Season 3 · Episode 109

The Merger Behind Allies in Aging with Erika Purington and Tyler Amundson

Sep 1, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Amundson and Erika Purington to talk about the merger of Big Sky Senior Services and the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County—now united as Allies in Aging.

Together, they bring nearly 100 years of experience in serving older adults, offering essential services like in-home care, meals, caregiver support, transportation, education, and social connection. The merger was a proactive step to better serve a growing senior population, combining resources into a true one-stop shop for seniors and caregivers across Yellowstone County.

Tyler and Erika share why now was the right time to join forces, how merging strengthens the legacy of both organizations, and why investing in services for older adults benefits the whole community.

Season 3 · Episode 108

Culture-First Leadership: Growing a Legacy with Michael Sanderson

Aug 25, 2025

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

We discuss his approach to leadership, the company’s breakthrough with the Shiloh Crossing project, and strategic growth through mergers, acquisitions, and government contracting. Central to his philosophy is a culture-first mindset—investing in people, building strong systems, and balancing shared values with local office autonomy.

This episode is about more than business growth—it’s about legacy, leadership, and building a lasting company culture.

Connect with Michael HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 107

Christina Henderson on Storytelling, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Connection

Aug 17, 2025

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 the statewide tech alliance, and her role in telling the stories of Montana’s growing high-tech sector. With an entrepreneurial spirit, a keen sense for storytelling, and a talent for connecting people, Christina offers insight into building strong business ecosystems and why place matters in entrepreneurship.

Connect with the MT High Tech Business Alliance HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 106

Designing Stories: Debbie Desjarlais on Culture, Creativity, and Keya Advertising

Aug 11, 2025

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 magazine, their transition into advertising, and the unique campaigns they’ve created together to elevate Native voices and perspectives. With decades of entrepreneurial experience and a deep commitment to cultural representation, Debbie offers insight into the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of creating work that reflects the people it serves. This conversation is about entrepreneurship, the power of perspective, and how art can be a tool for change.

Connect with Debbie HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 105

Resilient Leadership: Ryan Gregory on the Cowboy Code and Building Businesses with Purpose

Aug 4, 2025

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 owners create structure, align their teams, and plan for growth or exit on their own terms. He also shares lessons from life in the mountains and on the river, and why resilience, integrity, and follow-through are at the core of every successful business he coaches.

Connect with Ryan HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 104

Strength in Vulnerability: Leading, Mentoring & Building Montana Fly Fishing Lodge with Judi Powers

Jul 28, 2025

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.

We talk about the challenges and rewards of transitioning into business ownership, the dynamic of working with her husband, and what it takes to deliver Ritz Carlton-level service in a seasonal, experience-based business. Judi opens up about her passion for cooking, the joy of creating meaningful guest experiences, and the global relationships they’ve built through their lodge — including a partnership with a Patagonia-based outfitter.

As Judi puts it, “Vulnerability is so important in a leader. If people don’t feel like they can truly connect to who you are and what your why is, they’re not going to work as hard or be as giving of their time and talents to someone that doesn’t give those time and talents back to them.”

Connect with the Montana Fly Fishing Lodge HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 103

Naming Your Business

Jul 21, 2025

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 common pitfalls, why a name check matters beyond your state, and how a good name can eliminate barriers to your business growth.

Season 3 · Episode 101

Matthew Weber on Relationships, Culture, and the Business of Growing People

Jul 7, 2025

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 coaching, consistent learning, and surrounding yourself with people who do it better.

“Yes, I do garage doors, but what I really do is grow people. I just happen to use garage doors to do it.”

Connect with Alpha Overhead Doors HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 100

Tyler Wiltgen on Leadership, Philanthropy, and Regional Impact

Jun 30, 2025

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 a drive to stay connected to the place he calls home.

We talk about his early career in philanthropy at MSU, his leadership lessons, and what it means to show up differently for every person on your team. Now in his role at St. Vincent Foundation, Tyler shares the projects that matter, the role of relationship-building in long-term success, and the big question he keeps coming back to: What can we do next to better serve this community?

Connect with Tyler HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 99

Tyler Geiger on Entrepreneurship, Coaching, and Cultivating a Strong Community

Jun 27, 2025

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 lessons learned from others, and why seeing his clients succeed is the ultimate reward.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a coaching business from scratch, the power of consistency, and what “I want these guys to be better men” truly means to Tyler. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, self-development, or the impact of a strong community, this conversation gives an honest look inside the mindset behind Nock Performance.

Connect with Tyler HERE.