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The carving of a big sky entrepreneur-Marc Pierce, president and CEO of Big Sky Carvers

Manufacturing is one of the key sectors driving the Gallatin Valley economy. Among the manufacturers in the Gallatin Valley there are many great stories, but in Manhattan, Mont., resides a world-class company, Big Sky Carvers. Interviewing Marc Pierce, president and CEO, it is evident he is a passionate entrepreneur that loves his work.

By Alicia Bradshaw Bozeman Chronicle

Alicia: What brought you to the Gallatin Valley?

Marc: Hunting, fishing and a quest for the good life.

Alicia: What prompted you to start a wood decoy carving business?

Marc: We had a friend back in Illinois who made wooden decoys. As waterfowl hunters, decoys and the process by which they were made fascinated us. We decided to move to Montana and had a hard time determining what we could do to make a living. Dad suggested, "Maybe Dave could show us how he makes decoys, and we could set up a small shop out here." We had no experience and were in fact quite naive.

Alicia: How many employees did you start with? How many do you have today?

Marc: My Dad and I started together with one friend as our sole employee. Altogether we’re around 100 now.

Alicia: How did you get funding to start your business?

Marc: I sold my collectible beer can business, which at the time was the best in the world, for over $50,000.

Alicia: How many years have you owned Big Sky Carvers?

Marc: 23 years, whew.

Alicia: What was your best business decision?

Marc: Marrying my wife. Her support of my entrepreneurial obsession is what makes it all possible for me. She’s awesome.

Alicia: What was your most challenging learning experience as an entrepreneur?

Marc: I hate accounting, math, numbers and analytical stuff in general. I’ve had to learn enough to get by, and find and depend on smart people to help with the rest. Without them I’d be lost.

Alicia: When you started as an entrepreneur, what was the biggest expectation you had that turned out to be different than anticipated?

Marc: I always thought that once you reached a certain size, number of employees, profit, etc., that the business would be easier or more fun. In fact, it’s the journey all along the way that is "success." I have some of my best memories of BSC when we had no money and had to really scramble to make ends meet. I don’t want to go back there, but it was fun.

Alicia: What advice would you offer to another entrepreneur starting a business?

Marc: Find a way to get around successful entrepreneurs. Maybe even ask one to be your mentor. People that have gone down the path have wisdom that is priceless. And your association with them will elevate you as well.

Alicia: What is the most important thing(s) you learned as an entrepreneur?

Marc: Everything in business as in life is ultimately about people and relationships.

Alicia: What are your plans for the future?

Marc: Continue to grow BSC as a world-class leader in the gift and home decor industry.

Alicia: What do you see happening in the Gallatin Valley economy in the next 10 years?

Marc: Quality of life here is going to cause continued growth in population and economic development.

Alicia: What do you see happening in the U.S. economy in the near future?

Marc: I see a post-war victory, "everything is pretty good in the U.S." buzz until the next terrorist strike or oil-prices surge. I believe the U.S. economy is driven by psychology.

Alicia: If you could change and/or bring one thing to the Gallatin Valley what would it be?

Marc: I’d buy the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field and move them here, seriously; I’d love to see more constructive ways to discuss complex issues like wolves, growth planning, and public land access. Both sides on all of these issues are so polarized that they take turns lobbing hand grenades at one another. There is intelligent middle ground on most issues.

Alicia: If you could spend an afternoon with anyone (living or dead) who inspired you who would it be?

Marc: Besides my Savior Jesus Christ, Lewis and Clark.

Alicia: What was your first job and what is your dream job?

Marc: Always been an entrepreneur, never had a job. Lead guitarist in a rock band is probably the only job I would consider.

Alicia: What are you reading now?

Marc: Novel manuscript that a friend wrote about life, love and duck hunting

Alicia: Name some of your heroes?

Marc: My Dad, my wife and Bruce Springsteen

Alicia: What is your favorite thing to do to get away from work?

Marc: Waterfowl hunting.

Alicia: Anything Else?

Marc: Favorite dessert — berry pie at the cafe on Broadway in Manhattan.

Alicia: In your lifetime, who has most inspired you?

Marc: My Dad. Two of my life passions, entrepreneurship and hunting, I gained from him.

Alicia: What do you like the most about living and doing business here?

Marc: The outdoor opportunities (hunting, fishing, skiing, biking, hiking, etc.) make a great place to live for those of us who love this stuff. If enough people believe this is a great place to live, it’s ultimately a good place to do business. Most people who live here in one way or another share this feeling, which ultimately makes for a better community.

Alicia Bradshaw is the executive director of the Gallatin Development Corporation in Bozeman.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2003/06/16/business/alicia.txt

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