mcfarland minutes

EPISODE

28

Episode 28 - Two Decades of Crafting Community at Montana Silversmiths with Callie Adams

EPISODE LINKS.

SHOW NOTES.

In this episode of McFarland minutes, host Natalie sits down with Callie Adams, the Director of Events at Montana Silversmiths, to discuss her 20-year journey with the company. Callie shares her background growing up in Western Montana, her involvement in rodeo, and how those experiences led her to her role at Montana Silversmiths. The conversation covers her career evolution, the importance of building lasting relationships within the industry, and the extensive planning involved in major events like the NFR (National Finals Rodeo). Callie also talks about her involvement in non-rodeo partnerships, the company’s commitment to producing high-quality products, and the tight-knit culture within Montana Silversmiths. The episode wraps up with Callie sharing her strategies for staying organized and her unique approach to tackling the challenges of a demanding career in event management.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:03 Callie Adams’ Background and Journey
03:15 Meeting Judy Wagner and Joining Montana Silversmiths
06:04 Role and Responsibilities at Montana Silversmiths
07:37 Importance of Personal Connections in the Industry
12:59 Family Involvement and Company Culture
16:40 PRCA Season Highlights and NFR Planning
20:55 The Gold Standard: 25 Years a Champion
21:03 Managing a Lean and Mean Team
21:37 The Electric Energy of NFR
22:07 A Day in the Life at NFR
24:17 Montana Silversmiths Beyond Rodeo
24:44 The Power of Partnerships and Retail
28:31 The Female Mafia: Women in the Industry
32:16 The Value of the Gold Buckles
33:59 Soft Launch to Monday: Preparing for the Week
36:53 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

ABOUT THIS EPISODE.

In the world of intricate craftsmanship and robust Western culture, Montana Silversmiths stands as a beacon of excellence. At the heart of this vibrant community is Callie Adams, the Director of Events, whose career spans almost two decades with the company. In a recent podcast episode of McFarland Minutes, Callie shared her journey and insights, offering a glimpse into the remarkable world of Montana Silversmiths and its unwavering commitment to celebrating Western heritage and craftsmanship.

Callie Adams’ journey to becoming a cornerstone of Montana Silversmiths began in Western Montana. Growing up in a family involved in outfitting and dude ranching, Callie was immersed in the Western lifestyle from a young age. Her passion for the Western culture led her to compete in local rodeo queen pageants and participate in collegiate rodeo. These experiences laid the foundation for her eventual role at Montana Silversmiths.

Before joining Montana Silversmiths, Callie met Judy Wagner, a pivotal figure who eventually became an integral part of her career. Through connections formed in college and the Western community, Callie was introduced to the dynamic world of events and marketing at Montana Silversmiths. Starting as a marketing intern, Callie’s role quickly evolved. Her dedication and keen understanding of Western culture propelled her into a leadership position, where she now directs events with a focus on building lasting relationships.

Central to Callie’s philosophy is the importance of genuine connections. Whether at events or through the craftsmanship of silversmithing, building relationships is at the core of Montana Silversmiths’ success. Callie emphasizes that despite the rise of AI and digital solutions, personal connections remain irreplaceable. By actively participating in various events, Montana Silversmiths embodies its commitment to the Western community, ensuring each partnership is meaningful and impactful.

While rodeo remains an integral part of Montana Silversmiths’ identity, the company’s reach extends beyond the arena. Partnerships with entities like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Reining Horse Association showcase Montana’s ability to resonate across various segments of Western culture. These relationships are cultivated with the same dedication and craftsmanship that define their renowned buckles.

Callie’s discussions with Natalie McFarland highlight the collaborative spirit within Montana Silversmiths. From coordinating efforts at the NFR to contributing to special projects, Montana Silversmiths exemplifies a team-oriented approach. The company thrives on showcasing the dedication and artistry of 170 employees, ensuring that their products are more than just items—they’re tangible pieces of heritage and craftsmanship.

A vital aspect of Montana Silversmiths’ success is its community involvement. Callie’s narrative illustrates how the company’s partnerships with local rodeos and major events enable them to uplift the entire industry. By attending events, they create real relationships and foster an inclusive atmosphere where local communities feel an authentic connection to the Montana brand.

At Montana Silversmiths, family values are embedded in the company culture. Callie’s personal experience of involving her family in events reinforces the sense of belonging. It speaks volumes about the company’s dedication to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment for its employees and their families.

As Montana Silversmiths celebrates over five decades in business, Callie’s forward-thinking approach anticipates more milestones. The esteemed reputation of their world-renowned gold buckles is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence. These buckles, revered as symbols of achievement, are handcrafted with precision, reflecting the unparalleled dedication of the craftsmen at Montana Silversmiths.

Callie Adams embodies the spirit of Montana Silversmiths: preserving Western culture, celebrating authenticity, and fostering lasting connections. Her journey exemplifies how Montana Silversmiths not only crafts exquisite products but also shapes a legacy built on community, craftsmanship, and a commitment to Western heritage.

For those engaged in the Western lifestyle, Montana Silversmiths remains a steadfast partner, dedicated to celebrating personal achievements and enriching the community with their timeless creations.

IN THIS EPISODE.

Callie Adams Headshot - Director of Events at Montana Silversmiths

Callie Adams

Callie Adams

cadams@montanasilversmiths.com

Callie Adams has held the title of Director of Events for Montana Silversmiths for the last 19 years. Known as the Brand of Champions, Montana Silversmiths creates custom buckles and beautiful jewelry for Champions at every level. As an industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience, she leads a team of event sales representatives that are fueled by the same passion to build distinctive and authentic products and meaningful partnerships. Callie was recently honored by Western Life and Style as one of the 30 Over 30 most influential women in the western industry in 2024.

Being the daughter of a big game outfitter in Western Montana showed her the value of hospitality and hard work in a family run business and being a good steward of livestock and land. She served as Miss Rodeo Western Montana in 2001-2002. Miss Dillon Jaycee in 2002-2003 while attending University of Montana Western on the college rodeo team and captain of the IHSA Equestrian Team. Callie was also first runner up to Miss Rodeo Montana in 2004-2005.

She competed in the inaugural Dancin’ with the Rodeo Stars fundraising event, benefitting the Western Sports Foundation and took home the Mirror Ball Trophy with partner, professional bullfighter, Kaleb Barrett. When she’s not working (or dancing ) Callie enjoys spending time with her husband, 9-year-old son, two rope horses and one good dog at home in Montana.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.

NATALIE MCFARLAND

Headshot image of Natalie McFarland wearing a black suit, red hat, and long blonde hair in front.

PRESIDENT, FOUNDER

MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS

After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.

Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.

With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.

SCOUT FOSTER

Marketing manager Scout in front of a horse statue wearing a red shirt, black pants, and jean jacket. She has her long brown hair down in front of her shoulders.

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING

MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS

Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.

Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.

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