Asking the Tough Questions

When Steve Hewitt took the job as city administrator for Greensburg, Kansas, in 2006, there was nothing extraordinary about this town of 1,400 people. In fact it was typical of a lot of small Midwestern towns; a declining population, struggling with new economic development, and their leading export was “youth.”

Less than a year later, however, everything that was Greensburg was gone and all that was left was an opportunity. And, a question, “What if we built the town back as a ‘green community?’”

 

 Steve Hewitt, City Administrator of Greensburg, Kansas [35:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

On the Way to Greensburg

I’m not sure you can take a direct path to Greensburg. I can’t seem to. I always plan to get there nearer the May 4th Anniversary or earlier in the day when I finally do get headed that way. In my mind, I’m thinking that the boring state highway to the north and “the scenic route” that I was on, were likely equidistant. Wrong. Late again!

A Lumbering Giant

People who harvest timber out of the Black Hills are no longer just big burly men who lug giant chainsaws up the side of the mountain.

Computers now play such an integral part of the lumber industry that Jim D. Neiman, vice-president of Neiman Enterprises said to me. “If you know anyone willing to work from your area and has a background in Electrical Engineering, send ‘em my way. We’ll put them to work.”

The Neiman Family are the new owners of the saw mill in Spearfish, South Dakota, rescued out of bankruptcy and saving hundreds of jobs in the area. Jim is a 3rd generation lumberman out of Hulett, Wyoming

 

 Jim D. Neiman, Neiman Enterprises [24:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Less is Much More

Andrew Field, CEO of Printing For Less.com knows all about remarkable customer experiences. They post them on the bulletin board for all their employees to see. And, I didn’t see any “yellowed” ones there.

Field launched Printing For Less (PFL) in 1996, though how he got started sounds a little “fishy.” He and a friend were in their waders, already in the river near the entrance to Yellowstone before his friend mentioned that he was losing his printing job. Knowing Field had a background in printing, he suggested Andrew open a printing shop. It didn’t take much thought (or market research) to jump in with both feet.

 

 Andrew Field of PrintingForLess.com [21:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

At Home in the Water

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. But put that man in a pair of leaky waders and he’ll quit in five minutes.
Nobody knows this better than Simms Fishing Products, the lone manufacturer of waders in the United States, […]

 

 Diane Bristol of Simms Fishing Products: Play Now | Play in Popup

Playing Catch Up

Yes, I’m back. And yes, I haven’t posted anything new lately. My excuse is I’ve been playing “catch up.”

Catch up on laundry, on sleep, with friends, on email, errands, on rest, with my TiVo, on the News, with my dogs, with family, dry cleaning, digital files and down time. Heck, just catching up with myself. We kept a very hectic pace out there and it was time to put a little gas back in the tank.

Day 15: Animal House

WHEATLAND, WY– Someone asked me today what has been the biggest surprise of the trip. In general, it has been the quality of the people I have met. Genuine, straight-forward, hard working and passionate about their business.

They are also humble. In some ways, I think “humility” is overrated. If you’re not going to recognize your own contribution, someone else will have to and they may not spell your name correctly.

Day 14: Help Wanted

CASPER, WY– Looking for a new opportunity? A place where you can stretch your legs, your imagination and your wallet? Then, Wyoming is waiting for you. We’re looking for able-bodied and able-spirited adventurers wanting to help us grow our state and business base. Training is available both in a pre-employment setting and on-the-job. We’re looking for people of all experiences, especially craftsmen, engineers, welders and all trades. We offer unlimited opportunity, healthy compensation, clean air, room to grow, and hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, abound. No resume necessary. Just show up with a strong back and a willingness to work.

Day 13: Happy Labors

LANDER, WY — Happy Labor Day!

What does that mean to you? According to the organizers more than 125 years ago, it is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers… a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

If you listen to Lowes or Home Depot, it’s just a good excuse to start a new home improvement project that you won’t complete before company arrives in December.

Day 12: Following the Pink Line

RIVERTON, WY– That’s how we get from point “A” to point “B” and from “X” to “Y.” We’ve had multiple stops and followed many promptings from the Garmin Nuvi. As we continue to tread the western trails, I am struck by the contrasts of traveling today -vs.-yesteryear.