Notbohm driven to serve
MILES CITY, Mont. – 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 the second-highest honors performing college-level music.
“They told us we should never have been playing that hard of music at the 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 a concert hall to a showroom, Notbohm found that the skills he developed in education translated to business.
“Whether it’s conducting a band or managing a dealership, it’s about bringing people together to perform well as a unit,” he said. “It takes everyone working together, the salespeople, technicians, and managers. It’s no different than teaching.”
Family remains at the heart of Notbohm’s business. His son Chad, now general manager, worked his way up through a Chevrolet dealership in Fargo before joining his father in Miles City. Chad’s wife handles HR and marketing. Their son, Jace, works in the service department while attending Miles Community College on a baseball scholarship.
Mary, meanwhile, contributed to nearly every area of the business, from service advising to accounts payable, before retiring. Twice.
“She says she’s retired and not coming back,” Notbohm said, laughing. “Though once, when we needed someone trained, she stepped in again. But she made it clear, she’s retired for good this time.”
Their younger son, Brady, lives in Arizona, where he is a partner at a structural engineering firm.
Despite his business success, Notbohm has never forgotten his roots in music and education. Over the years, he has conducted church choirs, “Messiah” performances, and even a summer theatre production at MSU.
“They needed a conductor for the summer theatre one year, and I was honored they asked me,” he said. “I’ve always preferred conducting over performing. I like organizing and transforming a group into something cohesive.”
That same mindset guides his approach to leadership, whether it’s his dealership team or the regional hospital board he serves on as vice chair. His community service, including support for local 4-H and youth baseball, contributed to his selection as the Montana Automotive Dealers Association’s nominee for the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year.
Through all his roles — musician, teacher, business owner, and mentor — Notbohm credits faith and work ethic for his success.
“Having faith in God and setting goals, that’s what guides me,” he said. “Work hard and do right by the people around you. That’s what matters.”
Now enjoying time in his motorhome with Mary and reconnecting with his brothers, both also Minot State graduates, Notbohm reflects on the harmony of his life, one composed through passion and purpose.
“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “We do well, and my employees are happy. That’s important to me.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 06/25/25
