Ranch and Property Management

I offer expertise gained from over 30 years of experience in leadership roles for both public agencies and private entities. I bring particular expertise in transportation management, land and site development and energy efficiencies to consulting assignments both short and long term. I have a wide network of working relationships in both the public and private sectors that enables me to effectively tackle issues that require working with diverse groups and agendas to achieve results. Proven track record working affectively with private land owners and public entities needing to acquire private property for public benefit. Resulting in the successful and timely acquisition of private property without exercising the "Right of Eminent Domain" to force a taking of private property.

Transformed the second largest agency in Montana state government from an “activity” measured organization to a results oriented and outcome measured entity. In short, we got things done! Led a team of two thousand employees and managed a biennial budget of 1.4 billion with accountability to tax payers to deliver projects on time and on budget. Utilizing efficiencies, driving process improvement, and focusing on priority spending within our budget, we increased State Funded construction programs from 10 million per year to over 40 million per year.Total Contractor payments, including the above mentioned State Funded construction programs, grew from 240 million a year to over 400 million per year without an increase in gas taxes or any additional budget allocation from the State General Fund. This occurred as a result of focusing on the completion of projects already vetted and in design, rather than allocating resources for new projects with no funding solutions. Concentrating the spending of tax dollars on expenses that contributed to the completion of highway projects, at the same time, drastically reducing overhead. The objective was to build roads. We returned a large percentage of gas taxes dollars, back to the private sector thru contractor payments. Our team, consisting of both public and private sectors, built quality roads in Montana, improving the efficiency of the highway network, at a record setting pace, and reduced costs.

Construction Manager, Public Policy Advisor Led a transition team to effectively integrate and assimilate a newly acquired small company into a large and complex organization.Developed operating budgets and customer service protocols.Worked as a member of a team of public policy advisors to evaluate and develop public policy at the local, state and federal levels impacting the Natural Resource and Construction Industries. Networked with the Montana Contractors Association and the Montana Department of Transportation to analyze the Highway Bill being proposed in Congress and the Bill’s impact on federal funds coming to Montana. Communicated effectively with all three of Montana’s Congressional members, offering professional and critical input on federal legislation affecting the construction industry in Montana.

Transformed a company on the verge of bankruptcy to profitability in one year. The company remained profitable until its sale to Oldcastle Materials in 2002.Developed new market strategies and pricing to improve competitiveness. Established long-standing relationships with property developers that positioned NUPAC as the preferred, “go to”, supplier and contractor in the Flathead Valley. Transformed a 60 acre depleted gravel pit owned and operated by NUPAC from a zoned industrial property to a commercial P.U.D. This transaction resulted in a positive financial outcome for the company and brought much needed commercial businesses and well paying new jobs to the Flathead Valley. Successfully relocated the Gravel, Asphalt, Concrete and Crushing Operations of NUPAC. Utilizing an open process of cooperation, communication and issue resolution, with permitting and zoning agencies, and adjoining landowners, we were permitted for full operation in the new location within a four-month period of time from start to finish.Union negotiation experience

Managed a highway maintenance business, building and maintaining public roadways through various state, local and federal projects in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.Hired and developed a team of employees capable of completing contracted work.Estimating experience, as well as contract compliance and project management. Developed innovative products and work processes such as slurry seal, rubberized asphalt sealing, seal coating processes, and the development of emulsifying asphalt technologies. These innovations provided Johanson Construction with a competitive market niche, resulting in significant revenue growth and profitability.Union negotiation experience