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Founded In 2010 By Mike Thelin
We are strategic planners and deep-story placemakers.
We help clients uncover and articulate their deep story through impactful partnership, thoughtful communication, smart civic engagement, and unique immersive experiences that unite foster community, strengthen connection, and reinforce  vision and purpose. Our work spans world-class culinary festivals, collaborations with regional governments, innovative storytelling campaigns, award-winning urban design initiatives, and strategic plans that drive growth, engagement, and recognition.

We have a proven track record of helping organizations increase revenue, create memorable programming, and achieve widespread acclaim. Our diverse clientele includes destination marketing organizations, hospitality groups, non-profits, media outlets, large-scale events, real estate development professionals, regional governments, and businesses of all sizes—from local startups to Fortune 500 companies. We are committed to driving transformative impact by bringing vision to life.
Services
Organizational

Program Design, Revenue Modeling, Branding, Master-Planning.

Culinary and Hospitality

Strategic Planning, City and Regional Identity, Large-Scale Event Ideation and Revenue Modeling, Engagement, Partnership Strategy, Talent Strategy.

Media and Community

Branding, Master-Planning, Media/Industry/Community Engagement, Strategic Planning, Execution.

Strategic Partnerships

Sponsorship and Partnership Strategy, Revenue Modeling, Master Planning, Public-Private Partnerships.

Immersive Experiences

Large-Scale Festival Creation, Activation Planning and Design for Multi-City Campaigns, Partner Engagement, Bespoke Events.

Programming

Editorial, Narrative, Program Design.

Mike Thelin
Mike Thelin is an industry leader who harnesses the power of culture and storytelling to create real-world entrepreneurial impact. As the co-founder and owner of two of America's most acclaimed culinary festivals—Feast Portland and Hot Luck in Austin, Texas—Mike has built platforms that not only celebrate food but also drive economic opportunities and meaningful outcomes. Through Bolted Consulting, Mike partners with organizations to uncover their core narratives, guiding leadership through strategic planning, large-scale initiatives, and thoughtful partnerships. A respected voice in the culinary world, Mike's expertise spans across media and industry. He has served as a food critic and columnist for Portland Monthly Magazine, appeared as a national television commentator on the Cooking Channel's Unique Eats and Netflix's Street Food, authored the Oregon chapter of Phaidon's America cookbook, and was the founding editor of Eater Portland. He served as a judge for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Chef and Restaurant Awards and was named one of the 55 most influential people in food and beverage by Observer in 2019.Committed to giving back, Mike’s events have raised over $600,000 for local and national charities. Based in Portland, he remains an engaged community leader and active civic volunteer.
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