Making it in Big Sky: The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company

EBS STAFF

Although new in Big Sky Town Center, The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company actually has deep roots in Big Sky, explains owner Sam Rickenbaugh. When the business was started by the Pope family in 1992, one of the initial four locations was right here. Today, Rickenbaugh is proud to “inspire children’s creativity and bring a sense of nostalgia” to families in the area as Big Sky grows into a year-round community. Since their opening, he says shoppers have been thrilled to have place where they can shop for gifts, games and more without having to drive elsewhere.

Explore Big Sky chatted with Rickenbaugh about what it’s like to “sell fun” to the families of Big Sky.

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: Sam, let’s start with you—what brought you to the area, initially?

Sam Rickenbaugh: I have been in Bozeman since I was three. I went to Bozeman High (Go Hawks!) until I graduated. Then I went to the University of Denver for college. I learned quickly that I was not a fan of the city, transferring back to Bozeman two years later. I enjoyed life outside in our beautiful state while finishing my college career at Montana State University with a degree in finance. 

EBS: Give me some background on The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company—how did the business begin? How has it grown over the years?

SR: The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company has been in business since 1992. I am the fourth owner in a long line of incredible community members. The store began with the Popes, who owned four stores which included a store in Big Sky many years ago! As the business has grown, it’s always had the same vision since day one: inspire children’s creativity and bring a sense of nostalgia to those who shop with us. We strive to provide the best customer service while bringing an elevated experience for every shopper who walks through our doors.

EBS: You recently opened in Big Sky after a strong presence in Bozeman. What prompted that expansion?SR: Opening a second store in Big Sky has been in the back of my mind for as long as I have been involved in the company. Big Sky’s explosive growth in the last three years encouraged us to expand. We saw an increasing market need for families needing to shop for their kids. We believed we could fill that gap. Hundreds of families visit the town and resort each year. While there were many shops for adults, there were few places to shop for toys and games. 

EBS: How has the community reacted to your arrival thus far?

SR: The community has been incredible. We were shocked at how many people came into the store telling us how excited they were for a toy store in town. They could finally buy birthday presents, games, and more without traveling to Bozeman. It also felt like they were excited to see a familiar Montana brand. Our company comes with so much rich history, memorable customer service, and iconic products. And we couldn’t be more grateful for Big Sky welcoming us with open arms. 

EBS: What is your favorite thing about working with the folks of Big Sky?

SR: My favorite thing is the small-town feel you get within this resort town. That feeling seems to be going away in Bozeman. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it’s nice to experience the feeling of being a part of a smaller community again. You get to know your customers and they get to remember you. I have also really enjoyed the challenges that Big Sky, as a resort town, poses. In Bozeman, there is no shoulder season or off months. In Big Sky, you have to manage your staff, inventory, and community involvement with a higher level of thought. 

EBS: Is there anything unique and fun about working with a younger patron than most businesses?

SR: We sell fun! Nothing is boring about a toy store. Seeing the joy kids have when they come into the store is unmatched. Kids are incredibly fun to watch! And they will always keep you guessing. You can show them the best, the biggest, or the most expensive toy in the store. And they will still leave only wanting a small $3 bouncy ball or Whoopee Cushion. There is rarely a frown in the store, which makes it one of the great parts of owning a place full of fun things. 

EBS: What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

SR: I’m usually outside with my wife and two dogs, a black lab named Ronnie, and a mini Aussie named June. When I have the time, I love to bird hunt or be on the river!

EBS: What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

SR: There are two things that I think about every day. Both come from my parents who were both successful retail owners: “Go with your gut, it’s usually not wrong,” and, “And if you can’t track it, you can’t change it.”