Our team
Marc Pierce
Owner / Head Dreamer
Originally from Illinois, Marc moved west to attend Montana State University and co-founded Big Sky Carvers before launching Warm Springs Productions.
company, Big Sky Carvers, which grew to be a renowned producer and distributor of wildlife art, outdoor-themed home décor, collectibles and gifts. Through his involvement with conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited, Marc began his television career as a host of outdoor hunting and fishing shows, traveling the world, and learning how television was made from the inside out.
In 2008, he launched Warm Springs Productions with Chris Richardson, aiming to build a company that celebrated creativity, consistency and healthy work-life balance within the production space. Now, Marc leads the company’s development efforts, building relationships with network buyers and overseeing the business side of the leadership team: contracts, sales, and finances.
Marc’s favorite part of the job? Beyond loving the team he works with, he is in awe of the national and global reach of Warm Springs’ shows, with upwards of 100 million viewers per year across all series. A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, he ranks Warm Springs as his dream job—that is, if being lead guitarist in a rock band is taken.
Marc is also a Partner in the Montana brewery, Highlander Beer, is active on the board of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and is involved with his local church. He lives on a farm in Manhattan, Montana with his wife Sherrie, where they raised four kids and many Labrador Retrievers.
In 2008, he launched Warm Springs Productions with Chris Richardson, aiming to build a company that celebrated creativity, consistency and healthy work-life balance within the production space. Now, Marc leads the company’s development efforts, building relationships with network buyers and overseeing the business side of the leadership team: contracts, sales, and finances.
Marc’s favorite part of the job? Beyond loving the team he works with, he is in awe of the national and global reach of Warm Springs’ shows, with upwards of 100 million viewers per year across all series. A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, he ranks Warm Springs as his dream job—that is, if being lead guitarist in a rock band is taken.
Marc is also a Partner in the Montana brewery, Highlander Beer, is active on the board of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and is involved with his local church. He lives on a farm in Manhattan, Montana with his wife Sherrie, where they raised four kids and many Labrador Retrievers.
Chris Richardson
Owner / Chief Culture Creator
Chris brings over two decades of experience as a producer and director of photography and co-founded Warm Springs Productions in 2008.
Business and Television Production at University of Montana and has since taken him around the globe to more than 50 countries. In 2008, he co-founded Warm Springs with Marc Pierce with aspirations of creating a production company based in fairness, honesty, respect and humor. Watching it grow from 4 employees to over 100 employees in 21 departments has been beyond his wildest dreams.
Chris is currently being raised by three children, three English retrievers and an understanding and supportive wife in Missoula, MT, the place he's called home for 30 years.
Chris is currently being raised by three children, three English retrievers and an understanding and supportive wife in Missoula, MT, the place he's called home for 30 years.
Bridger Pierce
President
Bridger has been with Warm Springs since year one and now oversees post-production and supervising staff across all TV series.
he oversees the entire post-production team and the supervising staff for each TV series, helping them manage tone, creative, budget and the general production flow.
Hands down, his favorite part of the job is watching his staff grow, personally and professionally, as they build their lives around their creative passions. Everyday, he’s proud of the niche that Warm Springs has been able to carve out within the big-city-based production industry and knows how lucky he is to work among such humble, hungry, smart people (head nod to author Patrick Lencioni for writing his go-to management manual).
Bridger loves to fly fish, hunt, ski, trail run, and adventure with his wife and two energetic young sons. In spring, you can bet he’s cheering on the Chicago Cubs as often as possible, preferably with a cold IPA in hand.
Hands down, his favorite part of the job is watching his staff grow, personally and professionally, as they build their lives around their creative passions. Everyday, he’s proud of the niche that Warm Springs has been able to carve out within the big-city-based production industry and knows how lucky he is to work among such humble, hungry, smart people (head nod to author Patrick Lencioni for writing his go-to management manual).
Bridger loves to fly fish, hunt, ski, trail run, and adventure with his wife and two energetic young sons. In spring, you can bet he’s cheering on the Chicago Cubs as often as possible, preferably with a cold IPA in hand.
Ben Ford
Senior Vice President of Development/Executive Producer
Ben began with Warm Springs as a freelance editor and now leads development and executive production efforts.
Mountain Men. Impressed by the company culture, work-life balance and quality of work Warm Springs produced, he came on full-time and shifted to showrunning for several years before joining the development department.
Now, he’s one of the faces of Warm Springs when it comes to pitching and selling all new projects, and he also manages the entire development team, discovering new talent and staying with shows to ensure that Warm Springs is producing the highest quality storytelling possible.
With three young kids, you can find him at soccer practice or Bridger ski school on the weekends, and if you don’t get an email response for a while, he’s probably backcountry skiing or on a long-distance cycle somewhere in the Greater Gallatin Valley of Bozeman, MT.
Now, he’s one of the faces of Warm Springs when it comes to pitching and selling all new projects, and he also manages the entire development team, discovering new talent and staying with shows to ensure that Warm Springs is producing the highest quality storytelling possible.
With three young kids, you can find him at soccer practice or Bridger ski school on the weekends, and if you don’t get an email response for a while, he’s probably backcountry skiing or on a long-distance cycle somewhere in the Greater Gallatin Valley of Bozeman, MT.
Traci Field
Chief Financial Officer
Traci oversees financial, human resources and legal functions at Warm Springs.
legal functions. This is not Traci’s first rodeo: She and Marc Pierce go way back through family connections and several other business ventures (a birdseed cookie company and Big Sky Carvers), though Warm Springs has been the longest and most rewarding collaboration of their efforts.
Her favorite parts of the job? Finding solutions to the unique challenges of a growing production company and seizing opportunities to catapult Warm Springs to the next level of success. Traci values honesty in the workplace, and lives by the mantra, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
A fifth generation Montanan, her family moved to Gallatin County in 1862, and settled just upriver from where she lives now. When she’s not at work, you can catch her outside hiking, picnicking, searching for cool rocks and bluebirds, or spending time with her “grandies” (generation seven!).
Her favorite parts of the job? Finding solutions to the unique challenges of a growing production company and seizing opportunities to catapult Warm Springs to the next level of success. Traci values honesty in the workplace, and lives by the mantra, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
A fifth generation Montanan, her family moved to Gallatin County in 1862, and settled just upriver from where she lives now. When she’s not at work, you can catch her outside hiking, picnicking, searching for cool rocks and bluebirds, or spending time with her “grandies” (generation seven!).
Troy Batzler
Senior Vice President of Field Operations/Executive Producer
Troy began in wildlife photography before transitioning into film and now oversees field production, travel and camera departments.
photo essays—alas, the digital era had begun. After many years working in film and photography, Troy signed on with Warm Springs as a freelance cameraman, landed a full-time position in 2013, and his role has grown ever since.
These days, he oversees the travel, production and camera departments. When development hands off a series to Troy and his teams, they guide it through pre-production and into the field to execute the project. Each day, he’s inspired by the many different players that come together to contribute to the success of Warm Springs—an appreciation and admiration for others that stems from working with great teams both inside and outside of the production industry over the years.
Troy and his wife Lisa are currently kicking their son (a high school senior) out the door and off to college, and they are starting all over again with their 18-month-old daughter. They live in Sheridan, Montana, and Troy still has an entire file cabinet full of 35mm slides that need to be digitized, in case anyone is interested.
These days, he oversees the travel, production and camera departments. When development hands off a series to Troy and his teams, they guide it through pre-production and into the field to execute the project. Each day, he’s inspired by the many different players that come together to contribute to the success of Warm Springs—an appreciation and admiration for others that stems from working with great teams both inside and outside of the production industry over the years.
Troy and his wife Lisa are currently kicking their son (a high school senior) out the door and off to college, and they are starting all over again with their 18-month-old daughter. They live in Sheridan, Montana, and Troy still has an entire file cabinet full of 35mm slides that need to be digitized, in case anyone is interested.
Lee Robinson
Showrunner
Lee grew up around television production and now serves as Showrunner overseeing series from conception to delivery.
footsteps. More than 15 years ago, he began his career in the documentary genre for networks like Biography, A&E, and Discovery, and after a long stint of writing and producing true crime for I.D. and Lifetime, he moved to Warm Springs’ headquarters in Missoula, Montana.
Lee has written, produced, supervised, and served as Co-EP and EP for numerous series on a variety of networks, from HGTV to History. As a Showrunner for Warm Springs, he is in charge of series from conception to delivery, which includes staffing, creative, budget, writing, and more.
Lee’s diverse background has always been fueled by a love for finding the remarkable in even the unlikeliest of subjects and sharing it with audiences through compelling, well-crafted stories. He loves to hunt, ski, spearfish, and cook, and his sweet-spot of inspiration flows, “somewhere shortly after over-thinking.”
Lee has written, produced, supervised, and served as Co-EP and EP for numerous series on a variety of networks, from HGTV to History. As a Showrunner for Warm Springs, he is in charge of series from conception to delivery, which includes staffing, creative, budget, writing, and more.
Lee’s diverse background has always been fueled by a love for finding the remarkable in even the unlikeliest of subjects and sharing it with audiences through compelling, well-crafted stories. He loves to hunt, ski, spearfish, and cook, and his sweet-spot of inspiration flows, “somewhere shortly after over-thinking.”
Fritz Statler
Director of Production
Fritz discovered his passion early, earning a degree in Film and Theater Studies and building a strong career in production.
a production assistant his senior year. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Theater Studies from Montana State University, his creative imagination, technical know-how and management skills have been an unstoppable trio in this industry.
Fritz supervises the in-house camera team, hires best-in-class freelance field crews, and helps prep and plan new projects. An avid adventurer, he once spent six months in New Zealand, living in a refurbished tool shed—and his current hobbies include hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping. It’s no surprise then the quote he holds most dear: "It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy…Let’s go exploring!" - Calvin
Fritz supervises the in-house camera team, hires best-in-class freelance field crews, and helps prep and plan new projects. An avid adventurer, he once spent six months in New Zealand, living in a refurbished tool shed—and his current hobbies include hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping. It’s no surprise then the quote he holds most dear: "It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy…Let’s go exploring!" - Calvin
Tyson Bierwag
Director of Post Production
Tyson earned a Journalism degree and now manages ingest, assistants, graphics and post-production coordination teams.
accomplished the dream of snoot-lighting a perfectly poured lager, he spent five years with MontanaPBS, learning the ropes through contract work and documentary filmmaking, then co-owned a web and television commercial business.
Through his various business ventures, Tyson has learned that building trust starts with being honest and straightforward, and that trust is the foundation for openness, candor and creativity. Now, he uses this wisdom to manage Warm Springs’ Ingest, Post-Production Assistants, Assistant Editors, Graphics and Post-Production Coordinator teams.
Originally from Missoula, he knows firsthand the pull of the Montana Magic and spends his free time camping, playing softball and darts, and coming up with creative ideas in the shower.
Through his various business ventures, Tyson has learned that building trust starts with being honest and straightforward, and that trust is the foundation for openness, candor and creativity. Now, he uses this wisdom to manage Warm Springs’ Ingest, Post-Production Assistants, Assistant Editors, Graphics and Post-Production Coordinator teams.
Originally from Missoula, he knows firsthand the pull of the Montana Magic and spends his free time camping, playing softball and darts, and coming up with creative ideas in the shower.
Alysha Vold
Travel Manager
Alysha began as a logger and scriptor and now manages travel logistics for production crews.
as a coordinator and now is the travel manager. As head of the travel department she coordinates flights, hotels and gets the camera crews to where they need to be, regardless of weather.
Born and raised in Montana, Alysha graduated from the University of Montana with a BSW. She enjoys hearing people's stories, collaborating and problem solving with her very creative coworkers.
When she's not at work, she enjoys camping, hiking, road trips and can't pass up a river or lake to take a swim in.
Born and raised in Montana, Alysha graduated from the University of Montana with a BSW. She enjoys hearing people's stories, collaborating and problem solving with her very creative coworkers.
When she's not at work, she enjoys camping, hiking, road trips and can't pass up a river or lake to take a swim in.
Kendall Kaiser
Director of Information Technology
Kendall transitioned from commercial production into IT and now manages technical workflows and systems.
years before moving into the IT world. His background in media and workflow development serves him well in his role at Warm Springs, where he is responsible for essentially anything that plugs into an electrical outlet.
Kendall manages technical workflows for post-production, oversees the systems that are used to create quality content, and ensures that all teams have the technical tools they need to be successful. He has always loved Montana and now relishes the opportunity to ski, hunt, hike, and enjoy its beauty year round as a resident. His favorite part of the job? Utilizing technology to help creative teams tell stories and cherishing the friendships he’s built at Warm Springs.
Kendall manages technical workflows for post-production, oversees the systems that are used to create quality content, and ensures that all teams have the technical tools they need to be successful. He has always loved Montana and now relishes the opportunity to ski, hunt, hike, and enjoy its beauty year round as a resident. His favorite part of the job? Utilizing technology to help creative teams tell stories and cherishing the friendships he’s built at Warm Springs.
Pete Barrett
Post Production Operations Manager
Pete’s career spans education, music and post-production, now overseeing edit, story, color and post audio teams.
only to realize he found many traditional learning environments limiting. Off he went exploring different employment opportunities in different parts of the country. The ever-changing nature of this vision quest fostered his growing interest in making music and, after fits and starts gigging solo and working in recording studios, he ended up in NYC at a post house that was newly expanding into post audio — his career in TV had begun. After years in the rat race of long Manhattan hours, noisy streets, and some really great food, Pete left the city and gave his penchant for music one last look, ending up in a progressive bluegrass band touring the country while trying to fill in the holes doing freelance mix and sound design work. When the road started to take its toll, Pete banged on the door at Warm Springs, becoming the Lead Mixer/Audio Engineer. Pete now oversees our Edit, Story, Color, and Post Audio teams where he gets to mix his passions in more experiential ways. Outside of Warm Springs, you may find him skiing, fishing, flat-picking guitar, or chasing his two young boys around a frozen pond playing hockey.