For two decades, Mike Thelin has been a strategic advisor and partner to the top organizations in the food and media universe, and has created two of the premier culinary festivals in America. As principal of Bolted Consulting, Mike works with leadership in the tourism, non-profit, real estate, governmental, and private business sectors to imagine, create, and grow large-scale projects, events and initiatives within the food, media, civic, and hospitality realms. With an extensive background in media, Mike is passionate about using culture and deep storytelling as vehicles to drive real world entrepreneurial opportunities and outcomes. He is co-founder and owner of both Feast Portland and Hot Luck in Austin, Texas, and has helped create numerous events for clients, including the annual Eater Awards in New York City. 

Mike has been a food critic and columnist for Portland Monthly Magazine, television commentator on the Cooking Channel show Unique Eats as well as Netflix Street Food, author of the Oregon chapter of the Phaidon America cookbook, founding editor of Eater Portland, judge for the 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. His events have donated more than $550,000 to local and national charities. He lives in Portland and is an active volunteer for civic and community organizations.