Business & creative development
Westland Group helps owners get clear on what they want to build, then works backward to the milestones, budgets, timelines and expectations to get there.
We start with the end in mind. First we listen, then we plan.
Westland Group is the practice of Jason Wickens, who has built businesses, brands, venues and experiences from idea through launch since 2007. Based in Bozeman, Montana.
What we do
Turn the idea into a clear concept, scope and plan.
Bring together the brand, business model, people and systems.
Lead the work toward opening day and a defined handoff.
Concept, branding, technical direction and programming across three music venues.
Co-founded a songwriter-centered listening room and media platform. Over 1,000 artists hosted.
We'll start with a conversation about the outcome, the scope and where you need help.
Selected work
A selection of businesses, venues and creative projects we've helped bring to life.
The work below reflects Westland Group's experience as founders, collaborators and consultants.
A historic, abandoned downtown Bozeman armory reimagined as a hotel with three live-music venues.
Jason led concept, branding, technical direction and programming. All three are now in-demand spaces for private, ticketed and corporate events.
A songwriter-centered listening room and media platform at the Empire Theatre in Livingston.
Over 1,000 artists hosted and 200+ hours of public radio produced, featuring Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Colter Wall and more. Jason co-founded it and leads programming and production.
A Southwest Montana brokerage for luxury, lifestyle and ranch properties.
Westland Group advised on branding and messaging.
A family beef business rooted in a fourth-generation Montana ranch.
Jason co-founded it and built its brand, marketing, direct sales and restaurant relationships.
An emerging artist moving from online attention to his first release.
Jason advised on artistic direction and recommended the producer for "Straight and Narrow," recorded on the Live From The Divide stage.
Preserving photographer Tom Wright's recordings and stories, alongside an ongoing documentary.
Jason originated the project, secured funding and led the archival and production work.
Programming and community development for a Bozeman development group.
Jason served as lead consultant.
Localized food system solutions.
Jason is leading development in conjunction with TriliTech and the Tezos blockchain.
Let's talk about the project and where you need help.
How we work
Westland Group helps owners get clear on what they want to build, then works backward to the decisions, people and resources needed to get there. Each phase has a deliverable, a budget and your approval before the next begins.
First we listen, then we plan.
Westland Group is the practice of Jason Wickens, who has built businesses, brands, venues and experiences from idea through launch since 2007.
Not every project needs all five. We start at the phase that fits yours.
Agree on the finished outcome, who it serves and what success means.
Develop the concept, scope, milestones, resource needs and preliminary budget.
Confirm responsibilities, decision-making authority, fees, funding and timing.
Guide the work through the agreed milestones, decisions and launch preparations.
Document the systems, transfer responsibilities and agree on any continuing support.
You know what we are delivering, who is responsible and what sits outside the engagement.
Our fee and the project's implementation costs are identified separately and agreed before each phase begins.
New requests are reviewed for their effect on scope, timing and cost before additional work proceeds.
We agree early on who will operate the business or project after launch. Ongoing management or advisory support is a separate engagement.
Tell us what you want to build, where things stand and where you need help.
Pricing
Start with a defined planning engagement. If we continue together, each phase is scoped and priced before it begins.
No charge
A short conversation to understand your project and whether we're a fit.
Fixed fee
Covers phases 01 and 02: Vision and Definition.
We agree on the planning scope and delivery schedule before work begins.
Priced by phase
Covers phases 03 through 05: Commitment, Execution and Stewardship.
For clients who want us to guide the work beyond the plan. Your proposal defines the deliverables, responsibilities, timeline, fee and completion criteria for each phase. No obligation to continue after the planning engagement.
The planning, creative direction and project leadership described in your agreed scope.
Design, engineering, construction, contractors, production, travel and other project expenses are budgeted separately.
New requests are reviewed for their effect on cost and timing before additional work proceeds. Ongoing operations or advisory support are quoted separately.
Tell us what you want to build. We'll confirm whether the planning engagement is the right first step.
Start a conversation
An early idea, an existing business or a project ready to move forward. Tell us where you are and where you want to go. You don't need a finished brief to get in touch.
See examples of our work and how an engagement is structured.