Advisor wants to see businesses reach full potential

There is a lot of value in helping find success, which is exactly why Rich Turner loves his job.  

A senior business advisor at the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and an executive growth consultant, Turner sees the potential of people and businesses beyond their current reality.

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Turner came to the United States at 17 years old. From Kentucky to Florida to Tennessee to Colorado, Turner always boasted an entrepreneurial and curious spirit. A Marine Corps veteran, serving for 15 years, he was always focused on ensuring the survivability and success of his team, a commitment that guides his work today, he said.  

“You need to find that purpose in life that gets you up early and keeps you up late,” Turner said, sitting at a coffee shop in Kalispell. “I’m in my calling; there’s nothing standstill about it.” 

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, through Montana State University, is a statewide outreach and assistance center intended to help grow Montana’s economy. It serves manufacturers across the state by helping improve operations, providing training and implementing technological developments and research.  

“I help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, and craft strategies for growth. Beyond that, I serve as a coach and partner, guiding them toward their goals and aligning their efforts for long-term success,” Turner said. 

Just recently, Turner partnered with Meadowlark Log Homes, a family owned business that began as a small sawmill in Northwest Montana in the 70s. Officially established in 1993 and now based in Libby, the company crafts a wide range of products from homes to pavilions for the National Park Service, according to Montana State University. 

As the business approached a leadership transition, Turner stepped in and mentored the leadership team for long-term success. The company introduced new techniques that expanded efficiencies and, according to a 2023 survey, benefited the company by over $2 million. That’s what the extension center is about, Turner said, helping industries thrive by blending tradition with innovation. 

“[The extension center] helps manufacturers stay competitive by offering practical solutions — improving processes, addressing workforce challenges and exploring new markets. This strengthens businesses and contributes to a robust statewide economy,” he said.  

It all starts with an individual identity, Turner said. If individuals develop, organizations grow because of it. If the organization benefits, the community benefits. If the community benefits, the state benefits.  

Throughout his life, Turner has consulted on a national and state level. He worked as an area operation manager for Amazon in Colorado and Tennessee. After taking time off to road trip from Tennessee to Alaska and a brief stint at a national consulting firm, Turner, alongside his wife and daughter, moved to Kalispell in 2022 to join the extension center.  

He attended Clearwater Christian College for his undergraduate degree and went on to get his Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder.  

Montana’s manufacturing industry is resilient, Turner said. Commonly, workforce retention and resource allocation are two major things holding the state back from improvement. Through the extension center, Turner helps businesses create a clear strategy for growth and operations.  

“The future is bright if we address key challenges like workforce development and resource alignment. With its talent, innovation, and resilience, Montana can become a national leader in advanced manufacturing,” he said.  

Since the extension center was established in 1996, it has generated over $364 million in new investments statewide, according to Montana State University. It has also created and retained 7,065 new jobs and $1.5 billion in new and retained sales, as well as over $184 in statewide savings.  

For now, Turner said, he is focused on helping Montana’s manufacturers succeed, ultimately supporting economic growth across the state. He hopes to implement, or see, a local innovation hub concept or a statewide tactic grow into something that leaves a legacy in Montana.  

To learn more about the extension center, visit montana.edu/mmec/index.html.

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.