and help them achieve the births they want.”

In addition to her doula training, Canning also has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and mental health services from Montana State University Billings.

Over the past four years, she has assisted in more than 30 births.

“For birth services I help families look at their birth options, help with positioning and other tricks to help labor progress and make it more comfortable, and help explain interventions and pain management options. Postpartum services

Courtesy photo

Jamie Canning with her husband, Barrett, and her kids.

Age: 36 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Lifeguard, swimming instructor What I’m reading: I’m in between books Liked this movie: Big Hero 6 How I relax: Exercise include coming to the family’s home to help them adjust to their new life with a baby. I help with teaching soothing techniques, newborn care, baby carrying, and can help with feedings. Also part of postpartum care is overnight care. Sometimes families just need a rest and I can care for the baby while the family

sleeps, and help with nighttime feedings.

Doulas help out in all types of births, whether the baby is delivered by a doctor, a midwife, or in a home delivery.

When a doula is in the delivery room, that doesn’t mean the father is excluded. “The dad is a key component. He knows the

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

mom intimately. I know the birth process. Together we help the mom,” Canning said.

What’s the biggest chal-

lenge you face in your job?

Advertising, and letting more people know about the benefits of doula care.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Charge what you are worth.

People won’t realize your worth until you do.

Who gave you that advice?

I’ve heard it a few places.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I would like to get Medicaid and insurance companies to cover the costs of doula care so everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the services.

Which living person do you

most admire? My husband, Barrett. He works very hard to support our family so I can stay home with our kids. He supports me in my business ventures.

When he’s not working or playing with the family, he’s setting up free family movies series for our community’s families.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? That the family I served is happy with their birth experience.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Graduating with my master’s degree.

I’m happiest when I’m... cuddling with my family.

February 2016

10

KEVIN CREMER Business development manager, Billings Chamber of Commerce Last summer, the Billings Chamber of Commerce won the equivalent of the Super Bowl when it was named Chamber of the Year. Billings was among five award winners recognized by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Kevin Cremer, the Billings Chamber’s business development manager, was among the staff members and board members who attended the festivities in Montreal.

While it was a bit of an adventure for the Montana contingent to navigate Frenchspeaking Montreal, the trip was a thrill, Cremer said.

The Billings Chamber has 1,178 members in a community with more than 7,350 businesses. Its total revenue, including tourism-related funds, is $3.1 million.

The Chamber’s membership has shown some impressive growth. From the 2013-14 fiscal year to the 2014-15 fiscal year, the number of new members increased 20 percent, while new-member revenue increased 50 percent.

Cremer has a background in construction and even built his first home from the ground up. In college, he showed a knack for sales and marketing.

“After graduating from Montana State University Billings, I found that I enjoyed working with people and that I had a knack for sales. I was very determined to succeed in the Billings business community, and after successful jobs in marketing and advertising, I was offered the specialty leasing manager position at Rimrock Mall. In this position, I worked with hundreds of retail businesses on their leases, advertising, and sponsorships.

“I enjoyed building my specialty leasing program with cotenancy and leasing space to the right businesses, selling the right products that would help the mall thrive. It was a great feeling to work with business owners and help grow their business from a kiosk into an in-line store with the goal of signing a permanent lease. Over the course

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Kevin Cremer, with his wife, Theresa, and their son, Campbell.

Age: 32 Family: Married, one child First paid job: Albertsons carryout What I’m reading: “What to Expect in the First Year” by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel Liked this movie: “A River Runs Through It” How I relax: A dip in the hot tub of my two years at Rimrock Mall, the specialty leasing program generated record high revenue and occupancy.

“In September of 2014, I jumped at the employment opportunity with the Billings Chamber of Commerce to be a part of Billings’ thriving business community in the city that I love.

It is a fantastic feeling to wake up every morning excited to go to work and meet with a variety of different business to help them build relationships with other members, grow their visibility in the community, and help them to meet their goals.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? I want to help everyone maximize their Chamber membership and member experience, but often

I feel that I am being pulled in multiple directions. Ideally, I work to be fully focused on the individual and their business that I am working with in that specific moment, although connecting them with other Chamber member companies is my goal.

Often, I struggle with needing or wanting to be helpful to everyone all at once.

What’s the best business advice you have received? If you truly want to treat your customer as a king, you must first treat your associates/co-workers as royalty.

Who gave you that advice?

My father, Chuck Cremer.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I want to be a facilitator of a collaborative business climate in Billings.

I would like to see local business professionals collaborating with the goal of a thriving local business environment. I want to be a key element in turning the dial within our community and trade area.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: To be a great father and husband, as my wife and son are the two most important people in my life.

Which living person do you most admire? My wife, Theresa, as she is an amazing mother to our son while also being a very successful business woman.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? In business, all that you have is your name and reputation. If either of those is tarnished, they are tarnished forever. With that being said, the perception that business professionals have of me throughout our community is a measure that you cannot see on a balance sheet, but is real and important. The relationships built in our community are what will drive growth and success for years to come.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Personally, being a father is the greatest responsibility and achievement in my life.

Professionally, being part of the Billings Chamber team that was awarded the 2015 ACCE Chamber of the Year is my greatest achievement.

I’m happiest when I’m… attending University of Montana Grizzly football games with friends and family, as we are a family of strong traditions.

February 2016

11

KATIE CLINE ELLIS Owner, Bottega A move west has proven successful for Bottega, an upscale women’s clothing store that switched locations from downtown to Shiloh Crossing about one year ago.

Doing business in Shiloh Crossing has its advantages, said Katie Cline Ellis, Bottega’s owner. Foot traffic is heavier, thanks in part to Bottega’s proximity to Scheels and other anchor stores. Parking is convenient, and many shoppers like to visit other women’s stores such as NeeCee’s and Meridian when they venture out to the West End. According to one long-held measuring stick in retail marketing, 20 percent of the customers typically account for 80 percent of a store’s profits.

“That’s why we reach out to our existing clients and say that we have just gotten something new in, and that we think you’ll like it,” Ellis said. “That type of relationship is really important.

Maintaining our core clientele is huge because we have already gained their trust.”

Bottega is an Italian word meaning a studio or workshop.

When it came to naming the store, Ellis wanted something that didn’t sound too feminine.

She also devoted a lot of attention to building the brand.

Her father, Fred Cline, helped out the store’s look by crafting shelving, display fixtures and a large B-shaped wall-hanging that’s mounted behind the front counter.

Ellis was introduced to retail sales during college when she went to work at The Buckle store in Rimrock Mall. Later, as a manager in training, she was offered an opportunity to open a new Buckle store in Cour d’Alene, Idaho. She ran the store for a while, but yearned to return to Billings and start her own business.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Finding the right staff of employees to help run your business is key. I have been fortunate to hire an amazing group of women who treat Bottega like their own.

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February 2016

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Honoree Katie Ellis comes forward to accept her 20 Exceptional Women award at a luncheon at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center on Sept. 17, 2015.

people choose to continue to travel to Billings to spend money.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family.

My entire immediate family lives in Billings. We all currently live in the same neighborhood.

We have large family dinners can easily delegate.

I have been able to instill the together multiple times a week. I Who gave you that advice? love of Bottega in them that they love spending time with them as Sean Robinson, Billings, store are proud to be a huge part of well as my nieces and nephew. a small company. They execute manager The Buckle.

Which living person do you Here’s what I’d like to do to the vision that I have created most admire? My parents.

Courtesy photo improve my community: Billdaily.

Aside from profit and loss, What’s the best business ings is my home, where I grew be a part of Billings’ newest and how do you measure success up. I love how welcoming we are largest shopping destinations. advice you have received? in your job? By how many Hire people “better than you.” as a community and how loyal And Shiloh Crossing is still grow- people we are able to instill we are to each other. Billings is a ing rapidly. I am very proud to be confidence in and make feel I took this advice and took it large hub for surrounding areas. a part of this growth and know to mean hire to your weakbeautiful. I am a firm believer in Bottega is fortunate enough to that I am part of the reason that that when we put on an outfit nesses, or in areas that you Age: 30 Family: Married First paid job: Swimming instructor What I’m reading: “Girl Boss” Liked this movie: “Dirty Dancing” How I relax: Sitting by the fire with friends and family.

that we feel confident in, we take on the day differently. We walk taller, we are proud, we accomplish more, we are happier.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? The strong relationships that I have with my friends and family. It is difficult to remain close to good friends and family with the “craziness of life” happening. But I make a strong effort to stay connected through our adult lives.

I’m happiest when I’m… spending time with my family.

I am fortunate enough to get to travel with my family. We have so much fun together. It is so incredible to be so close and connected with them.

AMY FLADMO Chief operating officer, programs, Center for Children and Families Amy Fladmo started playing piano and singing in her church choir by the time she reached school age. She took up the flute while still in elementary school, earned superior ratings as part of a high school singing group and landed a number of roles at Venture Theatre, now NOVA Center for the Performing Arts.

Growing up, one aspect of Fladmo’s character might have overshadowed her obvious love for music: her strong desire to help others.

“If you ask my parents, they say I’ve always been sensitive and cued in to social injustices,” she said. “I went to school with a boy who had developmental disabilities. All the kids picked on him, and it bothered me. I came home and cried about it.”

Fladmo entered Montana State University Billings with the idea of becoming a teacher. But she switched majors after going to work in a group home for teen boys who were emotionally disturbed. “A few months into that I realized I was in the wrong degree and I ended up in human services,” she said.

Her internship at the Second Chance Home during her last year of college led to a permanent position there. Four years and several promotions later, she’s

Age: 29 Family: Single, one child First paid job: Babysitting What I’m reading: “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character” by Paul Tough Liked this movie: “Inside Out” Here’s how I relax: Reading, watching Netflix, traveling munity that understands it takes everyone to “break the cycle.” I would like our community to truly invest in the social and emotional needs of children as they are our future and our greatest asset.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Spending time with my family.

Courtesy photo Which living person do you Amy Fladmo and her daughter. most admire? My sister.

Aside from profit and loss, designed to help create the best Trying to work with local and state chief operating officer for the how do you measure success successor agency, known as the futures for children and their fami- staff to sustain and systematically LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff in your job? Success in my job integrate these necessary projects Center for Children and Families, lies. Most clients are referred to is seeing children successfully a behavioral health and child well- the center through the state Child so that kids and families can truly fighting for what you know in reunified with their families and and Family Services Division of heal and grow together is somebeing agency that helps children your heart is right.” on the road to healing, resilience, times a very tireless and daunting the Department of Public Health and families.

Who gave you that advice? and improved overall well-being. task. We are constantly working “I have always wanted to help and Human Services.

My friend and mentor, What do you consider your to affect systems change, and that Becky Bey. What’s the biggest chalpeople and make a difference,” greatest achievement? My can really be hard work. You have Fladmo said. “The majority of the lenge you face in your job?

Here’s what I’d like to do to greatest achievement so far is The majority of projects I to have the will to constantly keep kids we deal with have expeimprove my community: my 2-year-old daughter. She was rienced high levels of trauma. oversee are grant funded. The innovating, advocating, and never I would like to help increase born prematurely and has defied Many are affected by substance biggest challenge I face is sustain- give up. knowledge/reduce the stigma all odds. She is a beautiful, vivaability efforts. All of the projects abuse in their families.”

What’s the best business around individuals/families affected cious, extremely intelligent and The center provides compre- we deploy at the center truly meet advice you have received? empathetic little girl who’s surely hensive counseling and therapy the emotional and psychological “There will always be blood by trauma, mental illness, and/or substance abuse; so that we may on her way to changing the world. programs, group programs and needs of the most underserved when you are the first to the I’m happiest when I’m… other family-oriented programs populations in our community. wall. Don’t ever give up. Keep create a more empathetic com-

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TIM FREEMAN Food and beverage director, executive chef, Northern Hotel Globetrotting chef Tim Freeman’s cooking skills have taken him to the far corners of the Earth. Before he became food and beverage director and executive chef at the Northern Hotel in 2014, he spent the better part of a decade cooking in Moscow, Portugal, the Philippines and Kenya.

“You pick up on the different techniques,” Freeman said. “But you become an excellent problem solver working with many different cultures. It helps you become a good people person.”

The job at the Northern appealed to him because he liked the idea of working for a historic hotel in a resurgent downtown.

“I wanted to be part of something fun, and I thought Billings was a cool, growing community, and a good place to raise a family,” he said.

Since coming to Billings, Freeman has helped put the Northern Hotel on the map. Last spring, Freeman and the Northern’s TEN Restaurant were recognized in the 2015 World Gourmet Society Festival.

Recently, Freeman appeared on the Food Network to compete against celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

Freeman said he has a dual role at the Northern, which operates Bernie’s Diner and TEN. “Not only do you have to make sure that we run a profitable operation, we have to make sure the food we have is up to par,” he said.

Bernie’s breakfast and lunch menu features comfort food and family fare. But Freeman regards TEN as his playground, where he can take dining to the next level.

“TEN is kind of a marketing tool for the hotel,” he said. “On a busy weekend night we might do 100 covers, but we don’t want to do more than that.”

Rather than running a highvolume “turn and burn” kitchen, “TEN is where people come for special occasions, and I like to keep it that way. We want our customers to have a fine dining experience.”

TEN’s menu includes wild game and exotic dishes such as kangaroo from Australia. “We can’t keep kangaroo in stock. Not

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February 2016

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff

Tim Freeman, executive chef at TEN at the Northern Hotel, was photographed last fall with his son Wyatt.

Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Dishwasher What I’m reading: National Geographic Liked this movie: “Burnt” How I relax: Time with my family, cooking, being outdoors only do people order it, they rave about it. It’s a very popular meat in Australia, and it would be the equivalent of cooking New York Strip steaks.”

The holiday season is the busiest time of year, as the Northern hustles to keep up with numerous year-end banquets.

Freeman started working at

restaurants during high school and has always felt at home in the kitchen. “You see the results of what you’re doing right away,” he said. “It’s action and reaction.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Keeping all my employees happy.

Managing 60 people is difficult because each one has their own personality, strengths, and weaknesses.

What’s the best business advice you have received? Stay

humble.

Who gave you that advice?

My mentor, Craig O’Brien.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Currently I am working with two organizations in town to offer cooking skills classes to battered women. My mother was a battered wife and I experienced firsthand how a woman who doesn’t have any skills will choose to stay in an abusive relationship for fear of being homeless or starving. I

want to change their story. Too often we treat the symptoms of abuse, rather than looking at the causes. A majority of the problem is that they do not have the skills to get a job and change the story.

I want to help them and give them skills.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My children. I have a 2-year-old son and a 4-month-old daughter. I spend all of my free time with them.

Which living person do you most admire? I don’t admire a single individual. I admire people who work hard, take care of their families, and people who want to positively impact their communities.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? I measure success by what my people learn, and how they improve their lives on a daily basis. When I can work with young chefs and light a spark in their minds for food, I then get to see the excitement it brings.

I know in my heart that making that connection with them will change their life.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a father and raising two small kids, and beating Bobby Flay on Food Network.

I’m happiest when I’m… with my family and enjoying some downtime from a hectic work schedule.

Editor’s note: Billings Business learned at press time that Tim Freeman was moving to Colorado to work for a hotel restaurant in suburban Denver.

KRIS FRENCH M.D., neurologist, St. Vincent Healthcare Kris French credits his former instructors at Rocky Mountain College for sparking his interest in medicine.

Rocky takes pride in the high acceptance rate of its graduates who apply to medical school.

French, a neurologist at St. Vincent Healthcare, said he and two classmates were accepted to medical school the year he graduated.

French said small class sizes and individualized attention from instructors prepared him well for medical school. He said Claire Oakley, a former Rocky professor, was a key mentor. Rocky suited him well because he had attended a number of other colleges before deciding on a career, he said.

“I liked the sciences — biology and chemistry — but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Claire suggested that I should try taking the entrance exam for medical school, and I ended up doing very well,” he said.

French investigated a number of specialties before settling on neurology. “Neurology is interesting because, unlike every other specialty, there’s no diagnostic test. So, you have to do a lot of investigation and build up a case.”

French is a certified multiple sclerosis specialist from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. The good news for MS

Courtesy photo

Kris French with his family, pictured at Rocky Mountain College.

Age: 37 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Lifeguard, Plentywood pool What I’m reading: “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell Liked this movie: “Braveheart” How relax: Reading and jogging with my wife and kids. patients is that treatments today are more effective. These days doctors can choose among 40 drugs to treat MS, compared to a single drug that was available 20 years ago.

What’s the biggest chal-

lenge you face in your job? In neurology, many of the disorders are incurable and difficult to treat.

It is challenging sometimes to discuss and communicate well these extremely devastating diseases to

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patients and families. However, it is often quite encouraging to see the strength and courage of so many patients. It can be a challenge to communicate effectively and it does not get easier with time, but difficulties like this build the skills and ability to do it well.

Even though these disorders can be challenging, as a physician, it is encouraging and exciting to be a part of the science and research into discovering new treatments and technologies to help treat people with these currently

come to realize how easily persuaded I am at picking up a new princess dress at Costco each time we go there. We also love to travel and we love the beach. We both enjoy reading a lot of books.

We love to go on lengthy walks.

We enjoy jogging with all four of us with my wife and I taking turns pushing the double-wide stroller.

All four of us are HUGE Chicago Cubs fans. We have begun a tradiBOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff tion of travelling to Arizona each spring for spring training. Next year will be the year for the Cubs. “incurable” disorders.

What’s the best business They were so close this year. advice you have received? A Which living person do you tie. First, work is not a necessary most admire? Ravi Zacharias is evil but rather it is challenging brilliant and brave. Best storyteller and something to enjoy (mixture alive. between my dad and Tim Keller).

Aside from profit and loss, Second, failures are posts on the how do you measure success way toward achievement. We fail in your job? Leaving work at the forward toward success (C.S. end of the day with a sense of acLewis). complishment and completion.

Who gave you that advice?

What do you consider My dad, Tim Keller books, and your greatest achievement?

C.S. Lewis books.

Convincing my wife to marry Outside of work, my bigme and have children. She is an gest passion is: My family and baseball. My wife and I have been amazing woman and our two kids are amazing. I am honored to be married for 10-1/2 years. We have a 4-year-old daughter and a a husband and father. That is my 2-1/2-year-old son. Over the past greatest achievement.

I’m happiest when I’m… year, I have become extremely With my wife and kids wherever well aware of the multitude of Disney princess movies and I have we are and whatever we’re doing.

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JANA GRAHAM Owner, Jana Graham Photography In order to capture a memorable wedding picture, photographer Jana Graham sometimes has to provide emotional support for a nervous bride. “I work to make her feel like a million bucks. Sometimes I end up being their therapist,” said Graham, owner of Jana Graham Photography on Montana Avenue.

Weddings tend to be the most stressful photo shoots because there are so many people involved.

Likewise, when the subject being photographed is an active child, Graham often tries to inject a little bit of fun into the situation, because parents and grandparents appreciate photos of happy, smiling kids.

“I try to capture their authentic self. You want it to be the best version of themselves,” Graham said, describing her approach to photographing people.

Graham also works to make senior portraits memorable.

Customers often bring several outfits. Often a makeup artist comes to help.

Graham first took up photography while she was just a kid. But she decided to take her passion for photography to a new level after her oldest daughter was born. She studied and practiced until her work showed polish.

Jana Graham Photography specializes in weddings and other special events, senior portraits, families and commercial photography.

A lot of seemingly simple tips — the way your head is tilted, for example — can spell the difference between a so-so photograph and a memorable portrait, Graham said.

“It’s the small things, like putting your chin up or where you’re looking,” she said. She uses natural light where practical, and infrequently uses elaborate offcamera lights.

Graham strives to emphasize relationships — couples, families or friends — when photographing groups of people.

“When I look back at pictures, the ones I gravitate to are not the posed ones. They’re the ones

16

February 2016

Courtesy photo

Jana Graham, her husband, Chris, and children, from left, Taylor, Hailey and Ty.

keep Graham hopping during the busy summer months. When she’s editing photos late at night during the winter months, she often dons her argyle footie pajamas.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Trying to find the perfect balance of outfits, and we go to a lot of between family and career, different locations.” especially given the seasonality During her 10 years in business, Graham’s business has of my work. grown from a one-woman show.

What’s the best business She now has three employees. advice that you have received?

Weddings and senior portraits Work hard and give clients the

Age: 38 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Construction laborer What I’m reading: “A Short History of San Francisco” Like this movie: “The Bourne Identity” How I relax: Hiking where people are laughing and loving and hugging,” she said.

She also strives to make senior portraits memorable. “We have a makeup artist, and we blast music to make them feel really special. They bring in a ton

best experience possible.

Who gave you that advice?

My parents. They never said it verbally, but taught me through example. They owned their own business.

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

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My kids.

I’m happiest when I’m... paddleboarding on a gorgeous lake with my family.

Courtesy photo

CHAD GREEN Division manager, Acuren; owner, Lasting Legacy Assisted Living Chad Green was so impressed with the care his grandmother received at a local assisted living home that he thought it would be a good business in which to invest.

Green contacted Berni Brown, the previous owner of the home where his grandmother stayed.

Over coffee, he shared his idea of developing an assisted living home. Soon they became business partners and developers of the Lasting Legacy, an assisted living home at 1636 Inverness Drive in the Billings Heights.

Witnessing his grandmother’s experience made Green passionate about providing comfortable living arrangements for seniors.

“I saw how I could help others and touch a lot of lives and give people a place that would make them happy at that stage in their lives,” Green said.

He described Brown as a great mentor, whose experience and background have been essential to the partnership.

Green and Brown welcomed Lasting Legacy’s first resident, Helen Lee, last spring. The building has filled up, and the business has been so successful that they will soon break ground on a second home next door. The two buildings will be separated by a courtyard.

Lasting Legacy, which can accommodate up to 20 residents, is part of a trend in which smaller, home-like facilities are being developed as an alternative to larger senior housing centers.

The concept emphasizes individualized care and a large common area where residents can mingle.

“We try to be different from what you think about a nursing home,” Green said. “That has been one of our top goals: to make it a little better for each and every one of our residents.”

Building Lasting Legacy also fulfilled Green’s long-time desire to operate his own business. “I couldn’t have thought of a better business to own,” he said. “Not only does it give me the opportunity to follow my passion, but it’s where my heart is.”

When he’s not managing

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Courtesy photo

Chad Green, right, is pictured during a fishing trip in British Columbia.

Age: 32 Family: Single First paid job: Loading aircraft cargo What I’m reading: Offshore Oil and Gas Journal, Architectural Digest Liked this movie: “A River Runs Through It” Lasting Legacy, Green is division manager for Acuren, a company that provides testing for a variety of industrial factories, including the three oil refineries in the Billings area.

Acuren uses radiography and ultrasound to test the integrity of pipes, valves and other components. Tests include integrity analysis for equipment, corrosion monitoring for structures and equipment and tests to measure fatigue of equipment and materials.

“The idea is to head off failures and do preventative maintenance. The refineries have crews in there daily,” Green said.

When he started working for Acuren, Green did a lot of work on oil drilling platforms in Alaska.

Workers often work in areas that are high in the air and inaccessible without safety equipment.

Green frequently rappelled on ropes in order to get to the right place.

“We would rappel down, and sometimes we do deviations, where we would move side to side on the ropes,” Green said.

“Safety is our top priority.”

Describe how you got where you are in your work today: Great mentors along with perseverance, dedication, commitment and determination in seeing my vision come to fruition.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? My age. I had to work harder in proving my abilities, capabilities and knowledge within each of these two business industries.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

“Success is not owned, it’s leased and rent is due every day.”

Who gave you that advice?

It’s from J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Continue being able to offer career opportunities and advancement to others who share the same passion as I do.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? At Acuren, we provide employees the knowledge, tools and training to succeed within their career. At

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Lasting Legacy, success happens by knowing I’m able to care for not only our residents, but also touch the lives of their families by providing a home that ensures assistance with day-to-day living is being provided, with the dignity and respect these residents deserve at this point in their lives.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Family and friends, fly-fishing and baseball.

Which living person do you most admire? Grandpa….He’s taught me you don’t need to be boisterous to go to the front of the line. Instead, be patient, respectful, and the best person you can every day — the end result will be success.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Seeing my vision come to fruition.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Able to help others.

You strive to provide the best orthopedic care to your patients, and it shows.

We are proud to have you as a valued member of the Ortho Montana team.

The only SPECIALIZED orthopedic group in the region.

montanabones.com February 2016

17

TAMI GREWELL SANE clinician, program coordinator, Billings Clinic In an ideal world, the services that Tami Grewell and other nurses in the SANE program provide wouldn’t be needed.

In reality, the SANE program at Billings Clinic provided more than 100 evidence-collecting exams for victims of sexual assault in 2015.

SANE stands for sexual assault nurse examiner. Grewell runs the program in which specially trained nurses are available around the clock to provide examinations and collect evidence from victims of sexual assault.

Because they deal with patients who have experienced serious trauma, SANE examiners must approach their jobs with great care, Grewell said.

“You try to build a rapport with patients,” Grewell said.

“Having worked in the emergency room before this, I’m used to dealing with patients who are hurt or sick. Sometimes we deal with patients who want to get it over with right away. Sometimes they’ll need a little extra time and support.”

Other sources of support are available for sexual assault victims. The YWCA provides advocates for sexual assault victims, as does the Phoenix Center at Montana State University Billings.

“It can be emotionally taxing sometimes,” Grewell said of her job. “But it’s definitely a needed service. It’s still a program that people don’t’ know a lot about. Even other employees at Billings Clinic haven’t heard about it. But we try to promote awareness so people know that people can come here if they need to. It’s a free service.

There’s no charge for an exam.”

Victims of sexual assault represent all races, all ages and all genders. Grewell has seen victims who ranged in age from 17 months to their 70s.

When she’s not working at the Billings Clinic, Grewell stays busy working at what she calls her “ideal job,” the family farm near Silesia. “I spend a lot of time on a tractor. I’m also a pretty good carpenter. We built our own house 11 years ago.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

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February 2016

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

as human trafficking.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family. I have three wonderful kids who are very involved at their school.

Nothing makes me happier than being able to cheer them on at sporting events, or listen to them sing and play instruments at band and choir concerts.

Which living person do you most admire? My grandfather, “Papa,” who passed away a little over a year ago. He was one of the hardest working men I know. He was a farmer who loved his family.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Patient satisfaction and safety is very important, in both my role as an emergency nurse and a SANE. In both areas you are taking care of people at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My children. We became parents at a very young age. I still Courtesy photo remember sitting there the first day of what was supposed to Tami Grewell, her husband and her children, are photographed on the family ranch. be my junior year of high school an emotionally demanding job. money. In my current role the six months pregnant (married) Age: 35 I cover a minimum of 60 hours first part of that applies most. trying to decide whether to go Family: Married, three children of call each week and the other Who gave you that advice? to school or not and I just cried.

First paid job: Waitress nurses take on 48 hours of call My husband says it every time I decided to stay home, God had What I’m reading: The Bible each month on top of other he buys another tractor or more a new path for my life and my Liked this movie: “The Notebook” full-time positions throughout cows. new priority was being a mom. I How I relax: Going for a walk, sitting outside the organization so there can be Here’s what I’d like to do with a glass of wine. a high rate of turnover. to improve my community: I’m finished high school from home What’s the best business going to strive to make sure this and once my youngest turned 4 is when I headed to college. advice you have received? You program continues on. I’d love There are a couple: Emotional much needed service this is I’m happiest when I’m… stress, dealing with victims for this community helps keep are only going to get out what to see our services expand to spending time outdoors with my can wear on your heart. But all the nurses in this program you are willing to put in. You offer assistance to victims of knowing what an important and going. Next is burnout. This is have to spend money to make domestic violence/abuse as well family or playing volleyball.

CATHY GRIDER Marketing officer, Billings Federal Credit Union Cathy Grider’s involvement with Billings Federal Credit began more than 20 years before she started working there.

Her parents were customers and sometimes stopped by the office. “One of the loan officers remembers me crawling across the desk when I was about 3 years old, so I’ve had a passion for this place for a long time,” said Grider, who is Billings Federal Credit Union’s marketing officer.

Soon after graduating from Montana State University Billings, Grider went to the credit union to apply for a car loan.

She also learned that they were looking for a marketing officer.

Not only did she get the loan, she got a job.

Grider says the credit union goes a step beyond the idea of providing quality customer service. “We take the time to sit down with someone who was maybe told no by a different lender,” she said. “Often we can really tell that they’re trying.

They may be working two jobs.

They may have gone through a divorce and had thought that their spouse was paying the credit card. So, being able to sit down with the customer and getting the big picture instead of just looking at a credit score can make a difference.”

Grider is also president of Billings Advertising and Marketing, a club for professionals who work in advertising, marketing and public relations.

BAM provides an opportunity for professionals to network and stay connected on the latest industry trends. “Things are always changing in the marketing world, and you have to learn how to do it right in order to be effective,” Grider said.

In addition to bringing in experts and speakers, BAM does public service work by providing marketing assistance to selected nonprofit organizations.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” Grider said. “For an entire year, an organization gets free marketing services from various people

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Cathy Grider with her husband, Kyle, and daughters Maci and Tennyson.

Age: 33 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Teaching swimming lessons What I’m reading: “Audacious” by Beth Moore Liked this movie: “The Little Mermaid” How I relax: A glass of wine, and a good book by the fire within the club. They can be TV spots, radio and print. It’s an awesome thing for a nonprofit.”

What’s the biggest chal-

lenge you face in your job?

Letting people know what a credit union is and the many great products and services

we offer. Often, we have higher rates on savings products and lower rates on loans than any other financial in town. We are very competitive.

What’s the best business advice you have received? Be the tortoise, not the hare. Slow and steady wins the race. The tortoise wins every single time.

Business success is much the same. The tortoises start slow, plan carefully and work their

particularly kids. When it comes to teaching kids about money, it is never too early — especially when it comes to the importance of saving. Teaching kids the significance of saving and budgeting at an early age will lead to lifelong habits.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Time with my family whether it’s enjoying a meal, traveling, playing at the park or snuggled up under a blanket watching the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. The best thing about memories is making them.

Which living person do you most admire? My grandmother, Marie Mahaha. She grew up in an orphanage, then became a nurse and owned an A&W. She is a testament to the fact that you can do anything you set your mind to. Greatest of all, given her childhood, she taught us the value of family.

Our extended family is very close and for that I feel very lucky.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success Courtesy photo in your job? By improving the quality of our members’ lives by delivering sound financial plans. The tortoise in the fable solutions. did not merely stand still. He What do you consider slowly crept toward his goal, your greatest achievement? the finish line. Entrepreneur Having a solid work-life balance. tortoises work hard, but more Achievement in my career and importantly they work smartly enjoyment at home with my and consistently. husband and kids are both valuWho gave you that advice? able to me.

Dave Ramsey I’m happiest when I’m…

Here’s what I’d like to getting to use my creative side.

I am right-brain dominant, so do to improve my combeing creative is my comfort munity: Teach more people zone. about budgeting and saving, February 2016

19

SHAUNA HOHN Chief financial officer, Hohn Engineering PLLC The recent surge in oil and gas production within the United States can be traced to the development of advanced technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

For nearly a decade, the prolific Bakken oil play that’s centered in western North Dakota has been at the epicenter of a surge in oil and gas development.

Despite the technological advancements that made the Bakken possible, there’s still significant oil and gas production taking place using more conventional technologies.

“We typically do more conventional wells,” said Shauna Hohn, chief financial officer for a Billings-based oil and gas consulting business, Hohn Engineering. “As consulting petroleum engineers, we work for a lot of smaller companies that maybe don’t have the expertise that we provide.”

Hohn Engineering, founded in 1984 by Hohn’s father, Tom, has done work in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado and will soon begin work in Utah.

The company is involved in a variety of phases of petroleum engineering including drilling, production, reservoir, facilities as well as environmental engineering and geology. Hohn also provides expertise in property evaluation, acquisitions, expert testimony, field operations, and property management.

State-of-the-art computer systems and software are used extensively.

Hohn Engineering has done some work in the Bakken, but has opted to focus its efforts elsewhere. “For one thing there were so many inexperienced people working there,” Hohn said.

“We have been of the opinion that we prefer to go the other direction than the one where everybody else goes,” she said.

Growing up, Hohn, her father and her two brothers,

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February 2016

ble for managing the finances of the entire operation, and directing the future path of the company.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

We are embarking on some tough times in the oil and gas business. With product prices at a 10-year low, our biggest challenge currently is searching out new opportunities to expand our business.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Hope is not a strategy; you must plan and take decisive action in executing that plan.

Who gave you that advice?

My coach and mentor, David Hilton.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family.

Which living person do you most admire? It is a tie

between my parents. My dad has weathered over 40 years in this business and has powerful insight into surviving the volatility. He knows so much, he is constantly surprising me with his vast experience.

My mom is a nurse and is the most selfless person I know.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Every problem we solve for our clients is a success. Sometimes the results of the problem solving process are unexpected, but they are always gratifying.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Building a family owned and operated business in Montana.

I’m happiest when I’m… camping with my family.

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LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

both engineers, sometime joked about running a familyowned business. But then it came to pass.

Please describe how this career happened for you: I graduated with a business management degree from Rocky Mountain College. , and following graduation worked in the academic world. After four years I was ready for a change, and there was an opportunity with Hohn Engineering for someone with my skill

Age: 38 Family: Single First paid job: Making copies for Hohn Engineering What I’m reading: “First Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham Liked this movie: “Far from the Madding Crowd” How I relax: Reading, cooking, walking my dog, camping set.

I was nervous about working with family, but decided to take the plunge. I started out answering phones and per-

forming basic accounting duties. Over the years, I moved into office management and took on more responsibility.

Today I am the CFO responsi-

KATIE HUSO Attorney, partner, Matovich, Keller & Murphy, P.C. Katie Huso’s parents predicted that she would regret moving from California to Billings in January of 2003.

Not only did Huso adjust to Montana’s cold winters during her year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, she found a home in the Big Sky State. She went to law school at the University of Montana, worked for a law firm in Butte after graduation, and later headed back to Billings, where she’s now a partner with the law firm Matovich, Keller & Murphy P.C. But the story didn’t end there. Huso’s parents moved from California to Montana after retiring in 2004, and now live near Joliet. “My husband and I get to spend a lot of time with them,” she said.

Huso enjoyed her time with AmeriCorps and recommends the organization tor young people who are undecided about future careers. As an AmeriCorps volunteer, she worked for a nonprofit called In-care Network, which provided therapeutic foster care and other services for Native American families.

Huso said choosing law was a good choice for her because it gave her many career options.

“I got my first job at a litigation firm in Butte, by bure coincidence. I liked being a litigation attorney and still do. It’s just a good fit for my personality,” she said.

“I began working for Matovich, Keller & Murphy in 2010, where I have had the privilege of learning from, and practicing with, some of the finest attorneys in Montana,” she said.

“Each firm has its own personality and culture,’ Huso said. “Our firm is fairly small, but because you spend a lot of time together, it’s especially important where you respect and trust your partners.”

The firm has five female lawyers, and two males. She’s proud to work in a firm with female majority ownership, Huso said.

What’s the biggest chal

Courtesy photo

Katie Huso and her dog, Bianca.

to improve my community: I would encourage anyone looking for a new pet to adopt a shelter animal. There’s no greater reward than saving an animal’s life. Also, do your homework first and make sure you know what kind of pet is compatible with your lifestyle perspective of the judge and/ lenge you face in your job? and what you can provide. or jury who don’t have a dog in It can be hard to maintain Outside of work, my bigobjectivity at times. As litigators, the fight. Ultimately, they are gest passion is: Animal rescue the ones who will decide what we must be zealous advocates and welfare happens in a case if the parties for our clients. At the same LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff Which living person do can’t resolve their dispute. time, we have to be able to can never be too well-prepared. you most admire? Three What’s the best business take a step back and look at Who gave you that advice? people—my husband and advice you have received? the case from our opponent’s Carey Matovich parents. perspective, as well as from the You never stop learning, and you Here’s what I’d like to do Aside from profit and loss, Age: 35 Family: Married First paid job: Ice cream scooper at Baskin Robbins What I’m reading now: Sonia Sotomayer: “My Beloved World” Liked this movie: “Forrest Gump” Here’s how I relax: Spending time with my husband and pets

how do you measure success in your job? When clients appreciate my efforts, regardless of the outcome (although winning is always nice). To me, the best compliment is a referral from a former/current client or another lawyer I’ve worked with.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having a challenging and rewarding career that I love, while also finding time to have fun and enjoy life. I have a great work/ life balance.

I‘m happiest when I’m…

Vacationing with my husband at a tropical beach location.

February 2016

21

ADRIAN JAWORT Freelance writer, owner, Off the Pass Press Adrian Jawort remembers that one of his first journalism projects was interviewing Joe Medicine Crow, the legendary Crow historian and warrior, whose name will appear on a new middle school in Billings.

It was a gift to be able to share the great man’s story, he said.

“I just followed him around all day and heard all his stories.

It was tremendous talking to him,” Jawort said. “He’s a fascinating guy.”

Jawort is a Billings-based freelance writer, editor and a correspondent for Indian Country Today. In an effort to “find true beauty in books off the beaten path,” Jawort launched Off the Pass Press two years ago. The publishing company’s first book is, “Off the Path: An anthology of 21st century Montana American Indian writers, Vol. 1.”

“I’m trying to encourage other native writers; just use our own voices as told by us, without any filters,” Jawort said.

The stories in “Off the Path” tackle the gritty, often uncomfortable reality of life in Indian country. “I’m proud of the talent level,” Jawort said.

Jawort was a prolific reader as a youngster, and caught the writing bug at an early age.

“Lockwood elementary had a young authors program, where they let you make books,” he said.

His first writing project was about dragons. A year or two later, he wrote a tale about a deer challenging an antelope to a race.

“They ended up tying because the antelope was better running fast on the plains, while the deer was better running in the hills,” he said. The moral Adrian Jawort’s daughter, Aurelia, is shown in an elk tooth dress. of the story, which Jawort has considered adapting into a the end, we’re the same.” that if we waited for approval children’s book, is, “Everybody “As a longtime observer of of other publishers, we would the publishing industry I knew likely continue to be shunned is better at something, but in

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February 2016

Age: 36 Family: Single, one child First paid job: Maintenance job at YWCA What I’m reading: “Witnesses of War, Children’s Lives Under the Nazis” by Nicholas Stargardt Liked this movie: “The End of the Tour” How I relax: Reading a well-written history book or article

because the presumption is no audience would (ironically) care about Native American

not the other way around.

Who gave you that advice? David Crisp, publisher of the Billings Outpost.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I’m co-founder with writer Russell Rowland of the Native American Race Relations & Healing Symposium that aims to educate for positive change in regards to white versus LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff Native American relations.

Although our literature may literature that wasn’t already mostly be dark, I also hope Sherman Alexie or Louis that it helps artistically educate Erdrich’s bestselling work,” us as humans who are on the Jawort said. “It’s like, ‘OK, we same journey of life. took care of the Indian problem Outside of work, my bigregarding writers… .’ And with gest passion is: My daughter all due respect there’s actually a lot of famous Native American Aurelia.

Which living person do poets, but indigenous fiction is you most admire? My dad, Tex an overlooked market.”

Jawort.

What’s the biggest chalAside from profit and lenge you face in your job? loss, how do you measure The long hours spent success in your job? When editing. I’d never really been someone comes up to me or a serious editor besides on my own work, but I can’t say I another writer in my antholodon’t enjoy it either and haven’t gies and thanks us for writing learned a lot. Some, like MFA what we wrote, because writers’ works, are easier to they understood the work so edit, but others you have to personally and it made them find their voice while helping realize someone else got what to streamline it or conveying it they were feeling or felt, and more clearly for readers. The they weren’t alone in feeling so. hardest thing to do, however, What do you consider is having to tell someone their your greatest achievement? work won’t fit. Rejection. Any Making these books availwriter is used to being rejected, but it’s never personal and just able and being able to proudly stand by the quality of the business.

What’s the best business literature.

I’m happiest when I’m… advice you have received? with my 6-year-old daughter, Our goal is to make money so we can put out a newspaper, Aurelia.

KATHERINE KILZER Veterinarian, Community Pet Hospital Katherine Kilzer’s patients can’t tell her what’s ailing them, because they’re animals, after all.

Just the same, an experienced veterinarian picks up on signs and cues to get to the heart of an animal’s health issues.

“Well, it’s nice that they can’t complain,” Kilzer said, joking about the lack of verbal communication. “As a part of the experience, you can make them tell you what’s wrong, to an extent.”

Kilzer, a veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital, always loved science and medicine growing up in Billings. She was 4 years old when her first dog, Lizzie, came into her life. Her current pet is a mixed-breed terrier, Simon, who looks a little like Toto from the Wizard of Oz. “When I was little, I figured out that animals made more sense to me than people. But I still like people,” Kilzer said. “I’ve always been a scientist. My mom was a nurse while I was growing up, and I always liked what she did. I’m one of those people who knew what I was supposed to be doing from a young age, so I did it.”

Kilzer put in many hours at Community Pet Hospital before she graduated from high school and during college. She also worked at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab while attending Montana State University.

“My experience in the lab opened up a door for me to secure a distinguished research grant while in veterinary school to study deadly pneumonia outbreaks in bighorn sheep (several of which occurred in Montana) and to eventually help develop a preliminary vaccine for this problem,” she said.

“I didn’t expect to be able to return to Montana right away after finishing my training, but through an opportune turn of events, a position opened up at the practice I worked for in high school and between college semesters, and here I am. I enjoy being in clinical practice but continue to stay involved in the public health and wildlife disease transmission Please see Kilzer, 24 Veterinarian Katherine Kilzer holds three puppies.

MSUB CONGRATULATES

JAMIE

CANNING

MSUB Alumna

BA Psychology, ’02 MS Rehab and Mental Health Counseling, ’07 Doula, Tiny Miracles Doula Service

“Becoming a mother is what inspired my career path of becoming a doula and business owner. But my education from MSU Billings is what guides my career.”

Learn about Jamie’s MSUB experience at msubillings.edu/40under40 We also extend our admiration and congratulations to all of the MSU Billings alumni honored as part of the 40 Under 40 — twelve in all!

Jamie Canning • Kevin Cremer • Katie Ellis Amy Fladmo • Chad Green • Tami Grewell • Cathy Grider Krista Montague • Taryn Plouffe • Erin Rodriguez Sammie Rozett • Kassie Marie Runsabove

msubillings.edu February 2016

23

Kilzer

because their families cannot afford to seek medical care for treatable conditions. As someone who has devoted her career to Continued from 23 animal health and well-being, this areas of veterinary medicine so angers me. I would love to set that I can transition my career up a sustainable pet food bank focus as I pursue specialized and pet emergency assistance training and opportunities present program so that those who legitithemselves.” mately need help can get help.

Veterinary students tend to Outside of work, my biggest have quite a bit more hands-on passion is: Experiencing other experience than their counterparts cultures through travel. in medical school, Kilzer said.

Which living person do you CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Even first-year veterinary students most admire? My great-aunt end up doing procedures.

Age: 28 Bonnie. Despite being well into “With my friends in medical Family: Single her 90s, she goes to work every school, they haven’t even touched First paid job: Working at a day and is always doing nice a patient until their fourth year,” furniture store things for other people. she said.

What I’m reading: “UnbroAside from profit and loss, What’s the biggest chalken” by Laura Hillenbrand how do you measure success lenge you face in your job?

Liked this movie: “St. in your job? How effectively I am Trying to make the best choices Vincent” able to communicate wellness for my patients while working How I relax: Gardening with my clients so that they can within the financial and emotional take ownership of their pets’ constraints of my clients.

Ashe. I don’t recall from whom I health.

What’s the best business first heard the advice, but it helps What do you consider your advice you have received? me regain focus when I start to greatest achievement? Becom“Start where you are. Use what get overwhelmed. ing someone my 5-year-old self you have. Do what you can.”

Here’s what I’d like to do would be proud of.

Who gave you that advice? to improve my community: I’m happiest when I’m…

The quote was originally credited Every day, pets in this city get well rested with a full stomach to the famous tennis player Arthur euthanized or live in constant pain and my dog at my side.

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Monday, February 1, 2016

Search Billings jobs and find the one that’s right for you at billingsgazette.com/jobs

JOSHUA R. KOTTER Managing attorney, AVantGarde Law Most law firms are named after founders or current partners. Joshua R. Kotter, managing attorney for AVanteGarde Law, says the firm’s unique name was chosen to reflect a different kind of firm.

“Because we had come up with a new way of approaching the practice of law, we wanted a different kind of name,” Kotter said.

The firm’s website, www. mountainstateattorneys.com, lists 35 areas of practice, including but not limited to criminal defense, civil litigation, business law, labor and employment law, estate planning and health care law.

Kotter, a Billings native, has worked both in the legal profession and in health care since graduating from Case Western University where he earned both a master’s of business administration and a law degree. He worked as general legal counsel for a health care organization in Utah, then moved to Salt Lake City to open his own law firm.

After a few years, he decided to give health care another try and went to work for a hospital in rural Colorado. Then, he became chief executive officer of a hospital in rural eastern Nebraska. After resolving what he described as a long-standing problem, Kotter was again ready for a change.

He and his wife decided to bring their family back to their native Billings.

“Through this experience, I learned that I am an attorney at heart and at my core,” Kotter said. “Being an attorney and practicing law is all about interacting with and helping people.”

And, if he wasn’t busy enough already, Kotter has also filed to run for the Montana State Legislature as a Republican in Senate District 26.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? Helping clients

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Joshua R. Kotter

Joshua Kotter Age: 38 Family: Married, four children First paid job: Worked in a car wash What I’m reading: The Bible; “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber Liked this movie: “A Beautiful Mind” How I relax: Family time, watching movies, planning business strategy understand the difference between legal reality and practicality, and what is fair, just or right. Though legal clients (many of whom are parents) probably frequently explain that the world is not fair to their own children, they still nearly always approach a legal problem with the incorrect notion that the law is fair and will, or must, yield a result that they feel is fair, just and right. This simply isn’t the case. And, I understand because I’ve experienced the difficulty of overcoming filing personal bankruptcy and marching on from there.

What’s the best business advice you have

Nathan Grill

Members of the Joshua Kotter family, top row, from left: Anika, Aiden, Alexander, wife Jenise. Front row: Avarie, Josh.

received? My father said, “In the end, none of us have anything to offer, except our integrity and good name. Once those are gone, you have nothing.”

One of my MBA professors said that businesses fail if they are started without enough capital investment, and success is largely a function of hard, nose-to-the-grindstone, and extremely deliberate and dutiful planning and follow through.

Regarding the last point, he taught that writing out goals and detailed step-by-step plans of how to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Who gave you that advice? The first advice was Rich Kotter, my father. The second best was from Richard Osborne, a business professor.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I would like to make certain important information about the law more easily, readily and affordably available to the public. This interest is not to attempt to gather private attorneys and to coerce them to provide some free legal services. Rather, I believe that some of what is desperately needed is education for youth about how to be a good citizen

and how to avoid legal pitfalls.

Which living person do you most admire?

Aside from the obvious (and true) answer, of my parents, I would have to say Justice John Roberts.

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

This is simple. I measure success by whether I am making a difference and if I am happy.

Money cannot replace these things.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? It’s yet to come. But, as for what I have achieved so

far, I believe that my greatest achievement was in being able to provide for my family (by working), while I simultaneously: attended law and MBA school; served as president of two substantial legal fraternities (doubling the size of both during my tenure); worked as first chair (student) attorney in a criminal legal clinic, representing indigent clients charged with crimes; received the highest honor possible for my legal doctoral dissertation; and being engaged as a minister and teacher in my church.

I’m happiest when I’m... at home with my family.

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February 2016

25

CASSIE LAGRECA Owner, Better to Gather This April, Cassie LaGreca will pack up boxes and head to a popular resort in Puerto Rico, where she will put her signature on a wedding that’s designed to be unforgettable.

“I have to get some customs issues worked out, and they are a little tricky. But I’ll make a plan for their décor that’s portable.

I can’t wait to see what it becomes,” LaGreca said. “I’m going to surprise myself.”

LaGreca is owner of Better to Gather, an event planning business that also hosts parties and gatherings at the Postal Building, which is part of the historic Billings Depot.

Just before Christmas, the staff at The Joy of Living booked an office party at Better to Gather. Among other things, party-goers mixed infused oils and modeled their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters. Better to Gather has been so busy lately that LaGreca is already scheduling events into 2017.

Increasingly, couples planning a wedding are turning to professionals who have expertise in design and know about the thousands of details that go into putting together a memorable event.

“The wedding world, especially events, is growing by leaps and bounds,” she said.

Social media helps spread the word for LaGreca’s business.

The couple planning the Puerto Rico wedding, at a resort named Hacienda Siesta Alegre, became familiar with LaGreca’s work by reading her posts on Facebook and Instagram.

LaGreca worked at Kehoe Designs of Chicago, an event planner, for about a decade before returning to Billings to open Better to Gather. She recently returned to Chicago to pick up more tips and techniques from Kehoe. She studied draping techniques, lighting, floral design and other tips and tricks for making memorable events.

“It’s neat to go back and

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February 2016

experience that people won’t soon forget.

What’s the best business advice you have received? Outsource what you don’t LOVE because you won’t do it well and your business will suffer for it.

Who gave you that advice? Dena Johnson with the Big Sky Economic Development Association.

Here’s what I’d like to BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff do to improve my community: Let’s continue to draw young, passionate people back Cassie LaGreca to this community #NextGEN to invest their time and livelihood Age: 34 here #billingsworks. I think it’s Family: Married going to be key to provide an First paid job: Babyassist to those young families sitting making a life here in our city What I’m reading: trying to raise good kids even Lots of blogs, especially, with the insane demands of the I like A cup of JO. http:// modern workforce and while I cupofjo.com/ don’t have children yet I want to Liked this movie: live in a world that makes a place “Trainwreck” for them that isn’t in front of the How I relax: EnjoyTV set or on the streets. ing the view, looking Outside of work, my for things that inspire biggest passion is: Creativme, in meditation and ity, crafting, making, painting etc. quiet reflection, taking Which living person a long walk or calming do you most admire? I bath, singing to myself, think Tina Fey is pretty fabulous, praying. but honestly I think what I admire most are people who never give know that people miss you and up. know that you made a differAside from profit and ence,” she said. “A lot of people loss, how do you measure who worked for me started when success in your business? they were 19 and now they’re That I’m still fueled doing it, that 26.”

I’m happy to keep the fires burnWhat’s the biggest ing, that I feel a gratitude toward challenge you face in and an admiration for my clients your job? What we do is so and want to do my best for them, emotionally charged. It’s a huge that I hear positive things being responsibility to say, “Yes, we’ll said about the service we promake your wedding amazing vide. I believe it’s the intangibles and we won’t let you down.” that we crazy entrepreneurs You want to do beautiful, unique really love and it’s just the PNL things for every bride. Attention that backs up what you should to detail is paramount, as is good already know in your gut before advocacy for the work you are you set out to offer any service hoping to create. It’s a tightrope and that is at the end of the day walk, and we take it very seriin spite of all the craziness, the ously, which means lots of very risks, the challenges, it’s all late nights. But the end goal is worth it. to co-create an on-target event What do you consider

Courtesy photo

Cassie LaGreca participates in a sack race during her wedding, which had a carnival theme.

your greatest achievement? I don’t really stop to consider it – What’s next?

I’m happiest when

I’m…Fussing with the last few finishing details on a beautiful event, which are the ones I don’t need to worry about and so it

feels like a luxury getting to tend to them because it means we met our deadlines and we have a little breathing room to finesse it.

ZAC LINTON Owner, personal trainer, ESP Wellness LLC There may not be a miracle cure for back pain. But proper exercise can provide significant relief to anyone suffering from this common and debilitating affliction.

One of personal trainer Zac Linton’s clients had contemplated having back surgery to ease his chronic pain. But as an alternative, he followed a carefully tailored exercise regimen that Linton recommended.

Thanks in part to the exercise, the client has made progress and so far has no plans to go under the knife.

“We’ve had quite a few clients who have come in because of medical concerns, and we’ve been able to patch them up,” said Linton, who is a corrective exercise specialist and a fitness nutrition specialist in addition to being an owner of ESP Wellness LLC at 12 N. 35th St. A lot of new fitness clubs have landed in Billings in recent years. The key to succeeding in such a crowded landscape is maintaining a customer focus, Linton said.

“Your best form of advertising is your clients,” he said.

“They have to trust you, and if they trust you, that translates into referrals.”

Linton said he didn’t do a lot of physical activity as a kid. But fitness became a bigger priority after he graduated from college and started working in marketing and public relations.

“I loved the creativity and having the opportunity to work with such amazing people from all over the world, but I was not happy,” Linton said. “ I loved the security and financial stability, but I was not in love with the work. I discovered the best part of my day was the gym.

It was my escape, so I walked away from the safe and stable environment of public relations to pursue a career in fitness.”

After becoming a certified trainer, Linton worked at a couple of gyms in the area. But

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

sound cliché, but my mom is the person I admire most. She is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and leaves an indelible mark on every person she meets.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Happiness. If I am happy at the end of the day with what I have accomplished, I consider that a success. When I observe my clients becoming happier and healthier people, I feel like I have accomplished something special.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Opening a business is quite possibly the most frightening and rewarding thing I have ever done. I moved to Billings four years ago with little to my name but a suitcase of clothes and a bed. I owe so much to the people who believe in me, and I will be forever grateful for them.

ESP Wellness owners Kody Christensen, left, and Zac Linton, with a client.

We recently celebrated our onethrough your door. mental changes to help address year anniversary in November and even expanded our busiWhat’s the best business the obesity epidemic in our Age: 34 ness with double the equipment advice you have received?

If nation.

We need to create an Family: Engaged you have a choice between a environment that fosters healthy to further address our growing First paid job: Telemarketer client needs. job that pays well or a job you living for all individuals in our What I’m reading: “Convict Conditioning” I’m happiest when I’m… enjoy, always choose the job community across all age and Liked this movie: Anything scary with my fiancé. Not very often you will enjoy.

No amount of socioeconomic ranges.

How I relax: Working out do you come across someone money is worth being miserable Outside of work, my bigwho is everything you have gest passion is: Exercise is every day. the trainer you must constantly he always wanted to develop needed and wanted. When you Who gave you that advice? definitely my passion. Not only be vigilant in order to break a gym where customers felt do I love to help others become do, you do everything in your My late grandfather, Raymond through that plateau. This is a welcome. power to make it work. We work more confident and healthier, Linton. job where you constantly have What’s the biggest chaltogether, live together spend I also love to feel that euphoric Here’s what I’d like to to be expanding your knowledge do to improve my commulenge you face in your job? almost all of our time together. rush of exercising. base in order to assist every Every person hits a plateau We just drive each other crazy nity: I would like to see more Which living person do sometimes. when it comes to fitness, and as type of client that may walk systemic policy and environyou most admire? It may

February 2016

27

DARRIN MAAS Vice president, Billings Heights Branch manager, Stockman Bank When you play baseball for Dickinson State University, you end up grabbing a snow shovel almost as often as you reach for a bat.

“We played most our games in April and May. When it’s April in North Dakota, you’re going to get snow every once in a while,” said Darrin Maas, a former Dickinson State baseball player who is vice president and branch manager for Stockman Bank in the Billings Heights.

Maas, a right-handed pitcher, grew up in Nashua.

Because baseball isn’t offered as a competitive spring sport in Montana, Maas learned the game by playing American Legion baseball.

Aside from working a few jobs when he was younger, Maas has always been involved in banking. He started out as a teller, an account representative and a loan assistant. Before going to work at Stockman Bank a little more than seven years ago, Maas was a bank examiner for the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions.

“We regulated the statechartered banks, making sure everybody was doing things correctly,” he said. Working for the state had its good points, but there was a down side. “ You were on the road for two to three weeks out of the month. I got tired of living out of motels,” he said.

Stockman Bank opened its first Billings office in 1995.

The company has seen steady growth since then, and now has five Billings locations and 34 branches throughout the state.

Many banks reined in their lending as a result of the financial crisis of 2008-09. But Stockman Bank continued to follow a philosophy of lending to qualified customers, Maas said.

As it expands, Stockman Bank has made considerable investments in bricks and mortar. “There are still a lot of people who like to use the

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February 2016

Darrin Maas takes to the high country on an all-terrain vehicle.

Age: 38 Family: Engaged What I’m reading: “The Five Levels of Leadership” Liked this movie: “Step Brothers” How I relax: Spending time at the lake or in the mountains. bank,” Maas said. “Some of the larger banks went away from customer service. But we still follow our Montana values. We like to have people come in so we can shake their hand and meet face to face.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Balancing my time between my employees and customers, as both are extremely important to

me. I value the importance of being able to train my employees as they continue to grow in their positions and take on additional responsibilities. It is equally important to me to spend time with my customers to understand their personal and business needs as we build our banking relationship.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

would like to continue to serve on the boards of the local nonprofits that I am currently involved with. There are so many invaluable nonprofits and charities in our community, and I am honored to be a part of these organizations.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Sports and being outdoors. When I’m not working, I’m either playing or watching sports or camping and Courtesy photos boating with my friends and Treat everyone how exactly how family.

Which living person do you want to be treated.

Who gave you that advice? you most admire? My mom.

Aside from profit and loss, My parents. how do you measure success Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I in your job? Success in my line

of work is measured by the happiness of my customers. Hearing about a happy customer is not just my success; it is the success of all the employees of our branch. Most banking relationships require the coordination of employees across the many difference product lines in our bank. Receiving referrals from our customers is the best compliant we could receive.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I’m very blessed to be where I’m at today, but believe my greatest achievement is yet to come.

I’m happiest when I’m… playing softball or boating and camping.

KATHRYN ‘KATIE’ MAEHL Attorney and owner, Moulton Bellingham PC Ask a kid in elementary school what they want to be when they grow up, and responses like fireman, superhero, movie star or football player usually come to mind.

By contrast, Glasgow native Kathryn “Katie” Maehl showed an interest in the legal profession not long after she learned how to read.

“I’ve told people I wanted to be a lawyer ever since second grade,” Maehl said. “ ... No one in my family was a lawyer, but I liked to argue and share my opinion, and I thought that’s what being a lawyer was. As I got older, I realized there was more to it than that, and eventually I was drawn to the analytical nature of the job.”

While anticipating her future the legal profession, Maehl also took an interest in business and numbers, and majored in accounting during college. “I was debating whether to do the CPA route or to go into tax law. The tax law route was a better fit for me,” she said.

Maehl followed up her accounting degree at the University of Montana with a law degree from the UM School of Law. Then she earned a master’s of law in taxation from New York University.

Maehl interned at Moulton Bellingham PC during law school, and it made sense to practice in Billings, the state’s business hub. “Billings is a good place to be a business lawyer,” she said.

Another advantage to living in Billings is that she’s still relatively close to family in Glasgow.

Business experts frequently mention Montana as one of the nation’s most entrepreneurial states because so many people are self employed. Maehl said it’s always a good idea for people thinking about starting a business to meet with a tax attorney ahead of time. That can save headaches down the road.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Time management. There is a constant challenge not only to keep up with the ever-changing law, but also to efficiently meet

Katy Maehl, her husband, Jason, and their children.

the needs of your clients and still maintain some type of meaningful work-life balance. I’m thankful my husband likes to travel and enjoy the outdoors, because he is always helping me find the balance I need.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Character matters. People may not always remember every detail or aspect of the work you do for them, but they do remember your character and how you act and behave.

Who gave you that advice? My parents, who have been incredible teachers to me.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I hate to think about children going

Kathryn ‘Katie’ Maehl Age: 36 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Assistant to administrative assistant, University of Montana School of Business What I’m reading: “In Cold Blood,” “Streams of Living Water,” the Bible Liked this movie: “The Goonies” How I relax: Sitting down and getting engrossed in a book organizations that provide food, clothing, and a safe shelter to those who need it most. It does not take much for everyone to hungry or cold or being scared. I pitch in an extra can or two of would love for everyone, including food to the Food Bank, or to domyself, to commit to donating nate items or time to our shelters. our time and resources to those We have some great organizaLARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

tions in our community that are designed to combat these issues, but they can always use our time and money.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family and my faith.

Which living person do

you most admire? My parents.

My mom, because she is one of the most patient people I know, especially when it comes to children, and my dad, because he can pretty much do whatever he sets his mind to.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? By the quality of my work and the satisfaction of my clients.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Professionally, I hope that is yet to come. Personally, my greatest achievement is the little family my husband and I have created.

I’m happiest when I’m: Listening to my kids laugh, preferably on vacation somewhere.

February 2016

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RUDI MARTEN Photographer, co-owner, Clark Marten Photography Rudi Marten got his start working in the family business — Clark Marten Photography — by handling the firm’s marketing.

As the years progressed, Marten gradually started working behind the camera, helping out Clark Marten, his father and company founder, while still handling the marketing duties “My dad taught me everything about photography,” the younger Martin said.

Clark Marten started the photo studio in the basement of his Columbus home about 30 years ago. “He was in agriculture before, and when the farm didn’t support his family and my grandfather’s family, he decided to pursue his love of photography, and he built the business into what it is today,” Marten said.

As the business grew, the studio moved from the basement to an addition that was built onto the family home.

When Rudi started taking on more responsibilities, he suggested that moving to Billings made good business sense. At first, his parents didn’t like the idea. But they agreed after he showed them that 86 percent of the studio’s clientele drove from Billings.

Three years ago, Clark Marten Photography opened at 2602 Montana Ave. The street-level studio and gallery occupies a prominent place on an evolving Montana Avenue. In addition to running the business, Marten is actively involved in efforts to help downtown Billings grow.

“We looked at several properties, but we kept coming back to this one, knowing that we would be in the middle of Montana Avenue and that we could be instrumental in helping put that together,” Marten said.

Clark Marten still handles family portraits, while Rudi specializes in shooting portraits for high school seniors and children.

Marten gained valuable experience in marketing and graphic design while he was still

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February 2016

Rudi Marten Age: 36 Family: Single First paid job: McDonald’s What I’m reading: Currently, a friend’s manuscript that is about to be published. He has turned the mundane and frustrating subject of “managing a business” into brilliant story-told lessons.

Liked this movie: Any ’80s movie.

How I relax: Wine and a movie.

in college. He produced newsletters for a variety of photographers, and also did marketing for a dental practice.

“They were heavy into direct mail, and that gave me hands-on knowledge on what works and what doesn’t,” Marten said.

Please describe the biggest challenge you face in your job. Constantly looking at the numbers. I’m a creative person, but business is won or lost by the numbers. I’ve learned what numbers I need to know weekly, but have to force myself to gather them, and take immediate action from what they show us.

What’s the best business advice you have received? I have two: “Life is simple. Don’t complicate it.” Told to me over and over growing up by my mom…and still today. I try very hard not to overreact, overthink, or worry.

The second is from our first mentor, Bill Sorenson (retired photographer in Portland, Ore.) — “Seek knowledge, embrace

change, and take immediate action.”

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Since relocating to Montana Avenue, my parents and I have worked closely with the Downtown Business Alliance and Community Innovations movement to help create long-term solutions to the city’s homeless and transient influx. We believe there is a solution where everyone wins.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Cooking.

Nothing is more relaxing to me than creating in the kitchen. It’s an outlet for me.

Which living person do you most admire? I admire and follow a lot. They’re all similar in that they’ve faced challenges that would make the average person give up, but they fought on and are winning because of that relentless pursuit.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Fulfillment. If you don’t feel fulfilled by your work and life, you won’t be happy. For me, fulfillment comes from helping people and helping them feel good about who they are.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Overcoming social anxiety. It was crippling in the worst way. There is absolutely no way I could photograph people five years ago, let alone lead our business.

Achieving this was a turning point in my life.

I’m happiest when I’m… creating, be it ideas, cooking, or on the computer. Wine always Rudi Marten specializes in shooting portraits for high school seniors and children. helps, too.

KRISTA MONTAGUE Athletic director, Montana State University Billings Montana State University Billings has always played a big role in Krista Montague’s life.

As a member of the 1998-99 Yellowjackets basketball team, Montague, (formerly Fjelstad) was part of a squad that advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight tournament. A four-year letter winner, she also was the team’s career leader in free throw percentage when she graduated.

Her husband, Brent, was also an MSUB basketball player.

They met in the dorms, just like her parents, Bob and Adele Fjelstad. Her grandfather, Bob Miller, also played basketball for Eastern Montana College, the predecessor of MSUB. “Even my great-grandfather went there.

It’s been a good fit for our family,” she said.

Montague was named athletic director in 2013, and looks at the job as an opportunity to give back to an institution that has given her so much.

“I want to see other studentathletes have a positive experience like I did,” she said.

MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College both recruited Montague, who played high school basketball in Hysham.

“I knew I wanted to study business, and I just really fell in love with MSUB,” she said.

After graduating with a business degree, Montague went to work for Norwest Bank. She took a part-time job for DD Marketing, which contracted to sell corporate partnerships for the MSUB athletic department. That was a springboard to her career as AD. What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Trying not to get trapped in either long-term dreaming or short-term vision. It is important to have a mix of both to succeed.

Also, it can be tough to stick to your decisions under criticism. I always try to consider all options and am never afraid to sleep on it.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Always do the right thing and find your balance. Balance is

Krista Montague with daughters Shayla and Allie.

Krista Montague Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Lifeguard at Hysham pool What I’m reading: “The Values Factor” by Dr. John Demartini Here’s how I relax: Taking some time to be alone, to reflect on what is currently going on at work, at home, and in my life. different for everyone so respect that and ensure those working with you find their balance too.

Who gave you that advice?

Sue Willey, athletic director at the University of Indianapolis.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Hav-

ing the confidence or knowledge to step up and help people in need. Being kind and treating all with respect.

The MSUB Athletic Department (coaches, staff, and student-athletes) takes pride in giving over 1,000 hours of

and 12-year-old girls.

Which living person do you most admire? I have had many mentors and people I admired through my life. Most recently, I have learned of the details of my grandfather, Dale Fjelstad’s, service and sacrifice serving in the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was part of a ground troop for 18 months. No doubt this shaped his life in many ways, and none of us could ever repay LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff the debt owed to my grandfather and the thousands of other U.S. service to the Billings community veterans. each academic year.

Aside from profit and loss, Outside of work, my bighow do you measure success gest passion is: My kids: 14in your job? When I see an

MSUB student have a positive or successful experience.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? To date, probably being selected as the first female AD at MSUB. I am proud because I was the right fit at the right time regardless of gender, and hope I set an example for other women out there trying to balance work, family, life. What is most important is that I am not the last qualified female to have an opportunity such as this.

I’m happiest when I’m… spending time with my family, especially at my childhood home on Sarpy Creek.

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HEATHER MOSSER Senior project manager, Morrison-Maierle Inc. Family members probably weren’t too surprised when Heather Mosser showed enthusiasm for engineering at an early age.

Her father owns Selby’s, a business specializing in products and equipment used by architects, surveyors and engineering firms.

“I always loved math, and I’ve always been around engineers and architects. I dealt with them, and always delivered the supplies that they needed,” said Mosser, who is a senior project manager for Morrison-Maierle Inc. At Montana State University, Mosser took an interest in civil engineering. Classes in transportation infrastructure clicked with her. While in college, she worked in surveying during the summer, gained expertise in AutoCAD, the computer design software, and found opportunities in the transportation sector after graduating. Her first job was in Helena, but eventually she made her way back to Billings with the company’s airport team.

“I like working with the airport staff. We fit in like an external team, with phone calls almost daily,” she said. ”I really like doing something that I didn’t learn in a classroom setting at school.

You have to learn all of the FAA requirements, and you learn everything on the job.”

One of the best parts of being a civil engineer is that the projects you build — roads, bridges, runways — have a lasting benefit for society, she said. “ I work hard every day and always listen to others – coworkers, managers, clients, and contractors,” she said. “I started my career in the field inspecting projects, learning from the contractors, designing projects using AutoCAD. I was willing to move to new locations and cities, and continue to help out the airport department where needed.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? Being a mother to two busy children and working full time has always been a challenge. I have a wonderful employer, great clients, and

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February 2016

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Heather Mosser Age: 37 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Tearing apart shipping pallets, cleaning the warehouse, and running blueprints.

What I’m reading: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand Liked this movie: “Inside Out” How I relax: Watching movies with my family. an extraordinary manager that all understand family is important.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

“Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.”

Who gave you that advice?

A coach, and I’ve used it through school, sports, career and life.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I love coaching children. Sports were a part of my life growing up and I enjoy watching other children light up when they accomplish small goals throughout a season. I love to teach the fundamentals while working hard and having fun.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Photography. I love to scrapbook and tell my family’s life story through photographs. My passion has turned into an amazing opportunity to also capture

Heather Mosser, husband, Donovan, her son Isaac and her daughter, Hadley, with Champ at Montana State University.

other’s life events. I have met wonderful families in the community, photographed weddings and get to snuggle while photographing a week-old newborn. Photography is my creative outlet either alone with nature or with a group of enjoyable family members. I love capturing real emotion and have lots of fun.

Which living person do you most admire? My dad and mom.

They bought a business that was on the cusp of bankruptcy and turned it around with drive, passion, and a lot of hard work.

They instilled that hard work into our family growing up and taught us life is not easy, but if you work hard you can accomplish

anything. I hope I am teaching my children the same values in family, work, love and life.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Work as a team alongside the client to deliver a product that benefits and improves our community.

What do you consider your

greatest achievement? Being completely content with my life at this moment; I have a wonderful supportive husband, great loving kids, and a career that is providing amazing opportunities and serving our community.

I‘m happiest when I’m… with my whole family laughing over a great dinner.

AMBERLY PAHUT Senior development director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Billings Clinic When local residents donned shiny red reindeer noses last Christmas season, the glow was intended to accomplish more than guiding Santa’s sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve. The Let Your Love Glow Campaign helped raise $250,000 for a new Pediatric Infusion Center at Billings Clinic. The center will provide life-saving treatment for young patients battling serious ailments.

The Pediatric Infusion Center is one of many causes for which the Billings Clinic is raising money.

Amberly Pahut, senior development director, major gifts and planned giving for the Billings Clinic Foundation, enjoys working with people who want to make a difference in the community.

“Part of my job is getting to know people, and matching their passions with the many needs in the community,” Pahut said.

Donors might have a passion for premature babies, cancer treatment, heart health or any of a number of causes.

Pahut discovered her own passion for fundraising a few years ago. She had been working as a flight attendant for United Airlines, but was laid off after the terrorist attacks of 2001. She began working for a Montana attorney who counseled nonprofit organizations.

That led to a job in the Advancement Office at her alma mater, the

University of Montana Western.

“That year, with encouragement from my supervisor and mentor, Tom Yahraes, I began earning my master’s degree while working and teaching. It was a rigorous time but it paid off. Upon Tom’s retirement, I was offered the Foundation executive director and director of Alumni Relations position.”

Pahut participated in Leadership Montana in 2011. That led her to Billings and a job at the Billings Clinic Foundation.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? Fundraising has many challenges and Billings Clinic is an incredibly complex organization. Every day I learn something new. However, one of our biggest professional challenges is allocating our time and resources to make the greatest impact to our patients and families.

What’s the best business advice you have received? Whatever you do, don’t settle. Always continue to expand your horizons.

Who gave you that advice?

Casey Keltz.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: Montana has ranked among the top five states with one of the highest suicide rates over the past 40 years. I am proud to work for an organization that makes mental illness a priority and I would love to see our Montana communities

Burtchaell Photography Courtesy photo

create greater access to services and address the shortage of mental health professionals. We also need to tackle the stigma associated with mental illness.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Helping others.

Which living person do you most admire? My parents, Tom and Kathy. They have taught me the value of hard work, laughter is the best medicine and we should always take the high road. They are always thinking of others and the first to jump in to help.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? I have the opportunity to meet incredibly generous and self-

Amberly Pahut, her husband, Jared Maloney, and their wedding party, were photographed on the roof of the Northern Hotel.

Amberly Pahut Age: 36 Family: Married First paid job: Making pizza, Papa Ray’s, Montana City What I’m reading: “Positioning: The Battle For Your Mind”

by Al Ries and Jack Trout Liked this movie: “Remember the Titans” How I relax: Traveling with my husband, Jared, spending time with my girlfriends, golfing and listening to live music. less people every day. That is what is so special about philanthropy, no one is required to volunteer or donate their hard-earned dollars.

It’s a win/win when we have

succeeded in matching a person’s passion and a worthy cause within our organization. Transformational gifts often make the headlines but every gift matters and truly makes

a difference. To see and feel the impact of this generosity is a great reward.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Earning the trust and respect of my campus colleagues and the community of Dillon when I became the Foundation executive director at the ripe age of 28. Thankfully I had an incredible group of wise advisers who believed in me. Most people don’t have the opportunity to feel that type of commitment and support in their entire lifetime. I was incredibly lucky.

I’m happiest when I’m… surrounded by family and friends.

Congratulations Darrin TOP 40 UNDER FORTY

Thank you for you for serving Stockman Bank since 2008 and now leading our Billings Heights branch!

Darrin Maas Branch Manager Billings Heights © 2016 Stockman Bank

| Member FDIC

WWW.STOCKMANBANK.COM February 2016

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DANIELA PAVUK Partner, Crowley Fleck PLLP Every once in a while Daniela Pavuk wonders how her life would have turned out if her parents had not packed their two young daughters and a few possessions in the car and defected from Czechoslovakia.

They settled in the United States, became U.S. citizens within five years and her father continues to work as a civil engineer, even though he’s 70 years old. Pavuk is an attorney for the Crowley Fleck law firm in Billngs.

Her sister is a teacher in Canada. “”I think it’s a good thing that I don’t remember,” Pavuk said, referring to her parents harrowing experience. “It created a lot of post-traumatic stress on my parents. I was the lucky one.”

Her older sister didn’t know a word of English when she entered school while the family lived in Philadelphia. “I heard stories that she was terrified,” Pavuk said.

“But she had a teacher who spent time after school and taught English to my sister and my mother.”

Pavuk said she had an easier time picking up English, probably by watching television, playing with neighborhood kids and listening to her sister. She was fluent in English by the time she entered school.

The family returned to the old country to visit her grandparents after the Soviet Union dissolved, and she still has vivid memories from that trip. “I still remember walking into my grandmother’s house. She was the best baker and cook that you ever met. She

Daniela Pavuk

Daniela Pavuk and her dog, Scout.

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February 2016

Age: 36 Family: Single First paid job: Working in a video store What I’m reading: “Dracula” by Bram Stoker Likes this movie: “Whiplash” How I relax: Hiking, taking walks with my dog, Scout, reading and drinking coffee with friends.

was still in her apron late at night, making stuffed peppers.”

Her grandparents said nobody dreamed that the Soviet Union would ever collapse.

Pavuk said one thing that prompted her to pursue law was by observing the legal struggles of her parents. “My mom was a good artist and got a good position with a company when we lived in Dallas. She kept getting promotions, but some of the other people didn’t like it and she was fired for no reason,” she said.

“My parents didn’t know anything about their rights, and I learned that having knowledge gives you power to help those around you,” Pavuk said. “ I wanted to have access to that knowledge, and the practice of law has given me that access.”

After college, Pavuk taught English in the Czech Republic for a year, then looked into becoming a paralegal. Eventually, she decided that she would rather be an attorney. While researching law schools, she was drawn to the fact that the University of Montana School of Law offered practical experience. Plus, she was intrigued with the idea of living in the West.

She specializes in civil litigation, labor and employment law.

“I’ll do anything that will get me into the courtroom,” she said.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Litigation is an adversarial process, but it can be handled in a professional and respectful manner. Not everyone does that.

The biggest challenge, then, is continuing to treat a person with respect even when that person is acting disrespectfully towards me.

What’s the best business advice you have received? The only person that was perfect and made no mistakes was the one that was hung on the cross. We all make mistakes, but it is how we address those mistakes that counts.

Who gave you that advice?

David Charles, senior counsel at Please see Pavuk, 35

Pavuk

country.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: It’s a toss-up Continued from 34 between my two nieces and my dog, Scout. (Don’t tell my sister Crowley Fleck PLLP. that.)

Here’s what I’d like to do Which living person do you to improve my community: It’s most admire? My big sister, appalling to me that there are Silvia. children in our country who go to What do you consider your school hungry. That shouldn’t be greatest achievement? Being a happening. We should all work person that people can count on. together to make sure that no I’m happiest when… I’m child in Yellowstone County goes up in the mountains with my to school hungry. These efforts dog, Scout, and one or two good should be started on a local friends enjoying the fresh air community basis, and, hopefully, and surrounded by nothing but Daniela Pavuk one day will reach across the nature.

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February 2016

35

TARYN PLOUFFE Owner, Belle en Blanc Bridal Boutique Some customers bring along their mothers for support. Others pop the cork on a bottle of champagne. Whoever is the customer, Taryn Plouffe, owner of Belle en Blanc, always works to ensure that future brides have a positive experience when shopping for that special dress.

“Buying a wedding dress can be one of the most fun things to do,” Plouffe said. “Brides dream about this day, and aside from the ring, buying the dress is the biggest deal.”

Plouffe has sold a lot of wedding dresses in the two years that Belle en Blanc has been in business at 114 N. Broadway.

During that time, she’s learned that many of her customers are motivated to make a decision right away, rather than simply shopping around.

“Most people are in the moment when buying a wedding dress,” she said. “They have to see it, have to try it now.”

Because weddings traditionally take place in the summer, most brides begin looking for a dress about six months ahead of the date.

“A lot of May and June brides shop in the previous October, and the busy season continues through March,” she said. “In the summer we’re slammed with requests for alterations.

That’s a very busy season for our seamstress.”

Destination weddings — which often take place in exotic locations far from home — are becoming more popular. As a result, many brides opt for wedding gowns that are appropriate for a tropical setting, Plouffe said.

But not everybody gets married in the summer. When couples opt for a wedding in January or February, Plouffe can help them too. One bride picked a pink dress for her wedding on Valentine’s Day. Growing up, Plouffe’s father sometimes told her: “You will never be fully happy until you work for yourself.”

“Of course as a teen, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or what Billings needed,” she said. “I proceeded and received my degree

36

February 2016

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff

Wedding dresses hang on display at Belle en Blanc.

in public relations, and found jobs in that field. I loved what I was doing, but always wondered if he was right.”

In 2013, she helped her sister buy a wedding dress and wasn’t satisfied with the selection.

“We found ourselves wanting to travel to achieve that big-city atmosphere some brides desire when finding a dress,” she said. “And then it clicked: Why doesn’t Billings have a nice bridal boutique?”

Five months later, Belle en Blanc opened.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Wanting to help every bride that is engaged but knowing that’s not possible. I want to have a dress for

Taryn Plouffe

Age: 29 Family: Married First paid job: Day care provider Liked this movie: “Jurassic World” How I relax: Any time spent with my husband and my golden retriever.

every bride, body type and budget.

I want to provide the best customer service and experience that bride will receive so she doesn’t feel the need to go elsewhere. I find myself discouraged if Belle en Blanc wasn’t what that bride was looking for….and if I have done my best, there is nothing to be ashamed of.

What’s the best business

advice you have received?

“Never stagnate.”

Who gave you that advice?

My dad.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I like to donate my clothes to people who need them, rather than sell happy. them. The small act of clothing a Outside of work, my bigyoung person or keeping a mother gest passion is: Health and warm with my old coat makes me fitness.

Which living person do you most admire? My husband. He is by biggest fan. No matter how life is going, he is always selfless and uplifting. He would help anyone, anytime.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? Building relationships with my brides. Whether they buy a dress or not, gaining friends and making relationships is what makes me feel successful.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Believing in myself and living a life of “oh wells” rather than “what ifs.”

I’m happiest when I’m… traveling the world with my husband, or at the gym. And of course helping brides.

ERIN UNRUH RODRIGUEZ Director of court services, Rimrock Treatment courts help people turn their lives around.

Erin Unruh Rodriguez, director of court services at Rimrock, the region’s largest addiction center, has witnessed numerous success stories shared by people who have successfully completed treatment court.

“Drug courts (also known as treatment courts) work really well for people for whom regular treatment alone isn’t enough,” she said.

Rodriguez has degrees in chemical dependency counseling and health and human services rehabilitation. This spring she will complete a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Montana State University Billings.

“I have been a part of these courts since their inception, working initially as a counselor providing direct service and gradually worked my way into my current position as director of Court Services,” she said.

Rodriquez started working at Rimrock as an intern in 2007 as part of her undergraduate program.

“I realized very quickly that Rimrock is the place I wanted to spend my career. I started working within the drug court and with jail-based treatment within months of being hired,” she said.

“I could identify with so many aspects I came into contact with.

I started to see the light in the clients’ eyes as life started to fall into place for them.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? I

others, live with integrity, and shine with forgiveness.

Erin Unruh Rodriquez Aside from profit and loss, Age: 37 how do you measure success Family: Married, five children in your job? By the number of First paid job: McDonald’s people who I get to see change What I’m reading: “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni their lives. It is measured by the Liked this movie: “Training Day,” “Family Man,” “Gone people who open up their hearts in 60 Seconds,” “The Last Samurai,” “Iron Man” and let the pain go. It is measured How I relax: Bubble baths, naps, meditation, or a walk by the ones who stay sober and the with my dogs ones who get their children back.

Success in my field is never about istration. As I have moved up the Who gave you that advice? money. ladder, my focus became growing Coralee Goni, COO of Rimrock.

What do you consider your the skillsets of new, incoming Here’s what I’d like to do greatest achievement? I was a counselors and building future to improve my community: teen mom who dropped out of high leaders.

Decrease the stigma of offenders school my senior year with only The challenge comes from in recovery. People need a chance 1.5 credits left to graduate. Life watching from the sidelines as and we have an opportunity to had gotten very difficult and I felt the new counselors take on the grow good people. like I had no support. My parents direct patient care while I focus Outside of work, my biggest divorced when I was in kindermore on program growth and passion is: Being a mom, actually garten. We struggled and moved development,” she said. “I miss the being involved and showing my around a lot before high school. I feeling of watching a client’s face children what a family is and how was in the wrong crowd and was when they finally realize that there to love. I love being involved in my never expected to make anything is more to life than their addiction kids’ activities. I am a dancer at out of myself. Life was an uncaring and that their past does not define heart and performed jazz, hip-hop, and confusing place to me. I woke them. contemporary, and lyrical for up one day and I had a fire in my What’s the best business almost 18 years, so now I live viheart…I fought hard. I obtained advice you have received? cariously through my daughter and my GED and went to college. I our dance family at TDF studio. graduated with cum laude honors LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff “I know you are busy, but just remember, No matter where Which living person do and obtained two undergraduate you’re at, be there. Allow yourself you most admire? I cannot say degrees. I raised my family as a love being a counselor and enjoy to be in the moment and actively that I admire one living person the single mother, I went to college, working with different personalities listen.” This advice helped me so most. I admire the people who and I worked to support my family. and conducting addiction focus significantly because like many have struggled, and made it. The I’m happiest when I’m… groups. My biggest challenge business professionals, we are all survivors, the hard workers, the with my children, husband, and comes from moving into adminmultitaskers.” spiritually fit ones who think of family.

Congratulations Dr. Katherine Kilzer

We're so proud you're a part of our clinic

Community Pet Hospital

1645 Central Ave, Billings • 652-7622 February 2016

37

ANTHONY ROCCISANO DO, orthopedic spine surgeon, Ortho Montana Anthony Roccisano played competitive soccer during high school and college, and now he’s a frequent competitor in triathlons. That athletic background factored into his decision to become a spine surgeon.

“You’ll find that many orthopedic surgeons are athletes of some nature,” he said. “Usually, that’s what brings them into it.”

Deciding on a specialty is usually one of the most important decisions a future surgeon has to make. Roccisano said it was no different for him.

“I have wanted to be a doctor since high school. Originally I thought I would be a family practitioner with a sports medicine focus. I liked surgery as a medical student and decided to become an orthopedic surgeon.

I fell in love with spine surgery and did my fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,” he said.

“Spine surgeries can be very challenging surgeries, and they have difficult considerations. But it’s something that I enjoy the challenge of versus something that’s mundane,” said Roccisano, who practices at Ortho Montana.

Because of advanced medical techniques, joint replacements and other procedures that were unheard of a few decades ago have now become routine. One thing that Roccisano enjoys about spine surgery is that cases are far from routine.

With spine surgery, “Every patient is different no matter how simple the case seems to be,” he said. “The night before we’re looking at MRIs and CAT scans, looking at issues with a disc. And in surgery, we’re trying to do it through smallhole incisions, and making sure you target exactly where the problem is.”

“My patients are in quite a bit of distress and need someone to help guide them,” Roccisano said. “Helping some-

38

February 2016

Anthony Roccisano and his family, from left, daughters Isabella, Julia, Rosa, and wife, Lynne.

one go from fairly incapacitated to fully functional is an honor and something that I don’t take lightly. Sure, it is long hours and stressful, but it keeps you on your toes.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Overwhelming restrictions from the government making it more difficult and time consuming to care for patients.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Always remember that someone else is working harder than you are. My grandparents and father came from Italy with almost nothing to their names and then lost everything in a flood a few weeks later. Their

hard work allowed me to be where I am today.

Who gave you that advice? My grandparents.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I volunteer coach for Magic City Soccer club. I have coached for Yellowstone Soccer Association as well, but as my children got older we moved over to Magic City.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family.

Which living person do you most admire? Tom Brady.

Let’s face it: four Super Bowl rings, married to Gisele, house at the Yellowstone Club. What else is there left for him?

Aside from profit and

Anthony Roccisano

Age: 37 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Medical internship What I’m reading: Multiple medical journals Liked this movie: Almost all of them How I relax: On my computrainer (bike trainer) watching Netflix loss, how do you measure success in your job? Patient outcomes. Improving their function and quality of life is really what my specialty is about.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Balancing family, work and health.

I’m happiest when I’m

… spending time with my family doing some sort of semidangerous athletic event.

We did this ropes course this summer and they all participated, and it was great to see the girls be able to do “adult” courses. I get a lot of enjoyment seeing them mature and accomplish their goals.

BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff

KATIE ROEDOCKER Nursing director of medical surgical services, St. Vincent Healthcare Two people who Katie Roedocker met during a hospitalization 16 years ago had a big influence on her decision to pursue nursing as a career.

One nurse proved to be a caring, compassionate professional who eased her anxieties and made her hospital stay as pleasant as possible.

“She helped calm and relax me,” Roedocker said.

But another caregiver proved to be the exact opposite. “She was rude, non-caring and not compassionate,” she said.

“The first nurse left a great impression on me, which made me want to become a nurse,” she said.

“I wanted patients to remember me for the excellent care I provided.” Her experience with the second caregiver was equally instructive.

“I promised I would never forget. I wanted to be a nurse but I thought that I don’t want to be that kind of nurse,” she said.

After graduating from Montana State University, Roedocker went to work at St. Vincent Healthcare.

Before long the opportunity to advance into management came along.

“I was blessed with a nurse manager who was promoted, and I was her succession plan,” Roedocker said.

“I had my doubts and fears, but I am so grateful to her and many other mentors who have helped me in my career,” Roedocker said.

“I truly love what I do and enjoy going to work every day. In four years as a nurse manager, I had the opportunity to manage four different inpatient nursing units. Three years ago I accepted the position of the medical surgical nursing director. This position has been a great learning experience and I have truly appreciated the opportunity to lead nine different departments in my time as a director.”

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job? Health care is ever changing with Obamacare, Accountable Care Organizations, changes in Medicare/Medicaid, and other regulated changes. One of the biggest challenges is being knowledgeable and adaptable to the changes coming. One of my

Katie Roedocker, her son, Tristan, daughter, Haley and husband, Blaine.

greatest responsibilities and challenges in my role is to ensure that I have qualified nursing staff and processes in place to provide highquality care and excellent patient satisfaction.

What’s the best business advice you have received? Your employees are key to your success. Love on them, invest in them, coach them, and engage them.

Your employees are key to improving customer satisfaction, quality and financial benchmarks.

Who gave you that advice?

Scott Lillie, president of Creative Leadership Group Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: My passion is around children in our community. I would like to provide better resources for children who do not have necessary resources

in your job? Success in my job is when St. Vincent is in the top percentile performance in quality, Age: 33 top percentile performance in Family: Married, two children customer satisfaction and high First paid job: Sysco Food Service associate engagement scores.

What I’m reading: “Do It Well, Make It Fun,” by Ronald P. Success would be if all my associCulberson ates have the right processes and Liked this movie: “The Hunger Games” tools to provide the best care to our How I relax: A glass of wine, a bubble bath and a good book patients.

What do you consider your Which living person do you and neglect. I have volunteered to greatest achievement? Two help students with learning math most admire? Bethany Hamilton years ago St. Vincent started a proat Broadwater School. I have also (professional surfer who survived gram called Excellence in Action. volunteered with LaVie on support- a shark attack in 2003 but lost her Every quarter a leader receives this ing pregnant mothers. arm in the incident). Her determiaward. I was the first leader among Outside of work, my biggest nation and hard work to achieve a hundred other leaders to receive passion is: My love of my family. her goals at such a young age is this award from St. Vincent.

Our daughter is a sophomore at an inspiration to me. I admire those I’m happiest when I’m …

Skyview and our son is a fifthwho have a, “You can do anything able to have a positive impact grader at Independent School. you set your mind to” attitude. on someone. That could be a Most of my time outside of work is Aside from profit and loss, patient, patient family, associate spent with my family and friends. how do you measure success or another leader.

Katie Roedocker

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

at home. I volunteer for Best Beginnings to help children be better prepared for kindergarten.

I have volunteered for the Family Tree Center where the mission is to prevent all types of child abuse

February 2016

39

SAMMIE ROZETT Registered nurse, Billings Clinic Emergency Department Sammie Rozett started aiming toward a career in health care when she was 14 years old. After spending her summers working at the Charles Campbell Children’s Camp, Rozett showed an interest in working with kids with disabilities. But first she needed training.

“I wanted to work with those kids, so I got my certified nursing assistant certification and started from there,” Rozett said.

After high school, Rozett put her CNA certification to work at Billings Clinic. Thus began her climb up the career ladder to her current position as a registered nurse in the Billings Clinic Emergency Department.

“The ER is my other family,” Rozett said. “They supported me through all of my steps.

They’re pretty amazing down there.”

Rozett felt like she found a home after she was certified as an emergency medical technician and started working in the ER. “I then started at City College to get my LPN (licensed practical nurse) then I transferred to the University of Mary to get my BSN (bachelor’s of nursing) degree. It was a long journey, but I was lucky enough to have my family, as well as my Billings Clinic family, on my side to accomplish my goals.

I decided that the Emergency Department is where I want to be, and I have had nothing but amazing experience learning and growing as a new nurse.”

Working in the ER is less dramatic that what you see on TV. “There are definitely some crazy moments where there’s some intense stuff going on.

But you don’t see a lot of people running down the halls,” Rozett said.

Teamwork is also important.

“You can’t function unless you have other people helping you,” she said. “There’s no way you could do everything by yourself. You need patient care technicians, doctors, physician assistants and the residents. A

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February 2016

Sammie Rozett Age: 27 Family: Single First paid job: Waitress at Westpark Vilage Retirement Home What I’m reading: Textbooks for new grad program Liked this movie: “Dirty Dancing” Here’s how I relax: Hanging out with friends, sharing food.

Unfortunately, we do not have the proper places for these people to go. The Community Crisis Center helps us out so much, but I would like to see a facility to relieve our hospitals of being not only nurses, but babysitters as well.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Music. I have no musical talent other than singing in the shower. But I appreciate those around me who share their gift. I love that LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff the music scene is growing in Billings and I try to make it out lot of times you need multiple to support those who support people working on one person.” my happiness with their talent Car crashes and broken and gift for music. wrists from slips on ice all add Which living person do to the workload this time of you most admire? My mother, year.

Sandie Rozett, has always been What’s the biggest chalthere through thick and thin. lenge you face in your job?

This past year has been parThe biggest challenge I faced ticularly hard with the passing was changing roles from a of her mother, Grace Watson. patient care technician to an Aside from profit and RN. The responsibility for my loss, how do you measure patients has changed drastisuccess in your job? The cally, and my education and reason I am a nurse is not only focus is essential to keep my to take care of my patients, but patients safe. As a PCT, there to learn and grow to recognize were many skills required to and treat my patients successperform my job, now critical fully. At the end of a 12-hour thinking has taken over and shift, I feel complete by going the skills I could do in my sleep home and knowing that I did all are still there, but I have had that I could do for my patients to change my thought process and co-workers. and priorities as an RN. What do you consider What’s the best business your greatest achievement? advice you have received?

Getting through nursing school Squirrels hide nuts. and passing the National CounWho gave you that advice? cil Licensure Examination so I Lisa Stevens and Dennis Nemitz. could finally work as an RN. I Here’s what I’d like to do had many challenges throughto improve my community: out nursing school, and preparWorking in the Emergency ing for my nursing boards, but I Department at age 19 really had wonderful support. And my made me open my eyes to Billings Clinic family was there what actually is going on in for me whenever I needed. our community. The amount of I’m happiest when...I’m Sammie Rozett likes to hit the slopes in her spare time. alcohol abuse is astronomical. with family and friends.

KASSIE RUNSABOVE Child Ready program manager, cultural liaison, St. Vincent Healthcare Kassie Runsabove’s family travels thousands of miles each year participating in powwows, where brightly dressed Native American dancers compete for recognition and sometimes for cash prizes.

“For me, it’s a good way to stay in shape and be with my family,” Runsabove said.

“It’s easy to tell your kids to do something when you’re doing it. I encourage them to dance because it helps them with the cultural exchange and to meet other tribes. If you’re familiar with your own culture, you become more accepting of other cultures.”

Countless hours go into crafting elaborate dance costumes. “Last year it took me four months to bead my son’s outfit,” Runsabove said. She cut the costume on the large side, she added, knowing that he would grow into it. It took her two years to make her own costume.

Runsabove’s name in the Gros Ventre, White Clay language is Nitowunh’eeih, or First Kill. It was given to her by her grandmother, Martha Nezperse.

In her previous job with RiverStone Health, Runsabove did outreach on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations as a preventative health specialist with the Montana Cancer Screening Program.

That work led to her current position with St. Vincent Healthcare, where she is the Child Ready program coordinator and a cultural liaison.

The Montana Emergency Medical Services for Children program partnered with St. Vincent Healthcare to facilitate the Child Ready grant-funded program. The program was es-

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Kassie Runsabove Age: 32 Family: Married, three children First paid job: MSU Billings Student Opportunity Services – student mentor What I’m reading: “Going To Pieces Without Falling Apart” by Mark Epstein

tablished to regionalize pediatric emergent care in Montana.

“We were trying to figure out what the hospitals need in regard to pediatric care, whether it was training, or education,” Runsabove said. “We found that what we needed was basic standards in the emergency department.”

Child Ready and EMSC successfully developed two pediatric recognition criteria for critical access and major hospitals in Montana, she said.

“This is a volunteer program.

However, we have several hospitals that have worked to com-

plete the recognition program.

There are four hospitals that are recognized as being pediatric prepared and three that are recognized as being pediatric capable,” she said.

As part of the process, the group distributed equipment to make sure that pediatric carts used to treat young patients are properly equipped.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

My job requires a lot of travel to meet with all the hospitals across the state. The distance to travel and spend time away from my family is the difficult part.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Who gave you that advice?

My dad, retired CEO of Indian Health Service.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: community I would like to see more celebration of diversity and acceptance across the cultures in our city.

Which living person do admire My parents. you most admire?

They showed me firsthand what it meant to persevere and never give up.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? I measure success in the health care field as one life improved through a strong collaboration between the person, family, community and health care organizations.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Becoming a mother of three amazing children. My children are my world and seeing their personalities blossom is the best reward.

I’m happiest when I’m… with my family.

Courtesy photo

Kassie Runsabove’s family enjoys dancing at powwows and other Native American gatherings.

CONGRATULATIONS

KATIE!

Matovich, Keller & Murphy, P.C. is proud to congratulate Katie Huso for being recognized in 40 Under 40!

We applaud your continued success.

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February 2016

41

ERICA SCHUPPE Occupational therapist, Blue Skies Pediatric Therapy Services Growing up in Cody, Wyo., Erica Schuppe had an opportunity to do career-oriented job exploration during the final class period while attending high school. Students got to meet with and observe a variety of professionals working throughout the community.

Of all the health care professionals that she met, Schuppe took an immediate interest in pediatric occupational therapists, who work with children who have a variety of developmental delays.

“I think I had picked this by the time I was 16,” she said. “The pediatric occupational therapists had the most fun. The kids and families were great. I was hooked.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in health science from the University of Wyoming, Schuppe earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. In Billings, Schuppe and another occupational therapist, Aimee Roberts, share therapy space and the name Blue Skies Pediatric Therapy Services in Billings.

It’s rewarding to see how her clients make progress, Schuppe said. “We get to have a close relationship with families and be part of their lives. It’s fun to watch families grow and change over the years.”

Aquatic therapy, in which occupational therapists assist children in a pool setting, is used frequently.

“Some of the children I work with have motor delays while others have autism and sensory processing challenges. The water environment creates a situation where body awareness is improved from the proprioceptive input of the water,” calming them, Schuppe said.

“We work with quite a few kids who don’t go to a pediatrician and get a specific diagnosis,” she said. “They just have developmental delays of

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February 2016

Erica Schuppe Age: 38 Family: Married, three children First paid job: Swim instructor, city of Cody What I’m Reading: “Brain Maker,” Dr. David Perlmutter Liked this movie: Documentaries How I relax: Cooking, gardening, camping, skiing, adventures with my daughters.

Billings purchasing specialized shopping cards for nonambulatory children and adults. Stores in Missoula and Great Falls have these carts, there is not one anywhere in Billings.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Raising my children with my husband.

Raising children that are compassionate and prepared for life is my biggest priority.

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff Which living person do you most admire? Right some sort, and they can’t re- now I would have to say that ally put a name on it. We don’t it is Nicholas Kristof. He is a provide treatment based on a journalist using his ability to specific diagnosis.” write and capture stories in a What’s the biggest chal- way that gets people off their lenge you face in your job? couches, handing out money, Meeting the needs of children and getting involved in causes and families from very diverse that are bigger than their own social and economic backlittle worlds. I admire anyone grounds and accommodating who is willing to step out of for these individual needs as I their comfort zone to help provide therapy. somebody else.

What’s the best business Aside from profit and advice you have received? loss, how do you meaIt will take three years before sure success in your job? you’re doing the “business” Thank-yous from families and side of therapy right, so be children. patient.

What do you consider Who gave you that adyour greatest achievement? vice? My first accountant.

The Together we Rise bike Here’s what I’d like to fundraiser that concluded do to improve my comwith putting 60 kids on new munity: Expand awareness bikes. Every aspect of this of the needs of families and (asking for money, organizing kids with special needs and volunteers, etc.) was outside improve their quality of life. of my comfort zone.

The pool therapy program I’m happiest when I’m… has helped families find a with my kids exploring and community activity. As kids learning. This could be bakbecome more comfortable in ing, netting crawdads out of the water, at the YMCA, and a pond, or camping on the the Oasis, families begin to beach. take their special needs kids and whole family to these Courtesy photo fun community centers. An Erica Schuppe helps a child in an upcoming goal of mine is to aquatic therapy session. facilitate grocery stores in

JOE SPLINTER Principal, Hilltop Public Solutions As a Peace Corps volunteer in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Joe Splinter worked to get kids off the street and into the classroom.

Splinter was a youth adviser for a non-governmental organization that worked to address the plight of homeless children.

“Some of the kids had never been to school before,” Splinter said, describing his experience as a youth adviser for a nongovernment organization that worked to address the plight of homeless kids.

Splinter applied to the Peace Corps soon after graduating from college, and within a year he had received his assignment.

“On my application, I said they could put me anywhere except Iraq,” Splinter said. “I was of the mindset that I was ready to go out and do something big.”

Because he worked for a well-run organization, Splinter said, he was able to devote some of his time to high-level tasks such as fundraising. That experience served as a springboard to other opportunities once his Peace Corps service ended.

After returning to the United States, Splinter dipped his toe into the nonprofit sector by working for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under a oneyear contract.

Splinter ended up in Montana, where he rekindled his interest in politics.

In 2010 he volunteered for the campaign in which Democrat Kendall Van Dyk was elected to the Montana Senate by a four-vote margin.

Later, he became a principal at Hilltop Public Solutions, a political consulting firm that has worked on numerous political

Joe Splinter Age: 33 Family: Married First paid job: Mowing lawns What I’m reading: “How Wild America Was Saved” by Jim Posewitz Liked this movie: “The Jerk” How I relax: Outdoors, gardening, yoga, pruning trees.

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Joe Splinter, right, during his days in the Peace Corps

campaigns, including the successful Yes for Kids campaign that led to the boom in school construction.

“In Montana it’s always about who works harder,” Splinter said.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

With few exceptions, I have the most difficultly understanding any excuse for voter apathy.

Hardly half of eligible voters cast their ballot even once a year, let alone once every four years for the highest elected office in our country. I often hear the line that there is not enough information available about the issues and candidates. Finding accurate information quickly has never been easier. While I

was serving in the Peace Corps in a third-world country, I made sure I received an absentee ballot for every election back home. Those who do not vote give up their power to say who they want representing their values.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Measure twice. Cut once.

Who gave you that advice?

For three summers I worked in the maintenance department of my college as an apprentice carpenter under Bill Coons.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I am bullish on Billings. I love this town and everything it has to offer, including its history of fighting racial and religious

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legal protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals as the rest of us enjoy.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Hunting, hands down.

Which living person do you most admire?

Currently, it has to be Pope Courtesy photo Francis. Talk is cheap and this guy is a doer on the right side of world history leading by discrimination. But, if we can do example with grace and intelany one thing to make our city ligence. a more welcoming place to live, Aside from profit and loss, work and play, it is the need we how do you measure success have to pass a nondiscriminain your job? tion ordinance. There is simply By the quality of relationno moral or ethical excuse for ships that are formed after a failing to give the same basic project is completed. Managing

political and issue advocacy campaigns is not your typical occupation or work environment, but like most jobs, we depend on each other for our individual success.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Managing the successful Yes For Kids campaigns in May and November of 2013 was one of my greatest achievements.

It was a true honor to work with everyone on the campaign committee and the countless volunteers who took time out of their lives to knock on doors and talk with voters about how important it is to invest in our public school system.

I’m happiest when I’m… outside.

Congratulations to Rocky Mountain College’s

40 Under Forty!

You demonstrate the leadership qualities that reflect the goals of a Rocky Mountain College education.

Dr. Kris French

Dr. Shauna Barry McKenzie Hohn Ty Nelson Janie Sutton 1511 Poly Drive – Billings, MT 59102 1.800.87.ROCKY/www.rocky.edu

February 2016

43

JANIE RIFE SUTTON Musician, singer, director Janie Rife Sutton realized that she could make a career in music when she landed the part of Manuelita during the Rimrock Opera Co. production of Carmen.

“I was pretty scared,” she said, describing her audition.

“I sang a song that I now know wasn’t suited for me. But I got the part.”

In one scene, Manuelita gets slapped across the face during a fight and is dragged from the stage. Sutton also sang in the chorus. Like other cigarette girls in the production, she took a drag or two on stage.

“I remember thinking, ‘These people do this as a career!’ I was in high school, and it was a really good experience. I thought it could be a career for me,” Sutton said.

Sutton went on to earn a degree in vocal performance at Rocky Mountain College. She also plays the flute, which she started playing when she was 7 years old.

If you’ve attended plays and musicals in the Billings area, you’ve probably seen her in a number of productions. In 2014 she was in Billings Studio Theater’s production of “Mary Poppins” and in the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts production of “La Traviata.”

“I have also sung with the Rocky Mountain College Concert and Chamber choirs, the Billings Symphony Orchestra Chorale, The High Plains Chamber Singers, The Akzents, and The Shrine Chanters as well as my own concerts and recitals,” she said.

Sutton is also a director in addition to being a performer.

At NOVA, she teaches children’s choirs and is chorus master for NOVA’s operas. She also directs the choir at First Presbyterian Church. The Christmas season is an extremely busy time of year with performances. Sutton also teaches private voice and music lessons.

What’s the biggest chal-

that mental health is as important as physical health. Learning how to express emotions both in performing music and in sharing your experiences during rehearsal can help individuals feel more comfortable sharing their emotions when they are not in good mental health.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: Teaching swimming lessons to children and assisting in Red Cross Lifeguarding classes. Swimming is a life skill and with basic swimming and lifesaving techCASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff niques many drownings could be prevented.

Which living person do Janie Rife Sutton you most admire? I admire my mom. She gave me the above Age: 24 advice and she lives that advice.

Family: Married Anything she does she prepares First paid job: Cleaning as much as she can but then houses jumps in wholeheartedly. She is What I’m reading: “The deeply invested in anything she Joy Luck Club” by Amy chooses to try. This usually leads Tan to success and has encouraged Liked this movie: me to work harder and try things “Eternal Sunshine of the I never would have thought I Spotless Mind” could.

How I relax: Taking my Aside from profit and dog for long walks loss, how do you measure success in your job? My job lenge you face in your job? often has few extrinsic rewards.

The biggest challenge I face Fortunately it has many intrinsic in my job is keeping it going. rewards. I am rewarded when Without regular hours and a my students take it upon themset schedule I am constantly selves to find out more about in pursuit of the next musical music. I am rewarded when I opportunity. am tired after a performance. I What’s the best business am rewarded when I spend time advice you have received? working on a particularly difficult Prepare as much as you can but passage and suddenly the music when it is time to begin, jump in is perfect. with both feet. There are some A measure of success in my things you have to learn as you field is to be asked to perform; go and you cannot prepare for I am rewarded for my hard everything work with more work. To keep Who gave you that advice? working is a great success for a My mother, Dodie Rife. musician.

Here’s what I’d like to do What do you consider your to improve my community: I greatest achievement? My feel strongly that music can be greatest achievement is to be used to teach children and adults this far along in my career this to address their emotions in a early in my life. healthy way. Having studied psyI’m happiest when I’m...

Janie Rife Sutton, right, has performed in a number of productions in Billings. chology, however little, I believe Rehearsing.

Courtesy photo

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February 2016

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February 2016

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JOHANNA THOMPSON Occupational therapist, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Billings Clinic Johanna Thompson can’t think of any job that’s more satisfying than the one she has.

Thompson is an occupational therapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Billings Clinic and works with the hospital’s tiniest patients. The smallest patient she has worked with was born at 25 weeks and weighed less than a pound at birth.

A baby is considered to be “preterm” if it is born before 37 weeks. Health professionals welcome a decline in preterm births. In 2013, the preterm birth rate in Montana was 10.5 percent, down from 11.9 percent in 2006, according to the March of Dimes.

“Babies that are born prematurely have to overcome the effects of gravity,” Thompson said. “Their brains aren’t fully developed. We try to change their environment so their brains can grow, and we try to position them in ways that lead to better developmental outcomes.”

“I have the coolest job in the world,” she said. “There’s not a day that I don’t absolutely love what I do.”

Parents of premature babies often feel shocked and overwhelmed. “They don’t know what to do, so they’re eager for information and education,” Thompson said.

Thompson worked in a group home for emotionally disturbed youngsters and went back to school for a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She started working at the Billings Clinic in Acute Care, and later moved to the NICU. “The first time I was able to help a baby to learn to eat and a mom to feed that baby and go home was one of the most rewarding accomplishments,” she said.

Perhaps the best part of her job, Thompson said, is when former patients come back for a visit.

“I had a little one come back and visit me when he was one and a half,” she said. “I remembered when he was so tiny and in his isolette.”

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February 2016

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Johanna Thompson Age: 38 Family: Married, two children First paid job: Working in dental office What I’m reading: “Beloved” by Toni Morrison Liked this movie: I love Christmas movies.

How I relax: Anything family related What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

Every day can be a challenge and encourage my critical thinking. It is challenging to think about the needs that these babies can continue to have for the next few years and what services/education will be available to parents.

What’s the best business advice you have received?

Find a job that you love and try your hardest.

Who gave you that advice? This was advice that was taught to me from a very early age from my parents. My parents have an amazing work ethic and demonstrate this in everything that they do. We learned early the importance of working hard and always doing your best.

Here’s what I’d like to do to improve my community: I love to help out at the schools and attend my children’s sport-

ing events. I want my children to understand that they are supported in their activities and it is not dependent on their abilities.

I will continue to support them even when something doesn’t come easy for them or when they struggle.

Outside of work, my biggest passion is: My family.

I have a great extended family and we are all very close and try to regularly get together for meals and play.

Which living person do you most admire? I have many people that I admire. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer two years ago. I admire every person that is fighting cancer and the support system that helps them. There are so many strong and courageous people that are faced with this awful disease and grow stronger and continue to support others that are diagnosed or recovering.

Aside from profit and loss, how do you measure success in your job? The most rewarding part of my job is helping babies learn to eat or better respond to their environment so there is less chance of long-term delays.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

It is really hard to think of my greatest achievement. I have two beautiful and healthy children that every day teach me something about life. I have an incredible husband who supports me and we work to make our marriage strong and supportive. I have a career that challenges me every day and makes me continue to learn.

I have the ability to affect the life of a baby and enhance its growth and development. I have fought cancer twice and continue to try to live each day to the fullest and realize the many blessings that God has given me and that I must continue to try to be a blessing in someone else’s life.

I’m happiest when I’m…

Courtesy photo fly-fishing on the river with my Johanna Thompson’s husband and children welcome her at the finish line after she completed a marathon. husband and children.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Here’s what some previous winners have been up to: Rich Naylor, owner of My Handyman Service and Construction, a 2013 alumnus, is among nine Montanans honored in the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Week award winners for 2015. Naylor won in the category for businesses with 11 or fewer employees.

Clint Hull, owner of Alternative Athletics/Crossfit, a 2012 winner, continues to guide his customers toward meeting their fitness goals. Several customers of Alternative Athletics/Crossfit have earned recognition in fitness

competitions. Holly Skillen won a silver medal in the master’s division at the Pan Am weightlifting competition. Janel Wiese has won a silver medal in weightlifting in the World Olympics. Another customer, 12-year-old Paige Christopherson, won a youth national weightlifting competition, Hull said.

Three previous 40 Under Forty winners, all employed at the Billings Chamber of Commerce, helped the Billings Chamber earn Chamber of the Year honors from the Association of Chamber of

Commerce Executives John Brewer, president and chief executive officer, Alex Tyson, executive director of Visit Billings, and Kelly McCandless, the chamber’s communications manager and Visit Billings leisure marketing manager, all were involved in the process that led to the nationwide recognition.

“Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing chambers for their integral role in leading businesses and developing quality of life for a community,” Brewer said after the

award was announced. “We are privileged to have an incredible staff of professionals who push to constantly improve our community and our organization.”

The Billings chamber ended up submitting more than 1,000 pages of information as part of the competition.

Patrice Elliott, a 2003 winner, concluded a 30-year career with Wells Fargo last year. Her tenure included 15 years as a top executive in Wells Fargo’s Billings-based Big Sky division. Since then, Elliott has been working as chief operating Rich Naylor has been a SBA Small Business Week winner. officer for EBMS, a Billings-based administrator of health insurance plans.

Mike Curtis, a 2007 winner, is still president and owner of Gibson Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. In addition, he has written four ebooks: three about guitar and one about soccer. He uses the pen name Michael Rays, and the website is www.michaelrays.net. The website features summaries of each ebook.

Gazette Staff

Patrice Elliot has moved from Wells Fargo to EBMS.

Kelly McCandless is communications manager for the Billings Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visit Billings.

Gazette Staff

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

John Brewer of the Billings Chamber of Commerce at Yellowstone Kelly’s grave overlooking Billings.

Alex Tyson, of the Billings Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Clint Hull continues to guide fitness clients to worldwide success.

February 2016

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CONGRATULATIONS

Billings Business congratulates the 2016 40 Under Forty winners.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS BILLINGS DOWNTOWN ROTARY CLUB

E C L

NGRAVEABLES USTOM ASER

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February 2016