Eventually, I stepped back into tech consulting while Gloria took over running the day-to-day operations of our specialty foods business. After about a year, a friend working at Oracle called me out of the blue. They were looking for a data quality expert to help guide their systems. I dug out my old non-compete agreement from the Metagenix sale to see if I could even take the job. Out of all the major tech giants restricted on that paperwork, Oracle was missing from the list. It was an open door, so I took it, eventually rising to become a Senior Director running global data services and then later the custom applications group for global consulting.
Gloria successfully sold the Carolina Sauce Company, and we realized we were ready for a brand-new chapter. We had always talked about retiring in Montana someday, but then we looked at each other and asked a simple question: why wait?
With the way the modern economy was shifting, I could manage my global teams from absolutely anywhere, as long as I had a solid internet connection and a nearby airport. We packed up our lives and chose Gallatin Gateway as the place to plant our roots and build our future.
Living and working right here in the valley while managing massive enterprise systems gave me a unique perspective. I know firsthand how vital reliable infrastructure is for local families and independent contractors who are trying to make a living in the modern world. But more than that, Gloria and I chose Gallatin Gateway because we fell in love with the tight-knit community and the Montana way of life.
We don't need politicians who want to change Montana into the congested, over-regulated places people are trying to leave. We need leaders who understand how today's economy actually works, who know how to manage large budgets, and who will protect the unique character of our community. Let's bring that common-sense, forward-looking perspective to our state capitol.
That's Montana common sense.
These career stories were originally posted on Facebook. You can follow the entire story at facebook.com/leman4mt.