I learned about the common threads of my career - resourcefulness, work ethic, empathy and independence - while growing up on my family’s ranch in Montana. I stayed on that ranch even after graduating with a science degree from Montana State University, working with my grandfather while also starting a career in telecommunications. I was the new, young kid back then, and I was asked to develop next-generation networks and business models as part of Northern Telephone’s new ventures. At the same time, I consulted with Vision Net for their distance learning networks. Eventually I joined them and have remained there since, realizing the vision of the company from roles as varied as network technician, operations manager, executive vice president and CEO. While at Vision Net, I’ve led complex contract negotiations with national carriers as well as the merger of another company. I also have been on boards for start-up telecom company INDATEL and publicly-traded Opportunity Bank of Montana. The entirety of my work ties into how I see myself in the community: as someone who is working to make an impact on the lives of his fellow Montanans.