By Mira Brody VP MEDIA
Outlaw Partners is Big Sky’s marketing, media, events, real estate, real estate development, retail and adventure firm. If that sounds like a mouthful, that’s because it is—since the company was founded by CEO Eric Ladd and CMO Megan Paulson in 2009, Outlaw has remained unafraid to shy away from challenges.
The only news source in Big Sky, and one of the only independently owned publishers in the region, Outlaw produces Explore Big Sky newspaper, the award-winning Mountain Outlaw magazine, VIEWS. real estate magazine, as well as a nightly digital news source, Town Crier. Outlaw is also a full-service creative marketing agency, partnering with national brands, is the producer of the 10X Event of the Year, Big Sky PBR, alongside accompanying events during Big Sky’s Biggest Week, and Wildlands Festival. They’re also the premier outfitter on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Boundary Expeditions, a bear advocacy retail store, Hey Bear, and finally, Outlaw Realty brokerage and Outlaw Real Estate Partners, serving the entire southwest Montana region.
No matter what department, Outlaw remains passionate about sharing stories that matter.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: First, tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with Outlaw Partners:
Josh Timon: I’ve known Eric Ladd, Outlaw’s founder and CEO for over 40 years. Together, we’ve been jointly involved in a number of different businesses, from renewable energy to luxury real estate, to now Outlaw. My family and I have been coming up to Big Sky for 20 years, and most recently the last 13 to help with the numerous events Outlaw puts on during Big Sky’s busy summer. I’m thankful to have fond memories of bringing my family out here over the years both for work and to recreate.
I formally joined Outlaw this past fall as chief operating officer for the company. I’m happy to join Outlaw and the talented crew to grow our organization and benefit this amazing community.
EBS: Things are pretty busy at Outlaw this month, can you explain what Big Sky can anticipate in the coming weeks at the Big Sky Events Arena?
JT: This month is Outlaw’s Super Bowl. It kicked off last Tuesday night with an incredible live music show featuring Trampled By Turtles, Shane Smith & the Saints and Crowe Boys. Friday, July 12 we’ll host the Big Sky Community Rodeo wit the help of Yellowstone Club, followed by the 10X Event of the Year celebration street dance with the Tony Marques Band, and next week will be filled with cowboys, golf, bingo and bulls as we prepare for Big Sky’s Biggest Week.
Every year the event grows in some form or fashion, whether its additional bleachers, amazing support from our sponsors, additional family activities. It’s also worth mentioning that Big Sky PBR just won the Event of the Year for the 10th time in a row—a prestigious honor bestowed upon us by the PBR cowboy athletes themselves. We’re proud to hold this honor as it shows just how hard our team works to make it happen each year, and how much our sponsors and spectators support us at our arena here in Big Sky, Montana.
EBS: Big Sky has changed a lot over the years. With Outlaw going on 14 years, can you speak to what has changed or grown at the company as the area has?
JT: I think Outlaw continues to expand its capabilities as the area grows. As you know, not only do we produce this amazing paper, Explore Big Sky, and Mountain Outlaw magazine, as well as events with world-class performers, but we also are strong in the real estate and real estate development industry in and around southwest Montana through Outlaw Realty and Outlaw Real Estate Partners. As we look into the future, our team is looking to foster additional partnerships to expand into the Greater Yellowstone region.
I’ve also been fortunate to be a part of Boundary Expeditions, our premier outfitter, since its inception nine years ago, as we embark each summer down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. Getting to know our guests, where they’re from, their personalities and seeing a different side of them on the river is what we call mastering the art of 3 MPH. This year, Boundary is in the middle of our biggest year ever, with 13 sold out trips. Next year’s is almost sold out and we’re already selling well into 2026. People are so receptive to the power of what happens on that river and with our Boundary crew and I’m proud to be a part of that.
EBS: Despite that change and progression of time, what are some core values that drives Outlaw each day to produce the work we do?
JT: I think Outlaw’s strength is its adaptability and strong sense of teamwork. I think in general Outlaw wants to continue emphasizing Big Sky as a four season destination. We are always looking for ways we can focus on the spring and fall, and how we can keep the community strong.
EBS: What are some of Outlaw’s greatest strengths?
JT: I’ll use last year’s Wildlands Festival as an example of where Outlaw’s strengths come into play.
Last year we had Foo Fighters at the Big Sky Events Arena, and these massive rain and lighting storms kept rolling in, postponing their act. Our crew was out there mopping down the bleacher seats, diverting water from walkways and making sure guests were safe, entertained and happy. After a long deliberation with Foo Fighters’ crew, we rallied and the show went on. Guests were excited to come back into their seats once it was safe, and the Foo Fighters put on one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen.
All that is to say, Outlaws rally to make it happen when it matters most, even under the most unpredictable circumstances.
EBS: What is your favorite part about working with Outlaw, or what is a favorite memory you have with the team?
JT: My favorite part about working with Outlaw is seeing how many balls everyone is juggling at once and how multi-talented and cross-functional we are as an organization.
EBS: When you’re not working, what is your favorite thing to do in the Big Sky area?
JT: I like to hang out with my son, Grayson, and go hiking with my wife and daughter. I am also a foodie so I enjoy visiting the local restaurants here in Big Sky. I am fortunate to also be able to manage multiple restaurants in my hometown of Denver, Colorado.
EBS: What’s some business advice that drives you each day?
JT: My biggest piece of advice in business is to listen and be open to suggestions from any and all employees, to produce A+ work, and to not be afraid to admit that you’re wrong. Also, always no matter how chaotic, remember to take a step back and enjoy what you’re doing.
