Category: Leadership

Bob Dalton’s Journey: Turning Compassion into Action

In 2013, when Bob Dalton’s mother faced the challenge of homelessness, it sparked in him a determination to make a difference.

Bob started by making phone calls to local homeless shelters, asking them what they needed most.

The answer he got became a movement that now spans communities across the nation.

The answer was simple: blankets.

That’s how Sackcloth & Ashes was born – a company founded on a simple yet powerful idea.

For every blanket sold, another is donated to a local homeless shelter.

But Bob’s story doesn’t stop there. 

Turning blankets into a bold statement

Bob did more than just build a company. He built a mission.

Sackcloth & Ashes’ blankets deliver both warmth and dignity to people living in homeless shelters, making them feel seen and valued as human beings.

The blankets are also a statement of sustainability.

Through its innovative production process, each Sackcloth & Ashes blanket is made using 100% recycled materials. They’re carded, woven, and finished without the use of water, chemicals, or even dye.

Through this process, Bob emphasizes that businesses can be purposeful, sustainable, and at the same time, profitable.

Championing change from the grassroots

Bob Dalton’s passion for local impact extends beyond Sackcloth & Ashes.

He founded Love Your City (LYC), a platform designed to elevate nonprofits doing meaningful work at the community level.

Through LYC, users can explore local organizations, volunteering opportunities, and multimedia stories of changemakers operating at grassroots levels.

Bob also hosts the Love Your City Podcast, where he sits down with leaders who are driving solutions to local issues.

These candid conversations reveal what it means to build a better world from the ground up.

They’re a powerful reminder that anyone, everywhere, can be a force for good.

Bob’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In 2024, CNN named him one of its Champions for Change, recognizing his leadership in social innovation.

Bob also strongly believes that human beings are designed for communities.

He is working hard to transform the local digital landscape into a space where people can connect meaningfully and feel like they truly belong.

See Bob Dalton at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend 

Bob Dalton will bring his insights and energy to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, happening from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

As the keynote speaker and a member of the judging panel, Bob will share his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons on building mission-driven businesses.

This three-day event is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and anyone eager to turn ideas into action.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, or collaboration, the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend is the perfect place to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more and register here.


Building a Greener Future: The Visionary Work of Dr. Sean Muir

How do you inspire change across disciplines? For Dr. Sean Muir, it’s about turning bold ideas into transformative action.

An interdisciplinary scientist, educator, and artist, Dr. Muir doesn’t just imagine solutions. He creates them. From developing cutting-edge virtual reality tools for teaching chemistry to pioneering sustainable construction materials, he proves that bold ideas can reshape the future. 

His work is as diverse as it is impactful, driven by a singular mission – to inspire change and leave the world better than he found it.

A scientist and academic

Dr. Muir’s academic career reflects his dedication to advancing science education through innovation.

Currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Innovation and Technology at Linfield University, he is known for rethinking how students engage with science in meaningful and transformative ways.

Dr. Muir’s teaching approach helps students see the broader societal impact of scientific concepts. He also guides them in engaging with the application of these concepts in immersive ways so they can develop meaningful careers in STEM fields. 

Before joining Linfield University, Dr. Muir did research with the Oregon State University. He also co-founded Amorphyx, a flexible electronics and display startup.

Building a sustainable legacy with Solid Carbon

Aside from his academic work, Dr. Sean Muir is the Director for Research and Development at Solid Carbon, a company that develops carbon-sequestering concrete products.

Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization. But its environmental impact is staggering. Traditional production releases one pound of carbon dioxide for every pound of concrete made.

For Dr. Muir and the Solid Carbon team, this method of producing concrete must change.

Solid Carbon flips the script on concrete production entirely. By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials sourced from waste, the company’s products absorb and store carbon during production and use. This innovation transforms buildings into tools for fighting climate change, thus making sustainability integral to the built environment.

The work is as ambitious as it is impactful. Solid Carbon’s concrete has been used in groundbreaking projects, including homes for Habitat for Humanity, installations at Portland’s Burnside Skatepark, and the massive flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville. These projects demonstrate that environmentally conscious materials can meet and even surpass industry standards for quality and durability.

Watch Dr. Sean Muir at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend

Dr. Sean Muir’s passion for fostering innovation isn’t confined to his lab or classroom. He is an avid supporter of the McMinnville entrepreneurial ecosystem and has hosted Launch Mid Valley events at Linfield University.

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend will take place at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. There, Dr. Muir will share his insights on leveraging publicly funded labs to accelerate entrepreneurial innovation. 

This event is a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and launch the next wave of game-changing businesses.

Just as Dr. Muir has shown through his own journey, the intersection of innovation and sustainability can create solutions that leave the planet better than we found it.

Register for the Bootcamp now and take the next step towards building a brighter future.


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.

Register for the Bootcamp today, and take the first step toward building your dream business.


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.


Empowering Rural Communities: The Inspiring Journey of MEDP’s Patty Herzog in Economic Development

Sacred Fire Creative is proud to support and highlight women founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are making a profound impact on their respective communities.

In this edition, we focus the spotlight on Patty Herzog, Executive Director of the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership.

Patty’s story is one of passion and dedication to rural economic development. With over 20 years of hands-on experience across both public and private sectors, she spent her career building up communities and creating opportunities in often overlooked areas. From her early days as a small business owner to her current role leading MEDP, Patty strives to make an impact with her work.

Today, Patty guides MEDP as the organization focuses on building up and supporting McMinnville’s manufacturing sector. More than 100 manufacturing companies call McMinnville home and contribute significantly to the local economy. By creating more than 2,200 individual jobs and generating $338 million in revenue, McMinnville manufacturing adds substantially to Oregon’s GDP.

MEDP’s efforts to boost local manufacturing are highly visible in the ongoing “Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County,” a competition designed to showcase the industry’s vibrancy. Of the 32 entries, homegrown companies Applied Physics Technologies and Blue Raeven Pies rise up as finalists.

MEDP also recently hosted its annual awards, where they honored bespoke bar manufacturer EMPWR Nutrition for expanding their facility and creating 200 new jobs, Phenix Solutions for developing their Ultra 2XL aircraft, and HelloCare for building a 100-strong team providing much-needed caregiving services in the region.

To further boost and support McMinnville’s labor force, MEDP is hard at work completing its Sustainable Workforce Training and Resources project. A collaboration with the local government, the project provides skills training and resources, as well as hosts hiring, internship, and training programs.

MEDP is also on the Advisory Board of Launch Mid Valley (LMV), the regional innovation hub for the counties of Polk, Yamhill, and Marion. Through LMV, Patty and MEDP lend their expertise and experience in supporting the region’s startups and entrepreneurs.

Patty extends her dedication to serving the community outside of her professional roles. She is a member of the Chemeketa College Foundation Board and the McMinnville Public Arts Commission. She also recently joined the Willamette Workforce Partnership.

Patty Herzog’s and MEDP’s journey is an inspiring reminder of the power of targeted economic development in building stronger, more connected communities. Her work paves the way for growth, and we’re excited to see how her vision will continue to influence the shaping of McMinnville’s future through MEDP.


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