Business Newsmakers

Broyles joins Hagadone Media Montana

Hagadone Media Montana has named Jim Broyles as its new Regional Sales Director, adding experienced leadership to support local businesses and strengthen advertising strategy across Northwest Montana.

The newly created role is designed to enhance collaboration, team development, and long-term growth across the company’s publications and marketing services. Broyles will work closely with the local business community and Hagadone Media’s advertising and circulation teams throughout the region and report directly to Regional Publisher Anton Kaufer.

Broyles brings more than 20 years of media sales leadership experience. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of sales for Georges Media Group in Louisiana. He previously held leadership roles at The Colorado Springs Gazette and with Gannett in several markets across the South and West. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping local businesses grow while building strong, accountable teams.

“Jim understands that our community is stronger when local businesses succeed,” Kaufer said. “I have known him for more than a decade and have always respected his ability to build relationships, support his team, and drive meaningful results. His leadership will help us better serve our advertisers and the communities that rely on us.”

In his new role, Broyles will focus on revenue strategy, training, accountability, and ensuring teams are aligned to deliver thoughtful, effective solutions for area businesses.

“I am excited to join Hagadone Media Montana and become part of this community,” Broyles said. “Strong local media and strong local businesses go hand in hand. I look forward to working with our team and our partners to build lasting relationships and sustainable growth.”

Whitney Spencer will continue in a key advertising leadership role at the Daily Inter Lake, Whitefish Pilot, Hungry Horse News and Bigfork Eagle, concentrating on local team leadership and day-to-day execution. Together, the leadership team is structured to balance regional strategy with strong local presence.

Outside of work, Broyles enjoys cooking and cycling and is eager to explore Glacier National Park and Montana’s outdoor lifestyle.

“This is an intentional investment in our future,” Kaufer said. “We are committed to strengthening local journalism while delivering innovative marketing solutions that help businesses connect with their customers.”

Broyles can be reached at [email protected]. 

GL Solutions earns contract

The Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners recently awarded GL Solutions, a leading provider of regulatory software based in Kalispell, a contract to modernize its licensing systems. 

The board procured the software using the statewide Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services contract. OMES names GL Solutions as an authorized provider of software and SaaS services, giving Oklahoma state agencies a streamlined path to acquire regulatory software and related services. The Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners joins a growing list of Oklahoma agencies partnering with GL Solutions to modernize regulatory operations with their GL Suite software.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch selects president

James W. “Jim” Patton has been selected as the next president/CEO of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation. 

Patton, an attorney and pastor for over 25 years, is a resident of both Hailey, Idaho and Louisville, Kentucky. Patton currently serves as vice president of Advancement and Chief Legal Officer for The Broadhurst Group, an executive management company overseeing Kentucky’s largest network of nonprofit senior living and long-term care affiliates. 

Bill Hritsco, president/CEO and general counsel for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, is set to retire from his leadership role at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

Hritsco’s service on the Boards of Directors for both the Yellowstone Foundation and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch spanned over 25 years.

Montana Conservation Corps receives Blue Impact grant  

Montana Conservation Corps recently received a $50,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana to empower young Montanans through hands-on outdoor service opportunities. 

The funding will directly support MCC’s Youth Corps, serving Montana teens, and the Piikuni Lands Service Corps, which engages members of the Blackfeet Nation.

MCC’s programs help Montana youth and tribal members overcome mental and physical health challenges by building resilience, purpose and leadership. Through hands-on conservation projects, participants develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, preparing them for careers in conservation and recreation.

MCC will engage teens in nine-day volunteer expeditions in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, as well as eight-week community-based programs in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service near some combination of MCC regional offices in Helena, Kalispell, Missoula and Bozeman.

KLJ Engineering specialist retiring

Candy Tombrink, a project specialist with KLJ Engineering, is retiring. 

She has more than 10 years of service with the firm and more than 15 years of experience providing administrative and project support services. After joining KLJ in May 2015, Tombrink served as a project control specialist, supporting project managers and clients through all phases of the project lifecycle. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, she played a key role in helping ensure projects were delivered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Tombrink is based in Billings.

Swank Enterprises recognized as 2025 ‘Best Industrial Project’

The Montana Contractors Association recognized 18 projects and 12 different Montana contractors for excellence in construction during its annual winter convention in Helena.

In the face of fierce competition across all categories, the remarkable quality of each project positions Montana’s construction industry as a true leader among the finest in the nation. The Excellence in Construction Awards celebrate outstanding contractors and projects while reinforcing the strength and dedication of Montana’s workforce.

MCA member Swank Enterprises earned recognition as the 2025 “Best Industrial Project” in the category of Building Excellence for its Semi-Link Materials facility in Stevensville.

The facility is dedicated to specialty chemical processing for semiconductor clients. The building is 14,000 square feet and supported by exterior bulk nitrogen and chemical waste systems. Chemicals handled here include water reactive, flammable, and pyrophoric/corrosive, so spaces with hazardous occupancies rated to the specific chemical risks were built. Dry chemical and fire sprinkler systems were installed, and the HVAC controls required emergency exhaust and emergency backup generators. Orbital welding was used for the high-purity process piping. Laboratory spaces meet ISO 5 and 6 standards. There were also extensive infrastructure improvements.

A list of all the winners is available at https://tinyurl.com/bddvbxhm.

Johnson joins Stockman Bank

Mark L. Johnson has joined Stockman Bank as a branch manager for Stockman’s Columbia Falls location. 

The bank is currently under construction and is slated to open in early summer.

Johnson brings 30 years of banking experience to the position in a career that started when he was 16, working as a check clerk in his hometown of Great Falls. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from Montana State University, he moved to Columbia Falls in 1996, going to work as a consumer lender. He most recently worked as director of lending at Montana West Economic Development.

He is deeply involved in the Columbia Falls area and currently serves on the Columbia Falls Planning Board, the Columbia Falls Food Bank board, and St. Richard’s Parish Financial Council. He is also a founding member of the Columbia Falls Community Foundation. Previously, he held several leadership roles with the Columbia Falls Chamber, including president, and served as both president and vice president of the Lions Club.

He may be reached at 406-897-3039 and upon the bank’s completion, it will be located at 121 9th Street West in Columbia Falls.

Westminster dog show winners receive custom West Paw Toy

West Paw, a Bozeman company known for designing products for the love of pets, people and the planet, provided all 214 Best of Breed winners at the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with its Toppl enrichment toy in a custom Westminster purple color.

West Paw’s Toppl comes in three sizes and can be filled with dry or wet treats, frozen and twisted together for a customizable toy to be chased and enjoyed. It’s made in the USA at the company’s Bozeman factory.

Kalispell Elks Lodge makes donation 

The Kalispell Elks Lodge #725 on Feb. 20 held a fundraising pasty dinner for the benefit of Makayla’s Miracles and Blessings Foundation.  At that time, Sabrina Wisher of Makala’s Miracles was presented a check for $6,000 as the result of a grant applied for by Kalispell Elks Lodge #725 and received from the Elks National Foundation.  In addition, the dinner proceeds of $1,110 were donated by the lodge, as well as other donations for a total of $8,160. 

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The Daily Inter Lake will publish, at no charge, brief announcements of business openings, promotions, relocations, ownership changes, certifications and awards. Photos may be submitted. Email submissions are preferred, with photos in a jpeg format. Email items and photos to at [email protected].