MEET THE Event Producers
Linda Baumann
Partner at Marketplace Events
Linda Baumann
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.
Megan Pfaff
Partner at Marketplace Events
Megan Pfaff
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.
MEET THE Host and Moderator
Logan Foret
Owner of BFK Presents
Logan Foret
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
MEET THE Event Speakers and Panelists
Eve Whitaker
Vei Creative
Eve Whitaker
Vei Creative
Eve, a distinguished and innovative storyteller, has enjoyed a rich career spanning over two decades with renowned entertainment powerhouses such as Sony Pictures Television, Viacom, and Paramount. Her artistry transcends the ordinary; she's a visionary who effortlessly blends creative branding with compelling storytelling. Recognized with two prestigious Golden Addy awards, her accolades underscore her extraordinary talent.
Exceptional leadership and meticulous project management skills define Eve, coupled with an uncanny ability to streamline processes and systems. Her influence resonates across every project she takes on, and her passion, dedication, and unique flair for blending innovation with tradition have positioned her as a respected figure within the industry. Eve's work doesn't merely tell a story; it crafts an unforgettable narrative experience.
Julie Walsh Smith
Acting CEO at Complexly
Julie Walsh Smith
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.
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at Biz to Biz Now
Tami Beich-Sparks
VP of Strategic Operations at 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.
Kassia Finn
Affirming Care Solutions
Kassia Finn
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.
Molly Bradford
GatherBoard
Molly Bradford
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).
Holly Kingsford
Holly Kingsford Agency
Holly Kingsford
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.
Amy Esp
My parents have worked for themselves as long as I can remember. And if you asked them today, they might tell you that they don't always recommend it. It's hard work, it's emotionally draining, it's scary to rely entirely on your own momentum to provide for your family, build your nest egg, finance your dreams. But even as solo entrepreneurs, you can surround yourself with a team that can provide support, perspective and valuable skills. I want to be on your team.
I have built a career around creatively solving problems, taking an inkling of an idea and bringing it to life. I bring creativity, attention to detail and an innate desire to watch ideas flourish. I thrive in an environment of collaboration, brainstorming and growth. As small business owners, you are calling the shots and making the important choices, but it helps to have an ally that can see problem areas, offer unbiased advice and help you make choices that will lead to the most growth and fulfillment in your career. I recognize that for small business owners, business is personal. And I want to help you make smart choices for success in both areas.
And when I'm not helping you, I'm building my own tiny empire, spending time in the sunshine with my two on-the-go kiddos and scheming my next big thing.
So get in touch and let's get started!
Nathaniel Messick
McNay & Messick, CPAs, PC
Nathaniel Messick
McNay & Messick, CPAs, PC
Nathanial is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with more than 17 years of industry experience. Specializing in accounting, tax advisory, and strategic business planning, Nathanial has a rich background working with a diverse range of small and large businesses. His primary focus is on supporting small businesses in Montana, where he is dedicated to fostering growth and enhancing tax efficiency for his clients. Additionally, Nathanial's firm provides comprehensive payroll services for numerous businesses, ensuring smooth and efficient payroll operations.
Aimee Miklovic
Full Bushel Farm
Aimee Miklovic
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.
Erin Steele
Erin Steele, Financial Advisor
Erin Steele
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.
Jennifer Harper
Vita Nova Marketing Group
Jennifer Harper
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 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.
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 started 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.
