Judy Wagner grew up in Avon, a small ranching community in western Montana. As the eldest of her seven siblings, Judy learned leadership, responsibility, and work ethic as a child — marking the start of her “Ranch Grown Logic.” Judy retired from Montana Silversmiths in 2024 as their Chief Marketing Officer. Previously, she was the founder of the known brand Gator Ropes and a 4H extension agent. Judy is a rodeo competitor, ranch cowgirl, an entrepreneur with iconic and trailblazing concepts, and above all, always a mentor.
Judy is well known for her mentorship and empowerment of others through “nice job, cowgirl” or “nice job, cowboy” on social media, and as a theme in her speeches and in her workshops.
"Use a short rope, a sweet smile, and a hot brand.”
- Gladiola Montana
With the power of planting a seed, Judy seeks to inspire and empower leaders of the Western industry to dream more, do more, and become more.
A seed, when nourished, grows into a strong tree. Similarly, a spark of inspiration and encouragement fostered by leaders can lead to a transformative movement within the Western industry. By planting the seed, Judy promotes a culture of remarkable leadership, ambition, and empowerment, helping to shape the future of the Western industry.
Judy’s experiences and her love and respect for the Western Lifestyle fuels the fire within her soul. She has created and directed innovative brands, products, projects, and teams and has influenced consumers and western industry trends from Gator Ropes to Montana Silversmiths. She is a pragmatic trail breaker with an optimistic heart and applies value-based marketing, branding, and leadership.
Available for small group workshops and clinics, Judy's career at Gator Ropes, WIT Marketing, and Montana Silversmiths makes her an excellent and entertaining story telling speaker on topics of business, branding, marketing and leadership. Purposeful stories and experiences serve to build a foundation and core principles and engagement while using a value based-common sense approach to marketing that is rooted in the West. Authentic, Motivational, Passionate.
An accomplished and purposeful speaker, Judy provides inspirational and educational speeches to groups on leadership, creating strong ties, and empowerment with a breaking trail mentality for life and business. Judy’s storytelling is engaging and inspiring to audiences using relatable authentic valued western lifestyle stories. She has a gift of evoking emotions, establishing trust, and keeping the audience captivated. In harnessing the power of storytelling, Judy delivers both a memorable and impactful experience for communities and followers.
Judy writes from the heart and finds lessons in all instances of life. From her "divine appointments" to those who she has worked closely with, to experiences on the ranch, Ranch Grown Logic will build and tell stories targeting WIIFY’s “what’s in it for you.” DoWIT ‘bits’ will be found at the end of the story summarizing applications for real world, relatable, and transferable messages inspired by WIT, Whatever It Takes.
Nice Job, Cowgirl is a stand-alone documentary about Judy Wagner, a lifelong storyteller, Western lifestyle advocate, and above all, a cowgirl. Her story is compelling, positive, and uplifting; a testament to positively impacting an industry. She’s known for her positive encouragement and well-known and heartfelt “nice job, cowgirl” or “nice job, cowboy” comments on social media, highlighted in the documentary film about her life, family, career, and impact on countless individuals, companies, and brands in the western industry. Judy Wagner is an influential cowgirl, retiring CMO of Montana Silversmiths, and Founder of the previously known brand of Gator Ropes, among additional titles and accolades. Judy’s story begins on her family ranch in Avon, Montana, where her “Ranch Grown Logic” begins. Judy is a rodeo competitor, ranch cowgirl, prior 4H extension agent, entrepreneur with an iconic and trailblazing concept, and above all, always a mentor. Her story is compelling, positive, and uplifting; a testament to positively impacting an industry. She’s known for her positive encouragement and well-known and heartfelt “nice job, cowgirl” or “nice job, cowboy” comments on social media, highlighted in a documentary film about her life, family, career, and impact on countless individuals, companies, and brands in the western industry.
Workshop Summary:
In this two-day workshop, participants will explore the foundations of turning an idea or a dream into a successful business or initiative, while developing leadership skills essential for navigating the process.
“Never underestimate the power of planting a seed.” – Judy Wagner
Day 1: MAKE YOUR PLAN, WORK YOUR PLAN- Why Having a Plan is Essential
Have an idea or dream you want to build? Need inspiration and encouragement to find your next big idea or dream? This class is for you. You will dive into the importance of having a well-structured plan to bring your idea or business to life. Participants will review a sample plan, analyze its components, and engage in group assessments to understand the value of collective feedback and insights that customers value. This day sets the stage for effective planning and highlights the critical elements that drive successful ventures.
“If you follow your passions, we will ultimately find our purpose.” – Judy Wagner
Day 2: DOWIT- Bringing Your Ideas to Life
Building on Day 1, participants will learn how to take their idea and create a clear, actionable plan. This hands-on common-sense approach ( ranch grown logic) will focus on crafting brand building cornerstones, with templates provided for marketing, branding, and value-added strategies. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a personalized blueprint ready to implement in their journey toward purposeful leadership in value added marketing. The workshop includes a tactical guide to creating value-adding experiences around any product or service-whether the offering is candles or campfire tools. Storytelling delivery and creating a hands-on take away model for each attendee highlights value-based marketing at every touch point.
Never look at what we sell-or buy-the same way again. This workshop is perfect for those who are ready to take charge of their dreams/ideas, plant the seeds, and lead with confidence!
Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.
An exclusive in-person screening of Nice Job, Cowgirl: The Judy Wagner Story is set to be shown during the Cocktail Welcome Party at this year’s Art of the Cowgirl event in Wickenburg, AZ. A chance to view the film and talk with Judy Wagner and the director of the film that is sure to inspire you to dream more, do more and become more through exemplary leadership.
Session 2: The Gala is Over. Now What?
Paying It Forward: Using Your Platform to Elevate Others
The honor of being a COWGIRL 30 Under 30 recipient doesn’t end with the gala—it’s just the beginning of an opportunity to inspire and uplift others.
Speakers:
Jennifer Green
Cavender’s Public Relations and Events Manager
Judy Wagner
Montana Silversmiths Marketing Ambassador