Article by Jennifer Miller | photos courtesy of Leisure in Montana

For many longtime Billings residents, Leisure in Montana feels familiar. Some remember it as McCall Pool & Patio, a local business that served the community for decades. In 2008, Michael and Jo McGullam purchased the company during one of the most difficult economic periods in recent history and began rebuilding it with intention.

“Survival and rebuilding were the original goal,” Michael says. “Take what was once great and make it better.”

Nearly two decades later, Leisure in Montana has grown into a trusted resource for pools, spas, outdoor furniture, and full outdoor living solutions across Montana and northern Wyoming. While the offerings have expanded, the heart of the business remains unchanged: relationships, service, and products designed to be truly enjoyed.

A BUSINESS ROOTED IN LONGEVITY

Leisure in Montana is entering its nineteenth season under the McGullams’ ownership, building on more than thirty years of history from the business that came before it. That longevity matters. “When you have a box of water in your backyard or a hole in the ground that needs to be maintained, you want to know someone will be here next year,” Michael explains. “And the year after that.”

That commitment shows not only in the products they sell, but in the people who sell them. Many staff members have been with the company for years, creating a sense of familiarity for customers who return season after season.

MORE THAN HOT TUBS

One of the biggest challenges Leisure in Montana faces is perception. Many customers walk in thinking of them as “the hot tub place” or the store where they buy pool chemicals. What surprises them is everything else.

Their 13,000-square-foot showroom on Gabel Road is intentionally designed to feel different. Customers often comment that the moment they step inside, the pace slows. The space reflects the company’s mission statement, which is simply one word: Leisure.

Inside, shoppers find far more than spas and pools. Outdoor furniture, grills, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and accessories fill the space. Many of the brands are made in the United States or North America, selected for durability and long-term performance in Montana’s four-season climate.

“We hear it all the time,” Michael says. “I had no idea you did this too.”

DESIGNING FOR HOW PEOPLE LIVE

Leisure in Montana does not target a specific demographic. Instead, they work with people who want to invest in how they spend time at home. Some customers are first-time homeowners who have dreamed of a hot tub for years. Others are longtime clients returning decades later to refurbish patio furniture they remember from their childhood. In some cases, the emotional connection runs deep.

“We are able to rehab outdoor furniture (from the select line that we carry in our store) that’s been in families for twenty-five or thirty years,” Michael explains. “That’s not something you can replace at a big-box store.”

Rather than pushing trends, the team focuses on understanding how a space will actually be used. Is it for quiet mornings, family gatherings, or entertaining friends? Sometimes it is all three. Those answers shape every recommendation.

“We want a relationship before, during, and after the sale, that’s what Leisure really means to us.”

-MICHAEL MCGULLAM

EDUCATION THAT BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Because Leisure in Montana sells products people want rather than need, education plays a critical role. Many customers feel overwhelmed by the idea of maintenance, especially with pools and spas.

To simplify the process, the store offers a free digital water testing lab. Customers bring in a water sample and receive clear instructions and a simple shopping list. For those who prefer hands-off support, service teams are available to maintain pools and spas throughout the season.

“Our goal is that every time you open your hot tub or look at your pool, it brings relaxation,” Michael says. “Not stress.”

QUALITY OVER CONVENIENCE

In a world shaped by quick purchases and disposable products, Leisure in Montana takes a different approach. Their team prioritizes quality, repairability, and long-term value. One example is their work restoring outdoor furniture. Rather than encouraging customers to replace worn pieces every few years, they often refinish and reupholster existing furniture at a fraction of the cost of buying new. For many families, those pieces carry history and memories that are worth preserving.

“That kind of longevity matters,” Michael says. “Both in the products and in the company standing behind them.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST

Many customers find Leisure in Montana through referrals, repeat business, or family connections. Parents return with their adult children. Grandparents bring in water samples and share stories about grandchildren visiting for the summer.

These relationships are not incidental. They are intentionally cultivated through consistency, trust, and genuine care. As Leisure in Montana continues to grow, the focus remains steady. Thoughtful design. Reliable products. And outdoor spaces that support the moments that matter most.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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