Business
Making it in Big Sky: Blue Ribbon Builders
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Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw Partners![](https://www.explorebigsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_6560_1200px.jpg)
By Sarah Gianelli EBS Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Blue Ribbon Builders began in Big Sky in the mid-1970s. According to owners JoDean and Doug Bing, there was open space everywhere and not too many local builders or clients. They started doing jobs for some of the resident ranchers and Big Sky Resort, as well as building homes for second home owners. They rolled with the times and went on to build many fine homes, condominiums and commercial buildings in the area. Their business continues to thrive in the custom home market today.
As part of this ongoing series, the Bings shared their thoughts with EBS on what it takes to make it as a small business owner in Big Sky over the long term. They collaborated on the responses below.
Explore Big Sky: What has been the key to your success?
Blue Ribbon Builders: Open and honest communication, exceeding customers’ expectations, quality craftsmanship and safety.
EBS: Do you remember your first customer or first sale?
BRB: Yes, we built a nine bedroom home for a couple with eight children at the mouth of the Gallatin Canyon.
EBS: What are the biggest obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
BRB: The obstacles have changed over the decades. In the first years of Big Sky it was a lack of year-round economic opportunity. Now the impediment is finding homes to keep our local craftsmen and women in Big Sky.
EBS: How has the business landscape changed since you started out?
BRB: Cabins to lodges, simplicity to complex, rustic to contemporary.
EBS: What is it about Big Sky that compels you to stick it out through the hard times?
BRB: Home, sweet, home. We moved here in our late teens, married here, and raised three children here. We have a plethora of friends, family and memories here.
EBS: What is one of the most memorable moments you have had as a resident/business owner in Big Sky?
BRB: 1973—the first time driving through Gallatin Canyon. There were very few cars or people, no highway signs and no guardrail. So scenic and so beautiful—a slice of heaven!
EBS: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
BRB: Always do what you say you’re going to do.
EBS: What advice would you give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
BRB: Understand the commitment of running a business. It requires an enormous amount of time, resources and you must wear many different hats.
EBS: Where do you see your business in 10 years?
BRB: Building some of the most beautiful homes in Big Sky! We have a young energetic group.
EBS: Where do you see Big Sky in 20 years?
BRB: Will Big Sky really be built out in 20 years? If so, Blue Ribbon Builders will continue to update and remodel the homes they built in the earlier years of Big Sky.
EBS: Would you do it all over again?
BRB: Yes, of course. It’s been a very rewarding and satisfying career.
Blue Ribbon Builders – by the numbers
• Staff: 40
• Years in business: 45
• Longest serving employee: Andy Cox, 40 years
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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Upcoming Events
july, 2024
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature enthusiasts! Get
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Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary. Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Location
Montage Big Sky
995 Settlement Trail
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm