Page 7 - HC B2B Fall20

The Boss of the Year award is one of the most meaningful awards that the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce gives out. It is the biggest recognition of a boss’s work to make their business an employer of choice. Having your employees and peers recognize your efforts to show appreciation and support is simply the best award ever.
This year, the Chamber received many nominations for some very impressive bosses. However, the nomination for this year’s winner was the most impressive. Along with MANY staff recommendations, we also received nomination support letters from former staff members and area organizations.
Michael Hiel moved to Montana in 1977 and
in 1988, he opened Shades of Green Landscaping and Nursery which split to become Gardenwerks. With over 30 years in the green industry, he is the backbone and spirit of Gardenwerks.
Here are some of the highlights of his nomination letters:
“There is not a day where I am not happy to see Mike. He starts the day with a smile and genuine interest in how I’m personally doing. He wants to see all of the staff succeed professionally.”
“Generosity is a big reason why he is so well-liked. He implemented a retirement program and a health savings account that he contributes to every year.”
“Working with Mike as a boss is like working with a co-worker. He empowers his workers & guides them but treats them like equals. Working for him is more like a learning experience!”
“In Mikes 35 years of owning the Gardenwerks – he embodies honesty and kindness. He is high-minded and prioritizes people first.”
“Mike is his staff’s biggest ally, champion, and
When COVID hit, Mike met with staff to discuss and brainstorm what was correct and most responsible for opening back up for business with attention to keeping staff and the community safe. He offered many options for customers to use – curbside services, phone and email orders, sanitization of the garden center daily and an outdoor kiosk so
people didn’t have to go inside. Employee ideas were listened to and embraced.
Contributing to the community is very important to Mike and he has a lengthy list of generous contributions including:
• Helping design the Siebel Soccer Fields for the
youth soccer association and continuing to maintain them – keeping them healthy and chemical free.
• Re-seeding and installing irrigation at the Four Georgians playground (he couldn’t stand driving by and seeing the kids playing on dirt).
• Constructing and installing the vegetable garden boxes at Jefferson School.
• Mowing the lawn & maintaining the health of the grass & trees at Prickly Pear’s Ten Mile Creek Park.
• Donating & delivering soil for the vegetable gardens at Helena Food Share.
We were delighted to present the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Boss of the Year award to none other than Michael Hiel of Gardenwerks!
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Bears Den Framing and Gallery
Best Western Premiere Great Northern Hotel Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
Carroll College
D.A. Davidson
Delta Hotels Marriott—Colonial Hotel
Double Tree Inn Downtown
First Interstate Bank
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce
Maison at Oddfellow Inn & Farm Morrison Maierle Inc. Mountain-Pacific Quality Health NorthWestern Energy Opportunity Bank
Perkins Family Restaurant Raymond James
Reach Higher Montana Robert Peccia & Associates Rocky Mountain Credit Union SMA Architects
Stahly Engineering
St. Peters Hospital
Stockman Bank
Tempest Technology/Moose Junction Valley Bank
Helena Motors
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Helena Sand & Gravel Home Beautifiers
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2020 BOSS OF THE YEAR BUSINESS DONATIONS
Home2 Suites by Hilton Helena Intrepid Credit Union
La Quinta Inn and Suites Leslie’s Hallmark
teammate.”
PLEASE HELP US SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-1
“Mike’s best attribute – he is hands-down one of the most happy-go-lucky people I know! His positivity is
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“Mike founded his company on hard work, creativity,
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“Mike cares deeply about his employees and puts those feelings into action creating a work environment that is welcoming & rewarding.”
ADVENTURE SECOND.