Recent Episodes
Season 3 · Episode 89
Steve Arveschoug on Change, Legacy, and What It Means to Lead
Apr 14, 2025
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 reinvestment, Steve has helped shape the economic future of Yellowstone County, and the region.
He shares lessons learned through both success and challenge, from the importance of incremental progress to the power of collaboration. “We got bad news, we leaned in, we solved problems, and turned it into something really special,” he says, reflecting on BSED’s role in the GE building transition.
Steve talks about how his leadership has evolved—shifting from task-oriented to people-centered—and why caring for the people you lead is essential. He opens up about the decision to retire, how he carefully prepared BSED for a leadership transition, and why championing collaboration remains at the heart of strong, regional leadership.
“I always want to be a learner,” Steve says. “The more I know, the more I experience, the more I can be helpful.”
This episode is more than a farewell—it’s a conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it means to leave an organization better than you found it.
Play EpisodeSeason 3 · Episode 88
Nichole Mehling on Philanthropy, Team Culture, and Building a Stronger Montana
Apr 7, 2025
Join us today as we sit down with Nichole Mehling, President of the Billings Clinic Foundation to share her journey from music teacher to community leader. Inspired by her grandmother to find her voice and shine her light, Nichole talks about growing up in a service-minded family, her early career in education and hospitality, and the natural path that led her to philanthropy.
A founding member of the Chamber’s NextGEN program, Nichole reflects on leadership, creating positive work environments, and her passion for connecting people to purpose. She offers insights into what it means to create a thriving work culture, lead with heart, and invest in the vitality of a community. She also shares insight into the work of the Billings Clinic Foundation, their statewide impact, and the importance of investing in the vitality of the community.
Learn more about Billings Clinic HERE.
Play EpisodeSeason 3 · Episode 86
Transforming Montana’s Culinary Scene, The Power of Mentorship, and Redefining Hospitality: The Story of Nick Steen Gullings, Head Chef & Owner of Walkers
Mar 24, 2025
Join us as we sit down with Nick Steen Gullings, Head Chef and Owner of Walkers, to explore his journey of discovering passion and purpose. From influential mentors to unexpected career detours—including firefighting, selling Kirby vacuums, and a legendary moment when he quit and rode away on a Harley—Nick shares the pivotal experiences that led him to the world of hospitality. He reflects on the culture he and his team have built at Walkers, their unique approach to dining, and what true hospitality means to him. Nick also opens up about the joy and fulfillment he finds in doing what he loves, reminding us, “I’m overwhelmed every day, with joy, and with love and passion and understanding that you can do something you love to do. Don’t let anyone ever tell you can’t.” Plus, hear his philosophy on, “no one works for me, they work with me.”
Connect with Walkers HERE.
This episode is sponsored by Visit Billings, connect with them HERE.
Play EpisodeThe Episode Vault

Mike Nelson on Elevating Hospitality, Catalytic Downtown Investment, & Developing the Future Workforce
Mar 17, 2025

Following Your Dream, Building a Brand, & Designing Meaningful Customer Experiences with Linda Brooks, Owner of SOMETHINGchic
Mar 10, 2025

Small Business Ownership, Listening to your Customers, and Cultivating Community with Molly & Friends Owner, Jodi Mackay
Mar 3, 2025

Cindy Beers on Wellness, Leveraging Your Circle of Influence to change the food system & Building a Business
Feb 24, 2025

Building Strong Schools: Leadership, Mentorship, & Mission with Andrew McDonald
Feb 17, 2025

Developing Leaders in the Healthcare Industry with Montana HOSA
Feb 10, 2025

“Feeling More at Home” Kevin Kooistra’s Legacy
Feb 3, 2025

The Vault Season 2 Recap, Top Takeaways, Key Themes, and Episode Highlights
Jan 30, 2025

How to Attract and Retain Talent in Your Community with Patience Fairbrother
Jan 20, 2025

Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life with the Veterans Navigation Network
Jan 16, 2025
About the Vault
The Vault at 201 N Broadway is the official podcast of Big Sky Economic Development in Billings, Montana’s City!
We interview community leaders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource partners here in Montana to share their stories, expertise, industry insights, and strategies.
Learn how to better start, manage, and grow your business and your leadership. Tangible takeaways to save you time and improve whatever it is that you’re working on.
We record in a historic monster vault at 201 N Broadway. Our Podcast Studio is available for fellow podcasters and content creators to use, click here to learn more (go to “The Vault”)!
Meet the Co-Creators & Co-Hosts of the Vault

Marcell Bruski
Marcell Bruski is the Senior Director of Engagement at Big Sky Economic Development where she leads strategic direction for the marketing, communication, and branding of BSED. She manages marketing campaigns, organizational events, and programs from conception through completion. On the other hand, Marcell oversees BillingsWorks, BSED’s workforce development program. She works to advance talent attraction & retention resources for local recruiters and employers, and sustain partnerships and alignment with education and industry to build a strong workforce for tomorrow. Marcell always lends a helping hand where she can and leads with determination and confidence to get the job done.

Kayla Vokral
Kayla Vokral is the SBDC Business Advisor/Training Manager at Big Sky Economic Development where she helps small businesses and entrepreneurs find solutions to their most pressing problems. She knows what businesses need and is quick to jump on any opportunity that will be beneficial to them, whether that’s through trainings she coordinates, one-on-one counseling she gives, or grants and funding opportunities she promotes. With her background in business ownership, management, and advising, Kayla has seen a wide variety of peaks and valleys and how to navigate them. She lives by her “give first” mentality and is always willing to share small business successes and lessons learned to help inspire and educate other entrepreneurs, small business owners, and business leaders.