In October 2024, I was hit in a corporate layoff at Oracle. For the first few months, I did what anyone else would do. I rolled up my sleeves and put everything I had into looking for a new role. But the job market was incredibly tough, and finding a traditional corporate fit felt nearly impossible.
Instead of waiting around for the market to shift, I decided to look at the challenges facing our local economy and build my own path. I launched Leman Consulting to take the enterprise-level strategies I mastered at big tech firms and bring them directly to local Main Street operations.
Today, I help small businesses streamline their operations by setting up practical AI tools, automating tedious back-office workflows, and developing custom software that actually fits their unique needs. It is all about giving independent contractors, local shop owners, and growing family businesses the kind of cutting-edge efficiency that used to be reserved only for global corporations with massive tech budgets.
Navigating that transition reminded me of what it really takes to build something from the ground up when the environment around you changes overnight. It takes adaptability, grit, and a willingness to solve your own problems without waiting for someone else to hand you a solution.
Montana's small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they don't need more career politicians who've never had to pivot, reinvent a business, or navigate a tough market. We need leaders who understand the modern economic landscape, know how to drive efficiency, and will work to cut the red tape so our local employers can thrive.
That's Montana common sense.
These career stories were originally posted on Facebook. You can follow the entire story at facebook.com/leman4mt.