Articles Tagged with: Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend

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.


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.


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