Meet the Bar W Team

Jami Phillips

With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Jami Phillips brings experience, heart, and a true passion for taking care of people to her role as General Manager of the Bar W Guest Ranch.

For Jami, great hospitality is about more than providing exceptional service - it's about creating connections. She is dedicated to making sure guests and team members alike feel welcomed, valued, and part of the Bar W family.

Jami has a deep love for Montana, the Flathead Valley, and everything this incredible corner of the West has to offer. She and her husband, Bill, have six wonderful children and are proud to call Montana home.

Jami looks forward to welcoming you to the ranch and sharing a little of the Bar W magic with you.

Bobby Pecora

Bobby was ranch-raised and has spent a lifetime in the saddle. He began working professionally with horses at just 14 years old and has built an accomplished career rooted in horsemanship, ranching, and rodeo.

A longtime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Bobby competed as a saddle bronc rider and became a Montana Circuit Finals Champion. In 2018, his accomplishments and contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame.

Today, Bobby brings that lifetime of knowledge and experience to the Bar W. His passion for horses is matched by his commitment to helping guests experience them in an authentic, safe, and meaningful way - whether you're an experienced rider or climbing into the saddle for the very first time.

We're proud to have a true Montana horseman leading our equine program and sharing the traditions of the West with our guests.

Joe Wiese

Known around the ranch as "Cowboy Joe," Joe Wiese brings heart, horsemanship, and a little cowboy poetry to the Bar W Guest Ranch. Originally from Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Joe has a genuine passion for horses and an easy way of making guests feel welcome and comfortable in the saddle.

As Head Wrangler, he helps lead our wrangler team while making sure every ride reflects the Bar W commitment to safety, connection, and an authentic Western experience.

When he's not horseback, Joe enjoys spending time with his new bride, fly fishing, hiking, and skiing - embracing just about everything Montana has to offer.

Michael Hannon

Chef Michael brings a refined culinary background, a love of great food, and a wealth of flavors gathered from across the country to the Bar W Guest Ranch.

Originally from Boston, Michael's culinary journey has taken him across the United States, shaping a versatile style that blends fine-dining precision with the hearty traditions of ranch cuisine.

From cooking over an open fire to preparing comforting family-style ranch favorites and beautifully plated special events, Michael brings creativity and craftsmanship to every meal.

As Head Chef, Michael believes food is an important part of the Bar W experience - a chance for guests to gather around the table, share stories from the day, and connect over something delicious.

His goal is simple: create meals that are memorable, comfortable, and full of flavor, with just the right touch of Western hospitality.

Paul Paschal

Originally from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, Paul Paschal now calls the Bar W Guest Ranch home - literally! Paul and his wife, Beth, our Sales Manager, live on the ranch with their family.

As Director of Operations, Paul oversees many of the people and experiences that make a Bar W stay so memorable, including Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Maintenance. Paul is dedicated to making sure the ranch runs smoothly while keeping the guest experience at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it's a great ranch meal or simply making sure guests feel at home, his goal is to help create the kind of authentic Montana memories that last long after the vacation ends.

Paul and Beth have four children: their daughter Kierney, twin boys Thatcher and Oren, and their youngest son, Micah "Joonie."

Nikki Altman

Nikki Altman joined the Bar W team in the spring of 2025 and quickly became one of our guest relations superstars. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Nikki leads our Guest Relations team, coordinating activity schedules, anticipating guest needs, and managing the many details that make a ranch stay feel effortless.

Nikki embodies one of our Bar W Core Values: We Do What We Say. Guests can count on her to communicate, follow through, and always make their experience a priority.

Her greatest passion is connecting people - helping families reconnect, friendships form, and guests leave the ranch with memories and relationships that last long after their Montana vacation ends.

Jaime Schaefer

While much of her work happens behind the scenes, Jaime Schaefer plays an essential role in keeping the Bar W Guest Ranch running smoothly.

As our Controller, Jaime oversees the financial and administrative side of ranch operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and Human Resources. With a passion for details and organization, she helps make sure our team has what they need so they can focus on what matters most - taking great care of our guests.

Jaime brings a thoughtful, steady approach to everything she does and is an important part of the team that keeps the Bar W moving forward each day. When she steps away from the numbers and details, Jaime enjoys yoga and finding a little balance of her own - something that comes in handy when helping keep a busy Montana guest ranch on track!