Chris Yanker, General Manager of Buffalo Restoration, joins the show to talk about building and leading a family business that has been serving Bozeman for more than 35 years.We discuss how Buffalo Restoration started in a garage in 1991, what it takes to grow a company across generations, and why culture and leadership matter so much when building a strong team. Chris also shares lessons from transitioning from working in the field to leading the organization and the importance of trust, accountability, and clear communication in business.Buffalo Restorationhttps://www.buffalorestoration.com/Mountain Mule Transportationhttps://mountain-mule.com/

Episode #91 of the Mountain Mule Podcast features Amanda Markel, a contemporary wildlife sculptor based in Bozeman, Montana.Amanda’s bronze sculptures use wildlife as archetypes to explore deeper themes of resilience, courage, hope, and the human spirit. Through her unique use of negative space and storytelling, her work invites viewers to see their own experiences reflected within the sculpture.

In this episode we discuss:• The meaning behind Amanda’s wildlife sculptures• How storytelling shapes her creative process• The lost-wax casting process used to create bronze sculptures• The symbolism behind pieces like Mountain Heart and Resilience• Moving into large-scale public art installations

Learn more about Amanda’s work:https://www.agmarkel.com/

Youtube.com/@A.G.Markel

Instagram.com/a.g.markel

Learn more about Mountain Mule Transportation:https://mountain-mule.com/If you enjoy the show, consider following and sharing the episode. That simple action helps Montana businesses get seen, grow, and thrive.

Episode #90 of the Mountain Mule Podcast features Mollie Flaherty, event manager of the Western Design Conference, a 30+ year legacy event celebrating Western-inspired art, design, and craftsmanship.Originally founded in Cody, Wyoming, and later held in Jackson, the Western Design Conference is now moving to Bozeman, Montana, where it will be held August 6–9, 2026 at The Brick.In this conversation, Mollie shares:• The history of the Western Design Conference• How Western design has evolved over the years• What attendees can expect from the event• Opportunities for artists, sponsors, and interns• Why Bozeman is the perfect new home for the conferenceThe Western Design Conference brings together artists, designers, architects, and collectors from across the country for a four-day exhibit, sale, and celebration of Western craftsmanship.Learn more or get involved: https://westerndesignconference.com/Follow Mountain Mule MediaWebsite: https://mountain-mule.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mountainmulemt/

In this episode, Tim sits down with Lydia, founder of Ritual Bodywork and co-founder of Somnia Studio. They talk about nervous system care, intuition, boundaries, and why creating intentional spaces, through bodywork or events, matters more than ever.Learn more about Lydia’s work at https://www.ritualmt.com/ and https://www.somnio.studio/Learn more about Mountain Mule at https://mountain-mule.com/

In this episode, Tim sits down with Tom Barrett, owner of OSO Security, one of Bozeman’s longest-standing security companies. Tom shares his path from law enforcement to business ownership, how Montana’s climate changes the way security should be designed, and why trust, availability, and slow growth still matter.Learn more about OSO Security at https://www.ososecurity.com/Learn more about Mountain Mule at https://mountain-mule.com/

In this episode, Tim sits down with Dan Brunner, former FBI Special Agent and co-founder of the Brunner Sierra Group. Dan shares stories from a 20-year career investigating organized crime, his philosophy on real-world security, and how life after the badge has reshaped his priorities around family and community.Learn more about Dan and his work at https://brunnersierragroup.com/Learn more about Mountain Mule at https://mountain-mule.com/

In this episode, Derek Ivester shares the story behind Mountain Fresh Italian Ice, from early days at Montana farmers markets to growing a clean, locally made product found across the region. He talks about sustainability, teaching, entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to build something over time.The conversation also touches on family, music, and why believing that everything is figureoutable has shaped both his business and his life.To learn more about Mountain Fresh Italian Ice, visit https://mountainfreshice.com/To learn more about Mountain Mule Media, visit https://mountain-mule.com/

To learn more about Cory Lawrence and Off the Beaten Path, visit https://www.offthebeatenpath.com/To learn more about Mountain Mule Media and upcoming episodes, visit https://mountain-mule.com/Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting Montana businesses through authentic storytelling.

Rebecca Adams of Crossbow Western joins the show to share how she and business partner Macy Pryor built a growing Western lifestyle brand focused on handmade leather goods, custom hats, and artisan craftsmanship. We discuss entrepreneurship, building teams, balancing creativity with operations, and why investing in quality materials still matters.Learn more about Crossbow Western at https://shopcrossbow.com/Learn more about Mountain Mule Media and Mountain Mule Transportation at https://mountain-mule.com/

In this episode, Aurore Adam shares the story behind Aurore French Bakery and how she built a thriving business in Bozeman after moving from France. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership growth, ingredient sourcing, and what it takes to bring authentic French baking traditions to a Montana community.Learn more about Aurore French Bakery at https://www.aurorebakery.com/Learn more about Mountain Mule Media and Mountain Mule Transportation at https://mountain-mule.com/