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Our team at the Madison Valley Ranch is passionate about fly fishing, and we’re excited to share the wonders of Southwest Montana with our guests. In 1993, Scott Carver and his family looked at the picturesque property on the banks of the world famous Madison River and knew they were hooked. An original and ongoing owner of the Ranch, the Carver family has put a lot of hard work into making the lodge feel welcoming and homey to please even the most discerning guests.
When Scott Carver first laid eyes on the Madison Valley Ranch property, he knew his dream of owning a world-class fly fishing lodge was about to become a reality. Fueled by his love for both the Madison Valley and the sport, Scott took a leap of faith—one that would soon prove to be one of the best investments of his life.
Tom Fochtman and Dan Larson first crossed paths with Scott in the early ‘80s, playing pick-up basketball at the Denver YMCA. They couldn’t have known that their budding friendship would one day lead to owning a slice of paradise on the Madison River. Yet, after a few blocked shots, they discovered a shared passion for fly fishing. In 2003, these three friends and successful business owners transformed their love of the sport into a partnership at Madison Valley Ranch.
In 2023, they welcomed Jeff Millhollin as the fourth partner. Now serving as the Ranch's Managing Partner from his base in Great Falls, MT, Jeff joined Scott, Dan, and Tom in their commitment to creating an extraordinary experience for every guest, offering a welcoming haven for anglers of all skill levels.
To ensure guests enjoy the finest guidance on the Madison River, the owners entrusted Eaton Outfitters with the role of lead outfitter in 1996. Since then, Chris and Julie Eaton have brought unmatched expertise and a profound connection to the region’s waters. Their legacy now extends to their two adult children, who are quickly becoming top guides in southwest Montana. Season after season, the Eaton family and their dedicated team of guides continue to provide guests with unforgettable experiences, sharing their passion and knowledge of the Madison River.
Scott is the original owner of MVR and has 38+ years of senior and executive experience mostly in the insurance/HR space. He is a passionate outdoorsman, up for any adventure. Winters you'll find him somewhere buried in powder and of course his summers are reserved for his deep passion for fly fishing.
Tom has a storied career working the Green Industry, founding Denver Based CoCal Landscape in 1992. Fly fishing is just one of his many passions. When not on the river he's off duck hunting with his dogs, skiing, golfing...you name it.
Dan is an accomplished lawyer, entrepreneur and business advisor with experience in many different industries. Montana is Dan's playground where on any given day he's out enjoying this beautiful landscape with his camera in hand. During the fall months, Dan serves as our official brown trout specialist as he searches SW Montana for that elusive 30 incher!
Jeff brings a wealth of business management knowledge as CEO of Pacific Steel & Recycling, based out of Great Falls, MT. He's hosted his employees, business partners and friends at the ranch for many years prior to becoming our newest owner. Living "just down the road", it's not uncommon to have Jeff around the lodge, sharing his passion for fly fishing and the Madison River.
Since 2015, we've been incredibly fortunate to have Manu on our team as one of the most respected and talented hospitality managers in the World. Raised among the vineyards of the Rhine Valley, Manu developed a love for the mountains on family hiking trips through the Alps. Her journey took her to college in New Zealand, where she met her husband, Parker. From there, Manu’s career began in commercial real estate in California before she and Parker moved to Ennis, drawn by the allure of open spaces, small town communities, and new adventures. Manu’s relentless energy, genuine thoughtfulness, and meticulous attention to detail align beautifully with MVR's goals, bringing valuable expertise in property management, human resources and guest service. In her free time, Manu enjoys floating the river with Parker, skiing at Big Sky, cooking, staying fit, and spending time with her two children.
Since 2015, we’ve been lucky to have Manu on our team as a talented hospitality manager. Raised in the Rhine Valley, she developed a love for the mountains on family hikes through the Alps. After studying in New Zealand, where she met her husband, Parker, Manu began a career in commercial real estate in California. In 2015, they moved to Ennis, drawn by open spaces and new adventures. Manu’s energy, attention to detail, and expertise in property management, HR, and guest service align perfectly with MVR's mission. In her free time, she enjoys floating the river, skiing, cooking, and spending time with her two children.
Since 2018, Parker has been instrumental to our growth and success, thanks to his deep expertise in the fly fishing travel industry and his authentic representation of our lodge. Originally from California, Parker met his wife, Manu, in New Zealand before they relocated to Ennis in 2015. Together, they form a dynamic team, balancing work and raising their two young children. A lifelong passion for fishing, instilled by his father and grandfather, has shaped Parker’s journey, bringing invaluable skill and enthusiasm to his roles in guest services, sales, marketing, guiding, and angling. Always eager to share his knowledge, Parker provides guests with a rich and welcoming experience. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, snowboarding, improving his golf game, and supporting the the world’s greatest football club, Manchester United.
Since 2018, Parker has been essential to our growth, bringing deep expertise in the fly fishing travel industry and an authentic representation of the lodge. Originally from California, he met his wife, Manu, in New Zealand, and they relocated to Ennis in 2015, raising two young children and working as a dynamic team. A lifelong passion for fishing, inspired by his father and grandfather, has shaped Parker’s role here, contributing to guest services, sales, marketing, and guiding. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, snowboarding, improving his golf game, and supporting Manchester United.
Pete has been an invaluable asset to our lodge since 2021, expertly managing the property and buildings with dedication and skill. Hailing from Walla Walla, Washington, he is an alumnus of the University of Montana, where he also showcased his athletic prowess as a pole vaulter. Upon relocating to Ennis, Pete and his wife, Jenna, quickly became respected and admired in the community; they are known as passionate anglers, trusted colleagues, and good friends. As one of our knowledgeable guest hosts, Pete offers casting instruction, shares insights into the surrounding natural beauty, and recounts memorable fishing tales. His versatility and problem-solving abilities have led our staff to frequently say, “Let's just ask Pete” when faced with a challenging situation.
Since 2021, Pete has expertly managed the lodge’s property and buildings. Originally from Walla Walla, WA, and a University of Montana graduate, he moved to Ennis with his wife, Jenna, where they quickly became respected members of the community, known as passionate anglers, trusted colleagues, and good friends. Pete’s versatility, casting instruction, and memorable stories make him an invaluable guest host, and when a tricky situation arises, we often say, “Let’s just ask Pete.”
Matt has delivered exceptional meals here since 2014. Following formal training at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Matt gained an impressive repertoire of experience in kitchens from Pittsburgh, PA to Raleigh, NC working under several industry leaders in a variety of dining settings. He has a love for seasonal sustainable practices, working with small producers, and utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients. Expect innovative dishes with great attention to detail and creative use of local ingredients. When not preparing culinary delights showcasing his passion for scratch cooking, Matt may be out chasing trout or tying flies! Matt enjoys sharing with guests his culinary passions and love of the outdoors, and is always ready to chat about his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams!
Matt returns to the MVR kitchen for his 10th season in charge of our award-winning culinary program. Matt has a diverse background and brings an extraordinary amount of creativity to our kitchen for every meal. In his freetime, Matt is usually casting small dry flies to finicky trout in the region.
