Learn from the best Missoula has to offer! Ranging from multiple generation business owners, retail and restaurant owners and highly regarded non-profit leaders!
It's about who you know and what you know that matters! Make valuable connections with fellow attendees as well as personal time with presenters and speakers!
We don't believe in stuffy classroom learning. We want you to have fun while networking so we chose was of the most fun and creative locations in Missoula!
McNay & Messick, CPAs, PC
I am a CPA with over 17 years experience. I work with clients on accounting, taxes, and business planning. My experience have been with small and large businesses. I work primarily with small business in Montana. I enjoy helping businesses grow and optimize their tax situations. My firm also works with numerous businesses with their payroll.
Acting CEO at Complexly
Julie Walsh Smith is the Acting CEO at Complexly, the production studio behind some of the world’s top educational YouTube channels. She graduated from UM with a BA in Psychology, and has worked in nonprofit and business operations for 12 years. In that time, she has also served on the boards of the Zootown Arts Community Center and the Foundation to Decrease World Suck. As Complexly's COO for 7 years, she led the educational media studio through a doubling of headcount and revenue, and establishment of new business and partnerships, including WNYC Studios, PBS, and Arizona State University. She's now leading the organization through a period of change and growth as Acting CEO.
Biz to Biz Now
As a mom and wife, I have always strived to create a life filled with love, strength, and growth. My journey has taken me through various roles, from owning a business to business development to strategy and operations, where I have honed my skills in leadership and empowering others. I am proud to be a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach, as it allows me to share my knowledge and experience with others, helping them to unlock their full potential.
But my story doesn't end there. I am also a suicide survivor and educator about suicide prevention. This is one of the many things that has shaped me into a resilient and compassionate individual. Through my own struggles, I have learned the importance of mental health and the power of hope. As the VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now, I am committed to creating a positive impact on the small business community, fostering growth, and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. With a thoughtful approach, I aim to make a positive impact in both my professional and personal life.
Missoula Leads and Catalyst Communications
Erin graduated from the University of Montana in 2010 with a B.A. in Rhetoric & Public Discourse Communication & Political Science with a minor in Psychology. She completed her Master's Degree in Public Administration the following spring.
Erin pivoted from politics to broadcast media sales while still completing her grad degree. Soon after, the company she worked for expanded to include a digital suite of product offerings. Erin's success in the field blossomed in 2015, when she was the nationwide top seller of websites & SEO products, beating all of her colleagues across the nation each month for the entire year, and shattering the previous record by 33%. Even better, this was done in Missoula, even though we were competing against larger, metropolitan markets.
In 2016 Erin used her earnings from the sales contest to leave her corporate job and founded a business. She started Catalyst Communications, a boutique social media company that catered to SMBs & StartUps. Simultaneously, Erin founded Freedom On The Inside, Missoula's Jail Yoga Program. This earned her a 20 Under 40 Entrepreneurs to Watch Missoulian article in 2018.
FOTI, as it is affectionately called, is a non-profit program that is now administered by Red Willow Learning Center. They offer 5 trauma-informed yoga classes each week to men, women & juveniles incarcerated in the Missoula County Detention Center. The program has expanded to include services for both incarcerated and non-incarcerated people in our community.
In 2023 Erin shifted from offering boutique social media management to a more-comprehensive sales and marketing program for her clients. She launched Missoula Leads to accommodate the needs of her SMB & Startup Clients, many of whom have worked with her over the entire 12+ years of her career. Missoula Leads provides the solutions that a company needs to generate sales. Our performance-driven campaigns are highly-effective. Erin values her client relationships deeply. It is an honor to work with such wonderful companies.
During the spring, you can catch her teaching at the UM Business School, along with offering workshops in partnership with many local and regional organizations.
Holly Kingsford Agency
What has my life path number of 8 taught me about life and livelihood? When the 2008 crisis hit, I ran out of time to figure out how I was going to hold up my half of our financial lives. For a time, my spouse and I floundered on what we were going to do. I finally decided that I wanted to open an insurance agency in Missoula. The rest is history, but many failed where I found success. I realized that I can do many things at once to always be busy and always have multiple income streams flowing. I figured out that by offering a product that people need, I never have to work or sell.
Executive Director of Missoula Works
Originally from the Endless Mountain region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Paige attended East Stroudsburg University where she obtained bachelor's degrees in both Political Science and Communication Studies. Paige served as a research assistant in Ghana, West Africa at that time studying women grassroots political participation. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2004. Paige then moved to Missoula Montana and attended graduate school at the University of Montana, studying International Relations. Between 2007 and 2015 Paige worked in law enforcement and Public Information. In 2015, Paige worked as a contractor for Missoula Economic Partnership and the Missoula Airline Revenue Guarantee. In 2016 Paige took a position of Executive Director at Missoula Works where she continues to test new lines of revenue and expand employment opportunities to marginalized Missoulians. Paige is an alumni of the REDF Accelerator Program, Leadership Missoula Class 30 and a graduate of the Missoula City Civic academy. She has served other local organizations including the Parenting Place, MBIA, and Casa of Missoula
Erin Steele, Financial Advisor
Growing up in the beautiful Flathead Valley and 2005 alumni of the University of Montana, Erin started in financial services in 2008 and opened her own financial planning practice in 2017. She is a licensed insurance agent in Montana, a Financial Advisor having passed the Securities Series 7 and Series 66 exams and holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor designation to assist with ERISA retirement plans.
Erin is deeply committed to her community and currently serves as Board Treasurer of The Providence Montana Health Foundation, YWCA dinner volunteer, and Homeword financial skill building class volunteer speaker.
Outside of the office Erin pursues her passion for travel, loves all things outdoors with her family including their pet pig Petunia and attempts to replicate her grandmother's apple pie recipe.
Affirming Care Solutions
Kassia has spent the last decade consulting and coaching professionals, parents, caregivers, and partners on how to be supportive and affirming allies to members of the lgbtqia+ community. It can be overwhelming when someone close to you comes out and Kassia knows this first hand. She is the parent to three children, two of whom are part of the lgbtqia+ community. Working with families and partners to educate on everything from "what even is gender" to "how do we tell grandpa", Kassia has experience in it all. Kassia also creates trainings and consults with healthcare centers, educational institutions, and businesses of all sizes on the best ways to foster a safe environment for employees and the public who seek their services. She has spoken on numerous panels including at the Montana Chapter of The American Academy of Pediatrics yearly conference and frequently testifies in front of local and state government opposing anti-lgbtq+ laws.
Vita Nova Marketing Group
During the State of Missoula at City Club recently the question was asked, “How do we not lose the SOUL of Missoula?" I appreciated the response from University of Montana President Seth Bodner when he stated,
"Continue to be involved...."
Vita Nova Marketing Group works with clients on integrated marketing and communication strategies. As members of the Chamber, Missoula Midtown and Montana Ambassadors we also believe in connection. Throughout my professional career I have volunteered, as an 18+ year member of Sentinel Kiwanis and a board member of Ronald McDonald House of Western Montana, and many other out reach programs. Our team also actively seeks out opportunities to be engaged.
Growing up I always heard, "To whom much is given, much is expected." I believe it is important to be an active part of the Missoula, Montana and our world.
When I started Vita Nova Marketing Group in 2016 my vision was sustainable living wage jobs for Montanans. Aligning with other leaders and business professionals gives me the opportunity to have a finger on the pulse of community.
When I travel and people find out I live in Montana they say, "WOW, that is a beautiful state." As I reflect on the beauty we have, it is not just the majestic mountains, clear streams, or a thousand trails, it is also the PEOPLE who make it – BEAUTIFUL- AND a place that many want to reside. It would be an honor to participate in the learning experience at Beast Your Biz.
Since moving here in 1989 I have done the following:
1992 National Award-Winning Advertising Team for Visa International
1993 Graduate of The University of Montana
Bachelor of Science in Communications Studies with a Business Marketing Minor
Seven years- sales executive at Western Broadcasting, now Town Square Radio
Ten years - sales executive at KECI-TV
Six years - partner at Maverick Marketing Group
April 1, 2024, I start my eight year as owner of Vita Nova Marketing Group.
Vita Nova means "New Life" and our goal is to help entrepreneurs share their products and services with the world. Branding a company, crafting a story then sharing it via social, digital, and traditional media to reach their target audience is an inspiring journey to take with our clients. My team, made up of both employees and collaborators, have worked with many businesses throughout the country and love when we can help our Montana community.
A native of Montana, Greg - my husband of 31 years, and I have raised our two boys in Missoula. From coaching kids in sports too volunteering throughout the world, we continually look for ways to be involved and give back to the global community in which we live.
GatherBoard
Molly likes to work hard, mom hard, play hard, and sleep hard. She is crafty, sporty, spicy and irreverent. Both a good team player and secret keeper, she likes local food, shopping small and running GatherBoard (aka MissoulaEvents.net).
Full Bushel Farm
Aimee is a Farmer and Floral Designer in the Bitterroot Valley specializing in chemical free flowers for your home and events. She has a line of skin care made with simple ingredients that you can find all over town, along either her quirky stickers.
Partner at Marketplace Events
Megan Pfaff is the co-owner of Marketplace Events.
Megan attended Hellgate High School and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Psychology. She began Rock Against Racism while in college as a community volunteer program, raising funds and awareness for the YWCA. She also did volunteer work in the Dominican Republic teaching English to children and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. She’s involved with the Missoula Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Association as well as numerous non-profit organizations.
Giving back are important to Megan and her business partner and mom, Linda. Together, they were the 2015/16 Chairs of the Missoula County Relay for Life and are volunteers for countless community non-profit events.
She received the 2019 Flying High award from the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network. This prestigious award celebrates two extraordinary women each year who have made significant contributions to the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network and society.
Each recipient has helped raise the standards and level of professionalism in business, while inspiring and mentoring future generations, laying the groundwork that encourages all women to strive for excellence.
Megan has been a Partner at Marketplace Events since 2006. Megan has lived in Missoula since 1993 and is raising two girls, Bailie and Charlie, with her husband Matt. They love living in Missoula and relaxing at their family cabin in Seeley Lake.
Partner at Marketplace Events
Linda Baumann, is the founder and co-owner of Marketplace Events.
Linda has worked in the media world for 30+ years in management positions such as Publisher and General Manager at radio, television stations and newspapers for some of the largest media companies in the country. She has also worked with some of the largest advertising agencies such as McCan Ericson, BBDO and J Walter Thompson.
Linda received the 2012 Businesswoman of the Year award from the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network.
Linda has been a community volunteer in Missoula since 1993. She has served on the boards of the Missoula City/County Animal Control, March of Dimes, YWCA and American Cancer Society. Community and giving back are important to Linda and her business partner and daughter, Megan. Together, they were the 2015/16 Chairs of the Missoula County Relay for Life and are volunteers for countless community non-profit events.
Linda also received the 2020 Flying High award from the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network. This award celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network and the Missoula community.
Owner of BFK Presents
Meet Logan Foret, your Host and Moderator for Beast Your Biz! He's fun, creative and super intelligent and we promise there will not be a dull moment! He is no stranger to entrepreneurship and can be described as fearless and relentless when it comes to business.
Logan once turned an old department store in the mall into an escape for Missoulians. The Giggle Box was safe and accessible, providing an experience people may not be comfortable experiencing otherwise. Especially as people were practicing social distancing and trying to avoid cabin fever.
Logan also owns BFK Presents, a single solution agency for brand amplification, consumer immersion through experiential installation, and bespoke events. Ranging from complete turnkey music and cultural festivals to pop up speakeasy-style art galleries to from-scratch builds at mega-conventions and trade shows
Beast Your Biz! is designed to be very interactive. We have 45-minute sessions of action packed training followed by 15-minutes of open questions as well as 30-minute breaks to be able to digest the information and visit with Exhibitors. There is also a one-hour wrap-up session at the end of day where all of your business questions get answered, followed by a social-hour.
In today's competitive business landscape, providing an exceptional customer experience is critical to the success of any organization. Our panel of industry experts will share their insights and experiences on how to create a customer-centric culture and provide a seamless customer journey.
Your ticket includes lunch at the ZACC provided by Biga Pizza.
As a small business owner, your to-do list is never-ending. From managing client experiences to handling employee schedules, there's always something that needs your attention. However, its important not to neglect your business finances. If you're unsure about how to manage your finances or whether to mix personal and business finances, our upcoming panel discussion is perfect for you. Our finance experts will cover a range of topics related to small business finance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable financial tips and tricks for your small business. Join us for our panel discussion on small business finance.
To be announced
Our expert panelists will share their insights on the latest trends and strategies for driving growth in the ever-changing business landscape. This is a great opportunity to learn from industry leaders and network with other professionals.
Wind down and spend time exchanging business cards, connecting with new friends and having a drink at the no-host bar at the ZACC Showroom.
Access a sneak preview of Beast Your Biz! the evening before with this networking event to kick-off the conference. We will have music, complimentary appetizers and a no-host bar while you mingle with speakers, panelists, sponsors and fellow attendees. This is a fabulous way to make personal contacts with entrepreneurs to help guide you on your way to success!
Admittance to the Networking Night (includes appetizers) on May 17 and the Conference (Includes morning coffee and lunch) on May 18, 2024.