NE North Dakota News

A lifetime of conducting, whether a band or a business, defines Charles “Chuck” Notbohm’s journey. The 1970 Minot State University graduate has built a legacy that blends the precision of a music conductor with the strategy of a business leader. Now owner of a growing automotive enterprise in Miles City, Montana, Notbohm’s work spans decades of service in education, the arts, and the community.

The self-proclaimed homegrown North Dakota boy was born in Harvey and raised in Drake. Notbohm originally planned to study business when he enrolled at Minot State. That changed after a call from longtime music faculty member James Jurrens.

“I got a call from Dr. Jurrens. He said, ‘Hey, we need a trumpet player, let’s talk,’” Notbohm said. “I’d played trumpet since elementary school, and that was it, I thought, what a great opportunity. I played in the band, and that led me deeper and deeper into the department. Later, I declared my major in music. It was one of the best things I did.”

He graduated with a degree in music and a minor in business education. During his time at MSU, Notbohm also met his future wife, Mary, through the music department.

“She got on the bus, and the only seat open was next to me,” he recalled. “Fifty-four years later, here we are.”

Notbohm began his teaching career in Columbus before accepting a position in Mohall where he was given the freedom to grow the school’s fine arts department.

“The superintendent in Mohall allowed me to spread my wings,” Notbohm said. “Most of his background was in athletics but he knew the importance of the fine arts and wanted a program that represented the school well.”

Under Notbohm’s direction, the Mohall music program thrived. The band boasted over 60 students in a high school of just 100. His students competed at national festivals including one in Washington D.C., where they earned second-highest honors performing college-level music.

“They told us we should never have been playing that hard of music at high school level,” he said with a laugh.

In 1984, Notbohm shifted gears — literally.

He opened his first car dealership in Mohall. Eleven years later he and his family moved to Miles City where he expanded his business.

“We had about 10 employees when we started,” Notbohm said. “Now we’re close to 100 across three rooftops: our Chevrolet dealership an accessory store and a Ford dealership we purchased two years ago.”

Though his stage changed from concert hall to showroom Notbohm found that skills developed in education translated to business.

“Whether it’s conducting a band or managing dealership it’s about bringing people together to perform well as unit,” he said.“It takes everyone working together salespeople technicians managers.It’s no different than teaching.”

Family remains at heart of Notbohm's business.His son Chad now general manager worked way up through Chevrolet dealership Fargo before joining father Miles City.Chad's wife handles HR marketing.Their son Jace works service department while attending Miles Community College baseball scholarship.Mary meanwhile contributed nearly every area business from service advising accounts payable before retiring.Twice

“She says she’s retired not coming back,”Notbohm said laughing.“Though once when needed someone trained she stepped again.But she made clear she's retired good this time.”Their younger son Brady lives Arizona partner structural engineering firm.Despite success never forgotten roots music education Over years conducted church choirs "Messiah" performances even summer theatre production MSU

“They needed conductor summer theatre one year honored asked me,"he said."I've always preferred conducting over performing.I like organizing transforming group something cohesive.”That same mindset guides approach leadership whether it's dealership team regional hospital board serves vice chair.His community service including support local 4-H youth baseball contributed selection Montana Automotive Dealers Association nominee for 2024 TIME Dealer Year

Through all roles musician teacher business owner mentor credits faith work ethic success

“Having faith God setting goals that's guides me,"he said."Work hard do right by people around you That's matters.”Now enjoying time motorhome Mary reconnecting brothers both also Minot State graduates reflects harmony life composed passion purpose

“I’ve been blessed,"he said."We do well my employees happy That's important me”

About Minot State University

Minot State University is public university dedicated excellence education scholarship community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences active learning environments commitment public service vibrant campus life.

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