The Vault at 201 N Broadway

Today we’re sitting down with the Chancellor of Montana State University Billings, Stefani Hicswa. Stefani joins us for a discussion about her career journey and path to Chancellor. From growing up on a farm in Dillon and being the first in her family to attend college to building strong teams and leading large education systems with authenticity and intentionality. On this episode, we talk about what it means to be Chancellor of M...

Today on this Vault short, KaVo & Marce B are talking about all things Better Off in Billings (BOIB), the official talent attraction and retention brand of Billings, Montana’s city. In this episode we dive into how to utilize betteroffinbillings.org as a resident or newcomer and as an employer doing talent recruitment. We talk about what “there’s space for you to be, grow and play” means, the BOIB ambassador group and how organ...

Today we’re sitting down with Klay Welter and Trevan Sparboe, the creators and founders of Proof Donuts & Coffee. Working side-by side on their own things, they had the realization that their real opportunity was to partner together and the power of partnerships. We have a conversation about learning to make dough, finding the right investors, using unique avenues to create a buzz around what you’re creating, and finding the st...

On this Vault short Kayla and Marcell dive into what a “BAIL” team is and why small businesses and entrepreneurs should have one! 

We talk about what the “BAIL” team stands for, why it’s important and what to consider when picking your “BAIL” team. We discuss where to get started and things to look for when choosing your “BAIL” team members. 

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

On this Vault short we interview Big Sky Economic Development team members, Brandon Berger and Heather Kirpach to learn more about BSED’s Big Sky Finance Program.  

We talk with the about what the SBA 504 Loan is, who and how it can be utilized, and their statewide footprint. We discuss the types of projects they have been part of across the entire state of Montana, the benefits of utilizing this long-term financing tool available t...

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

On this Vault short we interview two members from the young professional program of Billings, Billings NextGEN a program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Cathy Grider and Abbey Wink.

We talk with Cathy and Abbey about why NextGEN was created, the importance of providing a network for Billings’ emerging leaders to engage in and  foster relationships, develop business opportunities, support civic involvement, and promote an overal...

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

On this Vault short we interview Big Sky Economic Development team member, Thom MacLean to learn more about BSED’s placemaking micro-grant.

We talk with Thom about the importance of empowering your community’s residents to transform spaces in their neighborhood into places. We discuss the types of projects our community has accomplished, what is placemaking, and the economic benefits of building a quality community. 

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

Today, Kayla and Marcell are kicking off season 2 sharing their story of how they met through a local young professional network. 

From forging connections to diving headfirst into community initiatives, they share their journey of growth, friendship, and career milestones. Discover the twists and turns that led them to Big Sky Economic Development, where they now thrive. 

Brace yourself for an exhilarating season...

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

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

Immerse yourself in Wade's world as he shares his profound experiences within his fraternity and the vibrant communit...

In this episode, we venture into the world of family businesses, commercial ranching, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our hosts, Kayla and Marcell of Big Sky Economic Development, sit down with the remarkable Sara Hollenbeck, affectionately known as "Sara the Sheep Lady."

Sara's journey is nothing short of inspirational. She shares her story of moving from California to the heart of Montana and the intriguing condition he...

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

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

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

Justin's radio career started with a curiosity for pushing buttons during high school broadcasti...

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

Lukas, the youngest in his family, discovered his knack for humor early on and drew inspiration from comedic legends like Jim Carrey and...