2025 Recipient: Blake Wahrlich, Best Western Clocktower Inn/Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery
Our Billings Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards honor the incredible individuals and organizations that impact us all. The Employer of the Year award celebrates leadership that transforms workplaces into communities—where people feel seen, heard, supported, and inspired.
This Billings business and Billings Chamber member fosters a positive, inclusive workplace, empowers employees, offers strong benefits and training, creates jobs, and drives community impact through service and engagement.
The Employer of the Year award recognizes a business that goes far beyond the basics—fostering an inclusive culture, offering meaningful benefits, investing in their people, creating opportunity, and making a true impact beyond their own walls.
It’s our honor to surprise and recognize the 2025 Employer of the Year: Blake Wahrlich of the Best Western Clocktower Inn and Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery!
This year’s recipient is a leader who doesn’t just talk about values—he lives them. From empowering autonomy to encouraging second chances, from championing innovation to rolling up his sleeves when no one else will—he’s built not just a business, but a culture of trust, heart, and hustle.
His team describes him as a backbone, an encourager, and a straight-shooter with a big heart. He’s not just managing operations; he’s mentoring people, advocating for their growth, and lifting up our downtown community in big, tangible ways.
He’s known to work 12-hour days—not for praise, but so someone else doesn’t have to. He’s the guy who helps you grow, even if it means you leave… and then welcomes you back with open arms when the time is right.
Actively involved in the Billings community, Blake regularly supports local charities, youth sports programs, and small businesses and encourages his employees to get involved in volunteer initiatives—fostering community involvement as a core part of their workplace culture.
Currently he serves as the chair of the business improvement district of Downtown Billings.
Through innovation, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to people, this year’s Employer of the Year has created something special—a workplace where people don’t just clock in, they belong.
Blake Wahrlich, Best Western Clocktower Inn/Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery will be honored during the 2025 Billings Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Celebration on September 18, 2025 from 3:30 – to 6 p.m. at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Tickets for this event can be purchased at BillingsChamber.com.
