ABOUT US

Our Story

OUR MISSION

Artisan Venture Tours (AVT) is a company dedicated to designing outdoor and cultural travel experiences that facilitate collaboration, individual as well as team growth, and new passions.

Redefining Company Retreats

AVT strives to help businesses attract talent, reduce turnover, express appreciation for employees’ work, and encourage healthy work-life balance. We believe in allowing growth and dialogue to develop naturally by engaging employees with exciting outdoor and cultural activities in unforgettable spaces. With the rise of remote work, this value has become more important than ever.

This belief has led us to design retreats that are focused on connecting participants with experiences that allow them to build new skills alongside their coworkers. The goal is to completely stray away from the daily back-to-back meetings, 5 cups of coffee a day, and hours of screen time. Whether it be learning how to ski at Bridger Bowl in Montana, or taking Caribbean cooking classes in the Florida Keys, research suggests that employees who actively engage their employees in learning processes see increased productivity, creativity, and job retention.

Our Home is Our Inspiration

Our office is based out of Livingston, Montana - a small town placed in a breathtaking mountain valley adjacent to the Yellowstone River. In the late 60s, Livingston became a crossroads of recreation. Where people from all walks of life - writers, artists, ranchers, and outdoorsmen united over good drinks, better food, and beautiful views. Community values such as hard work, outdoor recreation and adventure have shaped our unique approaches to business and travel.

MEET THE TEAM

Jon Hesse

President and Founder

Jon is a practicing attorney and has started and sold several businesses. He is presently the President of HT Leather Goods, Handbag Tailor, and Big Sky Programming and Digital Arts. Jon lives in Livingston, Montana, with his wife, Mary who is a nurse, and their cat, Teeka. Jon has been involved as a board member for many non-profits. Jon loves to fly fish, ski, bike ride and travel. He lost his leg to a cancer when he was in his early twenties and is a firm believer in making the most of the gift of life and to enjoy the people you meet and value all that you do- including work! These beliefs led to the formation of Artisan Venture Tours and are embedded in its values.

Carissa Walsh

Director of Event Planning and Sales

Carissa grew up in western Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout where she earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She grew up on her family’s hobby farm where she was able to experience the outdoors. Carissa continues to enjoy the outdoors by hiking in the summers and is now taking on another challenge by learning to ski in the winters. She also stays active all year round by attending CrossFit classes, which she is very passionate about. Carissa’s most memorable travel experience was when she went jet skiing with her girlfriends from college on their annual “Girls Trip” to Florida!

Sydney Graham

Director of Sales and Marketing

Sydney grew up in the cities of Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where she earned her degree in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Her time spent in Duluth had her develop a great love for the outdoors, along with her time spent studying abroad in Europe sparked a passion for travel. Recently Sydney made the leap to reside in Bozeman, Montana, which she saw as the perfect, quaint, outdoorsy, yet innovative place to call home. As a new member of the team, she is eager to bring forth her previous sales, marketing and travel experience to grow and further develop her career with AVT!

Heather Klatt

Director of Event Planning and Sales

Heather is from Western Wisconsin, and currently resides there. Heather went to the University of Wisconsin-Stout for Hospitality Management, and has years of sales and event experience. She grew up playing sports, and continues to play league Volleyball throughout the year. Heather loves to be active, and enjoys traveling to new places. One of Heather's most memorable experiences was running a full marathon, and continuing to raise her twin boys. Heather is new to the team but has proven to be eager. She is not afraid to dive in and learn the ins and outs of Artisan Venture Tours. She values and appreciates any opportunity to learn and grow in her knowledge each day!

Koe

Office "Furr"dinator

Koe is from an Amish farm in Buffalo, Wyoming where he was originally trained to heard cattle. In search of a slower pace of life, he traveled Northwest and resided in Bozeman, Montana. Koe loves going on long hikes, getting lots of belly rubs, listening to his favorite country artist Koe Wetzel, and is always ready for the next adventure. As our newest member of the team he wears many hats, from modeling, office counseling, and our personal janitor after lunch and snack time! Koe is eager to continue his development and skills at Artisan Venture Tours.

The Team