At the present time I will do communications for the Forest Service during Forest Fires. I work for them
as an Incident Communications Manager during fires. They ask me to also serve as a Communications
Teck and to work up to a Communications Leader. I will take a week class in April in Boise, Id if the class
is held as planned so as to fill the qualifications to fill the gap if needed. This, in the last few years, takes
about two weeks or a month of the year.
From the early seventies to the late eighties I owned and operated 2-D’s Auto Electric in Great Falls,
Mt. I started the business from the beginning and built it up until we were the only Auto Electric
business in Great Falls. Being I had taken electronics earlier in my life helped me accomplish building the
business. We did work for all the construction companies, truck dealers and repair shops, farmers with
large or small ranches/ farms, auto repair shops, service stations, body shops and individuals. We did
work that regular mechanics or repair companies couldn’t perform. In the late eighties I sold the
business because the economy in Great Falls declined and I had to spend a lot of time collecting money
from large businesses in the area. We had all the work we wanted to perform but had trouble getting
the cash as all businesses we worked for in the area had problems.
In the late eighties I moved to Missoula and tried to help a local business build their business back up
that had declined so badly and found out that the owner spent the money faster than you could earn it
so I recommended to the owners Father that they close it or sell it as it wouldn’t work under those
conditions. I took computer classes at the Vo-Teck during this time. I then went to work for Rangitsch
Bros as an electrical technician and then took the Service managers position. I managed the Service
Department. I also managed the computer system ( Got it up and running so they could depend on it.),
straightened out the warranty processing system and did most of the trouble shooting for problems
with RV’s. I had manufactories calling me to help them with their problems. I set up a system to check
in inventory so that damaged units were not dumped on us. Inspected all units and noted any damage
and made sure it was signed for. After ten years there I spent two years working for Holiday Rambler in
Indiana in their Technical Department then retired.
I have operated my own business and know what it takes to make a business successful. I have
worked for other people and know that side of the story.
Donnie Fort 12/28/2010