Survey finds quality of life brings businesses to Montana, keeps them here
KALISPELL, Mont. — A survey of Montana businesses conducted by the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research found the quality of life in Montana is a driving factor for why business owners start, relocate or keep their businesses in the state.
ITRR researchers surveyed nearly 500 business owners and managers across the state in several different industries.
Researchers wanted to get an idea as to why business owners who could choose to live and work nearly anywhere chose to be located in Montana.
One business that recently made the move to Montana is ROAM Beyond. Based in Washington, ROAM Beyond is described by the company as an immersive outdoor lodging experience.
Their moveable cabins are located in beautiful locations where traditional lodging, such as hotels, isn’t an option.
Co-founder Corey Weathers said last year one of their locations in Washington was evacuated due to wildfires. Looking for a new location, they turned to their customers and asked where they should relocate. Weathers said the overwhelming response was Montana.
He said his wife is originally from the Flathead Valley, and between the family connection and the response they received, it was an easy choice. Now, ROAM Beyond has two Montana locations.
Weathers said Montana has a lot of desirable qualities. He said people love access to nature and outdoor recreation, and the endless public land in Montana provides so many activities and experiences.
The survey found some of the top ranked attributes for why businesses operate here are air and water quality, the rural lifestyle and public lands.
Other top ranking reasons include proximity to customers, personal safety and cost of living.
The lowest scoring attributes include energy costs, natural resources as inputs and overall costs of doing business.
The survey found the reasons new businesses are moving to Montana are the same reasons locals stay put.
Out of 500 businesses surveyed, 40% of owners and managers said they are not a Montana native. The survey concluded the majority of business owners have deep roots in Montana.
Tabatha Huisentruit, owner of My Montana Maid, is from Montana with a rich family history in the state. Huisentruit said her family connection to Montana dates back several generations.
She said her three-times great-grandfather homesteaded in Montana and started his own sawmill.
Huisentruit there is so much Montana pride in her family that continues to pass on generation to generation.
Now Huisentruit runs her own business, and she said what's keeping her working and living in Montana is her family's history, the beauty of the state and the people.
She said people here are honest and hardworking and it’s a true pleasure and honor to be able to work in the state.
Huisentruit called living and working in Montana serene and peaceful, and, like Weathers, she enjoys the great outdoor opportunities nearby.
Whether the business owner is a Montana native of someone who fell in love with the place and moved here, there’s a chance they will be sticking around awhile to enjoy the unmatched neutral beauty.
More information on the survey can be found here.
Click here for information on My Montana Maid and here for ROAM Beyond.
