Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen introduces the latest installment of the Montana Business Spotlight series, which recognizes and highlights local businesses across the Treasure State. This feature introduces Montanans to Granite Peak Athletics in East Helena. Click the play button on the featured image above to watch the Granite Peak Athletics Montana Business Spotlight.
EAST HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen was excited to hear that Nolan Gilbert and Connor Moore had no problem opening their new business in October of 2024.
“The feedback today was an affirmation that (registration) went well, and it was awesome and smooth sailing. That’s what we’re after,” Secretary Jacobsen said while announcing a record number of new business registrations alongside Governor Greg Gianforte and Gilbert and Moore at their Granite Peak Athletics. “We love your presence in our community and everything that you’re doing for our youth and being business owners.”
Gilbert and Moore joined the Helena community as wildland firefighters for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) in 2020 and quickly bonded over their passion for athletics. Following their own playing days, both Gilbert and Moore found themselves in the coaching ranks, something they wanted to further pursue in Montana.
Through a shared mission of cultivating a “game-changing atmosphere that fosters the growth and development of youth athletes, making a lasting positive impact on the Helena community,” Granite Peak Athletics was born.
“We’re just lucky to be here and be able to support this community that we care so much about,” said Gilbert. “We’re able to give an avenue for kids to grow in their athletic ability, but more importantly, develop their life skills in this place in a safe environment to train. It has just been awesome to be a bigger part of this community and for our young athletes.”

“I remember Nolan called me the first time and he was like, ‘Hey, I have an idea,'” recalled Moore. “I was like, ‘Yeah, whatever,’ but then we just kept working through it. Eventually we just kind of came to the idea that, ‘Whoa, this actually could work.’ From there it was just actually going out and doing it. It has been a lot of fun. I’m glad (Nolan) called me that day.”
Gilbert and Moore have quickly become a vital part of the East Helena community since starting their business. The East Helena baseball team has benefited from their indoor training facilities and customized programs tailored to each athlete’s individual experience and mobility. While the co-founders specialize in baseball, they have recruited colleagues with illustrious backgrounds in softball to help youth athletes enhance their softball skills.
“We’re excited to see how the kids look in the spring and summer. With a whole winter of hitting baseballs, they’re going to perform a lot better and feel more confident,” said Gilbert. “We have big visions. We want a fieldhouse; we want to incorporate all the sports, but right now, we are just head down and continuing to work and focus on these kids and whoever we can continue to help.”
“Our community is lucky to have a facility like Granite Peak Athletics,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Connor, Nolan, and their team are committed to offering youth athletes outstanding training opportunities while emphasizing health and injury prevention.”
“I’m grateful to Granite Peak Athletics for inviting us to their facility to celebrate another year of record business creation in Montana, and I thank them for doing business in our great state,” she added.
For more information about Granite Peak Athletics, visit its website at https://www.granitepeakathletics.com.
