History
We’ve been in the business of selling and setting up pool tables for 17 years. We started in 1995 selling only Brunswick pool tables, and in 2000, we picked up the Olhausen brand. Brunswick and Olhausen pool tables are the best selling pool tables in the world. Brunswick concentrates on delivering the best playing tables in the world while Olhausen creates tables to order that are featured in many tournaments. A much younger company, Olhausen has made its mark in the billiard retail market.
The Family at Big Sky Billiards
Big Sky Billiard Supply is a local, family-owned business built by Lance Nelson and his wife, Linlee. This unique store, located at 3900 Brooks St, across from Pizza Hut on 93 South in Missoula, has a showroom of Brunswick, Olhausen pool tables and game room furniture, as well as pool cues & cases, and pool, dart, poker, foosball, air hockey & ping pong supplies. Started in 1995 with a few tables and cues in the basement of their Miller Creek home, the Nelson’s now provide western Montana with the best names in the billiard business.
Big Sky Billiard Supply is a Premier Brunswick pool table dealer with a good selection of Brunswick tables on display. They are also an authorized Olhausen dealer with a selection of the next best selling brand to Brunswick nationally; tables recognized for fine designs and custom woodwork. Big Sky Billiard Supply also carries Drawknife pool tables which are fine, handcrafted, custom log tables made in Tetonia, Idaho. If you’re in the market for something a little different, we also distribute Presidential pool tables, made entirely of teak and offering many beautiful styles.
A long-time pool player himself, Lance parlayed his love of the game into his life’s work. His own experience with tournament play led him to stock his current line of tables; tables that, he believes, are the best made and best backed pool tables in the industry. Lance performs all of the table set-ups, recoveries and repairs himself. He takes pride in his craftsmanship and skill and guarantees the satisfaction of his customers. “Our customers are sometimes surprised by the amount of work that is necessary to set-up and maintain a pool table properly,” Lance explains. “It is important that the table be set up and leveled by someone with experience and someone who pays attention to detail.”
As the business expanded so did the product line and now the store is stocked with everything from pool table lights to spectator chairs, benches and locally produced pub and chess tables. “We would much prefer to stock furniture from local craftsmen when we can,” according to Linlee. “So much of what is available is low quality, imported goods. We find that the best quality furniture comes from the United States and even from our local area. Our finest quality pub tables, for instance, are made by a local gentleman who is also a very good pool player.”
Game room design has taken off in the past few years as people find that a comfortable atmosphere and a fine pool table provide excellent entertainment for both family and friends. The family at Big Sky Billiard Supply will always provide the best possible service because it is a reflection of their values. They also hope to grow in the future to provide greater selection and a larger variety of unique and entertaining products.
classic designs and has been doing so since 1845. Olhausen focuses on custom designs and stains so that you can order a table to compliment your decor.
Services
Not just anyone can service a pool table and though the industry does not offer a license in this skill, Lance Nelson has been working on pool tables for many years. He has attended the training seminars offered by Brunswick and Olhausen and is one of the most experienced pool table technicians in the North West.