Articles Tagged with: mentorship

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.


Value in the Valley: Empowering Women to Reach Their Highest Potential

On September 27, 2021, the Oregon Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Oregon) will hold a virtual event entitled “Value in the Valley.” It is a message to encourage every professional woman to climb their highest mountain and become who they are capable of becoming. The guest speaker for this event is Tammy Butler Robinson.

We invite you to join us at this event. You can register here:

About the event

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once wrote that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You may know which destination you’re headed to, you may know how to get there, and you may even have that strong desire to arrive there. But you will never reach that destination if you don’t make that first, small, single step.

Our journey to greatness begins this way. We may have the passion, the drive, and the plan to make our dreams a reality. But without taking that first step, our dreams will be just that—dreams. And there’s no assurance that the journey itself will be easy. More likely than not, we’ll be called upon to make sacrifices, as well as to face setbacks and heartaches. Nonetheless, if you truly believe that your dreams are worth pursuing, that you’re willing to persevere against all challenges, that you stay true to your values, and that you exercise self-care no matter how hard it gets, you will see the value in the valley and finally reach your destination.

About NAWBO

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest-growing segment of the economy.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide by:

  • Strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community
  • Creating innovative and effective change in the business culture
  • Building strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations
  • Transforming public policy and influencing opinion-makers

About Tammy Butler Robinson

Tammy Butler is a proven leader with a strong background in housing and community development, expertise in public finance and management, and a deep commitment to improving communities and the lives of women in Indiana. As a Managing Principal with Engaging Solutions, she has successfully led and managed the company’s call center business and co-managed the firm’s planning and community outreach sector. Prior to that, Tammy spent over a decade in State government as a fiscal analyst for the Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee; Assistant Director of the Indiana State Budget Agency; Director of Claims Management for the Family and Social Services Agency; and Data Director for the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning.

Tammy’s passion for improving the lives of women and families in Indiana extends beyond her corporate life. She is pastor of The House of God Church in Indianapolis, leading a congregation whose members are among the most underserved and underrepresented populations in the state. Her problem-solving skills, knowledge, and experience engaging stakeholders in the community planning process have led to the creation of multiple programs that have changed lives.

Tammy lives in McCordsville, Indiana with her two children, Myles and Brian Jr.


NAWBO Oregon Past President Chosen for Exclusive Accelerated Growth Training

NAWBO Oregon past president and Sacred Fire Creative founder Malee Ojua joins a select group of 25 women business owners undergoing the NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program, a 10-month business leadership training created by NAWBO and sponsored by Wells-Fargo. 

Portland, OR, March 2021—Sacred Fire Creative (SFC) announced the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) selected SFC CEO Malee Ojua as part of its new learning program. Open to only 25 participants, the NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program helps women business owners scale up their enterprises.

The NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program aims to increase its participants’ market competitiveness.

The NAWBO Accelerated Growth Program is an offering of the organization’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Development. The program, launched in 2021, is a top-tier educational plan designed to help women business owners increase their competitiveness in their respective markets. It’s also meant to set them up for higher levels of growth and expansion. Wells-Fargo sponsors the program.

Participants are to attend eight one-hour online learning sessions for four months. Topics covered in these sessions include developing a leadership mindset, building successful teams, strategic planning, and brand messaging. After completing the program, they will take part in mentorship/mastermind groups for six months. They will also receive other benefits that will help them grow their business.

According to NAWBO, women own 40% of all privately held companies in the country today. Still, the size of their revenues remains significantly below other types of businesses. Educating women business owners enables them to progress to the same or greater levels.

NAWBO is a network of women business owners in the US formed in 1975. Its purpose is to share resources and to provide mutual support among its members. It also lobbies economic and public policies benefiting women entrepreneurs.

Sacred Fire Creative is named one of the top digital marketing agencies in Portland.

SFC is a Portland-based digital marketing agency specializing in helping its clients build a legacy through solid branding. With a unique and robust brand, SFC clients can forge deep connections with its customers, thus creating a loyal community. Among the companies that SFC has worked with are ArisGlobal Software, RiverWest Acupuncture, Johnson & Johnson, and NYU Langone Medical Center. Expertise.com named SFC one of the top digital marketing agencies in the city.

Aside from her role as SFC head, Malee Ojua is also involved with NAWBO’s Oregon chapter. She is the chapter’s current program director and served as its president in 2020. Additionally, she hosts bimonthly virtual forums on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Ojua participated in the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program in 2019. A former aeronautics engineer, she founded SFC in 2014.


10 Questions with Abby Tarsches

In her own words, Abby Tarsches loves photographing people. A fine art photographer whose work has been published in the likes of Vogue and Bazaar, Abby strives to capture her subjects in their most beautiful and authentic. Every photo is a moment of memory and should, therefore, be timeless and enduring.

With these ten questions, Abby shares her insights on her work and life.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 11-year-old self?

Nothing stays the same. Go with the change.

What advice do you wish you had been given when you first started your business?

Get educated regarding running the business side of things.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned the hard way (in life or business)?

You cannot control everything. Live and let live.

What do people always get wrong about you or what you do?

That my work is glamorous and sexy all the time.

What shifts did you make in life or business as a result of the pandemic?

Focusing on shop local. Using all my skills as a photographer to help others keep their memories alive.

What do you love about what you do?

I love how a camera can freeze a moment in time. That people’s portraits and special occasions will have a history that will be remembered. I love that every time I photograph, I learn and see something new. That hopefully, I can make someone’s life better through the art of photography.

What is the best thing about doing business in Portland?

People are very friendly here. I like the connections I have made.

What is one of your favorite things to do where you live?

I love to hike with my dog at Mt Tabor!

Who has been the most important influence in your life and why?

My two children, Iris and Cara. They have expanded my heart and soul and give me new perspectives on life every day!

Who do you help in your business?

Women with body positivity and empowerment, business owners, families, and individuals.

Sacred Fire Creative features the members of Portland Connect Online in this series. Our goal here is to help womxn realize that they are extraordinary, that they can make a difference in their own lives, as well as in others’.

For Abby Tarsches, making a difference means capturing her subjects’ inner beauty with her photographs and helping them keep cherished memories alive.


10 Questions with Brittani Pomeroy

Brittani Pomeroy is a great believer in autonomy. As an Insurance Advisor with Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker, she works closely with her customers as their advocate. She believes it’s her job to help her clients feel secure that they have the best options in place in case they meet with unforeseen losses.

Brittani answers ten questions for Sacred Fire Creative. Through these answers, she lets us into her thoughts on the work she does and the life she lives today.

1. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 11-year-old self?

Change is constant; we must learn to look for the positive in every transition.

2. What advice do you wish you had been given when you first started your business?

Slow down and make sure to build the proper foundation for your business. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

3. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned the hard way (in life or business)?

The impact of not having the proper foundation. It makes it harder to maintain the same level of success and service.

4. What do people always get wrong about you or what you do?

I am a very direct person. At times I’ll have a coworker tell me that I am not open to their opinion. But that is not correct. Instead, I like to understand their reasonings so I can process and make my own determination.

5. What shifts did you make in life or business as a result of the pandemic?

I now have to make time to help my son with his homework. So at times, my work hours are not the typical work hours.

6. What do you love about what you do?

I truly love partnering with my customers to make sure they have the necessary coverages for unforeseen losses.

7. What is the best thing about doing business in Portland?

Portland is a city with a small-town feel. The individuals I have worked with seem to like to sell based on relationships.

8. What is one of your favorite things to do where you live?

I love that I can walk to my grocery store, bakery, ice cream shop, nails. Plus, I have an amazing view of Mt. Hood.

9. Who has been the most important influence in your life and why?

My grandmother. She always taught me to be true to myself and pay attention to actions over words.

10. Who do you help in your business?

I partner with companies that want to make sure they have the proper insurance for their business today plus future endeavors they have planned.

Sacred Fire Creative showcases the members of Portland Connect Online in this series. Our aim is to let all womxn realize that they are capable of doing extraordinary things. Womxn can make a difference, not just in their own lives but also in others’.

In Brittani Pomeroy’s case, it’s all about helping people put down safeguards that will protect them against uncertainty and unforeseen losses. She encourages her clients to be proactive about their future.


10 Questions with Jennifer Armenta

Jennifer Armenta started many businesses, but it took some trial and error and plenty of effort to succeed and thrive. Like most womxn, she realized the value of enjoying life a little too late. She also learned ideas don’t simply bring success; research and empathy do.

Jennifer is a Highlands Certified Consultant and Certified Career Services Provider. She revels in helping her clients find confidence within themselves to do what they need to do. She believes being true to yourself is great, and having plans for your future is even better.

Here’s an insight into Jennifer’s personal and work thoughts:

1. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 11-year-old self?

I would tell myself to remember to always have fun. Being an adult is full of responsibilities. It is important to have fun and laugh every day.

2. What advice do you wish you had been given when you first started your business?

Make sure that what you are offering is something your customer needs or wants. Just because you think it is a good idea does not mean that everyone will. Do your due diligence before you launch your business.

3. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned the hard way (in life or business)?

I have started many businesses in my life. Some have been successful, and some have not. After my last business did not work out, it took me several years to get back up. My current business is thriving, but it is because I learned from the past. I had to look back at what didn’t work and create new strategies that led to success.

4. What do people always get wrong about you or what you do?

Thinking that all coaches are the same. I distinguish myself by taking a very intuitive approach to each client. Each person that I work with has different fears, goals, and expectations. So, I develop a unique plan for each client I work with, providing the most value I can with the time we spend together.

5. What shifts did you make in life or business as a result of the pandemic?

I have been very lucky that I have not had to make significant changes. Although I genuinely miss in-person meetings, I can provide all of my services virtually.

6. What do you love about what you do?

I love helping someone confidently make a big decision about their future. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when they finally figured out what their next steps are. It feels good to be there for someone through these milestones.

7. What is the best thing about doing business in McMinnville?

The amazing community. McMinnville is a wonderful place to do business. The Chamber of Commerce, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, and other local groups truly support local business owners.

8. What is one of your favorite things to do where you live?

I love spending time with friends and family in downtown McMinnville. There are fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs that we frequent regularly.

9. Who has been the most important influence in your life and why?

My parents. They always taught me to be true to myself and follow my intuition. With this solid foundation, I am now able to help my clients do the same.

10. Who do you help in your business?

I help people who are in career transition. I love helping older students clarify their next steps in life. I also work with new and aspiring leaders to identify their strengths and help them confidently develop their leadership style.

We’re trying to let all womxn know that they can make a difference. You don’t need to be special, above average, or anything else but yourself to be significant. Sacred Fire Creative showcases members of Portland Connect Online to show you that ordinary womxn like you and me can do extraordinary things.

In Jennifer Armenta’s case, she encourages people to find themselves and set goals for their future. She enjoys empathetically leading people as well as managing employees and developing organizations. With this, she empowers not only herself but also others.


Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from Google