We Are Local
Something Bigger Than a Publication
Why?
Because it immediately establishes the brand. Someone landing on the page instantly knows:
- the name of the organization
- what makes it unique
We Are Local exists to connect people, celebrate local businesses, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for growth throughout Montana.
Through trusted storytelling, community partnerships, leadership development, and meaningful relationships, we’re building something bigger than a publication—we’re building stronger communities.
More Than a Media Company
We Are Local began as a way to celebrate local businesses and tell the stories that make our communities unique. Over time, it became clear that communities need more than media—they need connection, collaboration, and leadership.
Today, We Are Local serves as a community growth organization, bringing people, businesses, nonprofits, and leaders together to strengthen the places we call home. Every story, partnership, event, and program is designed with one purpose: helping local communities thrive.
📰 Trusted Local Storytelling
We shine a light on the people, businesses, events, and organizations that make our communities stronger.
🤝 Community Partnerships
Our Community Partner Network connects local organizations with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and serve their communities together.
☕ Relationships Before Transactions
Through CAB and community events, we create spaces where authentic relationships lead to lasting opportunities.
📈 Leadership & Growth
Through coaching, resources, and practical guidance, we help individuals, businesses, and organizations grow with purpose.
A lifetime of serving people, building relationships, and strengthening communities.
Meet the Founder
A lifetime of serving people, building relationships, and strengthening communities.
After more than 25 years in the insurance industry, 25 years of military service, and decades of community leadership, Jayson Olthoff founded We Are Local with one simple belief:
Strong communities are built through relationships.
Throughout his career, Jayson has seen firsthand that businesses thrive when they are connected to their communities, leaders grow when they invest in others, and lasting change happens when people choose collaboration over competition instead of division.
The lessons he learned while serving his country—putting others before himself, leading with integrity, and working together toward a common mission—continue to shape every story, every partnership, and every opportunity created through We Are Local.
That philosophy became the foundation of the organization.
Today, We Are Local is more than a publication. It is a community growth organization dedicated to strengthening Montana communities by celebrating local businesses, fostering meaningful relationships, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for people to connect and grow together.
Jayson believes every conversation matters, every local business has a story worth telling, and every community becomes stronger when its people choose to invest in one another.
“Relationships before transactions isn’t just something we say—it’s how we build stronger communities.”
The People Behind We Are Local
Behind every great community is a team that believes in it. Meet the people helping strengthen Montana one relationship at a time.
Billie J Olson
Co-Founder
Community Storyteller
Billie J. Olson has a passion for discovering the people and stories that make Montana communities unique. Through thoughtful storytelling and genuine relationships, she helps shine a light on local businesses, organizations, and individuals making a positive impact every day.
Jesse Butler
Director of Community Partnerships
Jesse Butler is passionate about building meaningful relationships with local businesses and organizations. Through authentic connections and a heart for serving others, she helps strengthen communities by connecting people with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting impact together.
Ryan Mills
Community and Faith Ambassador
Ryan Mills is dedicated to encouraging others through faith, leadership, and authentic community engagement.
By sharing stories of hope, service, and local impact, he helps strengthen relationships and inspires people to invest in the communities they call home.
Our team is united by a shared passion for strengthening local communities through authentic relationships, meaningful stories, and servant leadership. Learn more about the people who help bring the We Are Local mission to life.
Meet Our Team → ⭐We are Local
Our Story
Every community has a story worth telling.We Are Local began with a simple belief: when people know each other, support local businesses, and work together, communities become stronger.
What started as a local publication has grown into something much bigger. Along the way, we discovered that stories alone aren't enough. Communities also need places to connect, opportunities to collaborate, and leaders willing to invest in the people around them.
Today, We Are Local brings together trusted local storytelling, community partnerships, business development, leadership coaching, and relationship-building to help communities across Montana thrive.
Whether we're highlighting a small business, introducing two people over coffee, hosting CAB, publishing The Big Sky Standard, or launching a new community initiative, our mission remains the same:
Strengthen communities by connecting people.
"We believe the strongest communities aren't built by chance. They're built through relationships."
