Celebrating Sean Waters, Vision Net’s Q2 2026 Visionary Award Recipient

At Vision Net, we believe innovation and operational excellence are driven by people who consistently go above and beyond to improve how we serve ur teams, customers, and communities. That's why we are proud to recognize Sean Waters as our Q2 2026 Visionary Award Recipient.

The Visionary Award honors employees who demonstrate Vision Net’s core values of Bold, Frugal, Obsessive, and Resilient/Sustainable through meaningful contributions that create measurable impact across the organization. Sean’s work over the past several months has done exactly that. 

Since joining Vision Net, Sean has led significant improvements across purchasing and inventory operations by simplifying processes, improving visibility, and eliminating inefficiencies. His ability to identify operational challenges and implement long-term solutions has positively impacted teams throughout the company. 

One of Sean’s biggest accomplishments has been transforming Vision Net’s purchasing workflow. By establishing standardized processes and staying closely engaged with purchase flow management, he helped reduce purchase order cycle times from multiple days to less than a day. He also created and published Purchasing Standard Operating Procedures to support consistency and efficiency across the organization. 

In addition, Sean played a key role in streamlining vendor management by reducing active suppliers from more than 1,200 vendors to just 382. This improvement not only simplified purchasing operations but also reduced the administrative burden associated with maintaining supplier documentation and records. 

Sean also took on the challenge of improving inventory organization and visibility across Vision Net’s warehouse locations. He established live inventory tracking across five warehouse facilities, consolidated inventory spaces, implemented proper racking systems, and developed real-time inventory valuation reporting to support operational and accounting processes. 

His work extended beyond operational efficiency and into sustainability efforts as well. Through organized recycling initiatives and obsolete inventory cleanup projects, Sean helped remove significant amounts of unused equipment and waste from Vision Net facilities.

Sean’s dedication to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and sustainable practices reflects the very best of Vision Net’s culture and values. His contributions continue to make a lasting impact across the organization, and we are grateful for the leadership, initiative, and hard work he brings to the team every day. 

Congratulations again to Sean Waters on being named Vision Net's Q2 2026 Visionary Award recipient. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work across Vision Net.

Get to Know Our Team: Amanda Walters, Senior Staff Accountant

Amanda Walters earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montana State University in 2015. Following graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she spent several years working at Boeing in their Shared Services Group, focusing primarily on fixed asset accounting.

After deciding to return to Montana, Amanda continued her education at MSU, working toward a Master of Professional Accountancy. She later relocated to Billings and spent a year at Eide Bailly as a tax associate before realizing her long-term interests lay outside of tax. Around that same time, she and her husband were expecting their first child, and she chose to step away from her career to focus on family.

Amanda reentered the workforce at the Cenex refinery in Laurel, MT, where she spent nearly five years as a Senior Refinery Accountant at CHS. When the opportunity to join Vision Net arose, it felt like a natural next step in her career.

Why Vision Net
Originally from Lewistown, Montana, Amanda values being part of a Montana-based company that supports rural communities. Throughout the interview process, she recognized Vision Net’s strong culture and commitment to its employees. After working in larger corporate environments, the opportunity to be part of a more connected and supportive organization stood out.

Role at Vision Net
As a Senior Staff Accountant, Amanda supports a wide range of accounting functions. Her responsibilities include managing financial transactions, assisting with treasury-related activities, supporting accounts payable and receivable processes, and maintaining prepaid expenses and deferred revenue accounts. She also reconciles general ledger accounts and will be contributing to monthly close processes, accounting research, and larger initiatives such as property tax projects.

Looking Ahead
Amanda is especially excited about gaining full visibility into the entire accounting cycle. Having previously worked in more specialized roles, she looks forward to connecting all aspects of the process and continuing to grow within her position.

Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband love camping, relaxing at their cabin, and going on family bike rides. With a five-year-old learning to ride without training wheels and a nine-month-old soon to join in, their adventures are just getting started. Living close to extended family in Billings also allows their children to spend meaningful time with cousins and grandparents.

Why Montana
For Amanda, Montana means family. With relatives in Billings and her parents still living in her childhood home in Lewistown, being close to loved ones is one of the things she values most about living in the state.

Fun Fact
If she could have any superpower, Amanda would choose teleportation—making it much easier to get her family (and all their gear) to the campground.

Fun Facts About Amanda

 

Please join us in welcoming Amanda to the Vision Net family!

New Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Morgan Smith

Please join us in welcoming Morgan Smith to the Vision Net team! Morgan brings a strong mix of sales, leadership, and operations experience—and a people-first mindset that fits right in with our mission and culture.

Morgan has about 15 years of experience in sales, leadership, and operations. Their career has ranged from luxury retail to B2B sales and consulting, with a consistent focus on building relationships, solving problems, and helping teams grow.

Why Vision Net?

For Morgan, it was all about the people and the mission. Vision Net’s commitment to community, partnership, and meaningful work really stood out.

What Morgan’s role involves

Morgan will be working closely with customers and internal teams to build strong relationships, support growth, and help keep things running smoothly—while also helping drive new business.

What they’re most excited about

Morgan is looking forward to getting to know the team, learning the business, and contributing in a meaningful way.

Quick Q&A

Welcome, Morgan! We’re excited to have you on board, Morgan—welcome to Vision Net!

Visionary Award Announcement: Seth Boucher

We’re excited to recognize Seth Boucher as a true Visionary at Vision Net. Seth consistently demonstrates Resiliency/Sustainability, Boldness, and an obsessive commitment to getting the job done right.

When complex challenges come up—whether it’s resolving an operational issue, engineering a smarter approach, or helping teams navigate tough problems—Seth is the steady pillar people turn to. He thinks outside the box, steps in early, and stays engaged until the solution is complete.

Seth’s impact isn’t defined by one moment—it’s reflected in his consistent contributions day after day. Through the work he does and the way he shows up for others, Seth sets a gold-standard example of what it means to be a Visionary at Vision Net.

Welcome to Vision Net: Meet Duncan

At Vision Net, we are always excited to welcome new talent to the team, and we are thrilled to introduce our new Sales Intern, Duncan.

Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Duncan brings a unique perspective shaped by living in Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, and now the United States. His journey to Montana began through athletics, as he came to the U.S. to pursue Division I tennis while also creating new opportunities for his future.

Duncan joined Vision Net with a strong interest in gaining hands-on experience in business development and consulting. Having previously worked with small companies to provide solutions, he was eager to learn what it looks like to support larger organizations and be part of a company making a real impact. He also shared that his early conversations with members of the Vision Net team made a strong impression and gave him a great sense of the company’s energy and culture.

In his role as a Sales Intern, Duncan will be supporting the team through target research, building prospecting lists, using CRM tools and lead databases, preparing sales materials, assisting with outreach campaigns, and attending client meetings to help analyze customer needs and draft potential solutions. He is especially excited to continue developing his business skills and applying them in a professional, established company environment.

Outside of work, Duncan stays busy as a full-time tennis player and enjoys creating social media content, playing golf, and spending time at the beach with friends when he is back home. When asked about his favorite places he has traveled, he mentioned Spain and Europe, sharing that he appreciates the beauty of the places and the relaxed, positive energy of the people.

As for life in Montana, Duncan says he enjoys the college town atmosphere and the strong sense of support that comes with being an athlete here. He describes himself in one word as determined, which seems to fit both his background and the drive he is bringing into this new role.

A few fun facts about Duncan:

We are excited to have Duncan on board and look forward to all he will contribute as part of the Vision Net team.

Welcome to Vision Net, Duncan!

Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Nick Eliason

We’re excited to welcome Nick Eliason to the Vision Net team! Nick is joining us as a Network Technician, bringing hands-on experience and a love for the outdoors that fits right in here in Montana. Let’s get to know him a little better.

Tell us a bit about your background.

Nick previously worked as a Network Technician at the Stillwater Mine, where he gained valuable experience supporting and maintaining critical network systems in a demanding environment.

What attracted you to join Vision Net?

For Nick, Vision Net stood out for two big reasons: the ability to be home every night, and the strong impression he got from the leadership and people he met before starting.

What does your role involve?

In his day-to-day work, Nick will focus on the installation and maintenance of network systems, helping ensure reliable connectivity for the customers and communities we serve.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?

When he’s off the clock, Nick enjoys getting outside—especially fishing, hiking, and golf.

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to—and why?

Nick’s favorite trip so far has been Hawaii—for the perfect mix of great fishing, hiking, golf, and weather.

Fun Bonus Answers

Nick, welcome aboard—we’re glad you’re here and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make at Vision Net!

Visionary Award: Celebrating Lindsey

We’re proud to announce Lindsey as our Quarter 4 Visionary Award recipient, a recognition that celebrates forward-thinking leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire meaningful change.

This quarter, Lindsey has exemplified what it means to be a visionary. Her strategic foresight and innovative ideas have not only shaped key initiatives but also energized our team. Lindsey’s talent for turning concepts into action has led to measurable results, reinforcing her role as a driving force behind our success.

But Lindsey’s impact goes beyond strategy. She’s a mentor, a collaborator, and a leader who lifts others up. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to see and seize new possibilities make her a standout in everything she does.

We’re honored to recognize Lindsey’s contributions and grateful for the positive influence she brings to our organization every day. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-earned achievement!

Meet Darryl – A Mission-Driven Professional Joining the Vision Net Team

Darryl brings a wealth of experience to Vision Net, having served in various IT roles within the Department of Defense and government contracting. He also spent 7 years on active duty in the United States Air Force. These experiences have shaped both his technical expertise and his commitment to excellence in mission-focused environments.

What attracted him to Vision Net?

For Darryl, joining Vision Net felt like a series of divine encounters. He felt led by God to move to Great Falls—even before having a job lined up. After making the move in faith, everything fell into place, including the opportunity to join Vision Net. He says the transition truly felt meant to be.

What does his role involve?

In his role, Darryl helps facilitate and coordinate efforts between the NOC, Engineering, Data, and Networking teams to ensure Vision Net continues delivering the high-quality service customers rely on. He also strives to support leadership in any way necessary to help the company succeed.

What is he most excited about in his new position?

Darryl is energized by the exciting period of growth and transformation happening at Vision Net. It feels like being on the ground floor of something big, and he is thrilled to be part of the company’s expansion—one that will solidify Vision Net as the largest data and telecommunications provider in Montana and eventually, a leader beyond the state.

What does he enjoy outside of work?

Outside the office, Darryl loves spending time with his family, working out, and staying active through outdoor and fitness-related activities. He also enjoys reading books and news, watching football and basketball, and unwinding with a little YouTube.

What’s his favorite thing about living in Montana?

Although he is new to the state, Darryl already appreciates the friendliness of the people and the laid-back atmosphere in Great Falls. He’s excited to explore Montana’s outdoor activities and experience everything the state has to offer.

If he could have any superpower…

He would choose time travel—past or future. Time is one of the most precious resources, and the ability to experience or influence it would be incredible.

Fun Bonus Questions

Where is he from originally?
As a military brat, “home” is a complex answer. Darryl was born at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota, spent much of his childhood and all of his middle school, high school, and college years in Colorado, and most recently lived in Colorado Springs—so Colorado feels like home.

One word to describe him:
Loyal.

Something people would be surprised to learn:
How many kids he has!

If he could instantly become an expert in anything:
Earning and making money.

Go-to work snack or drink:
Anything protein-related—bars, shakes, chips, or even protein cookies or brownies.

Most unusual job he’s ever had:
Classified documents waste management mitigation.

Favorite quote or motto:
“Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34

What’s on his bucket list?
Visit the ancient churches of Revelation and the Noah’s Ark landing site in Turkey.

TV show or movie everyone should watch at least once:
The Case for Christ.

If his life had a theme song:
“Never Would’ve Made It.”

Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Daniel Betcher

Daniel’s IT and Security journey began six years ago, after spending nearly 13 years as a group home manager. His first IT role was with the Great Falls Public School District as a TST (help desk). From there, he became a one-man IT team for RE Services before being offered an ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer) role with the State of Montana Lottery Division. After two years there, he joined Columbia Grain as a Support Engineer 2—and now, he’s part of Vision Net.

He also holds an impressive list of industry certifications, including:
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, Project+, multiple CompTIA stackable certifications, and ISC2 SSCP.

What attracted you to Vision Net?

Having lived in the area for more than 30 years, Daniel has always known Vision Net as a strong presence in the community. When he learned more about what Vision Net does and the direction the company is heading, he realized it aligned perfectly with where he wants to take his career.

What does your role involve?

As an IT Administrator, Daniel wears many hats. He handles Help Desk requests, builds and manages SharePoint and the internal intranet, sets proper access controls, and helps create Forms and Power Automate flows to streamline tasks across departments. He also helps implement new security software, assists with security-related tasks, and tackles any additional projects assigned throughout the day.

What are you most excited about in your new position?

Daniel is excited for the opportunity to showcase his skillset while continuing to grow and learn. He’s looking forward to collaborating with others who have expertise in different areas and helping drive Vision Net forward into new and existing ventures.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?

He enjoys camping, fishing, reading, and teaching his daughters how to play sports. He also stays sharp by keeping up with the rapidly changing IT/Security landscape and experimenting in his home lab on the custom computer he built.

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to—and why?

Hawaii, because it was his family’s first major trip together—and it was his daughter’s first time seeing the ocean.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Montana?

The beautiful landscapes, the wide-open spaces, and the low population.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be—and why?

Immortality, so he would never miss out on anything from now until the end of time.

Fun Bonus Questions

Where are you from originally?
Minnesota.

One word to describe yourself:
Determined.

Something people would be surprised to learn:
He is currently learning four languages: Korean, Spanish, German, and French.

If you could instantly become an expert in something…
Building proprietary LLMs (Large Language Models) to offer as a service to a distinct clientele.

Go-to work snack or drink:
Celsius energy drinks.

Most unusual job you’ve ever had:
Cash Office Specialist at Target.

Favorite quote or motto:
“Try not to become a man of success but rather become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

What’s on your bucket list?

TV show or movie everyone should watch at least once:
Big Trouble in Little China

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Eye of the Tiger”

Visionary Award: Darrell Ogg

We are thrilled to celebrate Darrell Ogg as the recipient of the Visionary Award for his exceptional initiative, resourcefulness, and dedication in solving a persistent operational issue. His innovative approach exemplifies the core values that drive Vision Net forward.

Bold: Darrell took the initiative to address an operational challenge that had been affecting clients for months. His proactive efforts ensured a resolution that benefited both clients and Vision Net.

Frugal: Demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness, Darrell leveraged existing tools and resources to solve the technical issues. Rather than defaulting to costly new solutions, he maximized the capabilities of Vision Net’s current technology stack.

Obsessive: The solution required a laser-focused effort and collaboration with two separate vendors. Darrell’s persistence and attention to detail were key to overcoming the challenges.

Resilient: By implementing this solution, Darrell positioned Vision Net to expand its offerings in this vertical without adding unnecessary complexity or cost to the technical stack.

Issue and Solution Overview A couple of Vision Net’s existing managed service clients were experiencing intermittent connectivity issues with their wireless networks. These networks rely on 4G (Baicells) for distribution and Wi-Fi (Juniper MIST) for access, with one client also utilizing security cameras. The connectivity challenges prevented the clients from fully utilizing their product suite.

Darrell’s solution began with extensive research into Juniper’s capabilities. He identified a configuration change that was necessary to support the clients’ specific use cases. Collaborating closely with Juniper resources, he set up a test environment to replicate the client-side setup and validate the new configurations. Once the solution was tested and refined, Darrell worked with the operations team to implement the changes and stayed involved until the issues were fully resolved and stabilized.

Impact Thanks to Darrell’s efforts, Vision Net is now well-positioned to advance its planned service package for outdoor hospitality clients. This offering includes security cameras, 4G distribution, and Wi-Fi access via known and trusted platforms. By resolving these challenges, Darrell has not only enhanced the client experience but also enabled Vision Net to grow in this market segment with confidence.

Congratulations, Darrell, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication and vision continue to inspire us all.