Name: David Andrews

Education: Amherst College (BA), Cornell University (PhD)

Current Organization: Adjunct Associate Professor of Physics, University of Montana

Business Notes

David Andrews learned business on the job.  His education in physics and an early research career led in 1982 to a technical position with Oxford Instruments, at the time a small British company with a near monopoly on the technology for manufacturing superconducting magnets for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  Twenty one years later he was with the same company, now substantially larger, having moved from technical into primarily business roles, with titles such as Business Development Manager for Accelerator Technology and Vice President of Marketing for Superconducting Technology.  There he was responsible for spotting opportunities to apply the company’s capabilities in new markets, while keeping a close eye on the competition, and all the time satisfying current customers with smoothly introduced new products (Hah!).  In 2003 he “retired” to Montana where he has been helping out in the UM physics department.  It was shortly afterwards that he read Mohr’s “Marketing of High-Technology Products and Innovations”.  Better late than never.

Name: Donald J. Bennett
Education: University of Montana (BA)
Current Business: Founder and President of Freedom Bank

Business Notes
Don Bennett spent most of his career with First Citizens Bank (1984-2004) and served as Chairman of the Board from 1991 to 2004.  In 2005 he started Freedom Bank in Columbia Falls.  He is a well-respected member of the banking and insurance industries in the state of Montana, serving as the Chairman, Board Member, and Treasurer of the Montana Bankers Association and President of the Flathead Association of Independent Insurance Agents.  He is also Chairman of the Board for an Internet banking software company, e-Financial Systems, Inc.  Mr. Bennett is also very active in the community, serving as a Board Member for Jobs Now, North Valley Hospital Foundation, Flathead Economic Development Authority, and as Chairman for Montana West Economic Development.  Mr. Bennett also served on the University of Montana's School of Business Administration Advisory Council.

Name: David Desch
Education: University of Colorado (BS), University of Montana (MS)
Current Business: Executive Director, Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology

Business Notes
David P. Desch is the Executive Director of the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology and has served in that capacity since the organization’s start-up in 2000.  Prior to his position with the Research and Commercialization program, Mr. Desch was a Principal of Interwest Consulting, a Helena-based management consulting and strategic planning firm.  Other positions held by Dave include Senior Investments Manager at the Montana Science and Technology Alliance, Interstate Commerce Commission Practitioner, and Wilderness Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service. Dave received a B.S. degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Montana.

Name: Bret George
Education: University of Iowa (BS, Finance), National Development Council, Certified Economic Development Professional
Current Business: Bank of Montana

Business Notes
Previous to working at the Bank of Montana, Bret M. George served as Senior Vice President for Montana Business Capital Corporation for eight years. His professional experience also includes: 3 years as the Small Business Development Center Director for the US Small Business Administration's Missoula Region; 5 years at a regional community development corporation, most recently serving as its Senior Lending Officer; and 5 years in Chicago as Senior Field Auditor for the National Futures Association regulating the commodities industry. Bret M. George has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with an emphasis in accounting from top 20 ranked University of Iowa Business School. Additionally, Bret is a Certified Economic Development Professional as designated by the National Development Council. Bret is also a licensed real estate agent. Bret is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys all forms of cycling, canoeing, rafting, and camping. Bret completed the 2007 Ride Around the Pioneer Mountains in One Day (RATPOD), a 130 mile cycling event to support Camp Make-a-Dream and intends to continue to participate in RATPOD and other cycling events.


 

NAME: Dale Gillespie

EDUCATION: Arizona State University (BS), University of Montana (MBA)

CURRENT BUSINESS: Invest, Inc.

Business Notes

Dale Gillespie has spent most of his career in real estate and entrepreneurial ventures and is owner of Invest, Inc.  Dale’s first job out of college was working for the then largest accounting firm in the world in their branch located in Zambia, Africa.  He moved back to the states and was hired by the First Bank System of Colorado.  From there he moved back to his native state of Montana and has owned a diverse number of small businesses.  His specialty over the last ten years has been based in commercial and investment real estate.  Clients include Costco, The Limited, Staples, US West, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the US Government.   Currently he lives in Polson, Montana and is owner or partnered in nine ventures.  His hobbies include golf, fishing, skiing, and purchasing domain names of which he owns over 300.  One of his greatest accomplishments was to get his MBA at the age of 52.  Never too old.  

Name: John Giuliani

Education: University of Montana (MBA, BS)

Current Business: Chief Lending Officer, Treasure State Bank

Business Notes

John Giuliani is the Chief Lending Officer for the de novo Treasure State Bank headquartered in Missoula, Montana.  John’s work experience has included analysis and lending to the following:  commercial and industrial, real estate development, construction and professional clientele.  His responsibilities include management of credit review and underwriting.  John is a Missoula native and a graduate of Loyola Sacred Heart High School. He graduated from the University of Montana in 2000 obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a major in Economics.  John earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Montana in 2005 and is currently finishing his third year at the American Banker’s Associations Stonier Graduate School of Banking.  His current and past community involvement includes be a member of the Loyola Sacred Heart High School Foundation Board of Directors, Montana Food Bank Board of Directors, Rotary International, Missoula Good Fellows, and leadership positions with the Missoula Chamber of Commerce.
 

Name: Steve Grover
Education: Montana State University (BS)
Current Business: Vice President, Sparrow Financial

Business Notes
Steve Grover is the Vice President of Sparrow Financial, a company specializing in funding projects through debt, equity, and tax credit programs.  Prior to joining Sparrow, Mr. Grover spent seven years in public/private economic development using his ability to structure complex financing packages to grow businesses and create economic opportunities.  As Montana Community Development Corporation's (MCDC) Business Development Manager, Grover helped lead the application and deployment of $40MM in New Market Tax Credits.  Tax Credit projects included Real Estate Development, Manufacturing, and Research and Development Facilities.  Mr. Grover also managed MCDC’s multi-million dollar loan and near-equity funds.  In three years MCDC increased the revolving fund over 100%, doubling annual loan volume in 2007 and 2008.  During this time MCDC also successfully secured the largest private investment in their loan funds.  Mr. Grover was also responsible for managing and deploying near-equity funding in six Montana corporations.   Prior to his promotion to Business Development Manager, Mr. Grover was Director of MCDC's Small Business Development Center, providing technical direction to businesses and specializing in advanced consulting for growth companies.  In 2008, Mr. Grover's financing accomplishments were recognized when he was awarded the US Small Business Administration Financial Services Champion for Montana.

Name: Nicole Hagerman

Education: University of Montana (BS)

Current Organization: Project Manager, Montana World Trade Center

Sourcing & Compliance Consultant, Overstock.com

Business Notes

Nicole is a project manager for the Montana World Trade Center.  She is working on projects related to the development and education of global business in Montana.   Nicole also works as a consultant for Overstock.com, where she was the Director of International Sourcing prior to moving to Montana.   Her role was to develop the sourcing department from scratch into a formidable part of the business. She built a team of domestic and international based individuals supporting over $35 million in international purchasing. The purchasing was further supported when she established a Representative office in Shanghai, China. Nicole was also able to combine business with humanitarianism when she was appointed the Director of Worldstock.com. Worldstock’s mission is to help artisans in developing countries establish sustainable businesses by selling their products at fair wages. She has worked with universities including Harvard and Westminster to set up programs and classes to support, encourage and practice social entrepreneurship in conjunction with the class room setting.   Her current focus is developing a company framework and product platform for Overstock.com’s “green” initiative.   Nicole holds a bachelor’s in Business from the University of Montana. She is a Fellow of Columbia University American Assembly’s Next Generation Project- a review of U.S. Global Policy and the Future of International Institutions.  She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Digital IQ magazine and received the Utah Business “Forty under 40” Award for her work at Overstock.com and Worldstock.com. 

Name:  Anne Iverson

Education: University of Colorado at Boulder (BA, JD), University of Montana (MBA)
Current Business: Mountain Press Publishing Company

Business Notes
Anne is the marketing manager at Mountain Press Publishing Company. She finds her job interesting because traditional publishing is still trying to find its way in a digital age. It will be an interesting industry with lots of change for many years to come. Prior to that, she was the director of the Small Business Development Center. The SBDC, an SBA-sponsored program, guides small businesses to success by offering the business counseling and training they need to thrive. She has also worked as the store manager of a busy specialty retail outlet, as the chairperson of a citizen’s group actively involved in the award of the multi-million-dollar Yosemite concessions contract, and as the marketing and publicity director for a California, outdoor book publisher.
 

Name: Paul Larson

Education: B.S. Environmental Science, UC Berkeley; MBA, University of Montana; Ph.D. Strategic Management, University of Utah

Current Business: Owner and CEO of Western CPE

Business Notes

After an unsuccessful (but very fun) run at the world of professional tennis, Paul advanced through the academic ranks and began teaching in the UM School of Business Administration in 1984.  The author of The Montana Entrepreneur’s Guide, he and KT Thuerbach of Alpine Log Homes (under the careful tutelage of Coach Gianchetta) were instrumental in organizing the early years of The Montana Business Plan Competition.  Dr. Larson taught for 15 years at UM, wrote weekly business management articles that were carried in a variety of Montana newspapers,

Name: Herbert J. C. Kulow, CMB

Education: University of Wisconsin (BA); Graduate School of Banking University of Wisconsin

Current Business: Senior Portfolio Manager, MT Board of Investments, Helena, MT

Business Notes

Name: Jon Marchi

Education: University of Montana (MS, BS)

Current Business: Chairman, Glacier Venture Fund

Business Notes

Jon Marchi spent most of his professional career with D.A. Davidson, holding several senior level executive positions before moving on in 1985 to pursue entrepreneurial interests. Since that time Jon started Marchi Angus Ranches, Development Corporation of Montana, and Glacier Venture Fund. He was also responsible for developing the Montana Private Capital Network, an organization that brings together angel investors from across the state.  Glacier Venture Fund has invested in several Montana businesses and Jon serves as a board member and mentor for many of these organizations.  In 2004, Jon received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Business Administration at the University of Montana – Missoula.  Jon also assisted Dr. Shay as a judge for business plans at the London School of Economics.
 

Name: Brian Morgan

Education: University of Montana ( BA-English-1996) (MA-Economics-1997)

Current Business: Founder & President, Adventure Life

Business Notes

Brian Morgan is founder and President of Adventure Life, a tour operator specializing in active and experiential travel to South and Central America, as well as expedition cruises worldwide.  He founded the company in 1999 with little more than a cell phone and a laptop, and the company has grown to serve 3500 travelers each year.  The company has been nationally recognized for its outstanding itineraries and responsible travel ethic in such places as The New York Times, USA Today, National Geographic Traveler and more.  Outside Magazine recently listed Adventure Life as one of the 30 Best Places to Work in the US.  Brian has also built several apartment buildings in Missoula and is an investor in a local bank.  Brian studied and lived independently in Moscow Russia for 10 months in 1994-95 and has spent nearly two years living and traveling throughout Latin America. Brian is also the President of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (www.IGTOA.org).

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: Dallas Neil

Education: University of Montana (BS/MBA)

Current Business: Owner –The Gym on North Reserve,

President – DNA Development

Business Notes
In 2000, Mr. Neil was on a team that won the business plan competition.  The company, Kinetic Sports Interactive is currently named www.invodo.com and is managed by former UM student, Ben Brooke. Mr. Neil was a founder of Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. and held the offices of Executive VP of Corporate Development and VP of Marketing.  During his tenure, Neil managed the contracting and construction for one of the largest biodiesel plants in North America, a 60 million gallon per year biorefinery in Illinois. Mr. Neil was a former professional athlete with the Atlanta Falcons and most recently purchased a Missoula fitness facility, The Gym on North Reserve.. DNA Development manages and develops commercial real estate opportunities.

Name: Kaia Peterson

Education: University of Washington (MBA)

Current Business: Loan Officer, Montana Community Development Corporation

Business Notes

Kaia is a loan officer for the Montana Community Development Corporation where she works with clients with financing needs ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-millions of dollars.  Kaia came to Montana, and her role at MCDC, with an MBA from the University of Washington and experience working with small and entrepreneurial businesses and non-profit organizations.  She is involved in numerous community pursuits and serves as the board chair of the Sustainable Business Council.  She is passionate about building community through business.

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.  
 

Name: Jim Seel

Education: University of Montana (B.A.)

Current Business: Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, First Security Bank of Missoula 

Business Notes

Jim has 24 years in finance, including experience with two large corporations, Borg Warner Acceptance Corp in farm equipment finance and Norwest Bank in consumer, real estate, construction and commercial lending. His experience extends to a smaller regional bank system, Glacier Bancorp (First Security Bank of Missoula), where he is a vice president in commercial lending and appraisal review.  Jim is a true commercial and industrial lender with one of the largest loan portfolios throughout Glacier Bancorp and has years of experience in reviewing and analysis of business plans, financial statements and projections.  Jim has completed many RMA and ABA courses, most recently “The Graduate Commercial Lending School” at Southern Methodist University. Community service is an area Jim has been committed to having served on two non-profit loan committee boards, first at Northwest Montana Human Resources in Kalispell for eight years and for Montana Community Development Corp (formerly WEDCO) for nine years.  Jim has judged several of the John Ruffatto Business Plan Competitions in the past.
 

Name: Kathy M Schulte

Education: University of Montana (BS)

Current Business:  Vice President, Farmers State Bank, Missoula

Kathy M. Schulte joined Farmers State Bank in February 2008.  She is a graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance.  She has been in the banking industry for 25 years and is currently employed as a Vice President/Commercial Lender.  Kathy has a strong commitment to her community through several organizations with whom she is an active member.  She was past Chairperson of the Missoula Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, President of Kilkenny Corporation that is a company providing housing to low-income seniors and currently is President-Elect Nominee for the Missoula Rotary Club. 

Name: Ron Sharkey

Education: University of Montana (BS)

Current Business:  President, Sharkey Insurance, Missoula

Business Notes

Ron Sharkey is the president of Sharkey Insurance Center located in Missoula Montana. Ron is an independent insurance agent that has provided insurance products and services to clients in the Northwest for 26 years. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1981 obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance with an emphasis in insurance. He later became an Associate in Risk Management as designated by the Insurance Institute of America. Ron is a Missoula native and has remained active in the community serving on the board of directors of several non profits including the Humane Society, the Poverello Center, and Optimists International.

Name: Don Shaughnessy

Education: Loyola University, Chicago (BSC), University of Chicago (MBA)

Current Business:  Retired

Business Notes
Don Shaughnessy's business career was focused on marketing, general management and consulting tasks within a diversified core of industries.  He spent 25 years with the Chicago-based Armour and Company, progressing through marketing channels to become President of the Armour Dial subsidiary (soap and household products), and ultimately President of the parent, Armour and Company (meat and poultry products). Don was recognized for building strong and motivated management teams and in posting solid records of annual growth in market share and profits. He later owned and operated Sawtooth Beverage (a beer and wine distributorship) in Ketchum, ID and was President of a start-up pharmaceutical repackaging business (MDRX) in Tempe, AZ.  More recently, Don has served as a volunteer executive with the International Executive Service Corps    (IESC).  In this capacity, he has had long-term resident postings (up to one year) as Country Director in Russia, Ukraine/Moldova, Slovakia and Romania where under his direction, teams of IESC volunteers came to assist both entrepreneurs and managers of former state-owned enterprises in developing business plans so as to better compete in the emerging free market economy. He was also stationed at IESC's  Stamford, CT headquarters in the capacity of Vice President for Europe and the NIS.  Don has served as a judge of business plan competition at the Thunderbird Graduate School of Business in Glendale, AZ.      
 

Name: Ed Wetherbee

Education: University of Denver (MBA), University of Colorado (BS)

Current Business: Principal, Colorado Venture Management, Chairman of the Board - MADE

Business Notes

Ed Wetherbee is a principal of Colorado Venture Management (CVM), an investment and business development company.  It has managed approximately $20 million of high risk investment capital; supporting over 50 companies grow and develop over 20 years, primarily in Colorado, New Mexico and Montana.  CVM formed two companies, a developer of environmentally friendly natural gas fired electrical generation projects, and an agribusiness company growing premium produce in greenhouses.  Ed was CEO of these companies, together funded with over $200 million of investment capital, growing to over $75 million of annual revenue, and employing over 350 FTE’s.  He was a partner in a real estate acquisition and development company which managed over $500 million of assets.  He is/has served on the board of directors of several companies, including Big Sky Airlines and Nutritional Laboratories in Montana, Colorado Independent Energy Association, CV Technologies in Edmonton, the Boulder Children’s Museum, Voices for Children (a CASA program), and has assisted in University of Denver and University of Montana business school programs.
 

Name: Tim Wynne
Education: University of Montana (BS in Business Administration)
Current Business: Founder/CEO, Surgical Principals

Business Notes
Tim is currently involved in his third startup company.  His first company, Horizon Medical Technologies, was sold in 1999 to Tucson Medical, now LXU Healthcare, which he co-founded.  His current company, Surgical Principals (SPI), was founded in 2001 and has annual sales of over $10 million.  SPI markets leading edge surgical products to hospitals and surgical centers in the western United States.  This past spring SPI expanded further east into the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.  Tim recently acquired a 50% interest in a NY-based distribution company and is active in commercial real estate.   His most recent building renovation will soon be home to a 42,000 square foot drag racing and muscle car museum featuring over 100 collector and drag cars.