Articles Tagged with: business leaders

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.


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