The Bar W Guest Ranch is truly a family-owned and operated ranch. While each member of the family has taken a different path, Montana - and the Bar W - continues to bring everyone together.
Whether working behind the scenes, helping with ranch projects, visiting with guests, or simply enjoying ranch life, family is at the heart of the Bar W.
Family has always been at the center of the Bar W story. Bill and Barbara wanted a business that could bring their blended family together while creating something meaningful in the Whitefish area.
That idea became the Bar W Guest Ranch - a place where family, hospitality, Western tradition, and connection come together.
"When Bill and I were looking for a new business in the Whitefish area, we knew it would have to be one that would include all six of our grown children."
Each member of the family contributes to the Bar W story in their own way, whether through ranch operations, business support, seasonal visits, or simply sharing in the life and traditions of the ranch.
Bill is a lifelong entrepreneur - and his mind is always working on the next idea! He and Barbara also own United Business Mail in Chicago, a company that helps businesses manage standard mail and reduce postage costs. As the visionary behind both companies, Bill is always looking ahead and finding ways to make things better.
At the Bar W, Bill is much more than an owner. He has rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside the construction crews on projects, has invested significant inspiration into our sales and marketing efforts and on-boarding new staff in the spirit of our core values.
He works hard, plays hard, and after a full day, you can usually find him crashed in his favorite chair!
Barbara is the heart of the family and the ranch's resident "Mama Bear." Her circle includes kids, spouses, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, the ranch team, and, of course, the family dogs, Bozeman and Libby.
In addition to owning the Bar W with Bill, Barbara remains actively involved in the ranch and is a valued advisor and advocate for the sales team.
She loves bringing people together and making sure family, staff, and guests alike feel welcomed and cared for.
Jason is Bill's oldest son and a stay-at-home dad to three wonderful children - Ellie, Willie, and Henry. His wife, Jessica, works in marketing for both the Bar W Guest Ranch and United Business Mail.
When school lets out for the summer, the family packs up in Duluth, Minnesota, and heads west to spend the season at the ranch.
Jason enjoys visiting with guests, while the kids embrace ranch life and the Bar W Kids' Program. Grandma and Grandpa are especially happy to have them close by for the summer!
Ben is Bill's second-oldest son and works as the Network Coordinator for both the Bar W Guest Ranch and United Business Mail. He and his wife, Chrissy, and his young son live in the Minneapolis area.
Chrissy has a degree in Human Services and is completing her certification to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
At home, they enjoy life with their Corgi, Potter, and cats, Denny and Weasley. They always look forward to trading city life for some Montana time at the ranch.
Michael is Barbara's son. He and his wife, Sally, currently live in Denver for Michael's work but will soon be making their way back to the States.
Both are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, running, skiing, and just about anything that keeps them active.
They each hold master's degrees and are known to be a formidable team on local pub trivia nights! While they've visited the Bar W, they're still looking forward to experiencing a full ranch season firsthand.
Ashley is Bill's oldest daughter and balances a busy career with life as a wife and mom. She works as a Patient Care Supervisor for the Operating Room at a Minneapolis-area hospital and is mom to young Logan.
Her husband, Nick, is completing his Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology.
Their household is rounded out by their big dog, Albert, and cats Carl, Penelope, and Winston. Family life keeps them busy, but Montana is always a favorite place to reconnect and enjoy time together.
Amanda is Barbara's daughter and lives with her husband, Josh, in the Minneapolis area. She shares the family's entrepreneurial spirit, having started her own business while also lending her talents to Bar W projects whenever time allows.
Amanda has a special love for ranch life and enjoys spending time in Montana whenever she can.
Her favorite things include ranching, her sweet dog Luna, and, most importantly, spending time with her mom, Barbara.
Megan is the youngest of the family. She and her husband, Ted, live in the Minneapolis area with their very fluffy cat, Sam.
They love making their way to Montana whenever possible, where they are happy to trade city life for fresh air, ranch activities, and time with the family.