eComFuel Raising & Selling Bison DTC in Montana
Jan 10, 2025
Matt Skoglund, a former city lawyer turned bison rancher in Montana, shares his inspiring journey from the courtroom to sustainable ranching. He dives into the intricacies of direct-to-consumer sales and the challenges of starting a bison meat business. Listeners will learn about the impact of environmental stewardship on food quality and the hands-on experience of bison harvesting. With humorous anecdotes and insights on ranch life, Matt emphasizes the importance of ethics and storytelling in building customer loyalty.
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NOLS Trip Impact
- At 15, Matt Skoglund went on a formative month-long NOLS trip in Idaho's Lemhi Range.
- This instilled a deep love for the Northern Rockies and boosted his confidence and outdoor skills.
Lawyer to Rancher
- Matt transitioned from a Chicago lawyer to a Montana bison rancher.
- Driven by a love for nature, he quit law, worked in environmental policy, then founded North Bridger Bison.
Financing the Ranch
- Bison ranching is capital-intensive, requiring land and animal purchases.
- Matt and Sarah financed their venture through a land loan, loans from friends and family, and a loan from someone in the bison industry.
