The Vault at 201 N Broadway

In today’s episode, we sit down with Christina Henderson, Executive Director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. Christina shares her journey from growing up in rural Iowa with community-minded parents to building a career that’s taken her from teaching and marketing to economic development leadership across multiple states. We talk about her move to Montana, the connections and experiences that led her to launch and lead t...

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

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

We dive into how Ryan helps business o...

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

On today’s Vault short we talk about the importance of your business name and things to consider when naming your business. 

We cover key considerations when naming your business—like clarity, memorability, brand alignment, and how your customers will search and engage with your business name. We talk about the value of getting feedback from potential customers, friends, or family before deciding. On this episode we also highlight c...

Join us as we sit down with Jen Rahr with Deer Creek Design Studio to talk about creativity, entrepreneurship, and growing a design business in Montana.

Jen shares her journey from small-town freelancer to full-time business owner, and how a passion for design—from school posters to full brand packages—turned into a thriving company. We talk about being ahead of the curve in graphic design, building a business by word of mouth, and ...

Join us as we sit down with Matthew Weber, owner of Alpha Overhead Doors. 

He shares how stepping into his family’s garage door business—and eventually buying it—sparked a shift not just in ownership, but in purpose.

We talk about the difference between camaraderie and  culture, why strong relationships are essential, and how he’s built a business focused on developing people personally and professionally. We discuss the value of coa...

Join us as we sit down with Tyler Wiltgen, Executive Director with St. Vincent Regional Hospital Foundation to explore what it means to lead with purpose and serve with impact.

Tyler shares how his small-town upbringing, early involvement in FFA, and love for sports shaped his deep commitment to community. From calling MSU Bobcat football games on the radio to studying abroad in Russia, he’s carried with him a global perspective and...

Join us as we sit down with Tyler Geiger, founder of Nock Performance, former police officer, and dedicated coach on a mission to help men become the best version of themselves.

Tyler shares his journey from policing in Nashville and Billings to launching his own coaching brand—where mindset, lifestyle, and community are at the core of everything he does. He talks about the joy of telling a story through video and photos, the lesson...

In this Vault short, KaVo & Marce B are back with a follow-up episode all about the newest tools available on BetterOffinBillings.org. These resources were built with employers and newcomers in mind—and they’re designed to help elevate Billings’ talent attraction and retention strategy.

They walk through three key additions to the site: the Cost of Living Calculator, a regional Industry Map, and the new Business & Talent Att...

Join us as we sit down with Patrick Daley—businessman, Army veteran, and son of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley—for a wide-ranging conversation on life, discipline, and business.

Patrick shares his journey from growing up in Chicago and attending an all-boys Catholic school, to enlisting in the Army’s airborne infantry and working in investment banking in New York. He reflects on the value of hard physical labor, the disciplin...

Join us as we sit down with Lazy K Bar Whiskey’s Britt West, Partner, and Casey Mitchell, Head of Sales and Marketing—the team behind a bourbon crafted to honor Montana’s legacy and values.

In this episode, they share their personal stories—what inspired them to create Lazy K Bar Whiskey, how the founding team came together, and the importance of honoring Montana’s heritage throughout the process. The team includes actor Cole Hauser...

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

We talk about the foundations of wellne...

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

From hosting chunky blanket hand knitting classes that spark sp...

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

We explore the mission behind Triia—to celebrate authentic Native artistry a...

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

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

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

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