Rehberg visits Nomad

U.S. Representative vows to help area businesses succeed

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

Will Schmautz and his partners at Nomad Global Communication Solutions had a simple idea: Make communication in disaster situations better.

They wanted to create a mobile satellite phone and Internet communication base. So Schmautz, now president of the company, brother Seth, Shane Ackerly and Clay Binford went to work.

They first tried their idea by using their mobile unit as a Internet cafe in a parking lot in West Glacier. When the 2003 firefighing season exploded, the company got their chance to house the incident command for the Wedge Fire. Their services proved to be popular with emergency services agencies.

They've since expanded across the county.

"State and private organizations used our units during Katrina," Schmautz said.

Last week Schmautz recounted the company's history to Rep. Denny Rehberg, who paid a visit to the Flathead Valley and stopped at three area businesses. Rehberg also met with folks at Timberline Tools in Kalispell and Total Label USA in Whitefish.

"I like to get invited to places where others can't and learn something," he said.

Rehberg toured the manufacturing area at Nomad.

He said he understands how important communication is in an emergency situation.

During the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, Rehberg was in his first year of office. At the time Congress carried beepers to announce votes or conference meetings. When the person giving out the beeper announcements was evacuated from the U.S. Capitol, Congress members were left without a way to communicate.

"Congress and Senators were kicked out of our offices and we had nowhere to go," he said. "I know exactly what you're saying."

Since those early ideas, Nomad has shifted it focus. It now engineers and builds communication vehicles for sale in Montana and out of state. And that original idea to build units for forest fire communication has changed.

"In a good fire season, we get about 3 to 5 percent of our revenue from that," Schmautz said. "That's not really our focus any more."

Most of Nomad's units are used for emergency preparedness, like the Flathead County 911 mobile command unit, public safety and defense. The company also produces medical and dental vehicles, which can take services to rural areas.

In 2008, the company celebrated a U.S. Army contract to create mobile classrooms for the U.S. Army's Master Gunner System.

Nomad has grown over the years. Last year the company had about 20 employees. By the end of 2010, that number is expected to be more than 50, and into the mid-60s by 2011.

"In the Flathead Valley, with high unemployment rates, it's nice to be able to provide some employment," Schmautz said. "We feel we have a stable footing to grow in the Flathead Valley."

The company still faces challenges ahead.

Rehberg asked what he could do to assist Nomad.

"My role is to create an environment so you can be successful," he said.

Schmautz said there has been some difficulty finding information technology and engineering professionals in the state. Improved Internet services in the state would also help, he noted.

"My biggest concern is a balanced budget," he said.

Schmautz said businesses like his own have to have a balanced budget and the federal government should too.

"My first bill I will work on (next year) is a balanced budget requirement," Rehberg said. "I strongly believe in a balanced budget requirement."