Mentorship - Sacred Fire Creative

Articles Tagged with: mentorship

Tech that Heals, Leadership that Elevates: How Rachel Dreilinger Is Bridging Innovation and Inclusion in MedTech

When Rachel Dreilinger co-founded NeuraMedica, she wasn’t just setting out to solve a surgical problem. She was aiming to change the way innovation works for patients, providers, and underrepresented entrepreneurs like herself.

A biomedical engineer by training and a systems thinker by instinct, Rachel brings over two decades of experience in medical development to her role as NeuraMedica’s CEO. Her path has taken her from engineering labs to executive leadership, but the heart of her work has always remained the same.

And that is to use technology to make people’s lives better.

A Simple Idea with Profound Impact

At the center of NeuraMedica’s story is DuraFuse™, an elegantly engineered bioabsorbable clip that offers a safer, faster alternative to traditional sutures for closing the dura mater during spinal surgery.

Designed to reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks that come with traditional spinal surgery and improve surgical efficiency, DuraFuse is FDA-cleared and commercially viable. It’s a milestone that only a handful of startups in this corner of the medical space ever reach.

The journey to get there wasn’t simple.

Rachel and her co-founder, neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Roundy, began with a prototype and a bold idea. Backed by grants and early collaborations with Oregon Health & Science University, they methodically advanced their technology through years of clinical research, testing, and refinement.

Leading with Vision and Roots

Rachel is a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and one of the few Native American women leading a medical technology company. That perspective shapes everything she does, from how she leads her team to how she shows up for the broader community.

She’s a vocal advocate for inclusion in entrepreneurship and STEM, especially for women and Indigenous founders. Her leadership is visible not only inside NeuraMedica but also across Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Rachel frequently participates in regional pitch events, panels, and mentorship programs, where she offers real-world guidance to founders navigating similar hurdles.

Rachel has been recognized for that work, too. NeuraMedica was a finalist for Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience Investment in 2024. This is a clear sign that the innovation coming out of Mid-Willamette Valley is gaining significant attention.

Meet Rachel at the Oregon Startup Conference

On June 20, 2025, Rachel will be part of the Success Panel of the Oregon Startup Conference at George Fox University.

She does more than represent the future of MedTech. She’s helping to shape it. Her story is a reminder that great startups aren’t only built on good ideas. They’re built on perseverance, collaboration, and a vision that extends beyond the bottom line.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Rachel Dreilinger. She’s someone worth knowing, whether you’re passionate about healthcare innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, or just want to meet someone who is changing the game in their field.

Code, Defense, and Vision: How Tracy Camp of UpSight Is Changing the Cybersecurity Playbook

Most people only think about cybersecurity after something goes wrong.

But for Tracy Camp, the question has always been: “What if we could see the attack coming before it starts?

That question didn’t come out of nowhere. Tracy spent nearly two decades in the trenches of cybersecurity. He helped various organizations, from scrappy startups to Fortune 100 companies, fight back against evolving digital threats.

He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the field, including Carbon Black and McAfee. He’s seen ransomware change lives, shut down hospitals, and cost companies everything.

He knew we needed a new approach. So he built one.

From Pattern Recognition to Prediction

As co-founder and Chief Product Officer of UpSight Security, Tracy is leading a bold new chapter in the fight against cybercrime. It’s a fight that’s powered by AI, driven by data, and rooted in the idea that security should be proactive, not reactive.

At the heart of UpSight is a groundbreaking platform that does more than detect threats; it anticipates them.

Using techniques inspired by natural language processing (NLP), UpSight’s technology “reads” attacker behavior the way a human might read a book. It learns the patterns, understands the structure, and identifies the next likely move. It helps teams predict, interdict, and evict threats before they can do damage.

It’s like giving security teams a forward-moving time machine, and it’s working.

Building in Oregon, for Oregon

But Tracy isn’t just building a company. He’s helping build a community.

After winning third place in the 2023 Westside Pitch Competition, UpSight Security went on to secure funding from the Oregon Venture Fund. It’s an achievement that positioned the company as one of the region’s most promising up-and-comers in the cybersecurity space.

More than that, Tracy and his co-founders made a conscious choice to house their nationwide operations in Mid-Willamette Valley, where about half of the UpSight team is located. He’s deeply committed to growing Oregon’s tech ecosystem by taking on paid interns from Oregon State University through MECOP.

Through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration, he’s creating opportunities for other founders to thrive right here at home.

Meet Tracy at the Oregon Startup Conference

At the Oregon Startup Conference, happening on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University, Tracy will join the Success Panel to talk about what it really takes to build and protect a startup in today’s high-stakes digital world.

His insights go beyond firewalls and code. He’ll speak to the mindset, the mission, and the million tiny decisions that separate survival from success.

Because in cybersecurity, as in entrepreneurship, the winners aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones who can see what’s coming and act upon it before it’s too late.

Learn how to stay two steps ahead, whether you’re building a company, a product, or a secure future. Meet Tracy Camp at the Oregon Startup Conference and walk away with insight and inspiration.

From Engineer to Ecosystem Builder: How Rita Hansen Is Driving Climate Innovation in Oregon

Rita Hansen does more than build companies. She helps build a future where clean technology is the norm, not the exception.

With decades of experience in engineering, operations, and leadership, Rita has made a name for herself as a thoughtful, data-driven changemaker in the energy space.

Her career spans major industries, but her most defining work came as the co-founder and former CEO of Onboard Dynamics, a climate-tech startup that’s helping reshape how we reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Turning an Idea into Impact at Onboard Dynamics

Onboard Dynamics began as a university research project at Oregon State University – Cascades back in 2013. Under Rita’s leadership, it grew into a nationally recognized innovator in methane emissions reduction.

She guided the company into developing technologies like the GoVAC® and GoFLO®. They are portable, self-powered compression systems that help utilities and fleet operators capture and reuse natural gas that would otherwise be wasted.

These systems do more than save money. They dramatically lower environmental impact, aligning both climate goals and operational needs.

With her steady hand at the helm, Onboard Dynamics secured federal grants, expanded commercial partnerships, and brought critical clean-energy technology into real-world use.

Mentorship, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Support

After transitioning out of her CEO role, Rita didn’t step away from innovation. Instead, she stepped deeper into community impact.

Today, she serves as a mentor with the OSU Advantage Accelerator and actively supports Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Rita brings the same level of care and insight that fueled her own journey, whether she’s advising a new founder on market strategy or helping a startup secure non-dilutive funding.

She’s also a champion for diversity in STEM and cleantech. Rita advocates for inclusive innovation, especially for women and underrepresented founders working at the intersection of science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

A Trusted Voice in Clean Energy and Startup Growth

Rita’s influence has earned her national and international recognition. She represented the US at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2017 and 2019. She also received the GRIT Award from ALLY Energy, which honors resilience and impact in the energy industry, in 2022.

But her focus remains local. She continues to invest her time, expertise, and energy into strengthening Oregon’s clean-tech pipeline, thus supporting the people and ideas that will shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

Connect with Rita at the Oregon Startup Conference

Rita Hansen will join the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference this June 20, 2025, at George Fox University. Her story is one of steady leadership, purposeful innovation, and a deep commitment to building communities.

If you’re looking for inspiration or a blueprint for scaling with impact, you won’t want to miss the chance to hear from Rita.

Register for the Oregon Startup Conference. Meet founders like Rita Hansen and see what’s possible when vision meets execution.

Newberg’s Real Estate Powerhouse: Tina Smith’s Journey of Empowerment and Community Impact

When Tina Smith purchased her first home in 1998, she did more than cross a milestone. She discovered her calling.

What began as a personal investment quickly grew into a full-fledged passion for real estate. Over the years, she transitioned from homeowner to investor, flipper, landlord, and eventually a trusted real estate broker in the Portland metro area.

Strategic Mindset, Heart-Centered Service

Armed with an MBA and related certifications, Tina blends business acumen with a personal touch.

Her background in finance and project management allows her to approach real estate transactions with a sharp eye for detail and strategy. But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to the people she works with.

Tina does more than close deals. She builds relationships that last, offering support long after the paperwork is signed.

A Broker Building Community

Tina’s definition of success goes beyond profit margins. Deeply rooted in Newberg, she believes in giving back to the community that shaped her.

Tina’s work is guided by a spirit of service, whether she’s mentoring new homeowners, investing in neighborhood revitalization, or supporting local initiatives. She plays an active role in her community, driven by her genuine love for helping people, not just with finding a home.

Meet Tina at the Oregon Startup Conference

Tina Smith brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University as a Startup Champion.

She has been actively supporting regional entrepreneurial initiatives, especially through her participation in Newberg’s Coffee Club for Startups.

As someone who has built her career from ground up, she understands the entrepreneurial grind. Her experience navigating risk, negotiating deals, and managing growth makes her insights especially valuable for startups exploring real estate, local investment, or sustainable business practices.

Stop by Tina’s table at the Conference. Whether you’re seeking entrepreneurial insight or simply an inspiring conversation about building a values-driven business, Tina is someone you’ll want in your network.

How Emily Cadiz is transforming early education with Finnegan the Dragon.

From Silence to Song: How Emily Cadiz Turned Personal Adversity into a Startup Powering Childhood Literacy

When Emily Cadiz lost her ability to speak after a traumatic classroom incident, she faced a deeply personal and professional reckoning.

A lifelong musician and former special education teacher, Emily turned to music to rebuild what had been broken, first in herself, then in the education system.

That journey gave rise to Finnegan the Dragon, an early childhood literacy platform that’s doing far more than teaching kids how to read.

It’s building bridges between science and story, music and memory, education and equity. And that’s exactly why Emily is a powerful addition to the Success Panel of the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University.

Using Rhythm and Story to Rewire the Brain

The classroom incident truly brought Emily to what can be argued as the lowest point in her life. She faced financial setbacks because she was unable to teach. She faced personal setbacks because she was unable to communicate.

Throughout that time, Emily found her way back to music. While earning her master’s degree in music, she discovered that music was healing her brain and restoring her ability to communicate.

And as Emily retrained her own brain through music, she discovered something astonishing: that the same techniques that helped her recover her voice could accelerate early language development in children.

That idea became the foundation for Finnegan the Dragon.

The Dragon Searching for His Fire

Finnegan the Dragon is a character that Emily created for her master’s thesis. He’s a dragon who doesn’t have fire, and he needs to go through various adventures so he can find his fire.

Designed for kids ages 2 to 6, Finnegan combines the science of reading with songs, movement, and interactive storytelling. This is not passive screen time. It’s play-based learning with a purpose, where every rhyme, rhythm, and repetition is engineered to reinforce phonemic awareness and cognitive growth.

Finnegan the Dragon quickly caught the attention of education leaders and innovation funders. The platform has received support from the National Institutes of Health, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and a matching grant from Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council.

Such massive support cements Finnegan’s role as one of Oregon’s most promising edtech ventures.

Finnegan’s Community-Driven Mission

But Finnegan the Dragon is more than a startup. It’s an initiative for literacy justice.

From the beginning, Emily has made sure that Finnegan isn’t limited to families who can afford the latest apps. Through partnerships with Head Start, public schools, and grassroots organizations, Finnegan is reaching children in underserved and multilingual communities, many of whom face barriers to early education access.

Finnegan’s content is culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming. This makes it especially effective for kids who are English learners, have learning differences, or come from trauma-impacted backgrounds.

Emily also leads educator workshops to help teachers integrate Finnegan into daily routines and expand their trauma-informed teaching practices. She’s even introduced Finnegan into community healing spaces, transforming music into a tool for emotional resilience and connection.

In every way, Emily is using her platform to ensure that the power of early learning belongs to every child, not just the privileged few.

Meet Emily at the Oregon Startup Conference

Emily Cadiz’s story is one of transformation: personal healing turned into collective impact. Her insights at the Oregon Startup Conference promise to inspire founders, educators, and changemakers alike, especially those who believe that innovation should lift communities, not just markets.

Join us at the Oregon Startup Conference and connect with Emily in person. Learn how she turned music into medicine and a startup into a movement.

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.

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.

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.

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