Meet this year’s 40 Under 40

This year’s 40 Under 40 winners come from all walks of life. There are men, women, conservatives and liberals, devout Christians and those who follow more worldly pursuits like brewing their own beer. Some are proud of their country roots. Others sought out Billings to escape the rat race of the big city.

The honorees are business owners, key employees in large organizations, singles and working parents. Some have master’s degrees or other professional certifications. Others gained success through the school of hard knocks.

Our winners include musicians, craftsmen, intellectuals and innovators.

Some of this year’s winners are gifted in sales. Most understand how a business owner sometimes struggles just to make payroll. Many succeeded by taking risks.

Some of our winners are relatively new to the community. Others come from families that go back many generations.

You’ll also notice that hunters, fishermen, runners, cyclists, golfers and other outdoor enthusiasts are well represented among this year’s winners. There aren’t many couch potatoes in this bunch. Just about all said they appreciate Billings’ proximity to beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

But one theme was almost universal among those who responded to our questionnaire. When asked what they like about Billings, just about everybody sounded like Goldilocks, declaring the Magic City “just the right size - not too big, not too small.”

Those comments speak volumes about the challenges facing Billings over the next few years. Most respondents said they’re pleased that Billings continues to grow and prosper. But they also hope to preserve the quality of life that comes with living in a city with a lot to offer.

“I really don’t enjoy staring at a bumper during a 45-minute commute to and from work,” said Seth Blades.

As a newcomer at Billings Business, this is my first experience in the annual 40 Under 40 competition. Not surprisingly, the toughest part of the project was deciding whom to pick from more than 130 nominees. The selection committee spent many hours reviewing and discussing the list of nominees. As in any similar contest, many successful folks weren’t selected. Fortunately, most of them have time on their side and just might get selected if they’re nominated again next year.

Thanks again to all of our 40 Under 40 winners, all of the nominees and the people who recommended them.