Season 3 · Episode 98

Better Off in Billings: Exploring the Latest Tools for Talent Attraction & Retention

Jun 16, 2025

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 Attraction video, which highlights why Billings is Montana’s city and a hub of opportunity.

KaVo & Marce B also break down the most shareable parts of the site—whether you’re a recruiter, community ambassador, or just proud to call Billings home. They talk about the BOIB Ambassador group, how to connect with them, and why tools like these matter for growing a community and workforce that thrives.

Season 3 · Episode 97

Patrick Daley on Grit, Global Insight, and Strategic Perspective

Jun 9, 2025

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 discipline of military service, and the lessons learned from construction sites and classrooms alike.

We talk about his time at Bear Stearns, being in New York during 9/11, and his work on the ground with the fire department in the days that followed. Patrick also discusses his time living and working in Russia, learning the language, and gaining perspective through international experience.

Now a partner at Tur Partners, he shares insight into investment strategy, the value of staying within your “circle of competence,” and how his firm is working in energy and beyond.

Connect with TUR Partners HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 96

The Story of Lazy K Bar Whiskey: Building a Montana Legacy with Britt West and Casey Mitchell

Jun 2, 2025

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, along with partners Britt West and David Leuschen. Their goal was to create a high-quality, authentic whiskey that Montanans can be proud to call their own.

From the careful blend of aged bourbon to the intentional bottle design, this is a brand built to reflect Montana values—strong, grounded, and genuine. We also talk about the century-old guest ranch behind the name, the meaning of legacy, and the smooth, bold experience inside every bottle.

Connect with Lazy K Bar Whiskey HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 95

Ryan Jore on Strength, Accountability, and Building Community Through Fitness

May 26, 2025

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 wellness: consistent habits, proper nutrition, strength training, and the mindset needed to keep going. Ryan addresses common fitness misconceptions, offers insight into his own routines, and highlights why accountability, both to yourself and others, is key to long-term success.

Connect with Ryan HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 94

Creating Space for Community, Creativity, and Conversation with Alana Sukut of Casual Space

May 19, 2025

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 spontaneous conversation, to opening her doors to local vendors and artists, Alana has created more than just a business — she’s created a gathering space rooted in creativity, comfort, and connection. She shares her journey, what led her to take the leap, and how even small spaces can have a big impact when designed with intention.

Season 3 · Episode 93

Building Native Owned Businesses through Art and Innovation with Triia

May 12, 2025

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 and give artists the tools and exposure they need to thrive in both traditional and modern markets. From beadwork to paintings, every piece comes with a story, and Triia is making sure those stories are heard around the world.

To connect with Triia: https://www.triia.com/ 

Season 3 · Episode 92

In the Newsroom: Dianne Parker’s Journey in TV Journalism

May 5, 2025

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 storytelling was more than a job—it was her way of connecting with and honoring her community. Now a trusted voice in Billings, Dianne talks about embracing visibility, growing into her role, and why showing her kids what’s possible drives everything she does.

“To be a good example for my kids. I wanted to show them that a single mom can do anything.”

Season 3 · Episode 91

Leading with Integrity, Building with Purpose: Andrew Newman’s Approach to Business and Community

Apr 28, 2025

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 became the foundation of his work.

A passionate learner and leader, Andrew opens up about his community involvement, serving on local boards, and why giving back matters. He also shares how he approaches tough decisions, what it meant to be part of Karen Grosz’s new book, and the role discipline plays in both his business and personal growth.

Connect with Newman Restoration HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 90

NADC on Building Strong Native Communities through Business Support, Financial Services, & Community Wellness

Apr 21, 2025

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 wellness services. We also learn more about initiatives like the Triia platform for Native artists, the Billings Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center, and the Eagle Seeker Community Center. This episode highlights the strength, resilience, and innovation within Native communities—and the people working every day to support their success.

To connect with NADC: https://nadc-nabn.org/

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.