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.

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 3 · Episode 85

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

Mar 17, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Mike Nelson—community leader, business owner, developer, and hospitality expert—who revitalized the iconic Northern Hotel and helped shape downtown Billings. Mike shares his career journey, from working for major hotel brands in Las Vegas to returning home to Billings to restore the Northern.  He dives into his three legs of hospitality at the Northern—Connect, Empathize, Respect—and how they guide the guest experience.

Connect with the Northern Hotel HERE!

Season 3 · Episode 84

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

Mar 10, 2025

Join us as we sit down with entrepreneur, nurse, and owner of SOMETHINGchic, Linda Brooks. Linda shares her journey from small-town Montana to nursing school, life in Boston, and ultimately returning home to bring her dream to life. She dives into the long road to opening her store, from co-winning the Downtown Billings Battle of the Plans to crowd-sourcing capital, and finding the perfect downtown space. Plus, she shares her strategies for marketing, building community, creating a brand that resonates, and the importance of research.

Connect with SOMETHINGchic HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 83

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

Mar 3, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Jodi Mackay owner of Molly & Friends, a beloved dog daycare and boarding business in Laurel, MT. Jodi shares how a simple idea turned into a thriving small business, the importance of communication and customer service, and the special touches that make Molly & Friends a home away from home for dogs. Plus, a special appearance from her daughter, Allison, as they discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, the love of animals, and the power of community support.

Learn more about Molly & Friends HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 82

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

Feb 24, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Cindy Beers – dietitian, entrepreneur,  health advocate and Founder of Fresco Juice. Cindy shares her journey, from working in healthcare to launching her own business, driven by her personal gut health struggles and a transformative discovery of raw juice.

She shares how the encouragement from her community gave her the confidence to start Fresco. Cindy discusses their unique juice process that makes Fresco juice stand out from other juices.  She reflects on the power of influence—how we can all play a role in improving our food system.

Make sure to try the Official Juices of The Vault, Blue Juice and 14Karrot. Check them out here: https://www.frescojuiceco.com/ 

Season 3 · Episode 81

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

Feb 17, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Andrew McDonald, President of the Billings Catholic Schools. From dreaming of a career as a spy to finding his calling in education Andrew shares his career journey and leadership insights. On this episode he discusses the importance of transparency, knowing your strengths and building strong teams. We dive into the power of relationships and mentorships and their role in shaping a career. Andrew talks about leading through transition, navigating change, and fostering strong cultures within the schools. He talks about the Billings Catholic School system and its impact on education, community, and student success.

Learn more about the Billings Catholic Schools HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 80

Developing Leaders in the Healthcare Industry with Montana HOSA

Feb 10, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Katie Meier, the State Director of Montana HOSA, future health professionals of Montana. On this episode we talk about the role HOSA plays across the state to empower future leaders (high school students) through education, collaboration and experience. She dives into her passion for educating students and leveraging HOSA to provide students the real life experience to apply the personal, workplace, and technical skills it takes to be successful in the workplace.

Learn more about HOSA HERE.