About Us
Last updated: May 05, 2026
About Upstate.top
Introduction
Welcome to Upstate.top, a boutique digital strategy and creative services firm rooted in the heart of western Montana. We are a small but passionate team dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and community-driven organizations build meaningful online presences that reflect their unique character and values.
Founded in 2020, Upstate.top was born from a simple belief: that great digital experiences should feel as authentic and grounded as the places we call home. Whether you are a local artisan in Missoula, a regional outdoor outfitter, or a remote-first tech startup looking for a human-centered approach, we bring the same level of care, craftsmanship, and strategic thinking to every project.
Our name, Upstate.top, reflects our commitment to elevating voices and brands from "upstate" regions — places beyond the major metropolitan hubs that are rich with culture, innovation, and untapped potential. We combine big-picture thinking with a deep appreciation for local nuance, helping our clients stand out without losing sight of who they are.
Our Mission
At Upstate.top, our mission is to bridge the gap between authentic storytelling and modern digital strategy. We believe that every organization has a distinct narrative, and our job is to bring that narrative to life through clean design, clear communication, and technology that works for real people.
We are guided by three core principles:
- Clarity over clutter. We strip away the unnecessary to let your message shine. Every pixel, every word, every interaction should serve a purpose.
- Connection over transactions. We build websites and campaigns that foster genuine relationships with your audience, not just clicks and conversions.
- Community first. We prioritize local and regional businesses, ethical practices, and sustainable growth. When our clients thrive, their communities thrive too.
Our work spans website design and development, brand identity, content strategy, search engine optimization, and ongoing digital marketing support. But beyond the deliverables, we act as a trusted partner — someone who understands your goals, your challenges, and the community you serve.
Our Team
We are a lean, collaborative team based in Missoula, Montana, with a network of trusted freelancers and specialists across the United States. What we lack in size we make up for in passion, adaptability, and a shared love for the mountains and the work we do.
Alex Chen
Alex founded Upstate.top after a decade in digital marketing and product design in Seattle and Portland. A Montana transplant, Alex combines coastal industry experience with a deep appreciation for rural and small-town business needs. He leads strategy, client relationships, and creative direction.
Morgan Rivera
Morgan brings 8 years of front-end development and UI/UX design experience to the team. A graduate of the University of Montana, Morgan specializes in building fast, accessible, and beautiful websites using modern frameworks. She is also our resident expert on local SEO for Montana businesses.
Jordan Taylor
Jordan is a writer and editor with a background in journalism and nonprofit communications. They craft the words that make our projects resonate — from website copy and brand messaging to blog content and email campaigns. Jordan ensures every voice we amplify is authentic and inclusive.
Samir Patel
Samir is our data and systems specialist, helping clients understand their audiences and optimize performance. With experience in both startup and enterprise environments, Samir makes sure that every decision is backed by insight — without losing the human touch.
We also collaborate regularly with a handful of talented illustrators, photographers, and videographers based in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions. This flexible model allows us to scale for projects of any size while keeping our overhead low and our quality high.
Contact Information
We would love to hear from you. Whether you have a project in mind, a question about our services, or simply want to say hello — do not hesitate to reach out.
We are typically available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time. We do our best to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. For urgent matters, please include "URGENT" in your email subject line.
If you are in the Missoula area, we also enjoy meeting in person at local coffee shops or our shared workspace downtown. Just send us an email to set up a time — we would be happy to buy you a cup of coffee and learn about what you are building.