Name: Steve Anderson

Education: University of Wisconsin (MBA)

Current Business: Artisan Doors of Montana

Business Notes

A well-known consumer products executive and global business leader, Mr. Anderson has held key roles for $7 billion Bass and $2 billion Bausch & Lomb during the past twenty years.  Most recently, he was CEO (Asia Pacific) for Bass Brewers.  He has successfully developed and executed growth strategies on a local, regional, and global basis for leading consumer brands such as Bass Ale, Ray Ban, and Renu. Reflecting his entrepreneurial nature, Steve established a private investment group, Timeless, LLC.  This company, together with other investors, has invested $20 million in new businesses.  Recently, Mr. Anderson took majority ownership in a small niche high-end specialty wood products company in Northwest Montana and is building this business into a global leader.  He has also invested in two other northwest companies with high potential and in mentoring their CEO’s as present.

Name: Bob Blumhagen
Education: University of Montana (MBA)
Current Business: Co-founder, Salmonberry Studios, Inc.

Business Notes
Bob began his business career in advertising sales at the Yakima Herald Republic. He spent over sixteen years in newspaper management positions including Human Resource Director, Planning Coordinator, Assistant Business Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing and Associate Publisher. He held executive positions in Yakima, Gresham, OR., Seattle and Port Angeles, WA. After completing his MBA at the University of Montana in 1994, he and his wife, Francy, started Salmonberry Studio and have successfully marketed Francy’s artwork throughout the world since then. Their handmade notecards are sold in 44 states as well as in Canada and Europe. Her work has been featured on the cover of the UNICEF catalog for two of the last three years. Bob brings a special blend of corporate experience to a “lifestyle” company.
 

Name: Don Gaumer
Education: University of Montana (MBA), Plymouth State University (BS)
Current Organization: Independent Consultant

Business Notes
Donald Gaumer received his MBA from the University of Montana in 1983. He worked for several years in commercial banking concentrating in problem loan and work out situations. In 1986 he started with Sun Mountain Sports, a small manufacturer in the golf business. During his eighteen years with the company worked in all facets of management as the company has grew to become a powerful force in its industry. For the past two years Mr. Gaumer has been working as a strategic consultant and is currently leading a startup / early stage enterprise located in Boston. Throughout his career Mr. Gaumer has been involved with numerous acquisitions and divestitures. He has also led several successful financial restructurings using traditional bank financing and privately placed financing.  Gaumer has been an instructor for various professional groups since 1984. His teaching experience includes professional seminars, Western CPE and The University of Montana.
 

Name: Elizabeth C. Marchi (Liz)

Education: Hollins University (BA)

Current Business: President/CEO, Montana West Economic Development/Flathead County EDA Montana

Business Notes

Montana West Economic Development is a privately funded economic development organization in Northwest Montana focused on fostering high value job opportunity.  Marketing and recruiting, resourcing private capital, lending, networking and education are part of Montana West ED’s program of work.  In addition, Montana West supports the Glacier Technology Roundtable and the ACME Angels of Montana. Mrs. Marchi is a member of the Montana Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs (MADE), a group that teaches, supports and recognized distinguished entrepreneurship in association with the University Of Montana School Of Business. Mrs. Marchi serves on the Boards of the Glacier Region of the Montana Community Foundation, the Montana Women’s Fund, the PPL Community Advisory Fund and the Montana Economic Developers Association.  She is immediate past President of the Montana Ambassadors, a statewide group appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Governor that supports business development and education in Montana and was appointed by Governor Schweitzer to the Governor’s Economic Development Advisory Board. Ms. Marchi was the recipient of the Desiree Taggart Workforce Development Award presented by Governor Schweitzer in 2006 for individual achievement in workforce development. Prior to moving to Montana, Mrs. Marchi was the Executive Director of Communications and Public Policy for the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia where she majored in Politics and has served as a trustee and President of the Alumnae Association.

Name: Bjorn Nabozney

Education: University of Montana (BS in Business Administration)

Current Business: Co-founder, Big Sky Brewing Company

Business Notes
Bjorn is one of the founders of Big Sky Brewing Company (BSBC).  He wrote the business plan for BSBC while earning his degree at the University of Montana's School of Business Administration. Bjorn's responsibilities at BSBC include marketing and new product development.  However, Bjorn has been known to wear many hats for BSBC, having plumbed the entire facility in which the company now resides.  Bjorn is also a frequent guest speaker at the Business School and a generous supporter of many campus and community activities.
 

Name: Becky Reno

Current Business: President and Chief Executive Officer, City Brew Coffee, Cool River Coffee Roasters and City Vineyard

Business Notes
Becky's first business, Video Library Stores, Inc.,  began with one retail store front in Billings, Montana in 1980.  Twenty-three years later the company had expanded to include 15 retail stores doing business in Montana and a wholesale division doing business in 14 states including Alaska.  Becky sold the business in 2003 to Movie Gallery, the 2nd largest video chain by store count in the United States. In 1998 Becky started City Brew Coffee, growing  to 7 retail locations and 2 kiosk drive-thru locations.  She also founded City Vineyard Fine Wines, a fine wine retail store with a beverage license for hosting wine tasting. Becky was named the Montana Business Woman of the Year in 1997 and current serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Saint Vincent Hospital and Healthcare.