MEET Your Hosts and Moderator
Megan Pfaff
Owner - Marketplace Events
Megan Pfaff
Owner - Marketplace Events
Megan, a proud alumna of Hellgate High School and the University of Montana with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human and Family Development, embodies a fervent commitment to community engagement and social causes. Her altruistic journey began during her college years when she volunteered in the Dominican Republic, fostering learning through English instruction and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. She further orchestrated Missoula’s Rock Against Racism, a program that caught the attention of MTV and earned her the prestigious Rising Star award from the YWCA in 2007.
Throughout her career, Megan has actively contributed to various organizations and initiatives, showcasing exceptional leadership qualities. She served as the Chairperson for Relay For Life before assuming the role of the President at the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network in 2022/23, receiving the Fly High award from the Missoula Businesswomen’s Association in 2019.
Since 2006, Megan has excelled as a Partner at Marketplace Events, utilizing her skills in event production. Alongside her professional pursuits, Megan, and her husband Matt, are nurturing two vibrant daughters, Bailie and Charlie, known for their enthusiasm as all-star cheerleaders. Megan’s dedication to networking and fostering community connections drives her passion to expand engaging events across Montana.
Linda Baumann
Marketplace Events
Linda Baumann
Marketplace Events
Linda’s remarkable journey in the media industry began in 1980 in radio in Arcata, California, shaping a career defined by her unwavering passion for broadcasting. After her time in radio, Linda shifted gears to the newspaper industry, starting at the Times Standard and later being promoted to the publisher at the Northcoast Advertiser. In 1993, she seized an opportunity to lead as the publisher of the Messenger in Missoula, setting the stage for a series of significant roles and accomplishments.
Assuming the mantle of General Manager at KTMF TV in 1999, an ABC affiliate, Linda’s visionary leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in establishing the Kalispell station and revitalizing TV stations in Butte and Bozeman. Her tenure at KTMF was marked by strategic acquisitions, including the Werner Brothers and Fox stations, solidifying her reputation as a pioneering force in the media landscape.
In 2006, Linda made a bold career move, departing from her corporate role to found Marketplace Media. This venture proved to be a transformative step, further highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit. The following year, her daughter Megan joined her, ushering in a new chapter of collaborative success and innovation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Linda’s commitment to community engagement and philanthropy shines through her active service on the boards of esteemed organizations such as the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network, Missoula City/County Animal Control, March of Dimes, YWCA, and American Cancer Society. Giving back holds a significant place in Linda’s heart, evident in her involvement as the 2015/16 co-chair of the Missoula County Relay for Life, a role she shared with her daughter, Megan.
Among her many accolades, Linda’s proudest moment came in 2012 when she was named the Businesswoman of the Year by the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network. This prestigious award celebrates women who excel in promoting professional excellence for women, demonstrate outstanding leadership in personal or business realms, foster participation in community organizations like the MBN, and engage in charitable endeavors that benefit the community at large.
As the matriarch of a loving family, Linda’s legacy extends to her five children and ten grandchildren. Despite the loss of her husband, Charlie, after 35 years of marriage, Linda finds solace and purpose in various sources of joy.
In her leisure time, Linda finds joy in traveling, savoring quality moments with her family, cultivating her passion for gardening, reveling in live music, and dedicating her energy to restoring her vintage camper. These vibrant pursuits underscore Linda’s profound zest for life, creative spirit, and deep-rooted appreciation for the interconnectedness of work, family, and community.
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now
Tami is a dedicated wife and mother who has always strived to create a life filled with love, strength, and growth. Her journey has taken her through various roles, from business ownership to business development, strategy, and operations, where she has honed her skills in leadership and empowering others. As a John Maxwell-certified speaker, trainer, and coach, she shares her knowledge and experience to help others unlock their full potential.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tami is also a suicide survivor and an advocate for suicide prevention. Her personal experiences have shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual, deepening her commitment to mental health awareness and the power of hope.
As the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now, Tami is dedicated to making a positive impact on the small business community by fostering growth and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. With a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach, she continues to influence both her professional and personal circles, creating lasting change.
GET TO KNOW Your Presenters
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now
Tami is a dedicated wife and mother who has always strived to create a life filled with love, strength, and growth. Her journey has taken her through various roles, from business ownership to business development, strategy, and operations, where she has honed her skills in leadership and empowering others. As a John Maxwell-certified speaker, trainer, and coach, she shares her knowledge and experience to help others unlock their full potential.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tami is also a suicide survivor and an advocate for suicide prevention. Her personal experiences have shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual, deepening her commitment to mental health awareness and the power of hope.
As the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now, Tami is dedicated to making a positive impact on the small business community by fostering growth and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. With a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach, she continues to influence both her professional and personal circles, creating lasting change.
Kelly McCool
CEO/Founder, Speaker and Life Mastery Consultant of Anam Cuspoir
Kelly McCool
CEO/Founder, Speaker and Life Mastery Consultant of Anam Cuspoir
As a certified Life Mastery Consultant with the Brave Thinking Institute and a Transcendance Facilitator, Kelly McCool is dedicated to empowering individuals who feel stuck or uncertain about their ability to achieve their goals. With a deep passion for personal growth and transformation, Kelly specializes in helping people clarify their vision, accelerate their results, and create lives filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
For 2 years, Kelly has immersed herself in the study and application of transformational success principles. Her unique expertise as a Transcendance Facilitator allows her to guide clients beyond surface-level change, helping them access deeper levels of awareness, healing, and possibility. This powerful approach inspires lasting transformation from the inside out.
Today, as a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and certified coach, Kelly delivers dynamic workshops and coaching programs that empower clients to break through limitations, unlock their true potential, and achieve extraordinary results in every area of life.
Whether you’re seeking greater clarity, confidence, or your next level of success, Kelly McCool offers proven tools and heartfelt guidance to help you create the results that matter most—so you can truly live a life you love.
Paule Patterson
Founder of Stigma Marketing & Development
Paule Patterson
Founder of Stigma Marketing & Development
Paule Patterson III is the founder and lead strategist of Stigma Marketing & Development, a Missoula‑based consultancy that helps mission-driven people and organizations bridge the gap between who they are and how they show up. Rooted in lived experience, strategic discipline, and relational truth-telling, Paule’s work is about aligning vision, systems, and voice.
Under the Stigma umbrella, Paule leads a twofold offering: Marketing Services and Development Services. On the marketing side, he helps clients with websites, branding, content strategy, email systems, digital media, PR/local marketing, and campaigns built from the inside out.
On the development side, he consults and coaches in leadership, operations, team alignment, messaging, system design, and project management—all with an emphasis on making strategy sustainable and rooted in people.
He’s also the creator of Every Human’s Journey™ (EHJ)—a 12‑week framework that blends narrative psychology, CBT‑inspired tools, systems thinking, and relational practices to support internal clarity, team health, and mission coherence. EHJ is being piloted inside organizational cohorts through Stigma.
Paule has worked with nonprofits, therapy practices, tribal enterprises, small businesses, and community groups across Montana and beyond—refining brands, overhauling systems, restoring narrative coherence, and helping teams move from chaos to clarity.
His style is direct and layered. He refuses superficial strategy. He insists on connection. He builds with integrity—so that your marketing isn’t just “visible,” but meaningful.
Rebecca Fitzsimmons
Founder Tactical Harmony
Rebecca Fitzsimmons
Founder Tactical Harmony
Rebecca Fitzsimmons is a Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, and Author who helps high-performing professionals and organizations awaken the leader within, defy the ordinary, and operate at peak performance in their careers and beyond.
With over 20 years of global experience, Rebecca’s leadership roots run deep. As a former NCIS Special Agent, she led complex, high-profile criminal investigations in support of the Department of the Navy. Her extensive background includes conducting interrogations, undercover operations, national security and force protection missions, as well as protective service operations for former U.S. Presidents and senior Department of Defense officials.
Rebecca saw first-hand how effective leadership and mindset answered every challenge. Her career taught her that leadership isn’t about rank or title, it’s about self-mastery, adaptability, and presence under pressure.
After serving around the world as a Special Agent and later as a senior leader in the tech sector, Rebecca founded her own business Tactical Harmony, a leadership and mindset platform designed to help individuals and companies redefine success, lead authentically, and achieve extraordinary results.
Through her powerful keynotes, podcast, and coaching programs, Rebecca equips audiences with the mindset and tactical tools to win more, stress less, and lead with courage when it matters most.
Corey Dostal
Owner/Creative Director of Kiln Media
Corey Dostal
Owner/Creative Director of Kiln Media
Corey Dostal is the founder and owner of Kiln Media a media agency based in Missoula, Montana, specializing in high-quality visual marketing for real estate and businesses. With a strong background in media production, Corey has built a reputation for delivering top-tier photography, videography, and digital content that helps clients showcase their properties and brands effectively.
Under Corey’s leadership, the company has expanded and rebranded to offer a broader range of services, now helping business owners elevate their brands through strategic, relationship-driven content. Beyond media production, Corey provides coaching for professionals looking to improve their on-camera presence, empowering them to confidently connect with their audience and establish trust in their industry.
Committed to excellence and efficiency, Corey is focused on developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations and ensure consistent, high-quality service. Continuously seeking new ways to leverage technology and creativity, Corey is dedicated to helping businesses grow through compelling storytelling, innovative marketing strategies, and authentic brand-building.
Shelby Humphreys
Owner/Digital Marketer at Missoula Social Media
Shelby Humphreys
Owner/Digital Marketer at Missoula Social Media
A Missoula native, Shelby is passionate about connecting people and ideas—both in real life and in the digital world. With over twelve years of experience in digital marketing, Shelby has witnessed the industry evolve at an ever-increasing pace. Guided by the motto, "Let's make it easy!", she helps Missoula business owners navigate the latest trends and technology with confidence, allowing them to focus on what they do best.
Beyond digital marketing, Shelby is dedicated to uplifting the local business community. As a writer for Missoula Valley Lifestyle magazine, she has spent time with numerous business owners across desks, coffee tables, and cash registers, discovering a shared trait: a passion-driven approach to business. This passion also inspired the concept of being "So Missoula", an idea that had been brewing in her mind since before the pandemic.
In 2023, Shelby collaborated with MissoulaEvents.net on a social media campaign celebrating local businesses that endured the challenges of the pandemic. The campaign, #SoMissoula, resonated deeply with the community, reinforcing the spirit of local resilience and collaboration. This idea continued to grow, leading to a partnership with the Missoula Arts Council in 2024 to design a traffic signal box centered around the So Missoula theme, now on display at the corner of Mary Jane Blvd and West Broadway.
Looking ahead to 2025, Shelby is exploring the creation of a podcast featuring Missoula businesses and individuals whose collaborations drive diverse growth within the community.
In addition to leading various projects and running her own business, Shelby teaches digital marketing classes at The Lifelong Learning Center. Through teaching, she gains an insider's perspective on the entrepreneurial journey—particularly for solopreneurs—who often grapple with simplifying social media and crafting a digital marketing strategy that is both effective and manageable. Recognizing the constant need to adapt to evolving digital tools, Shelby takes pride in helping others clarify the digital landscape and make their work easier.
Jennifer Shepard
Owner - Jenn's Whole Health Coaching
Jennifer Shepard
Owner - Jenn's Whole Health Coaching
Jennifer is a Board Certified Holistic Nutrition, Wellness, and Clarity Catalyst Practitioner with a deep-rooted passion for inspiring others to live their best lives. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children, families, and individuals across various age groups, from prenatal stages through adulthood, helping clients achieve emotional balance, nutritional well-being, and mental clarity.
Her practice focuses on a whole-health approach, blending nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle guidance. She works with individuals, groups, businesses, and corporations of all sizes, offering workshops such as 9 Essential Ingredients to Nourishing Your Wellbeing and The Culture Catalyst Program, as well as hands-on events like her popular mocktail gatherings.
Known for her supportive and engaging style, Jennifer is committed to educating and empowering her clients to make sustainable, healthy changes. Since 2020, she has been providing personalized health coaching, mindfulness programming, and educational workshops both online and in person, guiding clients toward healthier, more balanced lives. Her work extends into writing and speaking engagements, where she shares her insights on health, wellness, and holistic living.
Nicole Henningfeld
Junior Broker at The Miliare Group
Nicole Henningfeld
Junior Broker at The Miliare Group
Nicole is a local entrepreneur who has gone back to her roots in finance after seeing the financial ruin caused by modern food, "health," and consumerism based systems. After spending the last few years as the director of social services in nursing homes and having to help patients fill out their Medicaid app and forfeit their entire life savings to faceless corporations instead of passing it on to family, she knew there had to be a better way. After spending years pouring through books and vetting different companies, she found one that was the holy grail of finance - and that's the Miliare Group. As a noncaptive agent in a family office, she and her business partners are the amazon of the financial industry. They have everything you need from people - estate lawyers, tax attorneys, CPAs, to real estate and investment advisors - to strategies and vehicles - everything from the securities, insurance, and banking world, all under one roof. No more limitations based on what the boutique institution offers; she and her partners have access to nearly 200 of the top A+ rated companies across the securities, banking, and insurance industries. If she can't help a client with a particular strategy, someone in her office is ready to field the call. She and her partners are able to meet clients wherever they are in life, whether they're 6 months old getting covered with a family's first million dollar baby policy, or 60 years old and finally ready to get serious about retirement, or anywhere in between. She doesn't discriminate based on cash in the bank or total assets, she has an open door policy for anyone who wants unbiased information and a strong plan for their future, and a legacy for their family.
Megan Pfaff
Owner - Marketplace Events
Megan Pfaff
Owner - Marketplace Events
Megan, a proud alumna of Hellgate High School and the University of Montana with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human and Family Development, embodies a fervent commitment to community engagement and social causes. Her altruistic journey began during her college years when she volunteered in the Dominican Republic, fostering learning through English instruction and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. She further orchestrated Missoula’s Rock Against Racism, a program that caught the attention of MTV and earned her the prestigious Rising Star award from the YWCA in 2007.
Throughout her career, Megan has actively contributed to various organizations and initiatives, showcasing exceptional leadership qualities. She served as the Chairperson for Relay For Life before assuming the role of the President at the Missoula Businesswomen’s Network in 2022/23, receiving the Fly High award from the Missoula Businesswomen’s Association in 2019.
Since 2006, Megan has excelled as a Partner at Marketplace Events, utilizing her skills in event production. Alongside her professional pursuits, Megan, and her husband Matt, are nurturing two vibrant daughters, Bailie and Charlie, known for their enthusiasm as all-star cheerleaders. Megan’s dedication to networking and fostering community connections drives her passion to expand engaging events across Montana.
Jill Alban
Founder and CEO of Ahead by 11
Jill Alban
Founder and CEO of Ahead by 11
Based in Missoula, MT, Jill Alban is Founder and CEO of Ahead by 11, a paid ads marketing studio helping value-driven brands increase revenue with Google Ads and Meta campaigns.
Jill has a 15+ year career in marketing, brand development, and digital growth strategies with extensive experience in outdoor apparel as well as health and wellness. Her current clients are based in Montana and across the Rocky Mountain West and include Bedrock Sandals, Alpacka Raft, Youer, Skhoop, The Cashmere Fund, Zoo Town Surfers, and more. Prior to starting her own business, Jill served as VP of Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer for a NY-based management consulting firm with 65+ employees and $10M in annual revenue. Ahead by 11 currently manages over 500K annually in paid advertising spend for its clients in the outdoor gear, apparel, fitness, and wellness sectors.
Originally from Virginia, Jill received her B.A. in English from The University of Virginia in 2000. She moved to Missoula in 2004 where she earned her M.A. in Literature and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from The University of Montana in 2006. Jill is also a certified executive coach and endurance athlete.
Ross Peterson
Co-Founder of Little Dumps & BulkDelivery PRO
Ross Peterson
Co-Founder of Little Dumps & BulkDelivery PRO
Ross Peterson is a lifelong entrepreneur and problem-solver who has been building web-based solutions for over 25 years. Born and raised in Missoula, Montana—where he now lives with his entrepreneurial wife Lindsey and their two young children—his journey into tech began with a love for design and a necessity to learn to code.
With a fine arts degree from the University of Montana, Ross has combined creativity with technology to build and scale multiple businesses. He has successfully exited from a web design and hosting company, a WordPress plugin, and a home tour web application.
Since 2018, he has focused on growing Little Dumps, a Western Montana home service brand offering 24/7 online ordering of bulk landscape materials. With three locations in the Missoula, Bitterroot, and Flathead Valleys, Little Dumps continues to expand, thanks in part to BulkDelivery PRO (BDP)—a software platform that Ross co-founded to streamline bulk material logistics.
Passionate about solving problems and building businesses around innovative ideas, Ross is excited to share insights from his entrepreneurial journey—the successes, the challenges, and everything in between.
