Breweries and distilleries visible examples of manufacturing

Manufacturing is an essential and growing part of Montana’s economy. From agriculture and timber to advanced materials and consumer products, it contributes to our state’s prosperity and resilience. Manufacturing also supports national security by ensuring the capacity to produce critical goods and maintain strong supply chains. For me as an educator, it provides a powerful framework to teach business. When students examine how raw materials are transformed into products, packaged, and distributed, they see clearly how strategy, finance, and operations intersect in practice. 

Breweries and distilleries are among the most visible examples of manufacturing in Montana today. They source grain, convert it through production, package it, and ship it across the state and beyond. They employ workers, manage supply chains, track inventory, and monitor cash flow. Many of these entrepreneurs are also University of Montana alumni who generously mentor students and speak in classes, giving firsthand insight into how business concepts work in practice. 

At the UM College of Business, we have a proud history of entrepreneurship connected to this industry. Since 1982, the John Ruffatto Startup Challenge has helped students launch new ventures. One of its best-known success stories is Big Sky Brewing, founded by UM alumnus Bjorn Nabozney. What began as a student business plan became Montana’s largest beer producer. Many students since have submitted brewery and distillery plans, inspired by the same combination of opportunity and creativity. 

Breweries and distilleries also serve as cultural anchors in our communities. They host events, support local organizations, and bring people together. In the classroom, they help me illustrate logistics, financing, return on investment, and payback periods. They are a bridge between theory and practice, and they remind us that manufacturing is alive and thriving in Montana. 

We are fortunate to count many of these entrepreneurs as alumni and partners. Their work highlights the vital role of manufacturing in our economy and our national security, and it underscores the strength of Montana’s entrepreneurial spirit. For our students, these connections show how business principles translate into successful, real-world enterprises. For our state, they demonstrate how manufacturing drives opportunity, innovation, and resilience across communities. 

Suzanne Tilleman is the Sprunk & Burnham Endowed Dean at the University of Montana College of Business.