The Vault at 201 N Broadway

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 disciplin...

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...

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 wellne...

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 sp...

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 a...

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 ...

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 beca...

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 well...

 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 r...

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, Nich...

Join us as we sit down with Rebecca and Jamie, the dynamic duo behind The OCD Girls—Billings' premier organizing team. With diverse backgrounds—Rebecca in professional writing and Jamie in real estate—they turned their passion for organization into a thriving business that helps others reclaim their spaces and their peace of mind. In this episode, Rebecca and Jamie share their journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges they’v...

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 ...

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 g...

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 strat...

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 entrepreneu...

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 Fr...

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 a...

 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...

We are honored to start season 3 of The Vault, episode 79 with a very special episode featuring a special guest who is no longer with us. This episode was recorded in August of 2024 and our special guest, Kevin Kooistra passed away in December 2024. We are honored to have had this conversation with him and to share it with you. We hope that you are inspired by Kevin’s story. 

On this episode Kevin shares his journey to Montana from ...