Member Spotlight: BJ Biskupiak

What is your name?

BJ Biskupiak

What do you do for work and what is your slash (aka what do you do in your free time)?

I work full time as the Manager of the School Health Program. A program within the Public Health and Safety Division of the Montana Department of Public Health. For the last year I have also worked part-time in various positions for Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness. Much of my free time is spent renovating our triplex and building on online business. In my little remaining free time I love spending time outdoors with my wife and three dogs. Fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking/snowshoeing/skiing top the list of our favorite outdoor activities, but I could go on and on. When it's just too chilly to get outside or I need a break from work, I always enjoy reading or watching movies.

How did you land in Helena?

I've had the pleasure of calling Helena my home for most of my life. In 30 years, I've only lived outside of Helena twice. After serving in the Peace Corps in northern Peru for 2 years I returned to Helena to begin continue my career in public health.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received – career-related or otherwise?

I've heard a lot of different quotes and tidbits about how to be successful in my personal life and career but I always come to back to one simple ideology; "what you think about and talk about, you bring about". This has always kept me focused and positive in anything that I do.

When do you feel the most yourself?

I feel the most like myself when hunting or ice fishing. Enjoying the outdoors while harvesting natural food for my family makes me feel more connected to nature and in nature is where I almost always want to be.

Where is the last place you explored and where do you want to explore next?

The last place I explored was a snow covered forest trail in the Beartooth Mountains. For my next adventure I'd like to find a new ice fishing spot while on a trip to the Havre area in coming weeks.

Tell us something about yourself that we didn’t ask:

In addition to my paid work, I am also a member of the Montana Cancer Coalition and the current Chairperson of the non-profit organization Eat Right Montana. When I can find time in my schedule, I like to network with people and learn more about businesses and organizations contributing to the improvement of the Helena community.