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Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Rise of Canopii’s Autonomous Greenhouses

In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a technological revolution is taking root, promising to transform the way we cultivate and consume leafy greens and herbs.

Canopii, a pioneering agricultural technology company, has unveiled a fully automated greenhouse system that not only maximizes efficiency but also champions sustainability. This innovation stands as a beacon for the future of farming, merging cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship.

What is Canopii?

Established in 2021 and headquartered in Hubbard, Oregon, Canopii specializes in the development of autonomous greenhouse systems designed to streamline the cultivation process from seed to harvest.

Their mission is to make healthy, locally grown produce both affordable and accessible through environmentally conscious methods.

The Product and Its Significance

At the core of Canopii’s innovation is a 2,500-square-foot autonomous greenhouse capable of producing approximately 30,000 pounds of leafy greens annually. That’s equivalent to the yield of three to four acres of traditional farmland.

This system utilizes advanced robotics to automate tasks such as seeding, watering, transplanting, crop monitoring, harvesting, and sorting, thereby minimizing human intervention and labor costs.

The significance of this innovation lies in its potential to address several pressing challenges in modern agriculture, specifically:

Labor shortages. By automating labor-intensive tasks, Canopii’s system alleviates the impact of workforce shortages that many agricultural sectors face.
Resource efficiency. The closed-loop hydroponic system reduces water consumption by at least 95%, and the controlled environment diminishes the need for agricultural chemicals, promoting a more sustainable farming practice.
Food security. By enabling local, year-round production of fresh produce, Canopii’s technology enhances food security and reduces dependence on long supply chains.

Founders and Their Vision

Canopii was co-founded by David Ashton and Justin Gravett, both engineers with a shared passion for technological innovation in agriculture.

David, with a background in mechanical engineering, and Justin, an aerospace engineer, met in 2015 during their studies at Cal Poly. Their combined expertise led them to envision a solution that integrates automation into agriculture, aiming to make farming more efficient and sustainable.

Industry Impact

Canopii’s approach represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices:

Scalability. Their modular system allows for flexible, incremental growth, enabling farmers to expand operations in response to market demand without significant increases in labor.
Vertical integration. By controlling the entire cultivation process, Canopii reduces overall costs and enhances affordability, making advanced agricultural technology accessible to producers of all sizes.
Sustainability. The reduction in water usage, elimination of single-use plastics, and minimized chemical inputs set new standards for environmentally friendly farming practices.

In recognition of their innovative contributions, Canopii received the “Innovative Product of the Year” award from the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in 2024. This accolade highlights their development of a fully automated robotic nursery that is transforming the production of leafy greens and herbs.

What’s Ahead for Canopii?

Looking ahead, Canopii is actively developing post-harvest automation technology to enable live plant harvesting. This will allow plants to be harvested with their roots intact and then palletized for easy transport.

This advancement will expand their farm’s capabilities, enabling production of high-quality plant and tree starts for the nursery industry. They are also working towards obtaining organic certification to further enhance the marketability and sustainability of their produce.

Canopii’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that innovation and entrepreneurship can have on traditional industries. Their success story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and startups aiming to revolutionize sectors through technology.

Got a big idea for your business that you want to see come to life, except it needs tech and you’re not a tech person?

Launch Mid-Valley can link you to the resources and support you need. Get started by joining LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp happening April 11–12, and learn how to build apps, use AI tools, and launch your idea. No coding required. Register here.

Sacred Fire Creative empowers founders and small business owners to build meaningful connections with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Contact us today and let’s see how we can work together.

Revino: Pioneering Sustainability in the Wine Industry

In the rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country, a quiet revolution is underway. At its forefront is Revino, a company dedicated to transforming the wine industry’s approach to packaging through the revival of reusable glass bottles.

This initiative addresses environmental concerns. More importantly, it’s setting a new standard for sustainability in winemaking.

Reducing the Wine Industry’s Carbon Footprint One Bottle at a Time

The traditional wine industry relies heavily on single-use glass bottles, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Revino was established to address this.

The company aims at reintroducing the reusable glass bottle ecosystem for beverage producers and consumers. By adopting reusable bottles, Revino offers a solution that reduces carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to single-use vessels.

This substantial reduction is achieved by minimizing the need for new glass production and lowering transportation emissions associated with bottle manufacturing.

Revino is a reflection of its co-founders’ passion and personal experience with the challenges of sustainability. CEO Keenan O’Hern was inspired by his time in the Peace Corps, where he witnessed firsthand the environmental issues faced by global communities. COO Adam Rack developed an appreciation for environmental conservation from growing up on a Kansas farm.

An Innovative Approach

At the heart of Revino’s innovation is their standardized 705-ml reusable glass bottle. Developed with input from over 75 wineries, these bottles are designed to be reused up to 50 times.

This design not only maintains the traditional aesthetics valued by wineries. It also significantly reduces environmental impact.

The company’s closed-loop system ensures that bottles remain in circulation. Once emptied, consumers can return them to participating wineries, retailers, or restaurants. Revino then collects, sanitizes, and redistributes the bottles. This creates a sustainable cycle that minimizes waste.

Industry Collaboration and Recognition

Revino’s success is deeply rooted in its collaborative approach. The company has partnered with over 60 wineries, ranging from boutique labels to larger producers. These partnerships are instrumental in building a circular system for reusable wine bottles.

The company’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The company has been featured in various publications, highlighting its impact on environmentally responsible endeavors in the wine industry.

Additionally, Revino won $20,000 at the Shark Tank competition held by the Strategic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in 2024. The SEDCOR funding will be instrumental in expanding their bottle-washing facility and push further their mission to create an earth-conscious glass reuse system.

SEDCOR also named them Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2024 SEDCOR Awards.

Revino in the Future

Looking ahead, Revino plans to expand its offerings by introducing Bordeaux-style bottles and screw-top closures by 2025. This expansion aims to accommodate an even broader range of wineries and further promote the adoption of reusable packaging solutions.

Revino’s commitment to sustainability is reshaping the wine industry’s approach to packaging. Through innovative design, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship, Revino is leading the charge towards a greener future – one reusable bottle at a time.

Got a big idea but not a tech background?

LaunchPad for Non-Techies is a hands-on virtual bootcamp happening April 11–12 that’ll show you how to turn your vision into a working solution using today’s most accessible tech tools.

Learn how to prototype an app, build with AI, and get your idea launch-ready—no tech degree needed. Register here.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in helping founders and entrepreneurs build meaningful bonds with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Get in touch with us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Doris Towery and Culinary Collective: Stirring Community Spirit through Shared Passion for Food

When Doris Towery stepped into the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, she brought more than a business idea. She brought a vision rooted in community, connection, and the power of food.

Out of 21 startups, her team, Culinary Collective LLC, rose to the top ten, winning over judges with its objective to blend a high-end kitchen retail experience with a welcoming teaching space.

For Doris, this isn’t just about selling saucepans. It’s about creating a place where people come together, learn from one another, and give back to the communities they love.

A Vision Beyond Retail

Doris is a seasoned nonprofit executive and community advocate. She has always been driven by the desire to make a positive impact.

It’s a desire instilled in her early in life. After experiencing the loss of her mother at a young age, Doris witnessed how the community rallied around her family and supported her father in raising their family. It inspired her to form a deep commitment to service.

This commitment has been evident throughout her career, from raising over $60 million for community causes to leading organizations recognized among Oregon’s top nonprofits to work for.

With Culinary Collective, Doris aims to create more than just a retail space offering top-of-the-line kitchen products. The store will feature a teaching kitchen designed to foster a community gathering space for food enthusiasts. Here, individuals can come together to learn new cooking techniques, share recipes, and celebrate their love for food.

But the mission goes deeper. Culinary Collective is committed to giving back, with a strong focus on supporting important organizations and causes within the community.

Why Culinary Collective Matters

In an age where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, Culinary Collective seeks to reignite the communal aspect of cooking and dining.

By providing a physical place for people to gather, the venture addresses a growing need for community engagement and personal interaction. Workshops and classes will not only teach culinary skills but also promote healthy eating habits and cultural appreciation through diverse cuisines.

The Launch Mid-Valley Experience

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last February 2025 provided Doris and Culinary Collective with invaluable resources and mentorship. The event, which brought together 21 startup teams, offered participants hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to refine their business models.

Emerging as one of the top ten winners among such a competitive field is a testament to the strength of Doris’ vision and the potential impact of Culinary Collective.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Doris’ journey with Culinary Collective underscores the importance of community-focused entrepreneurship and the impact of supportive systems like Launch Mid-Valley.

If you’re a non-tech founder looking to leverage technology for your venture, opportunities abound. One such opportunity is the upcoming LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp scheduled for April 11-12, 2025.

This bootcamp is designed to empower entrepreneurs without a tech background to build AI-powered apps and integrate technology into their businesses effectively.

Participating in programs like LaunchPad can provide the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to bring innovative ideas to fruition. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or enhance an existing one, embracing technology can be a game-changer.

Don’t miss this chance to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Register here.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Let’s talk and see how we can collaborate.

Rooted in Vision: How Josh LaPoint and Standard Nursery Cultivate a Sustainable Future

In Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley, where agriculture is a way of life and innovation is taking root, one entrepreneur is transforming how the nursery industry thinks about growth – both literally and economically.

Josh LaPoint, founder of Standard Nursery LLC, is hard at work on streamlining the connection between nursery distributors and growers through smarter, more sustainable production planning.

His forward-thinking approach recently earned him a spot among the top ten winners at last February’s Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend. This highlights Josh’s potential to make a lasting impact on the industry, as well as on the local economy.

From Serendipity to Purpose

Josh’s journey into the nursery industry began unexpectedly in 2016. Driving past a wholesale production nursery, he noticed a sign seeking a sales representative. Despite lacking experience, he applied and was given an opportunity that would shape his future.

Over the next four years, Josh immersed himself in learning about plants, customer expectations, and logistics. He also spent those years building strong relationships across the US and Canada.

In the fall of 2020, Josh was recruited to help turn around the Oregon growing operations of a large nursery management company. This role presented challenges, particularly in production planning, where aligning supply with customer demand proved complex.

Recognizing an industry-wide issue where buyers often faced shortages and inefficiencies, Josh envisioned a solution that would benefit growers and distributors.

Cultivating Connections: Seeding Standard Nursery

In response to these challenges, Josh founded Standard Nursery LLC. His goal is to connect the needs of nursery distributors directly with the production capacity of growers.

The company specializes in production planning, utilizing grow agreements to integrate customer needs into growers’ production plans. This model ensures minimum specifications for every plant, set pricing, and designated shipping windows, effectively making growers an extension of their customers’ facilities.

Standard Nursery’s approach provides proactive control over supply chains. This reduces guesswork and fosters long-term collaborative relationships based on mutual benefit and profitability.

Additionally, the company offers traditional brokering services to meet urgent customer needs by sourcing products and delivering them nationwide.

Community Impact: Nurturing Growth Beyond Plants

Standard Nursery’s innovative model extends its impact beyond the confines of the nursery industry. It reaches into the broader community in several meaningful ways:

Economic stability. By creating more predictable and efficient supply chains, the company contributes to the financial resilience of local growers and distributors. This ensures that businesses can thrive without the constant worry of supply shortages or overproduction.
Environmental stewardship. Through meticulous production planning, Standard Nursery minimizes waste, promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and set a standard for others in the industry.
Educational outreach. Josh’s commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the community. This inspires others to innovate and adapt sustainable practices.

Recognition and Future Horizons

Josh’s dedication and innovative approach were recognized at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend in February 2025. Standard Nursery was named one of the top ten winners.

This win highlights the company’s potential to drive significant positive change within the industry and the community.

Looking ahead, Standard Nursery aims to expand its collaborative model. They will achieve this through forging new partnerships and exploring opportunities to further integrate sustainability into its operations.

By continuing to align the needs of distributors with the capabilities of growers, Standard Nursery envisions a future where the nursery industry operates with enhanced efficiency, profitability, and environmental responsibility.

If you’re inspired by this story and you have a scalable business idea that can impact your community, Launch Mid-Valley offers resources and support that you can use to transform your idea into reality.

You can start by joining the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies on April 11-12. This bootcamp is designed to equip founders without a background in technology with the tools and knowledge they need to produce an app and navigate the startup world successfully.

Click here to register for this online bootcamp.

A New Way to Explore Wine: How PourUp Is Changing the Wine Experience

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where rolling vineyards meet innovative minds, a new platform is poised to transform the way we explore and experience wine.

At the forefront of this revolution are James Litton and Saumay Narayan, visionary entrepreneurs whose passion for both technology and viticulture have culminated in PourUp, a digital bridge connecting wine enthusiasts with the rich tapestry of wineries and tasting experiences.

A Vision Born from Passion

PourUp’s journey into the world of wine began not in the cellars of Napa or the chateaux of Bordeaux, but in the tech corridors where friends James and Saumay honed their skills as developers.

The friends’ affinity for wine culture grew alongside their tech careers. They both recognized a gap in the market: the need for a centralized platform that caters to both seasoned oenophiles and curious novices.

Building Bridges Between Enthusiasts and Wineries

PourUp is more than just an app. It’s a community builder.

The platform offers tailored searches, allowing users to filter wineries by location, wine types, and amenities. This ensures personalized recommendations that align with individual preferences.

Interactive maps guide users through wine country, making exploration intuitive and engaging. Detailed winery profiles, complete with descriptions and photos, provide a virtual tour before the actual visit, enhancing the overall experience.

Triumph at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp

In early 2025, the PourUp vision was put to the test at the recent Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

Competing against 20 other innovative ideas, the PourUp team emerged as one of the ten winners.

This win is a testament to PourUp’s potential to reshape wine tourism. The bootcamp provided James and Saumay with invaluable insights and mentorship, further solidifying their commitment to bringing PourUp to life.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Launch

The journey from concept to reality is seldom solitary.

Recognizing the technical demands of developing a robust platform, PourUp has partnered with a tech firm capable of delivering its envisioned features within the next six to eight months.

This collaboration brings aboard a dedicated team of 10 developers, all working in unison to ensure PourUp meets the expectations of its future users. The PourUp team will also work with a 70-strong team to get the platform up and running.

To support the development and successful launch of PourUp, James and Saumay are actively seeking to raise $100,000. These funds are earmarked to cover development costs and ensure the platform’s features are both innovative and user-centric.

Investors have the unique opportunity to be part of a venture that not only promises financial returns but also contributes to enriching the wine tourism industry.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The PourUp journey underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial landscape.

For those inspired by this story and looking to embark on their own startup ventures, the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12 offers an invaluable opportunity.

This bootcamp is designed to equip non-technical founders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the startup world successfully.

Through PourUp, James Litton and Saumay Narayan are not just creating an app. They are cultivating a community where technology and tradition blend seamlessly.

Their dedication to enhancing the wine exploration experience reflects a broader trend of leveraging digital solutions to bring people together. As PourUp prepares to uncork its full potential, the future of wine tourism looks more connected and personalized than ever before.

To register for the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies: Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp 2.0 for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12, click here

Jason Staats: Championing the Pacific Northwest Culinary and Hospitality Renaissance

If there’s one person who embodies the passion, innovation, and heart of the Pacific Northwest’s hospitality scene, it’s Jason Staats.

A champion for curated dining and travel experiences, Jason is on a mission to showcase the very best of the region through Where to Eat Guide and his work with the Pacific Northwest Experience. Whether it’s a five-star meal, a cozy boutique hotel, or an unforgettable hidden gem, Jason is working tirelessly to put Oregon and the greater Pacific NW region on the map as a top-tier travel destination.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Born and raised in Oregon, Jason’s love for the region runs deep. His journey into hospitality began with a simple yet powerful idea: that people deserve better, more meaningful experiences when they travel and dine.

That philosophy became the foundation of his work, fueling his drive to connect people with unforgettable places.

His expertise in hospitality and tourism has been years in the making, shaped by firsthand immersions in restaurants, hotels, and tourism hubs. But Jason wasn’t content to just be a part of the industry. He wanted to transform it.

Where To Eat Guide: Your Go-To Resource for Incredible Experiences

At the helm of Where to Eat Guide, Jason is revolutionizing the very way people explore the cities that the guide covers. No more sifting through unreliable online reviews or stumbling into subpar restaurants. His curated guide is designed to be a trusted source for discovering the best spots to eat.

Through thoughtful recommendations, insider insights, and firsthand experiences, Jason ensures that travelers and locals alike can navigate their city’s food and hospitality scene with confidence. His goal is to help restaurants and hotels thrive by connecting them with eager guests who are looking for something special.

Starting a Movement

Jason’s work doesn’t stop at recommending great places to eat.

As an active leader with the Pacific Northwest Experience, he is shaping the future of hospitality in the region. This collaborative initiative brings together restaurant owners, tourism professionals, and hospitality experts to foster growth, innovation, and community.

He believes in sharing knowledge, supporting small businesses, and creating an ecosystem where everyone, from chefs to hotel managers, can succeed. Through networking events, workshops, and advocacy, Jason is pushing the industry forward in a way that benefits businesses and customers alike.

A Driving Force in the Mid-Willamette Valley Entrepreneurial Community

Beyond hospitality, Jason is deeply embedded in the Mid-Willamette Valley entrepreneurial scene. He’s a familiar face in business accelerators and startup programs, always eager to learn, grow, and elevate his business to new heights.

His hunger for innovation led him to participate in the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend in January 2025, where he went head-to-head with 20 ambitious teams. With his sharp vision and strategic thinking, Jason emerged as one of the top three winners, proving once again that he’s not just an expert in hospitality but a powerhouse entrepreneur.

Pushing Forward

So what’s next for Jason Staats? The sky’s the limit.

With his unstoppable energy and commitment to excellence, he’s constantly looking for new ways to amplify the hospitality industry, connect with exceptional experiences, and bring even more attention to the Pacific Northwest region.

Whether it’s through expanding Where to Eat Guide, enhancing the Pacific Northwest Experience, or diving into new ventures, one thing is clear. Jason is making a lasting impact.

His passion is contagious, his vision is inspiring, and his work is reshaping the way people experience food and travel in the region.

Looking to elevate your business? Launch Mid-Valley provides the tools and resources to help you grow and scale. Take the first step and check out the Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs nearest you today.

Build a stronger, more authentic brand that resonates with your audience. Contact Sacred Fire Creative today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Caitlin Grey of Pure Light Botanical Beauty

Radiant Rebellion: Caitlin Grey’s Bold Leap from Eczema to Eco-Beauty Icon

In the ever-evolving landscape of the beauty industry, a McMinnville local entrepreneur stands out for her commitment to holistic wellness and environmental sustainability.

Caitlin Grey, the visionary behind Pure Light Botanical Beauty, has transformed her personal adversity into a thriving business that champions natural beauty and eco-conscious practices.

A Personal Quest for Healing

Caitlin’s journey began at 17. At that age, she faced persistent struggles with eczema. This personal challenge ignited her passion for natural healing and holistic wellness.

Dissatisfied with conventional treatments, she delved into extensive research on botanical oils and their therapeutic properties. Her dedication led to the development of her first product, the Nourishing Lipstick, in 2022. It’s a blend of organic oils designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the lips.

This initial success laid the foundation for the official launch of Pure Light Botanical Beauty in October 2023.

A Brand Rooted in Nature and Sustainability

Pure Light Botanical Beauty is more than a cosmetic line. It’s a demonstration of Caitlin’s commitment to enhancing natural beauty through eco-friendly, botanical-based products.

The brand meticulously selects ingredients known for their skin-enriching properties. This ensures that they are organic, pure, clean, and ethically sourced. Products like the Petal Perfect Lip Oil exemplify this philosophy, combining nourishing botanical oils with luxurious skincare benefits.

Caitlin also understands the environmental impact of the beauty industry. That’s why she prioritizes sustainability in her business model. She implements innovative packaging solutions, such as reusable bamboo lipstick tubes and eco-conscious glass containers, to reduce plastic waste by over 70%.

This approach reflects her dedication to preserving the planet for future generations.

Beyond product offerings, Caitlin extends her expertise through beauty, wellness, and lifestyle coaching. She aims to help women adopt a holistic approach to health, emphasizing that true beauty begins from within. Her coaching services are designed to guide women in embracing natural beauty and maintaining a healthier mindset and lifestyle.

Strategic Growth Through Entrepreneurial Engagement

Recognizing the need for strategic growth, Caitlin embraces opportunities that will catalyze her company’s evolution and catapult it to new heights. The most recent of these opportunities was the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, held at the end of January 2025 at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

This immersive three-day event was designed to provide entrepreneurs with insights, connections, and hands-on learning experiences essential for business success. Caitlin’s dedication and innovative approach earned her a spot among the top ten participants, highlighting her potential to make significant strides in the beauty industry.

Looking Ahead

As Pure Light Botanical Beauty continues to grow, Caitlin remains steadfast in her mission to provide clean, eco-friendly cosmetics that celebrate natural beauty.

Her journey from personal health struggles to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration, exemplifying how passion and perseverance can lead to meaningful change in both personal lives and broader industries.

Looking to elevate your business? Launch Mid-Valley provides the tools and resources to help you grow and scale. Take the first step and fill out the form today.

Build a stronger, more authentic brand that resonates with your audience. Contact Sacred Fire Creative today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Megan Ujakovich and Jacob Morton of Heretics & Hedonists

From Pop-Up Taverns to a Brick-and-Mortar Dream: Heretics & Hedonists Community Kitchen Steps into Its Next Chapter

A deep love of food, fermentation, and community led Megan Ujakovich and Jacob Morton to create immersive pop-up taverns at Renaissance Fairs and similar events. Fueled by their passion for historical brews, handcrafted foods, and the art of gathering, the duo has been making waves with their Heretics & Hedonists Community Kitchen.

Now, after a successful run at the recent Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, Megan and Jacob are now ready to face the next steps that will allow them to open a permanent home for their unique culinary experience.

Their journey isn’t just about opening a business. It’s about crafting a space where people can slow down, connect, and experience food and drink in a way that blends history, sustainability, and playfulness.

A Business Born from Curiosity and Craft

Megan and Jacob are self-proclaimed hobby food scientists – tinkering, experimenting, and learning about traditional and historical food and drink techniques. Jacob specializes in unique, old-world brews that are rarely found in modern breweries, while Megan has a deep-rooted love for kombucha brewing, slow foods, and sustainability.

Together, they’ve brought their love for craft and community to life through Heretics & Hedonists, a name that captures their adventurous, unconventional approach to food and drink.

The foundation of Heretics & Hedonists is engagement. Their pop-up events have been more than just places to eat and drink. They have been designed as immersive experiences where guests can slow down, be present, and connect with others over games and unique beverages.

Their first pop-up season included an appearance at Realms Unknown, a historic-themed event in Washington. Such events provided them with valuable experience in creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for diners.

But Megan and Jacob knew that in order to turn their passion into something lasting, they needed guidance and resources. That’s where Launch Mid-Valley came in.

Learning the Business of Passion

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, was a transformative experience for Megan and Jacob.

Competing alongside 20 other entrepreneurs, they placed in the top ten, an achievement that underscored the potential of their vision. More importantly, the Bootcamp gave them the knowledge, mentorship, and network they needed to turn their passion project into a sustainable business model.

The weekend-long event also connected them with business coaches, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs who helped refine their strategy, from financial planning to customer engagement and scaling their concept beyond pop-up events.

The Road to a Brick-and-Mortar Tavern

With renewed confidence and a solid plan, Megan and Jacob are now closer to the dream of opening their first physical tavern, where they’ll serve craft brews, small-batch wines, and handcrafted foods in a space designed for connection and play.

Their mission remains the same: creating a space where people can slow down, savor flavors, and immerse themselves in an experience that’s both historic and innovative.

As they make their progress toward opening their doors, Megan and Jacob are embracing the next phase of their journey with the same spirit that started it all: a love for food, a passion for experimentation, and a deep belief in the power of community.

Their story is a testament to what happens when creativity meets opportunity. And thanks to the lessons from the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp, Heretics & Hedonists is one step closer to bringing their vision to life.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Launch Mid-Valley offers the tools and resources you need to grow and scale. Get started today by filling out this form.

Launch Mid-Valley, the Mid-Willamette Valley Innovation Hub, with funding from Business Oregon, fosters an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem where local businesses can connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders in the counties of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill.

For Gen Z, By Gen Z: How Life2Launch Institute Empowers Young People to Lead Our Tomorrow

In today’s rapidly evolving world, young individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking direction amid a plethora of choices.

Enter Life2Launch Institute, a beacon for Gen Z and dedicated to providing holistic life and career-launching tools.

Life2Launch participated in the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

Competing against 20 other innovative startups, the team secured second place among the top ten teams, underscoring their commitment to empowering youth.

A vision rooted in community

Life2Launch isn’t just another organization. It’s a collaboration led by Gen Z for Gen Z.

Recognizing the unique challenges their peers face, the institute works with youth, parents, educators, workforce leaders, and community stakeholders. Together, they design, test, and innovate solutions that build confidence, provide direction, and create accessible resources for the next generation.

Life2Launch was formed in response to Oregon’s new diploma requirements for 2027, which emphasize higher education, career path skills, and personal finance education. Its main focus is expediting the development of a holistic life and career navigation platform.

This tool aims to resonate with the realities and aspirations of today’s youth, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. By empowering young individuals to actively shape their educational and career pathways, Life2Launch is setting a new standard for learner-centered, real-world applicable education.

Led by Denise Ker Waldron, Ben Franson, and Henry Ker, Life2Launch is dedicated to guiding young individuals toward successful futures, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Building bridges within the community

Life2Launch’s impact extends beyond individual development. By collaborating with various community stakeholders, it guarantees that the tools and resources they create are comprehensive and inclusive.

This collective approach not only benefits the young people they serve but also strengthens community ties, fostering a supportive environment where the next generation can thrive.

Life2Launch Institute stands at the forefront of youth empowerment, blending innovation with community collaboration. Its determination to guide Gen Z through the complexities of modern life ensures a brighter, more directed future for all.

Are you a small business owner in Marion, Polk, or Yamhill? Grow your business with Launch Mid-Valley. We’ve got tools and resources to help you grow and scale up your business. Just fill out this form to get started >>> https://tinyurl.com/mid-valley-innovation.

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