MEET
THE TEAM
JON HESSE
PRESIDENT & 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 & 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!
HEATHER KLATT
director of event planning & sales
Heather is a native of Western Wisconsin, where she currently resides. She earned her degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and comes with experience in sales and event management. Heather has a lifelong passion for sports, having played basketball, softball, and volleyball, and continues to participate in league volleyball year-round. She loves staying active by walking her new pup, Foster, hitting the gym, and exploring new destinations. Among Heather's most cherished experiences are running a full marathon and becoming a mother to twin boys.
LAUREN MEYER
director of marketing
Although she's new to the AVT team this year, Lauren brings vast experience in brand activation, event management, and VIP experiences for high-level clients. Lauren is our go-to for our client's creative and design needs that truly help their vision become a reality. As a University of Idaho alum with a degree in Journalism, she has a passion for graphic design and exploring the mountain west. In her free time, you can find her hiking new trails with Trip, on the river improving her fly-fishing skills, backpacking with friends, volunteering around the community, or working on some random DIY project/craft. Lauren loves spending time with family, blackberry pie, random acts of kindness, and Nebraska football. GO BIG RED!
TRIP
FIELD RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Trip is our loyal adventure pup living a dog's dream in Montana. Hiking new trails, swimming in the Gallatin River on summer weekends, and playing fetch are the things he loves most. Trip recently graduated from advanced obedience training and is working toward certification as a therapy dog. By becoming a therapy dog, he'll have the opportunity to improve the lives of kids, seniors, law enforcement and military with his hugs, licks, and tricks. After being rescued in 2022 from a kill shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Trip has become a firm believer of three things: adopting 1 pet saves 2 lives, ice cream is delicious, and there's always a good reason to go outside.
ADVENTURE WITH
US ON INSTAGRAM
Stay updated on all of AVT's latest adventures, retreat news, favorite destinations, Trip's trending travel destinations, employee appreciation tips, event inspiration, and more!
