Business
Making it in Big Sky: Big Sky Build
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Doug Hare EBS STAFF WRITER
John Seelye started working for a family friend who owned a contracting business when he was in college. It did not take him long to realize that this was the path that his career would take. Seelye moved out to Colorado from the east coast after college, but when he heard that Big Sky Resort was building a tram, he knew he had to make the move to southwest Montana.
Seelye started Big Sky Woodwork & Design in Big Sky in 1997. He soon realized that his company would need to dive into all aspects of building and construction. Since he had already registered the web address bigskybuild.com, the natural rebranding as Big Sky Build made sense. A little over two decades later, Seelye’s company, with an office located adjacent to Chopper’s Grub and Pub, employs an average of 25 employees on a year-round basis.
Explore Big Sky: What has been the key to your success?
John Seelye: I really must say that the key to the success of Big Sky Build is the quality of the men and women who make up this company. Also, the support of the Big Sky community over the years has been [an essential] component as well. I couldn’t do it without all of you!
EBS: Do you remember your first customer or first sale?
J.S.: Well, of course. I worked on a yurt for Dan and Sue Delzer.
EBS: What are the biggest obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
J.S.: I would say that there are challenges such as affordable housing for sure, but honestly for the construction trade, it’s making sure we hire people who did not just move here for the boom. I’m lucky to work with coworkers who live here for the quality of life and the powder, of course.
EBS: How has the business landscape change since you started out?
J.S.: Big Sky is a much different town than when I moved here, just matter-of-factly. There certainly is a lot more competition in the construction world, but I take that as a challenge to be better and to always progress. It keeps me motivated.
EBS: What is it about Big Sky that compels you to stick it out through the hard times?
J.S.: Great people, a sick mountain, and it’s a great place to raise a family.
EBS: What is one of the most memorable moments you have had as a resident/business owner in Big Sky?
J.S.: I would say that the economic downturn that started in 2008 was very memorable for all of us. It is because of this community and the hardworking men and women of Big Sky Build that we sustained [our business] and stayed employed—and this current storm cycle might be right up there too!
EBS: What’s the best business advice you’ve received?
J.S.: Hire the right people.
EBS: What advice would you give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
J.S.: You better be in this long term and be ready to work your ass off. And take care of people.
EBS: Where do you see your business in 10 years?
J.S.: Really, I plan on being in a similar spot—doing rewarding jobs for quality clients with the best coworkers you could ever ask for.
EBS: Where do you see Big Sky in 20 years?
J.S.: Deep in powder.
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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enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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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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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.
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14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
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Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating 2 years of arts education in the BASE Art Studio with us! Take a tour
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Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating 2 years of arts education in the BASE Art Studio with us! Take a tour of the studio, meet our instructors, and meet other artists of all levels in our community. We’ll be getting creative and you’ll have the chance to make your very own artful button pin.
Stick around for our Volunteer Appreciation and Social beginning at 6:30 p.m.!
Time
(Thursday) 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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BASE
285 Simkins Dr