Venture Boldly

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Skilled trades are changing fast, and the career opportunities are growing with them. Dr. Lisa Blank, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Flathead Valley Community College, joins us to talk about how the FVCC Trades Institute is preparing students and career changers for in-demand jobs across Northwest Montana.

We explore programs ranging from welding, electrical, plumbing, construction, and HVAC to machining, heavy equipment, and CDL training. Lisa also shares what local employers are looking for and how AI, automation, and robotics are changing the skills needed in today’s trades.

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Kalispell is more than the gateway to Glacier National Park, and three new members of the Kalispell Chamber and Discover Kalispell team are helping tell that bigger story.

Meet Kelsie Ring, Chris O’Boyle, and Marisa Mikonis and hear how their work is strengthening community connections, supporting local businesses, attracting meetings and visitors, and showcasing Kalispell as a destination worth experiencing on its own.

From better community events and stronger member engagement to sustainable tourism and a renewed focus on downtown Kalispell, this conversation looks at what’s next for...

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Glacier National Park may look timeless, but protecting it takes ongoing work and strong community support. In this episode, Brenden Craig sits down with Tagen Vine, the new president of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, to discuss how the organization helps fund critical park priorities.

They explore projects ranging from wilderness ranger support and wildlife research to the Logan Pass boardwalk replacement, along with the role of philanthropy, retail sales, business partnerships, and visitor education.

Listen for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to protect Glacier National Park...

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How does Flathead County manage rapid growth without losing its rural character or overextending taxpayers?

Brenden Craig talks with County Administrator Pete Melnick about the pressures shaping local government, including rising service demands, land use, infrastructure, budgeting, and property taxes. Pete also shares updates on the new detention center and regional septage treatment project, along with his approach to planning for the county’s future.

Listen for a clear look at how Flathead County is balancing growth, public services, and responsible spending.

Home :: Flathead County

Fo...

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What makes a downtown truly come alive? It’s the small businesses that create experiences, build connections, and turn visitors into loyal customers.

In this episode of Venture Boldly, we sit down with Beth Kornick, co-owner of Princess & Buck, to talk about building one of downtown Kalispell’s most distinctive retail destinations. Beth shares her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of creating memorable customer experiences, and why a thriving downtown depends on collaboration, not competition.

We explore the power of shopping local, the role retailers play in shaping a co...

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In this episode of Venture Boldly, we sit down with Katie Pfennigs of Flathead Electric Cooperative to break down the forces shaping the future of electricity in Northwest Montana. From rising rates and growing demand to new power generation investments and the impact of AI and data centers, Katie explains what members need to know.

We also unpack the difference between energy use and demand charges and share practical tips that can help you better manage your monthly bill. If you've ever wondered how the grid works—or how to save mo...

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The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is back for 2026, and summer in the Flathead is about to get a whole lot louder. In this episode, we sit down with Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally and Event Sponsorship Coordinator Kelsi Hansberry to preview everything coming to this year’s fair—from Walker Hayes, rodeo action, and carnival favorites to new attractions like pig races, a petting zoo, and pony rides.

We also discuss major fairgrounds improvements, how the team hosts nearly 750 events and 250,000 visitors each year, and why buying tickets directly from...

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The Glacier Range Riders and Glacier Bank Park have, in a few short years, become an integral part of the Flathead Valley's sports and recreation scene.  

Glacier Bank Park is a pro ballpark, built fast, built right, and built Montana — with locally sourced materials, authentic Flathead Valley food, and a design that makes visitors feel like they're somewhere, not just anywhere. Now it's drawing national recognition and becoming the kind of place families build traditions around. 

Brenden Craig sits down with Scot Gladstone and Patrick "PK" Kelly of the Glac...

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Mike Sullivan planted lavender in Northwest Montana and lost it all. Twice. What kept him going is a story about more than farming.

At Longview Lavender Farm in the Flathead Valley, Mike turned a stubborn specialty crop into a thriving agritourism business, one that creates local jobs and keeps farmland open.  We talk about how he cracked the code on Montana's soil and climate, why direct-to-consumer beats commodity farming, and how lavender becomes everything from essential oils to fire starters.

But the bigger conversation is about land.  The conversation wi...

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Infant child care is one of the biggest hidden barriers to workforce participation—and one of the hardest services to sustain. In this episode, Corinne Kuntz of Bird’s Nest Early Learning Village shares her transition from in-home care to a purpose-built center and what it reveals about the real challenges facing child care in the Flathead.

We break down the numbers behind the model—why infant care often operates at a loss, how programs stay viable, and what shifting policies mean for providers and families. Corinne also offers practical insight on exp...

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In this episode, we sit down with Eric Harry of the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Flathead Valley Community College to tackle a key question: how do we help founders build and stay in Northwest Montana?

Eric shares insights from his work in global entrepreneurship and local startup development, highlighting what actually moves the needle—strong mentorship, real connections, and a community that shows up. We discuss the “missing middle” in business growth, why talent leaves, and how initiatives like Brew & Build are creating a more connected, founder-focused ecosystem.

If y...

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Downtown Kalispell is evolving quickly, and community leaders are working to ensure that growth happens with intention. In this episode, Brenden Craig of First Interstate Bank sits down with Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber, and Gabe Mariman of Bias Brewing to discuss Downtown Kalispell Forward—a new alignment that brings the Kalispell Downtown Association under the Chamber. The conversation explains why this change matters now and how it creates a clearer, more coordinated voice for downtown businesses and partners.

The discussion also explores what the me...

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Kalispell is growing, and the decisions we make now will shape the next decade. In this episode, City Manager Jarod Nygren breaks down how the city is planning for infrastructure, housing, and downtown vitality to stay ahead of that growth. We discuss long-range planning, permitting timelines, and how clear policies create predictability for residents, businesses, and investors.

We also explore attainable homeownership options, workforce stability, and the role of parks, trails, and Main Street improvements in preserving community character. If you want a clear look at where Kalispell is headed—and ho...

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Childcare is essential workforce infrastructure. In this episode, Leigh Ann Downie-Economy, Director of Growing Roots Early Learning Center in Kalispell, shares what it takes to create a high-quality early learning center—from facility upgrades and safety requirements to hiring and retaining strong educators.

We discuss how ARPA funding supported launch and expansion, the real cost of care, and where demand is highest in the Flathead Valley—especially for infants, toddlers, and after-school programs. This conversation offers practical insight for families, employers, and community leaders navigating today’s childcare landscape.

Growin...

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Public funding covers the basics in Montana schools, but targeted donations drive innovation. In this episode, Dorothy Drury of the Kalispell Education Foundation shares how Montana school funding really works and how the KEF's fast, teacher-driven grants are turning small dollars into real classroom impact. 

She shares the growth of the foundation’s impact—from under $10,000 serving about 1,000 students to roughly $50,000 reaching more than 5,600 students. Many grants fund durable tools that benefit students for years.

Community partnerships make this possible, including strong local bank support and a $25,000 Applied Materials gift...

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A bitter cold snap can turn the grid into a high-wire act, and few people understand those stakes like Mark Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) and the 2025 Kalispell Chamber Business Person of the Year. Mark's 25+ years at FEC brings decades of steady leadership to keeping power reliable and rates stable as the Flathead Valley grows. In this conversation, he explains the role of hydropower, the limits of transmission, and how long-term planning and a service-first mindset support affordable, dependable electricity.

Beyond the grid, Mark...

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Growth is here, and today’s choices will shape Kalispell for decades. In this episode, Kalispell mayor-elect Ryan Hunter lays out a clear, practical agenda: protect waterways, expand attainable housing, improve street safety, and apply predictable standards that support a vibrant Parkline Trail—without overbuilding or fragmentation.

Drawing on six years on City Council and a background in land conservation, Ryan focuses on near-term action. He explains the need for stronger river and wetland buffers, outlines how “missing middle” housing can fit established neighborhoods, and discusses zoning updates tied to state timeline...

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Join us as we meet with Miles Terry, Vice President of Terry Homes and the Kalispell Chamber’s 2025 Rising Star.   As the VP of Terry Homes, a family-owned homebuilder that's been building homes in the Flathead for over 30 years, Miles discusses how a family builder can deliver attainable, high-quality homes without cutting corners—and his answer blends grit, data, and community.

Miles takes us from early job site memories and into a modernization push that rethinks homebuilding from the studs to the software. He breaks down a closed-loop purchase order system, a 400...

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In this episode, we sit down with 2025 Flathead Legacy Award recipient Bob Nystuen to trace his path from North Dakota roots to leading Glacier Bank and shaping the Flathead’s business and education landscape. He shares how capital, culture, and service align: gather deposits, make sound loans, recruit great people, and share results so everyone rows together. When COVID-19 hit, that preparation helped his team process over 2,000 PPP loans—keeping businesses afloat through closures and uncertainty.

Bob offers leadership lessons and steady guidance for today’s leaders facing AI, workforce shifts, and ma...

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A small clamp is making a big impact in Montana manufacturing. Founder Amber Pacheco Holm of Fiber Reaper, and her husband, Jeremy, turned a simple field frustration into a breakthrough tool now used by fiber splicing crews across the country. Built and tested in the Flathead Valley, her redesigned clamp helps technicians work faster, safer, and with greater precision. Through local partnerships with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, the Montana High-Tech Business Alliance, and area suppliers, Fiber Reaper transformed an idea sketched in a Kalispell workshop into a production-ready product—100% Made in...

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Sheriff Brian Heino doesn't mince words about Flathead County's jail crisis. The 1987 facility is bursting at the seams, with failing systems, inadequate space, and mounting safety concerns. With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Sheriff Heino offers a compelling insider's perspective on why a new detention center represents not just a building project, but a fundamental community investment. 

The stark reality becomes clear as he describes detention officers navigating cramped corridors, managing mental health crises without proper facilities, and watching judges make release decisions based on space constraints rather than p...

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Meet Kisa Davison, Kalispell mayoral candidate and recipient of the Kalispell Chamber’s endorsement. She joins Drew Zagorski to share her journey from business owner and community leader to candidate for mayor.

Since moving to Kalispell in 2007, Kisa and her husband have built several businesses while raising four children. She has served on the Kalispell Chamber Board, chaired the Business Improvement District, and participated in multiple city task forces.

Kisa describes herself as a “professional problem solver,” not a career politician. Her campaign focuses on three priorities: strengthening public safety...

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Kyle Waterman, downtown business owner and former city councilor, is running for Kalispell City Council Ward 3. In this conversation, he shares how his past council experience and decades of community leadership shape his vision for a growing, business-friendly Kalispell.

We talk about downtown revitalization, including how asking tough questions about city-owned property opened the door to new development opportunities. Waterman also discusses the challenge of balancing historic preservation with the needs of local businesses and residents.

Finally, he explains his approach to building a “getting to yes” culture in city...

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Join host Drew Zagorski as he sits down with Brian Gootkin, Director of the Montana Department of Corrections, and Jim Sanderson, Operations Manager of the new Flathead Valley Reentry Center, for a revealing conversation about  how we reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. This isn't just another corrections facility – it's Montana's first-ever state-run reentry center.

The conversation dives deep into the center's focus on "desistance" rather than recidivism.  As Sanderson explains, this approach yields both better public safety outcomes and economic benefits for the community. 

What about community conce...

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Montana’s outdoor recreation supports billions in spending while protecting landscapes, wildlife, and local traditions. Amber Steed, Region 1 Supervisor for Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), brings deep knowledge to managing these resources and highlights new public access projects, including Somers Beach State Park and expanded fishing areas near Flathead Lake.

Key efforts like the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement will protect over 80,000 acres through partnerships with timber companies, ensuring public access while maintaining sustainable forestry and preventing development.

With rising bear encounters, FWP focuses on prevention through education, bear-proof co...

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This episode of the Venture Boldly podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the Flathead County Fairgrounds—an iconic 60-acre hub in Kalispell that hosts over 750 events and draws more than 250,000 visitors each year. While many know it as home to the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, the fairgrounds serve as a year-round space for community, culture, and connection.

Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally and Event Sponsorship Coordinator Kelsey Hansberry share how their personal ties to the Flathead Valley shape their vision for the fairgrounds’ future. From major facility upgrades to securing top...

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Flathead Lake’s clean waters and mountain views aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential to our region’s economy, culture, and future. For over 100 years, the Flathead Lake Biological Station has worked to protect one of America’s cleanest lakes.

Associate Director Tom Bansak shares the story of the station’s start in 1899, when it operated out of a borrowed cabin, and how it grew into a leading center for freshwater research. Founded by biologist Morton Elrod, the station now maintains one of the world’s most complete lake data records.

I...

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"Young entrepreneurs can teach us all a thing or two about business," is the lesson that shines through in my conversation with Parker and Lucy, the young founders of Two Sisters Lemonade and winners of the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Award for Lemonade Day Flathead.

Over three years of participation, these sisters have transformed from novices with a simple setup to savvy business owners making strategic decisions about products, branding, and customer service.

Parker summarizes the entrepreneurial mindset perfectly: "If something goes wrong or something doesn't go right, just get back...

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What does it take to build a construction company that shapes a community? Bill Goldberg, founder of Compass Construction, shares how he went from a 20-year-old entrepreneur to a leader in Flathead Valley development.

Raised in a family of builders in Whitefish, Bill took a hands-on path—starting his own company at 22 and focusing on projects that meet real community needs. From preserving green space to revitalizing downtown Kalispell, his work balances growth with purpose.

Now expanding beyond the Flathead, Bill reflects on two decades of building, mentoring, and gi...

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Ready to transform your professional trajectory? The Discover Kalispell Chamber unveils Catapult Collective, an innovative leadership and career development program poised to revolutionize how professionals grow in the Flathead Valley.

Catapult Collective serves professionals at every career stage—from emerging leaders to seasoned executives contemplating retirement. What truly distinguishes Catapult Collective is its three-pronged approach: career-focused educational events, structured mentorship opportunities, and meaningful relationship building beyond surface-level networking. The mentorship component pairs emerging professionals with established leaders from key Flathead industries including technology, banking, manufacturing, and tourism. 

The program lau...

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Join us as Matt Laughlin, Director of the Wachholz College Center at Flathead Valley Community College, takes us behind the curtain of Kalispell's premier performing arts venue. Matt, a Montana native who returned home after 14 years at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, shares how this community-funded facility has transformed the cultural landscape of the Flathead Valley in just over two years.

The journey began with Paul Wachholz's foundational donation that catalyzed community support, creating what Matt calls "a venue built for the community, by the community." Now serving as both world-class performance space...

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The Conrad Mansion, built in 1895 by Kalispell founder Charles Conrad, is a well-preserved Victorian home that offers a rare, authentic view of Montana’s past. Under the leadership of Executive Director Brit Clark, the Conrad Mansion Museum shares the story of Conrad’s journey from a river freighter in Virginia to a prominent businessman in Montana, influenced by a strategic tip from James J. Hill about the Great Northern Railway’s route.

What sets the mansion apart is its exceptional preservation—90% of the home’s contents are original, and the structure remains la...

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Montana's economy is booming. Labor force numbers have pushed total workforce to over 579,000 people, with nearly 50,000 jobs added since COVID-19 began reshaping our economic landscape. The Flathead Valley stands out with even more impressive growth – outpacing state averages with 2.8% labor force expansion last year alone.

Join us as Montana State Economist, Amy Watson, paints a picture of what's driving this growth and the challenges that come with it. The most pressing issue? An extraordinarily tight labor market with approximately two job openings for every unemployed Montanan. This workforce squeeze creates significant re...

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Local Control. Local Values. 

Join us as we tackle a pressing topic impacting Kalispell Public Schools—the upcoming high school levy vote. This episode features enlightening discussions with Matt Jensen, Superintendent, and Jinn Merriman, a dedicated school board trustee and parent. Together, we explore how this levy directly affects our students, families, and community as a whole. 

Listeners will gain insights into the vital role local levies play in providing quality education, funding critical programs, and ensuring that our schools can continue to thrive. You’ll learn about the potent...

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Ever wondered how military training influences leadership in the corporate world? In this episode, we welcome Phil Quigley, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned consultant, who shares his insights on leadership drawn from his diverse career across various industries. Phil’s unique journey—from pioneering roles at Atari and Yahoo to his work with veterans—provides a compelling narrative about the intersection of military discipline and effective business leadership.

Phil delves into the core principles of accountability, trust, and adaptability. He reflects on pivotal moments from his military and corporate experiences, offeri...

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What if breaking away from a toxic environment could unlock your true potential? Join us as we sit down with Sherrie Patterson, the owner of Essential Development and Coaching, who shares her journey from the education sector to establishing a thriving business in leadership and personal development. Sherry lays bare her initial struggles, debunking the myth that success is all about having the perfect plan. Instead, she champions the power of personal growth and passion as the real game-changers in creating meaningful change.

Sherry walks us through the core questions that...

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What if you could transform your community through the power of leadership and collaboration? Join us on Venture Boldly as we feature the inspiring journey of Mark Freidline, the 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Ambassador of the Year. In our engaging conversation, Mark shares his path from being the Executive Officer of the Flathead Building Association to championing various local initiatives. His dedication to service shines through as he discusses his role in promoting professionalism within the building industry and his profound impact on youth art programs and community advisory boards.

Listeners will...

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Ever wondered how a bank can shape a community beyond financial transactions? Mike Smith, Glacier Bank's Market President, joins us as we discuss recent accolades, including being awarded the Discover Kalispell's 2024 Businessperson of the Year and Glacier Bank’s honor as the Legacy Partner of the Year. We explore the bank’s vibrant relationship with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and their genuine commitment to community development, exemplified by their partnership with the Glacier Range Riders baseball team. Mike shares the bank's philosophy of fostering community spirit through active employee engagement in local nonp...