Lewis Heating and A/C, LLC is a woman-owned business based in Havre, Montana, owned and operated by Shaylee. Shaylee first contacted Great Falls APEX in March of 2025, seeking resources to help her successfully navigate the government marketplace. Having held previous subcontracts under prime contractors, Shaylee and her team were not entirely new to government work. However, the idea of becoming a prime contractor themselves had not crossed their minds. After beginning to work with Great Falls APEX, they soon realized that prime contracting was not only within reach, but a realistic next step for their growing business. Through one-on-one advising sessions, Great Falls APEX helped enhance the strong foundation they had already built by introducing them to new strategies, market research tools, and educational resources designed to expand their understanding of government procurement.
Their drive to learn and grow is evident in their participation in the Montana Procurement Readiness Academy, where they are continuing to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to compete successfully as a prime contractor. From the very beginning, Shaylee and her team approached every advising session and training opportunity with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, eager to understand the intricacies of the government contracting process. With each step, they gained confidence, developed deeper insights, and refined their vision for the future of their business.
The Great Falls APEX team has had the privilege of educating, advising, and guiding Lewis Heating and A/C as they pursued their contracting goals. Their proactive engagement and strategic mindset continuously impressed and inspired us. In preparation for Montana APEX GovMatch 2025, the state’s largest government matchmaking event, Great Falls APEX worked closely with Lewis Heating and A/C to help them develop a professional capability statement and practice effective
communication strategies for engaging with agency representatives. When the event took place in August 2025, Shaylee and her team were well-prepared and confident. They connected with key industry professionals and government officials, gaining valuable experience and insight that strengthened their approach to future contracting opportunities.
Just one month later, in September 2025, their hard work paid off when Lewis Heating and A/C, LLC was awarded their first prime contract with the U.S. Forest Service. This remarkable achievement represents not only a professional milestone but also a testament to their perseverance, focus, and the value of ongoing education and trusted guidance.
Great Falls APEX is honored to serve as a trusted advisor and resource in their journey. We proudly celebrate this success and look forward to continuing to support Lewis Heating and A/C, LLC as they expand their presence and impact in the government marketplace.