Articles Tagged with: LMV

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.

PATTY SFC BLOG BANNER 1 Sacred Fire Creative

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.

Oregon tops other US states as the best for growing businesses in 2024.

Oregon Is the Top State for Growing Businesses in 2024

Digital agency directory DesignRush recently released a report revealing that Oregon has overtaken other US states as a top breeding ground for businesses in 2024.

The report covers September 2022 and 2023 and uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to this report, Oregon showed a 9.9% rise in new business, meaning 18,273 new entrepreneurs opened shop within that time.

What makes Oregon great for business?

It’s not at all hard to see why Oregon is a great state for growing businesses. Oregon offers a unique blend of factors that make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Here are some key elements that contribute to the state’s business-friendly environment.

A robust technology sector

Oregon boasts of a strong pool of tech talent that includes engineers, software developers, and data scientists. The state supports research and development initiatives that foster innovation and technological advancements. Portland, in particular, is emerging as a thriving tech hub, attracting startups and established companies alike – which has earned it the nickname “Silicon Forest.”

Outdoor industry and manufacturing

The state has abundant natural resources that provide opportunities for industries like timber, outdoor gear, agriculture, and food processing. This is complemented by Oregon’s solid manufacturing base, which focuses on sectors like aerospace, clean technology, and consumer goods.

Access to infrastructure

The growth of any business is highly dependent on the available infrastructure that allows it to move its products. Oregon has a developed transportation infrastructure for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, from highways and railways to ports and airports. Moreover, the state’s location on the West Coast provides easy access to Asian markets, making it an attractive destination for international trade.

Oregon has plenty of organizations that support entrepreneurs.

Perhaps the biggest thing that Oregon has that makes it an excellent breeding ground for businesses is the support it provides – both from the government and from nonprofits.

On the government side, Oregon offers various tax incentives and programs, including research and development credits and exemptions, through Business Oregon. In addition to these incentives, the state provides resources and assistance to help enterprises start, grow, and succeed.

There’s also the education sector. Oregon has a strong education system and various workforce development programs to ensure a skilled local labor force.

And then, we have nonprofit organizations designed to help small businesses succeed. Here are some of them:

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (MWVCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments in the counties of Polk, Marion, and Yamhill. It assists these LGUs with community planning and development projects to cultivate economic development in the region.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is dedicated to developing a strong and collaborative business community in Oregon and SW Washington. It focuses on entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey through funding, education, networking, and mentoring.

SEDCOR

Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) is committed to building up Willamette Valley as a thriving business hub. SEDCOR gives entrepreneurs opportunities to expand and create more jobs for the community by connecting them to funding, education, networks, and resources. Access to these opportunities is as simple as filling out an intake form.

Oregon is a fertile ground for growing businesses, whether they’re new or established. In this state, anyone who aspires to entrepreneurship has the means to turn that dream into reality.

Sacred Fire Creative helps startups and small businesses launch to greatness by building authentic branding and strong connections with audiences. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.