It started with a little “Cats vs. Griz” rivalry. Students from the University of Montana and Montana State University submitted their favorite short films to an online competition and then had two weeks to spread the word – via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in person – and encourage friends to vote for their films. The student with the most votes would win the competition.

As one of Montana’s longest-running and most successful tech companies, PrintingForLess.com (PFL) has had nearly 20 years to develop its playbook of best practices for recruiting in Big Sky Country.

Rick Hill didn't pick up and move to LA or New York where all the action was. He stayed in Alabama and focused on mastering his craft, producing Grammy-winning albums and turning local musicians into the best rhythm section in the country. Hill developed a reputation for making hit records and the industry came to him.Montana high tech companies do the same thing.

Jeff White went into the Victor schools searching for a student who was good with computers to help him with a project. The teachers recommended Jeb, a 7th-grader who was passionate about coding, hungry to learn, and grateful to find a mentor who validated the way he thought.

As I'm out talking with people, I sometimes hear them say things about Montana's business community that are based on false assumptions. To counter, here are two truths I've learned working with Montana's high tech and manufacturing companies.