Business
Making it in Big Sky: Lone Peak Brewery
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersEBS Staff
Steve and Vicky Nordahl opened Lone Peak Brewery and Taphouse in October 2007 after moving to Big Sky in 2003 to start a family and open a business. Steve is a formally educated brewer who opened his first brewery in Maryland in 1992. The Nordahls opened their brewpub in Big Sky because it was the largest ski town in the U.S. without a brewery and Montana was their favorite state in the country.
Between the brewery and taphouse, they have 10 full time, year-round employees, although that number more than triples during the peak tourist seasons. The taphouse has a full bar to complement the house-made beers and the restaurant has an extensive menu of classic pub fare and they host special food events such as crab and lobster feasts.
As part of this ongoing series, Steve Nordahl shared his thoughts about what it takes to make it as a small business owner in Big Sky.
Explore Big Sky: What has been the key to your success?
Steve Nordahl: Sacrifice, hard work and long hours!
EBS: Do you remember your first customer or first sale?
S.N.: Yes, still have the $1 bill from my first sale and it’s signed and framed.
EBS: What are the biggest obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
S.N.: In 2019, finding and retaining employees with the affordable housing crisis here.
EBS: What are challenges of running a brewery of which most people aren’t aware?
S.N.: It’s a very labor-intensive process to brew beer.
EBS: How has the business landscape changed since you started out?
S.N.: There are three times as many restaurants and bars in Big Sky then when we started out in 2007.
EBS: What is it about Big Sky that compels you to stick it out through the hard times?
S.N.: It’s our home and we’re raising our two daughters here.
EBS: What is one of the most memorable moments you have had as a resident/business owner in Big Sky?
S.N.: It isn’t just one moment that’s memorable, but rather all of the community support we’ve had since opening 11 years ago.
EBS: What was a business idea that didn’t work?
S.N.: We’ve tried Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets that were not very successful.
EBS: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
S.N.: It’s not twice as hard to do twice as good of a job.
EBS: What advice would you give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
S.N.: Own your business’s property, don’t rent it.
EBS: Where do you see your business in 10 years?
S.N.: [Laughs out loud] I’m never sure where I see our business next year, let alone 10 years from now. Ten years into the future is not in my vision.
EBS: Where do you see Big Sky in 20 years?
S.N.: Hmm, I really hope it doesn’t look like Aspen does now, 20 years from now.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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april, 2024
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m.
Event Details
Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m. on April 24.
Jacob Rountree is an alternative/indie songwriter living in the stunning alpine of Montana. Contemplative yet playful, his lyric forward style is reflective of his love for philosophy, poetry and quantum physics.
Time
(Wednesday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
The Wilson Hotel
145 Town Center Ave
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd