Business Masterclass Series coming to Libby in January
The Western News | The Western News | UPDATED 55 minutes AGO
Rich in Though Solutions's Rich Turner leads a class for Kalispell-area business owners. Classes in Libby will begin in January and registration begins Dec. 21. (Photo courtesy Rich in Thought)
Lincoln County business owners asked for practical business training close to home and it starts in January.
Rich in Thought, a Kalispell business coaching firm, will bring its Business Lifecycle Masterclass Series to Libby beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027.
The series includes 12 two-hour workshops, held the third Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. through December. The workshops cover business planning, testing customer demand, operations, financial forecasting, funding, leadership and preparing a business for succession or sale.
Owners can attend individual classes based on the decisions they face in their businesses.
In a September survey of 20 Lincoln County businesses, 18 respondents said they would register immediately or were very likely to attend.
"Every class gives owners a tool they can put to work the next morning, whether they are opening their doors or thinking about who will run the business after them," said Rich Turner, principal of Rich in Thought.
Park Side Credit Union has committed $5,000 to sponsor the Libby series. Other Lincoln County organizations are considering sponsorship.
Rich in Thought began offering the series in Kalispell in 2025. Representatives from nearly 100 businesses attended during its first year. The second season began in October at Flathead Valley Community College's Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, with seats sponsored by Montana West Economic Development.
The Libby venue will be announced before registration opens Monday, Dec. 21. Seats are limited.
Business owners can join the interest list at https://richinthought.com/masterclass/libby/ or contact the firm at 406-300-3715 or [email protected].
Libby class schedule
Jan. 20 - New venture launch
Feb. 17 - Market validation
March 17 - Operational excellence
April 21 - Financial forecasting
May 19 - Funding foundations
June 16 - Scaling and building capacity
July 21 - Foundations revisited
Aug. 18 - Strategic planning
Sept. 15 - Leadership development
Oct. 20 - Growth, succession and exit
Nov. 17 - Risk mitigation
Dec. 15 - Business valuation and exit
About Rich in Thought
Rich in Thought works with Montana business owners on strategy, leadership development and operations, and has guided more than 150 Montana businesses. Principal Rich Turner is a Marine Corps veteran and a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach. Learn more at https://richinthought.com.