Jim Riley and Rod Kuntz hope the community says “yes” to a new entrepreneurship program they are launching in the Flathead Valley.

The pair started the Young Entrepreneur Syndicate — aka YES — to provide coaching and inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Riley and Kuntz both bring diverse histories of business experience to their new initiative.

“I enjoyed making money at a young age,” recalled Riley, who got his start working at his grandfather’s restaurant when he was 13.

At 16, he moved on to In-N-Out Burger, where he stayed until he was 28, gradually working his way up until he became the first manager in company history to sell 1 million hamburgers at one location in a single year.

After the food service industry, Riley managed a ski resort, hosted a TV show and eventually became vice president of Ketel One Vodka. From there, he launched his own tequila brand, then switched gears into wine importing, while also developing a consulting firm based in the Flathead Valley.

“I just believed I could do it and I tried it,” Riley said of his multifaceted business career.

Like his partner, Kuntz’s background followed a winding path that led him to YES.

His entrepreneurial drive started when Kuntz worked to purchase his first car at age 13. He spent high school working 40 hours a week pumping gas, before becoming a coyote hunter for two years after graduating high school.

Next he joined the National Guard and eventually enrolled at the University of Montana, which led him to a career in professional sales. He continues to work in retail and network marketing.

“I was always working and hustling and liking it,” said Kuntz.

NOW THEY are looking to pass their entrepreneurial spirit on to the next generation of business leaders.

YES is a fee-based membership program that features weekly coaching sessions, along with opportunities for contests and individualized mentorship.

Starting April 10, Kuntz and Riley will offer a weekly virtual meeting with participants in which they will provide guidance and field questions.

“Kids, young adults or even adults aren’t getting some of the basics, so we want to bring some of those basics into their lives,” said Riley

Riley and Kuntz are aiming to fill that gap with their knowledge and additional resources available through YES.

They hope that creative contests inspire their members to think innovatively about the options that are available to them. One contest will ask participants to secure a free item online and flip it for a profit. Another challenge will require YES members to participate in a job interview for a position they don’t intend to pursue.

“It’s stuff you’re not going to learn in school,” Kuntz said.

Beyond the tangible skills the program will instill in members, Kuntz and Riley are hopeful YES will provide direction and motivation.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 406-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.