Heidi Reiste is an ideal candidate for the Veteran of the Year® or Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award due to her exemplary service as a military veteran and her impactful role as a co-owner of Electric City Coffee and Bistro in Great Falls, Montana. As a proud airman who served at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Heidi embodies the values of dedication, leadership, and community service that the VOY Award represents.
Under her leadership, Electric City Coffee and Bistro was named Montana's 2018 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year, a distinction that highlights her commitment to excellence and her positive contributions to the local economy. This recognition showcases not only her business acumen but also her dedication to fostering a supportive environment for fellow veterans and their families.
Heidi actively promotes the military community by offering a 15% discount to military personnel, reflecting her commitment to honoring those who serve. She frequently encourages young men and women to consider military service, sharing her own inspiring experiences and emphasizing the valuable skills and opportunities that the military provides. Her advocacy promotes a strong sense of duty and patriotism among the youth in her community.
In addition to her business efforts, Heidi is involved in local organizations that support veteran entrepreneurship, helping to connect veterans with essential resources and mentorship opportunities. During National Veterans Small Business Week, she highlights the contributions of veteran-owned businesses to the economy, participating in initiatives that raise awareness and provide support for veteran entrepreneurs.
Honoring Heidi Reiste with the VOY Award would recognize her significant contributions to the veteran community and celebrate her as a role model for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. Her dedication to service, both in her military career and as a successful business owner, exemplifies the spirit of the award.
Electric City Coffee
Throughout my military career, I was awarded numerous accolades; however, the greatest pride was in receiving the USAF Personnelist of the Year award, which stands as the highest honor within our career field. Venturing into entrepreneurship, I was honored with the Aspire and Inspire Award as a female business owner. Our business was recognized with the Montana Small Business Administration Award, along with multiple others, for our contributions to the community. My husband and co-owner, Thad, is equally integral to this business, and my journey would not have been possible without his support. Our children, Brooke, Nicholas, and Tyler, have dedicated countless hours and have consistently offered their love and encouragement. Finally, I extend my deepest gratitude to my grandmother, who has been my unwavering support, a constant source of encouragement, and a mentor throughout my life. I could not navigate this journey without her guidance and nurturing.
Heidi Reiste, Co-owner of Electric City Coffee. With twenty-one years of dedicated service in the USAF and a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, my professional background has equipped me with the skills necessary to lead and mentor individuals, coordinate tasks to meet objectives, and collaborate effectively to communicate actions and projects. In my roles as a leader and entrepreneur, I have fostered a culture characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement. My vision is to empower our team to achieve their full potential while concurrently contributing to the success of our small business. Committed to enhancing my education and expertise, I earned a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Operations while currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. My future aspiration as a professor is to “Empower aspiring entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses with confidence and purpose by supporting and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs.”
