BUTLER VET INSURANCE PRESENTS

THE WESTERN EXPEDITION

Why I'm Going West

One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is getting out of the office and spending time with veterinary practice owners and their teams. Some of the best conversations I've had didn't happen in a conference room. They happened walking through a practice, sitting down over a cup of coffee, or simply taking the time to listen.

This will be our second year sponsoring Blue Heron Consulting's wilderness pack trips for veterinary professionals. Last year's experience reinforced something I've believed for a long time: some of the strongest relationships are built when you get away from the office, slow down, and spend time getting to know people.

This year, I will once again be participating in the pack trip.  This year I also be joined by Tyler Jeffries one of the agents at Butler Vet Insurance.

As I started planning the trip, I realized I was already going to be out west. Instead of flying in for a few days and flying home, I started asking myself, "What else can I learn while I'm there?"

That one question changed everything.

Instead of flying, I'm driving.

I'm visiting veterinary practices we work with along the way.

I'm attending Wrangler School at Swan Mountain Outfitters before the pack trip.

After the sponsored trip, I'll be returning to work as a wrangler with Wolverine Creek Outfitters on a second Blue Heron Consulting pack trip.

Every part of the trip has a purpose.

My military experience taught me that every job has professionals who have forgotten more than I'll ever know. I've always enjoyed spending time with people who are really good at what they do. Whether that's a veterinarian, an outfitter, or someone who's spent a lifetime in the backcountry, I usually come home having learned something I can apply somewhere else.

I don't expect to come home with all the answers.

I do expect to come home with a lot of new questions, some great stories, and experiences that will help me better serve the veterinary practices that trust Butler Vet Insurance.

The Teton Range visible beyond a pine forest during the Butler Vet Insurance Western Expedition through Wyoming.

The Tetons in the distance. A reminder that every journey begins long before you reach your destination.

"The best conversations don't happen behind a desk." — Bill Butler

Before the First Mile

"I don't head west because I have all the answers. I go because I'm still looking for them." - Bill Butler

The Expedition Route

Every expedition starts with a map.

Over the next several weeks, I'll be traveling from Minnesota through North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming before returning home. Along the way, I'll be visiting veterinary practices, attending Wrangler School, and working in the Teton Wilderness. I invite you to follow along as the route unfolds and the stories begin.

Expedition by the Numbers

🚙 3,000+ Miles

📍 6 States

🏥 Veterinary Practice Visits

🐴 Wrangler School

🏕️ Teton Wilderness

🎯 One Mission: Keep Learning

Saddled horse tied in camp during Wrangler School at Swan Mountain Outfitters in Montana as part of the Butler Vet Insurance Western Expedition.

Veterinary Practice Visits

Listening. Learning. Connecting.

I'll be visiting veterinary practices along the way to hear their stories, learn about their communities, and better understand the unique challenges they face. Every practice has something to teach.

STATUS: PLANNING

Wrangler School

"Five days. New skills. New perspectives."

In July I'll spend five days at Swan Mountain Outfitters learning the fundamentals of horsemanship, packing, wilderness travel, and teamwork. More importantly, I'm looking forward to becoming a student again and seeing what lessons from the backcountry apply to leadership and serving veterinary practices.

STATUS: PLANNING

Into the Teton Wilderness

Where the Real Work Begins.

After Wrangler School, I'll spend time working as part of a pack trip in the Teton Wilderness. Living and working in the backcountry offers a chance to learn lessons about preparation, trust, leadership, and service that can't be found in a classroom.

Field Notes Coming Soon →

Follow the Expedition

The miles are planned.

The stories aren't.

Join me as the Western Expedition unfolds.

Photo Gallery