About Montana Mike

Michael & Kiomi Burks

Michael Burks, known throughout Montana as "Montana Mike," is a Missoula-based entrepreneur, private pilot, and deeply committed community builder. His story, however, begins in the intensely challenging environment of East Los Angeles. Overcoming a deeply turbulent childhood surrounded by hardship and tragedy, Michael forged a relentless work ethic early on. After graduating from Downey High School in 1987 (where he would later be entered into their Hall of Fame), Michael rose to act as a General Manager in Watts, California by age 25. Following the devastating Rodney King Riots, he made the difficult decision to leave his position and moved to Spokane in 1996 with significant debt, determined to start from scratch and build a completely new life path.

It was a brutal 18 months in Spokane as he worked to build a better life for his wife Kiomi, their daughter, and a son on the way—working for a trucking company by day and delivering pizzas at night to make the mortgage. Through those grueling months, Michael and Kiomi leaned heavily on each other, their shared resilience forming the unshakable foundation of everything they would later build. His work ethic soon caught the attention of Bitterroot, who headhunted him for a new position. They moved their family to Arlee, Montana, but after two years of harsh working conditions, Michael took a leap of faith to start his own company, Big Sky Specialized Carriers, Inc. This bold move changed his life forever.

Michael Burks as CEO Fuel Fitness & Nutrition

As his success grew, Michael developed a core belief system rooted deeply in his Christian faith. He views his wealth strictly as a vehicle to help others, famously noting: "My whole philosophy is that this is not my money... Somehow, some way, I was chosen as a person to be blessed, to have this kind of cash cow where I have the ability to make differences."

Big Sky Specialized Carriers gave Michael the ability to make those differences in Missoula and other cities across the state. In every major business decision, Kiomi has been his steadfast partner and most trusted sounding board. Together, their faith guided his early acquisitions; the first business he purchased was the Christian Book Store, which he renamed Garden of Read'n. While operating that company, he actively promoted Christian concerts (even hosting massive worship events at local baseball stadiums) and the band Goofyfooted, successfully getting three of their songs played on national Christian stations.

In 2006, he founded Fuel Fitness & Nutrition, Inc., opening locations in Helena, Butte, Bozeman, Billings, Coeur d'Alene, Kalispell, and Missoula. He also expanded into sports, operating the Missoula Maulers Junior Hockey Team for nine years, starting the Butte Cobras (now Butte Irish) for four years, and running the Missoula Phoenix football team. Other ventures included Maulers Hockey Central (which evolved into HockeyWolf) and Stitches Embroidery. Through it all, the quiet strength and unwavering support of Kiomi behind the scenes made navigating these massive expansions possible.

A Portfolio of Enterprise

Big Sky Specialized CarriersMissoula MaulersButte Hockey (Butte Cobras / Butte Irish)Missoula PhoenixHockeyWolfFuel Fitness & NutritionPine & Needle Print Co.Garden of Read'n

Public Benefit Flying Awards

While business success defined his career, volunteer aviation defines Michael's legacy. After earning his private pilot's license in 2015, Michael joined Angel Flight West as a volunteer pilot in 2016, and has since flown over 300 missions. He flies critically ill patients — many of whom are children undergoing specialized cancer treatments or surgery — free of charge to medical facilities across the western United States.

Even in these profound philanthropic endeavors, Kiomi has been right by his side. She supported the countless weekends Michael spent in the air transporting patients instead of at home, fully sharing in the belief that their blessings were meant to be shared. As the Montana Wing Leader, Michael spent years recruiting other local pilots, raising awareness, and expanding public benefit aviation across the region. He was awarded Angel Flight West's Pilot of the Year award in 2017, followed by the Distinguished Volunteer Pilot honor at the 2021 Public Benefit Flying Awards. His dedication forms the core of his philanthropic mission, proving that general aviation can serve as a lifeline for remote communities.

Michael & Mya

Michael's work flying children and families for treatment became the subject of the acclaimed documentary film *Angels Do Fly West*, directed by Joe McNeal. The film details his journey, capturing the emotional and logistical realities of public benefit aviation, and went on to win the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Cannes World Film Festival.

For Michael and Kiomi, the documentary stands not as a personal accolade, but as a shared testament to the love, faith, and profound purpose they have cultivated together over decades. Through this film, Michael has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Angel Flight West, inspiring a new generation of private pilots to volunteer their aircraft, fuel, and time. Today, he remains an active wing leader and continues to take flight for those who need it most.