Category: Launch Mid Valley

Deep-Rooted Leadership: How Brad Kleiner Empowers Business Leaders to Thrive

One of the biggest mistakes that business leaders often make is believing they must do everything themselves. This “do-it-all” mindset can lead to feeling stuck, losing focus, and hitting a growth plateau – not to mention fostering a stagnant company culture where teams are unmotivated and underutilized.

The truth is, no leader thrives alone, and asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.

That’s where Brad Kleiner comes in.

As the founder and principal consultant at Cedar Root Consulting, Brad helps business leaders break free from the barriers holding them back. He sees his mission as empowering these people to become more thoughtful, flexible, and mindful in their approach.

With a strong, deeply rooted leadership foundation, these individuals are then equipped to inspire happy, motivated, and productive teams while fostering sustainable company growth.

How does Brad help leaders get unstuck?

Brad’s approach is as versatile as it is effective. He offers workshops and retreats covering crucial topics like team building, hiring the right people, nurturing strong client relationships, networking, and creating a powerful digital presence.

He also hosts Basecamps, where leaders gather on his stunning 20-acre, cedar-covered woodland property to connect, share experiences, and solve common challenges. These intimate and collaborative sessions help them find actionable solutions while building a supportive peer network.

By combining strategic tools with real-world insights, Brad creates transformative experiences for leaders looking to reignite their passion and purpose.

Leveraging 25 years of leadership expertise

Brad’s approach is grounded in his own extensive experience. Starting as the co-founder of a small startup, he eventually climbed into executive roles in a billion-dollar media company. Along the way, he discovered his true passion: helping people unlock their potential.

Brad understands that a leader’s personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. His coaching reflects this as he guides leaders to step out of their comfort zones and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

See Brad in action at Launch Mid Valley’s Startup Bootcamp Weekend.

If you’re a leader or entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level, don’t miss Brad’s upcoming talk at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp, happening January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

This event is a prime opportunity to gain insights from Brad and other top names in Mid-Willamette Valley’s business community that will help you overcome the hurdles that may be holding you back from attaining your true potential as a leader.

Learn more and register: https://startupbootcampweekend.com.

Insects, Innovation, and Impact: Pat Crowley Redefines Sustainable Agriculture through Chapul Farms

What if the key to solving some of the world’s biggest problems – food waste, water scarcity, and soil degradation – was right under our feet?

For Pat Crowley, it was. His company, Chapul Farms, began with cricket-powered energy bars.

After a few years, Chapul Farms grew into a global innovator, proving that insects are part of the future of sustainable agriculture.

Pat’s journey started with crickets.

The spark for Pat Crowley’s mission to revolutionize agriculture began with a paddle.

As a whitewater rafting guide, Pat became aware of the benefits of eating insects. Insects are packed with protein. Eating them can also help address issues surrounding the world’s water supply.

Pat’s curiosity around edible insects became a business idea in 2011. From a small kitchen, he started making energy bars using cricket powder. Thus, Chapul was born – “chapul” means crickets in the Aztec language.

Chapul’s energy bars became available in three flavors: Aztec-themed with dark chocolate, cayenne, and coffee; Thai-themed with ginger, coconut, and lime; and regular peanut butter and chocolate.

Baiting Sharks with cricket bars

Pat Crowley’s mission was ambitious: normalize eating insects to harness their incredible efficiency as a protein source and reduce the staggering environmental toll of traditional livestock farming. He saw his energy bars as a way to help boost interest in insect farming and consumption.

But for his mission to succeed, Chapul needed more funding. Pat tried to raise money through Kickstarter in 2012. The campaign was a resounding success – from a target of $10,000, Chapul was able to raise $16,000, well over the goal.

But why stop at Kickstarter when there are more funding sources available?

Enter Shark Tank. In Episode 5.23 of this popular reality TV show, aired in 2014, Pat pitched his cricket-powered energy bars to the skeptical Sharks.

The idea struck a chord with billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who offered $50,000 for a 15% stake. With this infusion of capital, Chapul’s energy bars soon graced the shelves of thousands of retail markets across the US, embraced by eco-conscious eaters and fitness enthusiasts.

From energy bars to insect farming

In 2019, Pat Crowley shifted focus. He stepped away from energy bars to concentrate on the foundational power of insect farming.

From this, Chapul Farms emerged with a bold vision: to use insects, specifically black soldier fly larvae, to transform food and agricultural waste into valuable products like protein, oil, and frass (black soldier fly larvae’s nutrient-rich excrement).

Located on the McPhillips Farm in McMinnville, OR, Chapul Farms became a hub of innovation, tackling food waste and improving soil health while supplying black soldier fly larvae for applications ranging from pet food to aquaculture.

Redefining agricultural biodiversity with insects

Pat’s vision is more than just about feeding the world. It’s about redefining how we think about waste.

Imagine mountains of beet skins destined for landfills finding their way to trays of voracious black soldier fly larvae instead. These larvae devour the waste, leaving behind materials for livestock feed (the larva itself) and natural fertilizer (the larva’s frass).

Chapul Farms doesn’t stop at production – they’re scaling their impact. Partnering with companies across the country, they help design and build insect farming facilities to meet the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. Their Innovation and Research Center drives advancements in insect agriculture, with every project aimed at accelerating climate and soil health benefits.

Small insects, big impact

Pat Crowley’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

In 2023, he earned the Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year Award from the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership. In that same year, he helped Chapul Farms secure the OEN Growth Stage Award.

Beyond accolades, Pat’s work continues to inspire at the TEDx and university speaker circuits, where he shares the promise of insects as a key to regenerative agriculture.

Pat’s journey from crickets to climate solutions reminds us that innovation often begins with a leap of faith – and a love for our planet.

See Pat in action as he joins the judging panel at the upcoming Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. Get the details and sign up here.

Turning Carbon Footprints into Climate Solutions: John Mead’s Innovative Approach to Concrete Construction

Concrete is a cornerstone of modern construction, from towering skyscrapers to humble homes. However, its environmental cost is staggering.

Cement, a key ingredient of concrete, accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions – a significant contributor to climate change. Beyond cement production, the environmental toll of concrete includes mining and quarrying resources like limestone, heating limestone with fossil fuels, and transporting materials.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, John Mead has made it his mission to transform concrete from a climate culprit into a solution. He achieves this through Solid Carbon, a company he co-founded in 2022.

Solid Carbon is pioneering carbon-negative construction, reducing emissions by producing sustainable, durable concrete that sequesters carbon rather than releasing it.

Concrete that Reverses Climate Impact

According to John, a pound of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere for every pound of concrete produced. Solid Carbon’s innovations are designed to flip this equation.

By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials, their concrete absorbs and stores carbon during production and use, creating a built environment that actively contributes to climate change.

Their products also emphasize that sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of quality or profitability. Solid Carbon’s products are durable and versatile, suitable for structural and decorative applications in both commercial and residential projects. From factory floors to winery conversions, their concrete proves that sustainability and performance go hand in hand.

From Innovation to Impact

Solid Carbon’s success is fueled by collaboration with key partners such as the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), and Business Oregon.

With a $241K High Impact Opportunity Grant, the company partnered with Oregon State University for solution testing and community projects. These community projects included pilot pours for the Miller Woods welcome pavilion and the Alpine Crossing patio. These initiatives have expanded their capacity to revolutionize the construction industry.

Since then, the company has worked on significant projects such as:

Homes for Habitat for Humanity in Gig Harbor, WA
An installation of vertical walls and a tunnel for Burnside Skatepark in Portland, OR.
The 5,000 square-foot floor of Remy Wines’ winery production space
The 440 cubic-yard factory flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville, their biggest pour to date

Impressive achievements and recognition have marked Solid Carbon’s journey.

In 2022, it received the SEDCOR Innovative Product Award, which honors its groundbreaking work in sustainable concrete.

In 2023, MEDP celebrated its contributions to local sustainability efforts with the McMinnville Innovator Award.

In 2024, Building Green Magazine included Solid Carbon’s concrete among its Top 10 Products list, acknowledging their industry-transforming innovations.

For Solid Carbon, profitability and sustainability are not at odds – they are essential to creating a better future. John believes in leaving the planet better than we have found it. Through innovative materials and visionary leadership, John and Solid Carbon prove that even the most entrenched industries can become agents of climate action.

Hear John Mead’s Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, John will share his vision and story at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp. He will show how businesses can grow and profit while positively impacting society and the environment.

The Startup Bootcamp is an excellent opportunity to learn how to take your business to the next level. Save these dates and stay tuned for details.

Dean Craig: Connecting Businesses to the Right Resources in Mid-Willamette Valley

As an entrepreneur, having someone listen to you as you share the issues and challenges that hinder your business growth is invaluable. That someone becomes even more valuable if they connect you with people and resources that can help you overcome these obstacles.

Dean Craig, the Business Services Director for the Willamette Workforce Partnership, is that someone for many small business owners in the counties of Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill.

Dean is a dynamic leader and problem solver dedicated to strengthening Mid-Willamette Valley’s workforce and business community. With a background spanning 30 years in human resources and extensive experience as a youth workforce advocate, he is uniquely positioned to guide startups and aspiring entrepreneurs toward success.

Building a Thriving Workforce

Willamette Workforce Partnership, a non-profit organization serving as the workforce investment board for the region, is committed to creating a prosperous, inclusive community. It achieves this by fostering partnerships that drive skill-building, job placement, and sustainable growth for businesses.

In his role at this organization, Dean collaborates with businesses across various industries to address common challenges. He then aligns them with the right people and resources to craft innovative solutions to these issues.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Before joining Willamette Workforce Partnership, Dean spent nearly 13 years serving the regional Youth Council of Incite, Innovative Workforce Solutions, formerly Job Growers Inc. As a board member, president, and past president, he was pivotal in equipping young people with the skills and work ethic they need to secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures.

His passion for cultivating talent and solving workforce challenges continues to shape his work today. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Dean will share his expertise with emerging business owners as a mentor at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp.

This Startup Bootcamp, which will be held at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex, is a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain hands-on guidance from seasoned professionals like Dean and to network with peers and industry leaders. Dean’s deep understanding of workforce dynamics and ability to find creative solutions will be invaluable to anyone looking to launch or grow a business.

Authentic Storytelling: The Heartbeat of the Digital Economy

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a quiet but powerful force shapes how brands connect with their audiences. This force? Storytelling.

Storytellers – writers, designers, and videographers – bring brands to life, elevating them from mere businesses into something meaningful and unforgettable.

Think about the last brand that left an impression on you.

It probably wasn’t just because of a product or service. You felt yourself form a deeper connection with the brand. It expressed a greater purpose that aligned with your values.

Behind that connection is a creator weaving a story that spoke to you and built trust, creating a lasting emotional bridge.

In this digital economy, where attention spans are fleeting, and competition is fierce, creative minds don’t just sell products – they forge connections that turn casual interactions into deeper relationships through storytelling.

At Launch Mid Valley (LMV), storytelling plays a key role in how our partners reach their audiences and grow their businesses. LMV is the regional innovation hub for central Willamette Valley in Oregon. An initiative of the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, LMV’s purpose is to catalyze business growth by helping startups and entrepreneurs connect with the training, mentorship, funding, and other resources they need.

Here’s how some of Launch Mid Valley’s partners created their impact through storytelling.

HelloCare: Communicating compassion

HelloCare provides caregiving services that allow seniors to age in place at home. To communicate its values of compassion, connection, and community, founder Helen Anderson openly shares her personal stories of her grandparents and a great-grandparent who would have had a better aging experience if they had caregivers at home.

Helen’s and other HelloCare client stories reinforce the importance of caring for our loved ones with dignity. Through these genuine, heartfelt, shared experiences, HelloCare nurtures trust and reminds families and caregivers alike that they’re not alone in this emotional journey.

Indy Commons: A space for community building

At first glance, Indy Commons seems like a simple coworking and events space in Independence. It has desks for remote workers, a kitchen for food entrepreneurs, a marketplace showcasing local crafts, an events space, and a podcast studio. But in truth, Indy Commons is a hub for connections and collaborations in a rural community setting.

Founder Kate Schwarzler believes that people don’t need to leave their rural hometowns for the bigger cities to find opportunities. They can create their opportunities right where they are. She demonstrates this through the success stories of the individuals and businesses using her space. Through Kate’s work, Indy Commons has become a place where collaboration and innovation thrive.

CreativiTEE: Expressing identity through apparel

Storytelling is a means of self-expression. And self-expression can take on many forms through different mediums – including T-shirts. This is what Roanna Gingrich of CreativiTEE offers her customers: the means to express themselves through her space and the materials she provides.

Roanna believes that every piece of apparel tells a story, allowing individuals to share unique aspects of their identities. Through CreativiTEE, she encourages the people in her community to express themselves freely, fully using their imagination and individuality. By turning each garment into a narrative, Roanna gives her customers a way to wear their stories and celebrate who they are.

Why is storytelling a powerful tool for brand-building?

Why do the stories of HelloCare, Indy Commons, and CreativiTEE resonate well with their audiences? Their stories are authentic, making them powerful tools for building bridges with their audiences.

Here’s why authentic storytelling is an effective brand-builder:

1. It creates trust and credibility.

People are more likely to trust brands that are open and transparent. Authentic stories highlight the real journey, challenges, and values behind a brand, making it easier for customers to relate to and believe in its mission.

2. It fosters emotional connection.

Stories evoke emotions. And when customers feel an emotional bond with a brand, they’re more likely to stay loyal. Brands that share personal, heartfelt stories help customers see themselves reflected in the brand’s journey, forming a lasting emotional link.

3. It differentiates the brand in a crowded market.

In a competitive landscape, a brand’s story is a unique asset that competitors can’t replicate. Authentic storytelling reveals the brand’s personality, history, and purpose – helping it stand out.

4. It creates a sense of community.

Authentic storytelling fosters a sense of belonging among people who identify with the values shared in the story. This community-building can transform customers into advocates who organically share and promote the brand.

5. It engages and holds your audience’s attention.

Humans are naturally drawn to stories. An engaging narrative captures attention far more effectively than simple product descriptions or sales pitches, making audiences more receptive to the brand’s message.

6. It boosts brand recall.

People remember stories better than facts or figures. A brand with a memorable story stays top-of-mind, making customers more likely to return or recommend it to others and enabling the brand to grow further.

How can you tell your brand story with purpose?

Content creators aren’t just artists – they’re strategists who balance beauty with data-driven insights. They craft every detail of the story to make connections that matter.

Here’s how you can tell your brand story with purpose:

Define your brand’s core values. Identify what matters most to your brand. This foundation will guide how you tell your stories.
Engage with your audience. Use surveys, social media polls, or feedback sessions to understand your audience’s values and interests and how they intersect with yours.
Create a compelling narrative. Weave your brand’s values into a story that reflects your mission. Use real experiences and testimonials to enhance authenticity.
Use multiple channels. Share your story through various platforms, from social media to blogs and videos, to reach a broader audience. Tailor your presentation to the platform.
Measure impact. Track engagement metrics to see how your storytelling resonates with your audience. Then, refine your approach based on feedback.

In today’s digital economy, authentic storytelling gives brands a distinct edge. They communicate their values, build bridges, and create an impact.

Every business has a unique story with the potential to inspire, connect, and transform. So, how are you telling yours?

Check out our TikTok and watch more brands share their authentic stories.

Reimagining Exit Planning: Hannah Sandmeyer Guides Entrepreneurs Toward the Next Stage of Their Journey

At some point in their professional journey, entrepreneurs will realize one thing – that it’s time to exit their business. The reason can be anything – retirement, a desire to return to the corporate world, or simply to start a new and more exciting chapter to their story.

The question is, how can they approach exiting their business as painlessly as possible?

That’s a question that Hannah Sandmeyer provides answers to through her work as the founder and CEO of Up & Over Advisors. She and her team help business owners secure their legacy as they enter the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

The Vision: People, Planet, and Profits

Hannah built Up & Over Advisors around what she calls the triple-bottom-line approach: people, planet, and profits. Her commitment is clear: people come first, and while profit is surely a desired outcome, social responsibility and sustainability are never sacrificed in its pursuit.

Among Hannah’s goals is to connect businesses with acquisition opportunities that share their values and vision for positive impact. For entrepreneurs planning their exit strategies, this means exploring the possibility of merging their company with another whose values and mission match theirs.

By focusing on mission-driven sourcing for mergers and acquisitions, Hannah and her team provide customized growth and exit strategies that align with their clients’ ethical commitments.

A Journey Rooted in Impact

Hannah’s career is built on a foundation of service and global understanding. Her professional journey began as an HIV/AIDS volunteer with the US Peace Corps in Mokubilo, Botswana. This transformative experience instilled a deep empathy and a desire in her to create meaningful change.

Her outlook was further enriched by time spent in Copenhagen in Denmark and Siena in Italy, where she gained valuable insights into diverse cultures and business practices. With nearly 20 years of expertise in M&A sourcing, enterprise sales, and leadership, Hannah has closed over $400 million in revenue while championing integrity and empathy in every deal.

A Business for Good

Hannah’s experiences have led her to believe that businesses can be a significant force for good. It’s a principle that she and her team practice at Up & Over Advisors, setting the company apart with its unwavering commitment to mission-driven partnerships.

Aside from offering services designed to foster meaningful and sustainable growth, Up & Over Advisors dedicates 5% of proceeds from successful transactions to funding early-stage impact entrepreneurs. Through this endeavor, Hannah contributes to regenerating the business ecosystem and empowering a new generation of changemakers.

As a woman- and LGBTQ-owned business, the company is deeply committed to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusivity. It honors community and collaboration and is on track to becoming a certified B Corporation.

Hear Hannah Tell Her Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Hannah Sandmeyer will bring her expertise to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp, where she will share insights on how businesses can grow with integrity and impact and become a force for good.

Save these dates and stay tuned for details on this opportunity to learn what it really means for businesses to have a lasting positive impact on their communities.

Building Resilience through Culture: Deven Paolo and the Solid Form Story

A company’s resilience isn’t just measured by its financial performance or market share – it’s deeply rooted in the strength of its culture. A strong, people-centered company culture doesn’t just benefit the workforce. It fortifies the business itself, creating sustainability and long-term growth.

Deven Paolo, founder and CEO of Solid Form, is a testament to this philosophy. He launched his manufacturing startup amid the 2007 recession, a challenging time for running any business, let alone starting a new one. Yet, he built a thriving enterprise that has grown into an industry leader by focusing on people and prioritizing a solid company culture.

People at the Core of Success

Deven’s journey highlights the power of dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. These principles established Solid Form to survive economic turbulence and allowed it to flourish.

From day one, Deven focused on creating a workplace that celebrates problem-solvers and creators, ensuring his team is well-rewarded for their contributions. This people-first culture is the foundation of Solid Form’s resilience. Deven understands that a motivated, supported, skilled team can overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.

Crafting Excellence, One Project at a Time

Solid Form partners with contractors, architects, and designers to bring their structural and aesthetic visions to life. Their work is both functional and artistic, combining engineer-grade precision with innovative design.

This company’s portfolio includes standout projects like the Tributary Hotel in McMinnville. Solid Form participated in the project that restored the historic Taylor Hardware building and transformed it into the luxury hotel and underground bar it is today.

Solid Form also creates custom designs that range from signs and awnings to countertops and stair railings. The company has crafted unique pieces for wineries, retailers, commercial spaces, and homes across the Northwest.

The company even set a world record when it installed a 40-foot fork sculpture made with stainless steel plate in Fairview. It’s a monumental project that combines whimsy with engineering brilliance.

Giving Back to the Community with Rising Together

Beyond delivering exceptional craftsmanship, Solid Form is committed to empowering the next generation of skilled tradespeople through its Rising Together program. Since 2019, this initiative has been redefining career pathways by challenging the outdated notion that success hinges on a four-year degree and a corner office.

Rising Together provides scholarships for students pursuing skilled trades, funds training kits for remote learners, and fosters partnerships to support its mission. One of its most notable partnerships is with Carlton Winemakers Studio, which creates unique pinot noir and chardonnay specifically to fund the program.

Take a Peek into Deven’s Leadership at LMV’s Startup Bootcamp

Deven Paolo’s leadership and vision have made Solid Form a standout example of resilience and innovation in the manufacturing industry. His focus on people, culture, and quality offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Deven will share the strategic insights and personal lessons behind Solid Form’s success at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp.

Save these dates and stay tuned for details on this opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in people-centered entrepreneurship.

Catalyzing Growth: How Mike White Drives Innovation in Oregon’s Business Community

One of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face is securing funding to bring their ideas to life. Navigating the world of venture capital and angel investing can be overwhelming, especially for small business owners who may lack the connections or the know-how.

Mike White, a seasoned business owner, educator, and venture catalyst, has dedicated his career to guiding entrepreneurs across Oregon as they find this much-needed funding. With his wealth of experience and deep-rooted connections in the local business ecosystem, Mike has helped countless businesses get access to the resources they require to thrive.

Mike extends this dedication to his role in Launch Mid Valley, the regional innovation hub initiated by the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) and designed to empower and support small businesses in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This role involves advising business owners, plugging them into networks, and matching them with resources.

Mike’s impact extends well beyond his work with Launch Mid Valley. He serves as a strategic advisor with Willamette Equity Advisors, where he helps businesses find funding, refine their strategies, and build connections.

Additionally, as an angel fund manager with the Mid-Valley Angel Group, White identifies promising ventures and helps them raise the crucial early-stage investments they need to scale and succeed. Among these ventures is Rösti Stuft Spuds, which produces creatively stuffed potato products; in 2023, Mike and his team and Mid-Valley Angel Group raised $30,000 for them.

Mike’s expertise is grounded in his real-world experiences as a successful entrepreneur. He is the co-owner of White’s Restaurant, one of the oldest diners in Salem, serving breakfast and lunch since 1936. He is also the founder of Best Damn BBQ Sauce, an award-winning company that he created as a way to produce his unique spin on barbecue sauce. Additionally, he is a franchise co-owner of barre3, a holistic wellness and fitness studio where programs focus on balance and inner empowerment.

Over the years, Mike’s mentorship and support have impacted over a thousand small businesses throughout Oregon. His dedication to helping entrepreneurs secure funding, coupled with his strategic insights, has enabled small business owners to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Through his work, Mike White continues to be an invaluable asset to the Oregon business community, helping to build a thriving, resilient, entrepreneurship-driven economy.

To get started with Launch Mid Valley, you can connect with Mike for a one-on-one consultation. Fill out this form so we can tailor your experience to your specific needs.

Community Catalyst: How Kate Schwarzler Fires Up Innovation in Independence

All across the US, we tend to hear stories of small rural towns shrinking and fading away. There are few opportunities to grow, so residents often move to bigger cities for better jobs and better ways to live.

That’s not the story of Independence in Polk County, Oregon. Far from being a quiet little spot amid the state’s wine country, Independence is buzzing – with thriving small businesses and a lot of exciting things for residents to get into.

Independence is a city where innovation is alive, thanks to its tight-knit community and dynamic, forward-thinking leaders.

Kate Schwarzler is one of these leaders who keep Independence moving forward. The owner of the co-working space Indy Commons, Kate’s had a direct hand in the vitality the city is enjoying.

On its homepage, Indy Commons describes itself as “not just a workspace; it’s a community, a catalyst for change, and a celebration of rural innovation.” Kate started this business as a way for Independence residents to create opportunities for themselves. That way, they don’t have to leave just so they can find better jobs or opportunities elsewhere.

Through Indy Commons, Kate has created a space for people to work remotely, build businesses, collaborate with like-minded partners, and be one with community. Aside from desks and work areas, the facility boasts a kitchen, an events space, a marketplace showcasing local products, and even a podcast studio.

Kate’s community contributions extend beyond Indy Commons. She’s also the executive director of Indy Idea Hub, a non-profit organization that provides support to entrepreneurs, individuals, and communities in Polk County.

Indy Idea Hub’s projects include technical assistance to tribal and Latinx small businesses, digital skills training for remote workers, and training for individuals looking to start a food business. The goal is to empower rural communities through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Kate is also on the Advisory Board for Launch Mid Valley (LMV), the Regional Innovation Hub for Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties. Part of her work for LMV is leading the Indy Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs at Indy Commons. Through the Coffee Club, Kate extends her passion for building community and facilitating connections that can lead to resource sharing and fruitful collaborations. If you’re in Independence, you can join by RSVP’ing here.

Kate Schwarzler believes that people can create opportunities where they are. The passion for empowering rural communities through innovation that she shares with other community leaders makes the future exciting for Independence.