Faces Of Billings

Damion Taylor

Article by Stephanie Hower. “‘If the stars were made to worship, so will I.’ This quote is actually from a song written by Hillsong United, and it is a reminder to me that everything in existence was made to worship the Lord,” Damion Taylor says. “Nothing in this universe asks the question, ‘Why?’ and yet it appears that everything is built to worship and glorify its creator. Because of this, so too will I worship the Lord of creation.” Born and raised in Glendive, Damion moved when he married his wife, Keira. “We were drawn to Billings by the opportunities that this growing community had to offer.” Now, he owns his own business, overseeing operations and growth development for Mazevo Coffee. Named after the Greek word for “gather,” Mazevo prides itself on having a “heart for community and living life together.” Damion is motivated by a passion for helping others more than any financial incentives. “I am not terribly concerned with money in and of itself,” he admits. “Obviously, it is necessary for the world to go round. So if I had it [financial independence], I would use it as a tool to get the love of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Cheesy answer, maybe, but with more details and time to explain what that would look like, I think that would be a life that I was happy with when it was all said and done.” In his free time, Damion enjoys indulging in time outdoors. When asked to choose between the beach and the mountains, he answered both. “An ideal day outdoors would be a morning hike in the mountains—the smell of the pine trees and the breathtaking views. After I was tired, I would head down to the beach, swim around a bit and relax—enjoy the sunset.” He is happiest when he is with his family. “I love spending time with my wife and kids; they are amazing,” Damion says.

Katy Easton

Article by Stephanie Hower. KATY EASTON, CEO OF THE DOWNTOWN BILLINGS ALLIANCE “‘She believed she could. So she did.’ Having the support of others around you is so valuable, but nothing means more than having confidence in yourself,” says Katy Easton. “I’ve found that when I believe in myself and trust that I have the skills and ability to get the job done, the voices and doubts of others just fade away.” Katy may be an introvert at heart, but she loves to entertain and play the role of hostess. As CEO of the Downtown Billings Alliance, she is able to explore this talent and thrive. “We are all things downtown!” she says. “We put on all events including the holiday parade, strawberry festival and Alive After 5.” The DBA also oversees business membership and economic development, purchases and waters the flower baskets and organizes snow removal, sidewalk sweeping, trashcans and graffiti cleanup. Yet, moving to Billings began as a leap of faith for Katy. She grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she met and married her husband, James. When they sought a change of scenery, Billings seemed the ideal landing point. “James grew up in Laurel, and most of his family is still in the area,” Katy explains. “It’s great to be close to our many nieces and nephews.” She believes the turning point in her life occurred after the big move. “Leaving Colorado and a successful career in construction management for an adventure with my husband in Montana was a game changer. I had to dig deep to find a new passion for life, and looking back, it was worth every doubt and fear. I’m now in my dream job in a community that I love.” Katy has never been one to shy away from a challenge, or an adventure. “I was able to graduate from high school early and travel through Thailand and Vietnam during what would have been my senior year,” she recalls. “This was before cell phones and texting and FaceTime. I’m not sure my 18-year-old self had any business being that far away from home—but what an adventure!” Those who know Katy would describe her as genuine. She loves the mountains but wouldn’t mind a beach vacation, complete with an adventure novel in one hand and a mai tai in the other. If granted 100% financial freedom, she would love to operate an animal rescue. “I want goats and dogs and cats and horses and cows and alpacas and pigs and maybe a donkey thrown in…and bees!” At the end of the day, Katy is happiest when she is with her husband, mountain biking, trying new restaurants, playing cribbage in a brewery or sitting on the patio with their two big dogs and one tiny cat.

Katie Lehman

Article by Stephanie Hower. “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson. “I use this quote a lot for my students, and I try to live by these words as well because I think they are true for kids and for adults,” Katie Lehman says. Inspirational—that is the word Katie believes others would use to describe her. As a teen, poised on the cusp of adulthood, she sustained a devastating injury. “When I was a senior in high school working at a horse barn, I was involved in a tractor accident,” Katie recounts. “I was Life-Flighted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where I would spend the next three months recovering from a traumatic hemipelvectomy. I lost my entire right leg.” Determination and strength pulled her through this harrowing experience, a loss which may have otherwise threatened her ability to live life to its fullest. “I was discharged from the hospital just in time to walk across the stage with my classmates during graduation,” Katie says. “I would spend the next year of my life rehabilitating and attending PT and OT to learn how to adjust to my new life. Even though life would be different for me, I knew I still wanted to accomplish the same goals. I became a teacher and even learned how to ride a horse with one leg. Life has been challenging, but I have not lost my faith or my positive attitude.” Her passion for horses never diminished after the accident. In 2013, she and her horse Maeby competed in a world championship together. “For the class showmanship, I use a scooter to show my horse and complete a pattern, whereas everyone else walks,” Katie explains. “It took a lot of practice to get it right.” She was not only able to complete the pattern from her scooter—she won. Katie and Maeby bested 58 other competitors, earning themselves the title of world champions. Originally from Orange County, Katie and her family moved to Belgrade when she was a freshman. “My Dad is from Great Falls, and since I was 3 months old we would come to Montana to visit family, so the move wasn’t too big of a shock. After high school, I went to Rocky Mountain College in Billings and fell in love with the area and was lucky enough to find a job in Billings.” Katie now works for Billings Public Schools, teaching first grade at Meadowlark Elementary. She was married at Bridger Bowl and harbors a love for the mountains as well as the beach, since both settings played a part in her childhood. Her dreams include traveling the globe and showing horses across the country. She is happiest when she is riding her horse, playing with baby goats or walking her dog, Rae. In a tense moment, Katie turns to humor to lighten the mood. “My favorite go-to joke is, ‘What do you put in a basket to make it lighter? Holes.’”

Tracy Moore

Article by Stephanie Hower Life through the lens of Tracy Moore seems a bit brighter, more cheerful. Her images glow, evoking the very radiance and energy that seem to burst from Tracy herself. “I am happiest when I am living my purpose with joy and passion,” she smiles. One of her gifts is connecting with people, through an infectious good humor and genuine compassion, and her photos capture others at their best, their most confident, their silliest, their most beautiful. She captures others as she sees them and the world around her. Born in southern California, Tracy grew up in Long Beach, where she developed a lifelong love for the ocean. “It’s my favorite place in the world,” she admits. “It’s my happy place; it’s where I want to go anytime I need to think, cry, plan, or dream. The sound of the waves, the smell of the salt, the mysteries of the deep water, the fish, the beautiful coral reefs, the dolphins…I could literally go on for ages so I’ll just stop there.” Yet, she has no lack of appreciation for the natural splendor of Montana. “I will always miss the ocean, but I have grown to really love the mountains as well,” says Tracy. “I moved to Colorado when I was young and met my husband, Matt, and followed him to Montana 17 years ago.” They both enjoy snowboarding in Red Lodge and Big Sky during the winters, fly-fishing the Big Horn, and exploring every inch of the state chasing adventure and the perfect sunset. She and Matt have two children, Wesley (three) and Joey (one). Tracy doesn’t just chase adventure under the Big Sky. She also enjoys traveling the world, both for business and pleasure. Or, for the sake of helping others. “Living in Africa for six months was the most interesting thing I’ve ever experienced,” she says. “New culture, new experiences, the highest highs and the lowest lows.” A few other memorable destinations include the Seychelles, France, Costa Rica and Bali. If given 100% financial independence, she says, “I would probably move to the ocean and continue to come back to Billings in the summers to grow Tracy’s Closet (my charity) to spend time with family and then peace out when the cold comes and play in the waves. I would also love to go back to Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania (where we lived for a few months) and build a school.” She believes in the importance of finding balance in life, especially when your passions begin to pull you in multiple directions. “While working to change the world and create true impact,” begins her favorite quote, “you can’t forget to spend the time to live in it.” “I’m not sure who said that,” Tracy reflects, “but it hit me hard. I can get lost in work and my passions, and forget to enjoy the present. I get so excited about the future that I always have to remind myself to be here now.” The turning point in Tracy’s life came in 2014. “The day I gave up alcohol,” she asserts, “life got a whole lot more clear. I was healthier (mentally and physically), happier, and a much better person all around. Alcoholism runs in my family, and once I felt a hint of that…I decided to never let it ruin my family, so I just stopped. People still think I drink because I can get pretty wild. I am not shy, I dance a lot and I am a pretty energetic, happy person.” It is that energy that propels her to succeed and to make others smile. In a situation begging for the mood to be lightened, she is an expert at diffusing tension. “I was born for these situations,” says Tracy. “I dance, I make silly faces, I am fully willing to make myself look really dumb in order to make others smile. It’s always a fun challenge, and I can usually lighten any mood.” This talent serves her well as both a photographer and a friend.

Jeff Hudiburgh

Article by Stephanie Hower “I am happiest when I’m hanging out with friends and family, talking and having a good laugh,” says Jeff Hudiburgh, husband, father and business owner. He recalls the quote he put in his high school yearbook. “‘Have the best of times, but don’t forget the oldies,’ – Hootie Hoo, aka Jeff Hudiburgh” is quip that still speaks to him today. “I’ve had a lot of great times I like to reflect on, but I also like to look to the future and imagine what adventures are ahead of me,” he says. A Billings native, Jeff grew up with the Rims as his childhood sanctuary. “I grew up on the top of 17th; my neighborhood was right under the Rims,” he explains. “The rims were basically my backyard. We had a neighborhood full of friends, and we ran around all over the Rims. I loved it.” He developed an affinity for the outdoors and mountains, preferring cold weather to the heat, as well as a love for building things. In sixth grade, he began an endeavor that combined these two passions. “I started building a tree house in my backyard that ended up turning into a mini house,” Jeff describes. “It had installation, electricity, carpet, heat, windows, beds, a deck, a trap door, a rope swing—the works. We called it ‘The Bungalow.’ My dad and I put a lot of man hours into it while I was growing up.” He continues to foster these talents, both at home and in his landscaping business. “I do everything from estimating, operating machinery, digging holes, ordering plants, laying out job sites and making deliveries. I jump into multiple shoes a day. I go where I’m needed to help things move efficiently.” If given the gift of 100% financial independence, Jeff believes he would carry on working with his hands. “I would have an impressive wood shop and spend time building anything from furniture to tree houses,” Jeff says. “When I’m building things it makes me happy. I’ve enjoyed woodwork from a young age. I like to challenge myself learning and honing skills.” Those who know Jeff would describe him as ambitious. Yet, he is also willing to say something ridiculous to lighten the mood and get the room laughing. He believes that having kids was the turning point in his life. “I have always been a ‘go-getter,'” says Jeff. “But once I had kids there was a bigger purpose to being a ‘go-getter.’ It became less about the money and became more about what I could do for my family.”

Dick Pense

Article by Stephanie Hower “I have enjoyed the quiet beauty of the mountains,” reflects Dick Pence. “God’s creative touch is displayed in a thousand ways.” He and his wife of 52 years, Nancy, enjoy yearly trips over the Beartooth Pass, along a highway that offers Dick one of his favorite drives and allows him to bear witness to the powerful beauty God bestowed upon Montana. Yet, Dick is truly happiest when working with and talking to others about issues that impact our culture. So much, in fact, that he would continue his current work even if given financial independence. “Few people find the satisfaction of doing what fulfills them,” he explains, “so I would want to do exactly what I am doing with the forum and other cultural interests.” The Big Sky Worldview Forum is a Christian Foundation and Worldview lecture series beginning its ninth year in September. “We do four to six events a year,” says Dick. “I also work with legislators and other representatives on cultural issues at the community and state levels.” Although he believes others would describe him as “serious-minded,” Dick has his own ways of softening the tension when a moment grows too stressful. “One method of lightening the mood is drawing people back to a foundation they can agree upon—something that they all care about,” he states. “I enjoy teasing people as if they were horrible at something they are actually gifted at…my style of encouragement.” Over the years, he and Nancy have worked and resided in seven states. “We were involved with livestock and farming,” he recalls. “Employment brought us back to Billings 13 years ago.” Dick has always harbored a love for agriculture. “I grew up on a farm on the Huntley Project and went to school at MSU.” His time spent in college resulted in not only an education but transformative enlightenment. “When I was in college, the College of Agriculture sent two students to a summer leadership camp put on by the Danforth Foundation. It was, in fact, heavily Christian in nature. These instructors talked to the Lord as if they knew Him. I had a growing desire to read the Bible and eight years later, I discovered justification by His grace.” Now, Dick lives with the words of Abraham Kuyper, Prime Minister of the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century, rooted firmly in his mind. “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” proclaimed Kuyper, an influential Neo-Calvinist theologian. Dick muses, “In a time period when the church was ignoring what is going on in culture, Kuyper spoke to the church reminding us that everything—including cultural issues—were of interest to and controlled by God.” When asked to name the most interesting thing to ever happen to him, Dick asserts his conviction in the work he pursues. “I would say working with legislators and others interested in promoting Christian ethics issues—especially related to life,” he vows, with the dignity and faith of a man who is righteously walking His path.

Cindy Thompson

“Running is my passion,” says Cindy Thompson, a woman who has proven her dedication to the sport through accomplishing a feat few others may attain. “I have completed 10 marathons, one in Dublin, Ireland.” This passion has fueled both her own personal journey, as well as the fitness journeys of countless others touched by her store and classes. Growing up in Lewistown, Cindy lived just four doors away from the love of her life. “At 18 we eloped and headed off to MSU in Bozeman,” she says. “I think we were voted the least likely to succeed, but here we are 48 years later, and he is still the light of my life. We have three terrific sons, three great daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren.” Cindy’s affinity for marathons began after she and her husband, Tim, had worked the Montana Marathon’s halfway water station. An elderly gentleman came through their checkpoint, leaving Cindy in awe. “He was walking ten steps and then running ten steps; he looked to be about 100 years old,” she recalls. “I looked over at Tim and said, ‘Well, I think I could do that.’ I talked about it all the way home and decided to hook up with my friend Kate, who had run over 20 marathons.” In the spring of 1999, Cindy decided to start a marathon training group with the help of her more experienced friend. Inspiration turned to perspiration. In the fall, Cindy returned to the Montana Marathon, but this time as a contestant. Her friend, Kate, ran by her side all 26.2 miles. “When I came to the finish, I was overwhelmed with emotions, eyes filling up with tears and I realized I had just completed my first marathon,” Cindy admits. “As I crossed the line I vowed to never run again!” Yet, once the tears had dried and the utter exhaustion passed, she found herself making plans for the next race. “By the next day I was already making plans of how to train better, what marathon I would conquer next, and how many runners could we get for our next clinic,” Cindy says. Now, her life revolves around this love for fitness. Her business, Time Out Sports, specializes in “sit and fit” athletic shoes. “I purchased my store in January 1990,” says Cindy. “I love fitting people in the right shoes. The correct shoes make a huge difference in life. We help runners, walkers, hikers, fitness enthusiast and the lives of everyday people. I love helping our seniors stay active and upright.” She also teaches fitness classes at Rocky Mountain College. “I am my happiest when I am working out. Teaching my classes and motivating my students is one of the highlights of my life,” Cindy says. When faced with a challenge, Cindy still reflects on some sage advice passed along by her grandmother: “You can’t eat an elephant in one bite.” She has learned to devour her goals in long, steady strokes, and can face down the behemoth that is a marathon, eating up the miles one at a time.

Rich St. John

Article by Stephanie Hower “I have found that real life is much funnier than anything one can create,” says Rich St. John, who has spent 38 years serving in the police department. “If I wrote a book it would be entitled You Can’t Make This Up.” His experience has granted him an endless supply of interesting stories, as well as a healthy affection for sarcasm. “When I am in need of material, the fire department is an easy target,” he adds wryly. When you are responsible for the day-to-day activities and operations of 186 employees, a sense of humor and a taste for the interesting is a necessary job requirement. “We are a 24/7 operation, tasked with detecting, preventing, and solving crime with the goal of providing public safety,” St. John explains. “The Billings Police Department is the largest department in the state with 153 sworn officers policing approximately 44 square miles.” This massive undertaking suits St. John’s character. He believes if others could use one word to describe him, they would say “supportive”, an apt adjective for the leader of an entire city department. His favorite quote also speaks of his disposition. “‘People carry their own weather. You can choose to be sunny and bright or cloudy and gloomy.’ I have found that carrying a positive attitude helps in even the toughest times,” he states. St. John was born in Juneau, AK and raised in Anchorage until the 5th grade, when his family moved to Federal Way, WA (30 miles south of Seattle). “I graduated from Federal Way HS in 1976,” St. John says. “I was recruited to play football at Rocky Mountain College and attended from 1976-80. Following graduation, I had a short stint bartending at the Cattle Company in Rimrock Mall, and teaching swim lessons.” These eclectic experiences culminated in his hiring by the PD in March 1981, where he has remained for 4 decades. Even after all this time away, he still holds a soft spot for the beaches of his childhood. “Growing up on Puget Sound and the surrounding lakes offered endless things to do. I’m not much of a fisherman, but got pretty good at waterskiing,” he adds. Over the course of his career, St. John has been afforded some incredible opportunities. “My time in law enforcement has allowed me to meet presidents, vice presidents, dignitaries, etc. and travel to associated locations,” he recalls. “I have had the opportunity to network with law enforcement and military officials across the country for various reasons.” In addition, he coached high school football for more than 30 years, which allowed him to meet big-name coaches, spend time behind the scenes at some large college programs, and continually network with people. Yet, St. John is no stranger to tragedy. When asked to describe a “turning point” in his life, he replied “The line of duty death of Detective Alex Mavity. His death put things in perspective, bringing mortality to the forefront and forcing one to re-evaluate priorities.” His own priorities include his wife, children, and grandchildren, who have kept him active and busy. “Raising three children, now helping with grandchildren, and work requirements, have kept us close to home,” he says. If granted 100% financial independence, he has one simple dream. “I would spend time traveling with my wife.”

Kevin Red Star

Article by Stephanie Hower “Focus, like Yoda,” Red Star chuckles, describing his favorite bit of wisdom.“Putting all of your energies into what you are doing….focus on what you want to do and see it complete in your mind.” For as long as he can remember, Red Star’s focus has been art. He recalls sketching as a young child, using crayons, tablets, or whatever he could get his hands on to bring his imagination to life. “I just drew. There were no tools or an environment that was conducive to creativity, the way I wanted.” At times, his youthful exuberance tried the patience of adults. “A lot of graffiti in my mom’s friends’ homes,” Red Star admits. “When I was a little kid, there was a story where one of my friends said ‘My mom would complain about you! When your mom brought you over, you were bored, so you would sketch little figures on our floor.’ I always drew.” Growing up in Lodge Grass and Pryor, Red Star spent much of his time outdoors. “When I was a kid, they never took us anywhere,” he laughs. “We just hung out by the creek… hiked and hunted. Played outside. No TV, no cell phones.” Simpler times afforded simpler pleasures. He loved the mountains and felt blessed to be in an area surrounded by such natural beauty. “My uncles had horses, so we were always on horseback, from about 5 or 6 years of age. Or we were out in the sun in the summertime…we ran out around with no shirts, just trousers….until we had to go back to school. I loved growing up there…it was so innocent. You didn’t have to pay bills!” His upbringing also afforded Red Star the chance to connect with his Native American heritage, an inspiration which shaped his art forever onwards. “I’ve always loved the culture. It fascinated me, the ceremonies and rituals that the Old People did. They still do, the Crow Indians, the elders. They were special things and my fascination grew. Even up to this day, I like to create some of the thoughts and visuals of those gatherings of the Old People.” In the mid-’60s, a unique and groundbreaking opportunity was presented to Red Star, then just a teenager. In Santa Fe, New Mexico an art school was founded for Native American youth on a shared campus with the Pueblo groups of the area. Tribes across the country, from Inuit to Apache, were invited to select aspiring artists in their own communities to attend. “They sent representatives to different agencies…and asked who would be a candidate, with any potential artistic bent. When the representatives came to the Crow area, people in the community said ‘That little Red Star kid, he really loves to draw!’” His parents quickly agreed, knowing he needed to explore this blossoming talent. Red Star found himself experiencing his first taste of air travel, on a plane bound for Santa Fe. “It was a dream. It took a lot to get us there, programs and grants… but it was exciting.” Young native artists with little exposure to proper tools or instruction were finally given a chance to develop and hone their skills. “We had some really fine instructors, which was great for us, fresh off the reservation…it really inspired us to be like them.” Students were introduced to sculpting, dance, pottery, weaving, literature and other cultural arts. For Red Star, it was painting that held a special allure. “I was introduced to the world of painting, with proper instruction. It was an eye opener for me,” he recalls of the exposure to artwork from across the globe. As a child from Montana, he had little knowledge of galleries or museums. “We did a lot of exploring, with the color wheel and light and shading. That’s what the school was all about.” Red Star now works out of two studios, one in Santa Fe and a main studio in Roberts, MT, which has been a refuge for him for the last 20 years. “Once I close the door, it’s like another world,” he explains. “It doesn’t matter where you are.” His daughter, Sunny Sky, is also a painter and helps him oversee operations. “Sunny has really been great, with everything that pertains to business,” he adds. Tragically, his oldest daughter Merida passed away in an auto accident 10 years ago. “She left us with her legacy, Mason,” Red Star says of his grandson. “He looks just like his mom, he’s a handsome guy.” When Merida was pregnant with Mason, over 18 years ago, Red Star made the switch from oil paints to acrylics, wishing to spare his daughter from the fumes; acrylics have been his medium of choice ever since. He remembers his children responding to artwork very early on. “Merida, every time she saw a Dali as a young child, she went bonkers. The energy she got from that artist’s painting,” he remarks, “it was incredible.” When Mason was young, she even named their chocolate lab “Salvador Doggie” as tribute, a memory which still brings a smile to Red Star’s face. In a life shaped by art, both pursuing and creating it, Red Star has discovered two great passions “I love waterfalls,” he divulges. “I want to see waterfalls all over the world. It’s one of my things before I go to the ‘Other World’…they fascinate me with their power. And traveling.” Traveling has constituted a major part of Red Star’s journey, visiting the great museums around the globe and viewing and hosting galleries, both of which serve to inspire and instill a sense of awe. Overall, Red Star has developed a deep understanding of focus, the ability it takes to put an idea onto a blank canvas. “Truth, honesty, and respect,” Red Star summarizes. “Truth to yourself in creating something, not just doing something to please somebody. Be honest to yourself, what you are creating…not just be doing it because it is easy or it sells. And respect.” No matter what, Red Star carries what he learned from the Old People inside. “Things come to me, as old as I am. ‘This is what they were trying to tell me’,” he reflects, always finding a way to balance his creativity with a respect for one’s space and for nature.

Derek Aspinwall

Article by Stephanie Hower “We see dimly in a mirror and don’t get all the details. We are required to walk by faith and not by sight; however, seeing my family and businesses come together is without a doubt the doing of the Lord in my life.” -Derek Aspinwall The summer of 2003 brought forth the turning point in Derek Aspinwall’s life. “I became a Christian,” he affirms. “It has set my life in a positive motion and I’m grateful for what the Lord has done in my life and will continue to do….To be quite frank I don’t know how other business owners, and parents for that matter, do it without knowing the Lord. There are certain foundational truths that a Christian falls back on that carry us through ‘the hits’ that life dishes out.” Aspinwall’s strong beliefs, both spiritual and creative, have allowed him to forge a successful path in business and at home. “Having four daughters, two dogs, two businesses, and a wife has been pretty interesting,” he says. “Every day is a new development, to say the least. I never thought I would be the dad of 4 daughters. I don’t know how one prepares for that? I have gotten much better at ponytails and have learned to always comment positively on accessories.” While Aspinwall grew up in Great Falls, he married a Billings native, which led to their settling here. Together, he and his wife started Aspinwall Mountain Wear from their home in May 2014. “The goal for Aspinwall Mountain Wear was to build impeccably high-quality products that fit the mountain lifestyle and met the demands of mountain activity and living.” His own love for bow hunting and skiing fostered a connection with the mountains which inspired their brand. From the back of their downtown Aspinwall Mountain Wear location, they also run Hogan’s Design (named for Derek’s childhood epithet) which specializes in custom artwork design and screen print. “What I bring to the table for both these companies is the creative design, attention to detail, and forward vision for both the brands,” Aspinwall explains. “Most people that know me well would say that I am a true blue creative.” If blessed with 100 percent financial independence, he would continue to keep both hands on his businesses, overseeing operations and providing insight for the overall vision. Yet, he admits he would also take time to explore some other creative outlets. His passion for art extends beyond design. “I would love to paint western landscapes and wildlife, mostly oil on canvas. I believe it to be the pinnacle of creativity; take $20-$30 in oils and a blank canvas, and build out something totally original, then be able to sell it for thousands. I also want to start a baseball brand company. Under that separate baseball umbrella name, I’d like to make custom wooden bats in house that also was home to a baseball academy, a workout gym facility equipped with indoor batting cages, etc. The works!” Most importantly, Aspinwall would spend as much time as possible with his wife and daughters, coaching sports and being involved in their lives. Those who know Aspinwall can attest to his great sense of humor. “There are a lot of squares out there and I do feel like God put me on this earth to help round off some of the corners,” he quips. “Humor is a key ingredient to my life and I am always trying to make people laugh or loosen them up.” He is also incredibly humble. “Way more humble than you,” he adds with a wink.

Jason Foster

Article by Stephanie Hower There is a rhythm to life that we all experience, some more deeply than others. For Jason Foster, rhythm is life. Within his chest thrums the beat of a drum, and he loves to share his passion for music, whether from a stage or in a classroom. “I love to do anything that has to do with drums,” Foster says. “Build and design, teach lessons at Hansen Music, and of course play in many groups in town.” He boasts an impressive repertoire of bands. “I play with The Bucky Beaver Ground Grippers, Word Of Life Fellowship, The Brick House Band, Rich & Joe Acoustic Show (some of the BBGG line up), and Jim Jensen & The Reflections Band on occasion. Along with teaching close to 30 drum students weekly.” Born in St. Paul, MN, Foster has called Montana home for most of his life. “My mom & I moved here when I was two years old,” he explains. Although he moved between the two states a few times from middle school to high school, he finished his senior year in Hardin and has been in Montana ever since. An avid skier, he recalls hitting the slopes in Red Lodge as early as age 4 and has spent time at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky as well. “I skied almost every weekend in the winter growing up from an early age.” The turning point in Foster’s life was when he met his wife. “ I met my wife my sophomore year when I was here between MT & MN,” he says. “She was playing drums in her former band and instantly I was mesmerized by her. We have one amazing daughter who is already carving her own path in the theater circuit in town.” He believes his family is the best thing to ever happen to him. “Not to sound cliche, but being a husband and dad is pretty amazing and fulfilling.” His love for the mountains has come full circle, as he now enjoys hiking the Beartooths with his wife and daughter. One of Foster’s dreams would be to start a drum company with his friend Clay Green. “Clay is a super fine drummer, mentor, and very close friend,” he affirms. “There are so many new crazy ideas we share that most or all current drum companies do not create, that we’d love to see come to fruition.” This flair for inventiveness and creativity gives him an edge as a teacher and performer. When asked to choose a favorite quote, Foster muses, “I know most people can relate to movie quotes. A day doesn’t go by without me using a line from any Bill Murray movie.” This sense of humor fits naturally into the cadence of his life; a witty remark or notable bit of dialogue to accentuate a moment, like a drum carrying a beat. “I’m doing the work! I’m baby-stepping! I’m not a slacker!” Foster quips, honoring Murray with a few memorable lines. “What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today!”

Allyn Hulteng

Article by Stephanie Hower “For me, the key is to be open to the wonders of life always.” –Allyn Hulteng Allyn Hulteng considers her life abundantly fortunate, a fact that makes narrowing down her most interesting life experience a bit of a challenge. “I’ve had many so wonderful and unexpected experiences it’s difficult to point out just one,” she says. Even when presented with the ultimate “what-if” scenario, unlimited financial security, she feels her time would be spent the same, doing exactly as she is now: “Working with incredibly talented people to produce extraordinary work for our amazing clients.” Her company, Rebel River Creative, is a “full-service marketing, creative and visual arts studio” staffed by a “highly experienced team of strategists, designers, writers and visual artists focused on collaborating with clients to create powerful brands.” She firmly believes you can create something powerful out of a tiny spark of inspiration. “After hours, I get to spend time with the most wonderful man on earth, my husband, Eric, and our children and granddaughters,” Allyn says. “I’m superbly blessed.” Growing up in Crosby, a small farming community in the northwestern corner of North Dakota, Allyn describes her childhood as idyllic. “We only had three TV channels. One was French Canadian. Our imaginations were the source of our entertainment.” However, she has a soft spot for the beach and flip flops. “I’ve always loved the ocean—the power and majesty of waves and water. Mountains are a close second.” One of Allyn’s favorite quotes comes from Scottish mountaineer and writer William Hutchinson Murray; it expounds upon the perils of failing to commit. “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too…whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” Implementing this spirit in her own life, she decided to commit herself to a marked change toward self-improvement. “Going to graduate school and intentionally changing the trajectory of my career—it was one of my top 10 life decisions.” If given only one word to describe her, Allyn believes others would say “kind.” This warmth radiates into each aspect of her life, including her ability to diffuse a situation. “Whenever things got a little testy in our family, someone would ask, ‘Anyone buy any new nylons lately?’ The ridiculous question never failed to lighten the mood.”

Nicole Griffith

Article by Stephanie Hower “One of the most relaxing things is the movement of water…the sound. Sitting quietly in the mountains, listening to a slow rippling river, the scent of pine all around me, feeling the crisp clean air…it brings me much peace and comfort.” –Nicole Griffith As the owner of a successful business, Nicole Griffith savors such moments of tranquility and calm. In a normal day at work, she wears many hats, all revolving around the mission of her business: feeding people healthy, delicious and high-quality foods. “I’d say my main role is being the principal strategist and planner,” she says. “I spend most days determining the present and future needs of Well Pared. My responsibilities include marketing and sales, customer service, employee and human resources, finances, research and development, to name a few.” When asked what word she believes others might use to describe her, Nicole landed on “thoughtful.” “I genuinely care about the well-being of others,” she confides, and her dedication to this ideal shines through in Well Pared’s dazzling array of nutrient-rich and convenient items. Yet, this thoughtfulness emanates beyond her business. In a trying situation, when someone needs a lift in their spirits, Nicole trusts in the power of a handwritten note or a small gesture, “just to show someone understands and cares.”

Jilan Hall-Johnson

Article by Stephanie Hower “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” –Frederick Douglass. This statement resonates with Jilan Hall-Johnson, who believes that hard work pays off and has proven this sentiment time and again in her own life. The self-professed turning point in Jilan Hall-Johnson’s life came when most of us are teetering on the brink of adulthood; she was thrust headlong into it. Two weeks before senior prom, one month prior to high school graduation, she gave birth to her first child. Yet, this only served to inspire and motivate her. She earned an M.A. in human services counseling with a cognate in marriage and family from Liberty University. “Balancing being a mom with work and school could be a challenge sometimes, but for the most part I was very familiar with it,” Jilan says. “Having a child so young with little to no assistance from family taught me to make many sacrifices. We didn’t have a lot of money; that made sacrificing a lot easier. I have always believed that you can get anywhere in life as long as you’re willing to work hard enough for it. It doesn’t matter where you come from.” She now has three children with her husband. Growing up, Jilan lived in Syracuse, New York. “I’m an East Coast girl,” she says. “I love the warm, sunny beaches where you can hang out in the water then curl up on the sand with a great book all day.” With her husband serving in the military, changing locations is part of the job. He received orders to Billings, and they have built a life and business here. If given one word to describe her, Jilan believes others would say “bossy” or “motivated.” “I believe both go hand in hand,” she explains. She also tends to shy away from frivolity and might not be the one to rely on to lighten the mood. “While I love having a great time, I’m not sure I have a silly bone in my body,” she admits. Her strength is in her work ethic and dedication to moving forward. When offered a hypothetical life of 100 percent financial independence, Jilan still feels she would need “something” to keep her fulfilled. “I’d like to imagine I’d spend my time vacationing and enjoying a leisurely life, but that’s not who I am. I’d find something that made me happy and run with it, kind of like what I’m doing now!”

Maya Burton

Article by Stephanie Hower “One word I believe others would use to describe me is adaptable,” says Maya Burton, a woman with an uncanny ability to adjust to life’s ebb and flow. She has moved across the world, worked on a ranch, and experienced great tragedy, yet each challenge was met with undeniable grace and strength. Raised in Switzerland, Maya traveled to the United States a handful of times as a teenager and was always intrigued by America. While working in a small mountain resort in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, she met an amazing man from the U.S. who swept her off her feet. The pair married and moved to her husband’s native Alabama. “We lived there for the first 13 years with the intention to move to the mountains one day,” Maya says. “I am a mountain girl who loves my skiing and hiking.” They ended up in Jackson Hole for a few years then transplanted to a ranch in the Shields Valley before settling in Billings along with their two sons. “Most people probably wouldn’t know that my husband and I were ranching for four years,” Maya says. “I learned everything from calving to running machinery, and our fashion statement was wearing Carhartt overalls.” Her experience on the ranch left her with many memorable moments, including some amusing ones. “I really wasn’t much of a ranch girl, and there were some funny situations,” she admits. “One of them was when my 8-year-old son and I tried to get this hurt young calf into a trailer. It took us hours, and after finally getting the animal in the trailer, I realized that my son was locked up in there as well! It was funny and scary at the same time.” The major turning point in Maya Burton’s life occurred 11 years ago. Tragedy struck her family. “My husband had been practicing dermatology for barely a year here in Billings when he was diagnosed with ALS,” she says. Her husband succumbed to the illness only eight months later. “Drastic life change for sure—raising my two sons as a single mom and dealing with the loss of the love of my life.” That is when Maya, in a stunning display of resilience, decided to begin her career in real estate. Overall, Maya’s adaptability has proven to be more than just an adjective to describe her; it is the essence of why she has been so successful. When a situation becomes too tense, and the mood needs to be lightened, she has one solution: “Turn up the music.”

Jeff Hosa

Jeff Hosa, owner of MoAV coffee, is a family man with an artistic, modern eye who happens to be an avid coffee connoisseur. Jeff, a photographer by night, has a keen eye for modern vibes that can be felt throughout his business, making MoAV Coffee one of the most popular coffee houses within the city. With the emergence of MoAV, among other craft businesses downtown, there is no question that the Billings downtown area is evolving into a more respected atmosphere, and we have people like this man to thank for it.

Veronnaka Evenson and Ronna Klamert

After getting the tour of Swanky Roots while photographing April’s feature article of Billings Lifestyle, I decided that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include this mother-daughter team to the Faces of Billings library. Veronnaka and Ronna, the owners of Swanky Roots, an aquaponics greenhouse, truly have one of the most rewarding and innovative businesses I have seen in the Billings area. Their passion for farming and providing Billings and surrounding areas with healthy, eco-friendly produce couldn’t be more inspiring and left me wanting to learn more about the aquaponics process, so much so that I will be making an attempt in creating my own aquaponics system with the two goldfish I already have. If you are not familiar with aquaponics, I highly recommend talking with Veronnaka and Ronna and taking a tour of their operation. They are extremely knowledgeable from the fish they use to the plants they harvest. Not to mention, their greenhouse is simply beautiful.

Dr. Bob Wilmouth

A crude sense of humor is a great way to explain the personality of the President of Rocky Mountain College, Dr. Robert Wilmouth. Of course, he has a huge heart once you understand his witty character and underlying humor, but at first his personality almost caught me off guard when I initially met him. I thought to myself, “is the president of one of Montana’s premier college’s really this funny?” Turns out he really is and for good reason. He gave me some advice: “plan for the long term but live everyday like it’s your last”, even if that means having fun with people you just met. With a motto like that, there’s no wonder he is the man running an institution that helps people go farther in life.

Mayor Bill Cole

If there is one thing I absolutely love about Montana, it’s the sense of community. Billings is a great example of that. Someone told me recently that Billings is made up of a lot of small town people that just happen to reside in the biggest city in the state. It’s a great analogy as I am from a small town in Montana and so is this man, Mayor Bill Cole. After leaving Montana to pursue a history degree from Dartmouth and a law degree from Columbia, he wanted to return to Montana for the sense of community that can only be found within the state and to begin a family with Montana values. After getting to know Mayor Cole, it was quite evident that his passion is to serve the community, help steer Billings in the right direction, and set it up for coming generations.

Aaron Flint

I find society interesting today as social media has played a dynamic role in influencing people, particularly my generation(Millennials) and younger. I see a lot of people being consumed in the self-promoting ideology where they self brand themselves or post pictures of themselves everyday in hopes that they can gain an enormous amount of followers to become “instafamous.” In light of this thought, I will admit, it was quite refreshing to meet this man, Aaron Flint. You might know Aaron, or better yet you may know his voice if you heard him, as he is one of Montana’s premier talk-show radio hosts in the morning during the work week in not only Billings, but across the state. After talking with Aaron about his background in journalism, his experience in the National Guard with four deployments overseas, and his love for being a broadcast journalist in his home state of Montana, it’s quite easy for me to say that most people are looking up to the wrong influencers these days. For me, it’s people like this man who help to not only make Montana a great place to be but America itself. A father, husband, soldier, and a die-hard Montanan, Aaron is a man of American pride, dedication, and selflessness - a few humble traits that seem to be getting lost in today’s influencers.

Joanie Swords

It’s not very often I get to meet someone whose business plan is based purely off Love. After hearing Joanie Swords’ story, going from a young girl who hardly spent any time in the kitchen to the woman who now owns Harper and Madison, there is no wonder in my mind why her restaurant has been so successful. When a person can be as humble as her and truly love what they do for a living, great things can happen and it honestly shows in this amazing woman. Being a natural server and caring about a genuine interaction with local customers, Joanie created her business with the Billings community in mind and wanted to preserve the long history that came with the building structure her restaurant currently resides in. Joanie went on to tell me that her passion for serving the Billings community has fueled her love for Harper and Madison and hopes that it could be a model for other businesses to help Billings evolve into an even better place.

Gary Luce

You know Wilson, the wise neighbor in the hit TV show Home Improvement? Yes, the guy you saw on every episode give Tim-The-Tool-Man advice on life, all while wondering what he looked like because you only got to see half his face. Well, Gary Luce is that guy in real life. While many people might have heard his name, Gary has always been that elusive guy who let his work shine rather than worry about self image. As a photographer myself, I have really looked up to Gary as he has become one of the most technical photographers in Montana. He has had images published in Elegant Magazine, Solis, and Prolific Quarterly and has worked with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Hooters, and ESPN. He even received a recognition award from National Geographic. While he might have a major focus on fashion photography, we both have a common interest and that is photography itself. I have seen and heard Gary speak passionately with other photographers, helping each of them to become better in their fields and doing anything he can to give them a better understanding of anything from poses to lighting. He has always been the kind of guy who would go out of his way to help a fellow photographer and to be honest, some of the best photographers in the Billings area have learned a thing or two from this man - Gary Luce.

Trisha Kalfell

At first glance, Trisha Kalfell can look like a woman you don’t want to mess with. Between the piercings, tattoos, and sharp eyes, I found myself quite intimidated upon our acquaintance. Quickly I found her kind and gentle demeanor proved to be extremely heartwarming and genuine. Originally from the small town of Terry, MT, Trisha came to Billings and attended Blanco Blanco Cosmetology School and afterwards opened her own salon. About five years ago, Trisha found herself wanting to change her health habits and found the company Le-Vel, who produces health and wellness supplements under their ‘Thrive Experience’. She loved the product and lifestyle so much that she became a promoter of Le-Vel and sold her salon. Trisha loves showing others the opportunity Le-Vel has to offer and in this transition, she found that she had more time for her family and more time to help the Billings community where she attends Harvest Church, volunteers in St. Vincents NICU program on a weekly basis, and has sponsored two kids in need. Trisha has three sons who range from 10 to 18 and her husband is the shop teacher at Senior High School.

Amber Newman

Having met Amber Newman through a local networking group here in Billings and seeing her very soft spoken yet driven attitude to helping people towards healthier lifestyles, I couldn’t help but wonder who Amber really is. Originally from Cut Bank, Amber and her high school sweetheart, Levi, both attended Eastern Washington University where Amber graduated with a degree in Social Work. After college they moved to Kalispell where she worked as a counselor for a local group-home for girls and at a local high school. The couple moved to Billings in 2012, where Levi became a Billings Fireman and during this transition, Amber found that she struggled with weight loss after the birth of her fourth child and that’s when she found the company Optavia, a health and wellness program designed for long term success in weight loss and overall mental and physical health. She found great success in not only losing weight through the program but also found a healthier lifestyle for her and her family. Through her natural ability to help others, Amber became a representative of Optavia and now coaches people to achieve healthier habits and to live happier lives. The new career path paved way for Amber to spend more time with her family of four boys and to help those people in need of a healthier change of pace.

Dr. Donald Smith

Meet Dr. Donald Smith or as many know him as Dr. Donnie. He is hands down one of the most attractive and well dressed men in Billings, but don’t let his good looks fool you. Dr. Donnie is a well accomplished, hard working fellow who after high school in Las Vegas, came to Billings on a football scholarship at Rocky Mountain College, later attended Montana State University Billings, and then onto Logan College in St. Louis, MO where he completed his Chiropractic degree. He was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. Dr. Donnie has been with Meier Chiropractic since graduating in 2013 and he and his wife(whom is from Huntley) have been married for seven years, raising three girls together. Outside of work and family, Donnie can be seen in various community sports leagues across Billings as he has always had a passion to compete in athletics.