Missy Randall, owner of Lazy JM Boutique, displays her t-shirt design at her warehouse southeast of Broadus. "It started as a hobby, and was something I could do at home while raising my kids," Missy explained. The Lazy JM Boutique tour was part of the Big Sky Big Leadership educational series sponsored by MSU Extension – Powder River, Chamber of Commerce and School, Community Development Council. (Photo courtesy PR Extension Office)
"I think it's cool to bring a manufacturing business to Broadus, a community Kate and I call home, and provide jobs for people of the community," explained Kyle Copelan, owner of Northfork Precision. Kyle, participant of the Big Sky, Big Leadership educational series demonstrated the parts-making, computerized and robotic machines and shared his vision for his business with fellow participants. (Photo courtesy PR Extension)
By PR Extension Office
The art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations was one of five categories defined as part of the "Leadership Challenge" offered by Dan Clark, speaker from the MSU Local Government Development Center. Clark was the capstone presenter for the final Big Sky Big Leadership session held last week, according to Powder River County MSU Extension Agent Mary Rumph.
Clark motivated participants to "Model the Way" and "Inspire a Shared Vision" during his presentation. He explained that good leaders are also good followers; and that sometimes it takes the second person who models positive behavior to inspire others to follow.
Clark led the group through a values-defining exercise to help create a greater self- awareness and to better understand differing priorities. He also challenged the group with a helium stick activity designed to practice teamwork and communication.
Two local businesses were toured during the community-based experiences in the afternoon, Missy Randall's Lazy JM Boutique and Kyle and Kate Copelan's Northfork Precision. Lee and Missy Randall explained how the boutique has expanded since its inception and eventually took over the garage, resulting in a remodel and the building of a new garage. "My dream was to have a boutique, to design, create and sell clothing to promote the lifestyle of the ranch wife," said Missy. Primarily an on-line business, it has also grown to the point of needing two part-time employees.
"At different times, all of our children are involved in some aspect of inventorying merchandise, reading bar codes, or packaging shipments," ex-plained Missy.
Kyle Copelan explained that "Northfork Precision" provides automated control of machining tools by means of a computer. A CNC machine processes a piece of material to meet specifications by following coded programmed instructions. Copelan takes pride in producing quality and reliable precision-crafted components that are made in the USA from a rural town of 400 people. His business has a customer driven focus and commitment to on-time delivery of top-quality products. He shared the story of moving the business from Bozeman to Broadus, resulting in a boost to the local economy and the return to their Powder River County home for Kyle's wife Kate Riley Copelan who is a Physical Therapist at The Body Shop located in Broadus.
Participants in BSBL were in awe of the size and scope of both businesses and the inspiration and vision behind their origins.
The final effort by the leadership program will be the completion of a community project and graduation ceremony to be scheduled in June.
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