By Leslie Kilgore EBS STAFF
Big Sky is built by people willing to learn, adapt and commit for the long haul. Paul Williamson is no exception. His path to Big Sky began on a roof and has since evolved into a leadership role helping guide one of the area’s long-standing businesses, designed specifically for the challenges of a high-alpine environment. In this installment of Making It in Big Sky, we talk with the director of business development at Cornerstone Management Services, a company marking 20 years in the community.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: When did you first come to Big Sky or Southwest Montana, and what brought you here?
Paul Williamson: I moved here about seven years ago for a mix of professional and personal development. I had an opportunity with Cornerstone Management Services and was also drawn by my outdoor passions–river surfing, skiing, climbing and the overall lifestyle. Big Sky offered a balance of career opportunities and quality of life. I moved here from Louisiana, where I grew up and went to college. I traveled quite a bit before settling here and spent some time in Montana along the way. Once I did, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
EBS: Did you move here for your current role at Cornerstone?
PW: Not initially. I started as a subcontractor focusing on installation work, primarily metal and flat roofing systems. As the company grew, leadership asked if I would be interested in moving into a more office-focused role to help with scaling. Since then, I’ve transitioned through operations and now serve as director of business development.
EBS: Do you live in Big Sky?
PW: I live in Bozeman and commute to Big Sky during the work week. I’ve made that drive for seven years and genuinely enjoy it. The commute gives me time to decompress, listen to music or podcasts and enjoy the scenery.
EBS: You mentioned river surfing. How did you get into that?
PW: Surfing has always been a passion of mine, originally in the ocean. About three years ago, I started learning more about river surfing as a way to continue surfing while living in a landlocked state. Once spring runoff hits, I try to spend as much time on the rivers as possible.
EBS: Is there a river surfing culture here in Big Sky?
PW: Yes, and it’s growing. Most of the established waves are on the Yellowstone River, and there’s been some discussion about potential wave development on the Gallatin. The community is small but welcoming, and it continues to grow each year.
EBS: Can you describe what Cornerstone Management Services does specifically?
PW: Cornerstone Management Services has been an exterior envelope contractor for 20 years in Big Sky. We focus on longterm, sustainable exterior systems designed and tested specifically for high-alpine environments. Our work includes roofing, cold roof design and construction, waterproofing above and below grade, siding and other exterior systems. We also have a full-service maintenance department handling inspections, repairs, snow and ice mitigation and small projects that extend system lifespan. In addition, our in-house research and development team focuses on climate resilience, best practices and long-term performance.
EBS: What is your educational background?
PW: I actually studied public relations. Communications has always been a major interest of mine; how people communicate digitally, verbally and nonverbally. Early in my career, I focused on music festivals and live music, which helped shape my approach to communication and relationship building.
EBS: How did that background and your college major lead you into construction?
PW: I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and wanted to learn a trade. Trades offer real opportunities for growth, and I wanted to apply that learning in an extreme environment like Big Sky. Over time, my education and hands-on experience came together in my current role.
EBS: How large is the Cornerstone team?
PW: Internally, we have about 30 team members across operations, business development, administration, leadership, marketing and research and development. We also work with five long-standing external teams trained in the Cornerstone way, bringing the total workforce to around 100 installers during peak times.
EBS: How does Cornerstone engage with the Big Sky community?
PW: We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Big Sky community. We sponsor local events, partner with the Big Sky Chamber and support organizations like Big Sky Youth Empowerment. As we celebrate 20 years, giving back and showing appreciation for the Big Sky community is important to us, and especially to our founder and owner, Andy Dreisbach, who lives here and raised his family here.
EBS: Do you see continued growth for the company?
PW: Yes. Big Sky will always be our primary focus, but we’re beginning to expand into the greater Gallatin Valley, including Bozeman and Belgrade. The foundation built here over the last two decades allows us to grow responsibly while maintaining our commitment to this community.
EBS: What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
PW: Work hard, but maintain a healthy work-life balance. Being present and committed at work matters, but so does stepping away to recharge and focus on personal relationships.
EBS: What does a good, no, a great, Montana day look like, with a healthy work-life balance?
PW: It starts with a good cup of coffee, a vinyl record playing and some quiet time before the day begins. After work, it ends with river surfing, time with friends, a home-cooked meal and good music. As long as there’s community, music and time outdoors, that’s what makes a great day for me in Montana.
