Articles Tagged with: Willamette Valley

Bob Dalton’s Journey: Turning Compassion into Action

In 2013, when Bob Dalton’s mother faced the challenge of homelessness, it sparked in him a determination to make a difference.

Bob started by making phone calls to local homeless shelters, asking them what they needed most.

The answer he got became a movement that now spans communities across the nation.

The answer was simple: blankets.

That’s how Sackcloth & Ashes was born – a company founded on a simple yet powerful idea.

For every blanket sold, another is donated to a local homeless shelter.

But Bob’s story doesn’t stop there. 

Turning blankets into a bold statement

Bob did more than just build a company. He built a mission.

Sackcloth & Ashes’ blankets deliver both warmth and dignity to people living in homeless shelters, making them feel seen and valued as human beings.

The blankets are also a statement of sustainability.

Through its innovative production process, each Sackcloth & Ashes blanket is made using 100% recycled materials. They’re carded, woven, and finished without the use of water, chemicals, or even dye.

Through this process, Bob emphasizes that businesses can be purposeful, sustainable, and at the same time, profitable.

Championing change from the grassroots

Bob Dalton’s passion for local impact extends beyond Sackcloth & Ashes.

He founded Love Your City (LYC), a platform designed to elevate nonprofits doing meaningful work at the community level.

Through LYC, users can explore local organizations, volunteering opportunities, and multimedia stories of changemakers operating at grassroots levels.

Bob also hosts the Love Your City Podcast, where he sits down with leaders who are driving solutions to local issues.

These candid conversations reveal what it means to build a better world from the ground up.

They’re a powerful reminder that anyone, everywhere, can be a force for good.

Bob’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In 2024, CNN named him one of its Champions for Change, recognizing his leadership in social innovation.

Bob also strongly believes that human beings are designed for communities.

He is working hard to transform the local digital landscape into a space where people can connect meaningfully and feel like they truly belong.

See Bob Dalton at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend 

Bob Dalton will bring his insights and energy to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, happening from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

As the keynote speaker and a member of the judging panel, Bob will share his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons on building mission-driven businesses.

This three-day event is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and anyone eager to turn ideas into action.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, or collaboration, the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend is the perfect place to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more and register here.


Building a Greener Future: The Visionary Work of Dr. Sean Muir

How do you inspire change across disciplines? For Dr. Sean Muir, it’s about turning bold ideas into transformative action.

An interdisciplinary scientist, educator, and artist, Dr. Muir doesn’t just imagine solutions. He creates them. From developing cutting-edge virtual reality tools for teaching chemistry to pioneering sustainable construction materials, he proves that bold ideas can reshape the future. 

His work is as diverse as it is impactful, driven by a singular mission – to inspire change and leave the world better than he found it.

A scientist and academic

Dr. Muir’s academic career reflects his dedication to advancing science education through innovation.

Currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Innovation and Technology at Linfield University, he is known for rethinking how students engage with science in meaningful and transformative ways.

Dr. Muir’s teaching approach helps students see the broader societal impact of scientific concepts. He also guides them in engaging with the application of these concepts in immersive ways so they can develop meaningful careers in STEM fields. 

Before joining Linfield University, Dr. Muir did research with the Oregon State University. He also co-founded Amorphyx, a flexible electronics and display startup.

Building a sustainable legacy with Solid Carbon

Aside from his academic work, Dr. Sean Muir is the Director for Research and Development at Solid Carbon, a company that develops carbon-sequestering concrete products.

Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization. But its environmental impact is staggering. Traditional production releases one pound of carbon dioxide for every pound of concrete made.

For Dr. Muir and the Solid Carbon team, this method of producing concrete must change.

Solid Carbon flips the script on concrete production entirely. By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials sourced from waste, the company’s products absorb and store carbon during production and use. This innovation transforms buildings into tools for fighting climate change, thus making sustainability integral to the built environment.

The work is as ambitious as it is impactful. Solid Carbon’s concrete has been used in groundbreaking projects, including homes for Habitat for Humanity, installations at Portland’s Burnside Skatepark, and the massive flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville. These projects demonstrate that environmentally conscious materials can meet and even surpass industry standards for quality and durability.

Watch Dr. Sean Muir at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend

Dr. Sean Muir’s passion for fostering innovation isn’t confined to his lab or classroom. He is an avid supporter of the McMinnville entrepreneurial ecosystem and has hosted Launch Mid Valley events at Linfield University.

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend will take place at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. There, Dr. Muir will share his insights on leveraging publicly funded labs to accelerate entrepreneurial innovation. 

This event is a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and launch the next wave of game-changing businesses.

Just as Dr. Muir has shown through his own journey, the intersection of innovation and sustainability can create solutions that leave the planet better than we found it.

Register for the Bootcamp now and take the next step towards building a brighter future.


Personal Needs Can Drive Community Impact: The Story of Haley Queen and Sustainable Rituals

When Haley Queen of McMinnville, OR, decided to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle, she quickly discovered an unsettling reality: the choices for local, sustainable household and personal care products were either too limited or inaccessible.

But rather than give up, Haley turned her frustration into inspiration.

Fast forward nearly five years, and she’s the proud owner of Sustainable Rituals, an eco-friendly oasis housed in a retired Airstream trailer at Mac Market in McMinnville.

“Why isn’t anybody starting an eco-friendly shop?” Haley says, reflecting on her journey.

It all started with feelers at Zero-Waste McMinnville to see if there was interest in the idea of a shop that sold curated, eco-friendly cleaning and personal care essentials and offered bulk refills.

The idea took root, and with a lot of trial, error, and determination, Haley launched her business.

Building a Business, One Refill at a Time

Setting up a bulk refill system was no easy feat. Haley reveals that the bigger challenge of her business is figuring out how to make this system work and efficiently transfer products from her containers to her customers’ bottles.

It took a lot of trial and error, but she kept refining the process, always prioritizing quality and usability.

True to her values, Haley doesn’t stock anything she wouldn’t use in her own home. Every product goes through a meticulous testing process. If she can’t use it, it’s not going on her shelves.

Her community has been her biggest collaborator. Haley listens and tries to give them what they need. She credits active listening to Sustainable Rituals’ growth.

Shifting Perspectives

Despite her challenges in perfecting her refill system or launching her business, Haley recognizes they’re not her real breakthroughs.

It was shifting her mindset.

Haley realized that she could have spent forever worrying if people would love her products. She just needed to get out of her own way and get started. She trusted her community and learned as she went.

Over the years, Haley has seen a growing shift in consumer awareness. People are paying more attention to what’s in the products they buy and how they’re packaged.

But balancing expectations can be tricky. Not every customer agrees on what’s the best. So, instead, she offers options and focuses on making it easier for beginners to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle.

Her ultimate dream? To transform Sustainable Rituals into a full-fledged, plastic-free grocery store. While that vision is still on the horizon, Haley remains laser-focused on her mission of providing her community with high-quality, sustainable products that make a difference.

The Power of Connections: Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp

Haley’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community and mentorship.

That’s why she’s passionate about events like the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp. She credits the event for giving her the push she needed back in 2020. The mentors, the connections, and the shared energy were transformative for her.

Today, Haley still leans on some of those mentors who continue to provide her with invaluable guidance.

Haley’s story is a reminder that significant change often starts small.

With a dream, a little courage, and a lot of heart, she’s proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement. And in McMinnville, it’s rolling forward on wheels.

For anyone considering launching their own business, the new Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend is from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

It can be the game-changer you’re looking for. Register now.


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.


Authentic Storytelling: The Heartbeat of the Digital Economy

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a quiet but powerful force shapes how brands connect with their audiences. This force? Storytelling.

Storytellers – writers, designers, and videographers – bring brands to life, elevating them from mere businesses into something meaningful and unforgettable.

Think about the last brand that left an impression on you.

It probably wasn’t just because of a product or service. You felt yourself form a deeper connection with the brand. It expressed a greater purpose that aligned with your values.

Behind that connection is a creator weaving a story that spoke to you and built trust, creating a lasting emotional bridge. 

In this digital economy, where attention spans are fleeting, and competition is fierce, creative minds don’t just sell products – they forge connections that turn casual interactions into deeper relationships through storytelling.

At Launch Mid Valley (LMV), storytelling plays a key role in how our partners reach their audiences and grow their businesses. LMV is the regional innovation hub for central Willamette Valley in Oregon. An initiative of the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, LMV’s purpose is to catalyze business growth by helping startups and entrepreneurs connect with the training, mentorship, funding, and other resources they need.

Here’s how some of Launch Mid Valley’s partners created their impact through storytelling. 

HelloCare: Communicating compassion

HelloCare provides caregiving services that allow seniors to age in place at home. To communicate its values of compassion, connection, and community, founder Helen Anderson openly shares her personal stories of her grandparents and a great-grandparent who would have had a better aging experience if they had caregivers at home. 

Helen’s and other HelloCare client stories reinforce the importance of caring for our loved ones with dignity. Through these genuine, heartfelt, shared experiences, HelloCare nurtures trust and reminds families and caregivers alike that they’re not alone in this emotional journey. 

Indy Commons: A space for community building

At first glance, Indy Commons seems like a simple coworking and events space in Independence. It has desks for remote workers, a kitchen for food entrepreneurs, a marketplace showcasing local crafts, an events space, and a podcast studio. But in truth, Indy Commons is a hub for connections and collaborations in a rural community setting.

Founder Kate Schwarzler believes that people don’t need to leave their rural hometowns for the bigger cities to find opportunities. They can create their opportunities right where they are. She demonstrates this through the success stories of the individuals and businesses using her space. Through Kate’s work, Indy Commons has become a place where collaboration and innovation thrive.

CreativiTEE: Expressing identity through apparel

Storytelling is a means of self-expression. And self-expression can take on many forms through different mediums – including T-shirts. This is what Roanna Gingrich of CreativiTEE offers her customers: the means to express themselves through her space and the materials she provides.

Roanna believes that every piece of apparel tells a story, allowing individuals to share unique aspects of their identities. Through CreativiTEE, she encourages the people in her community to express themselves freely, fully using their imagination and individuality. By turning each garment into a narrative, Roanna gives her customers a way to wear their stories and celebrate who they are. 

Why is storytelling a powerful tool for brand-building?

Why do the stories of HelloCare, Indy Commons, and CreativiTEE resonate well with their audiences? Their stories are authentic, making them powerful tools for building bridges with their audiences.

Here’s why authentic storytelling is an effective brand-builder:

1. It creates trust and credibility.

People are more likely to trust brands that are open and transparent. Authentic stories highlight the real journey, challenges, and values behind a brand, making it easier for customers to relate to and believe in its mission.

2. It fosters emotional connection.

Stories evoke emotions. And when customers feel an emotional bond with a brand, they’re more likely to stay loyal. Brands that share personal, heartfelt stories help customers see themselves reflected in the brand’s journey, forming a lasting emotional link. 

3. It differentiates the brand in a crowded market.

In a competitive landscape, a brand’s story is a unique asset that competitors can’t replicate. Authentic storytelling reveals the brand’s personality, history, and purpose – helping it stand out.

4. It creates a sense of community.

Authentic storytelling fosters a sense of belonging among people who identify with the values shared in the story. This community-building can transform customers into advocates who organically share and promote the brand.

5. It engages and holds your audience’s attention.

Humans are naturally drawn to stories. An engaging narrative captures attention far more effectively than simple product descriptions or sales pitches, making audiences more receptive to the brand’s message.

6. It boosts brand recall.

People remember stories better than facts or figures. A brand with a memorable story stays top-of-mind, making customers more likely to return or recommend it to others and enabling the brand to grow further.

How can you tell your brand story with purpose?

Content creators aren’t just artists – they’re strategists who balance beauty with data-driven insights. They craft every detail of the story to make connections that matter.

Here’s how you can tell your brand story with purpose:

  1. Define your brand’s core values. Identify what matters most to your brand. This foundation will guide how you tell your stories.
  2. Engage with your audience. Use surveys, social media polls, or feedback sessions to understand your audience’s values and interests and how they intersect with yours.
  3. Create a compelling narrative. Weave your brand’s values into a story that reflects your mission. Use real experiences and testimonials to enhance authenticity.
  4. Use multiple channels. Share your story through various platforms, from social media to blogs and videos, to reach a broader audience. Tailor your presentation to the platform.
  5. Measure impact. Track engagement metrics to see how your storytelling resonates with your audience. Then, refine your approach based on feedback.

In today’s digital economy, authentic storytelling gives brands a distinct edge. They communicate their values, build bridges, and create an impact.

Every business has a unique story with the potential to inspire, connect, and transform. So, how are you telling yours?

Check out our TikTok and watch more brands share their authentic stories.


Reimagining Exit Planning: Hannah Sandmeyer Guides Entrepreneurs Toward the Next Stage of Their Journey

At some point in their professional journey, entrepreneurs will realize one thing – that it’s time to exit their business. The reason can be anything – retirement, a desire to return to the corporate world, or simply to start a new and more exciting chapter to their story.

The question is, how can they approach exiting their business as painlessly as possible?

That’s a question that Hannah Sandmeyer provides answers to through her work as the founder and CEO of Up & Over Advisors. She and her team help business owners secure their legacy as they enter the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

The Vision: People, Planet, and Profits

Hannah built Up & Over Advisors around what she calls the triple-bottom-line approach: people, planet, and profits. Her commitment is clear: people come first, and while profit is surely a desired outcome, social responsibility and sustainability are never sacrificed in its pursuit.

Among Hannah’s goals is to connect businesses with acquisition opportunities that share their values and vision for positive impact. For entrepreneurs planning their exit strategies, this means exploring the possibility of merging their company with another whose values and mission match theirs.

By focusing on mission-driven sourcing for mergers and acquisitions, Hannah and her team provide customized growth and exit strategies that align with their clients’ ethical commitments.

A Journey Rooted in Impact

Hannah’s career is built on a foundation of service and global understanding. Her professional journey began as an HIV/AIDS volunteer with the US Peace Corps in Mokubilo, Botswana. This transformative experience instilled a deep empathy and a desire in her to create meaningful change.

Her outlook was further enriched by time spent in Copenhagen in Denmark and Siena in Italy, where she gained valuable insights into diverse cultures and business practices. With nearly 20 years of expertise in M&A sourcing, enterprise sales, and leadership, Hannah has closed over $400 million in revenue while championing integrity and empathy in every deal.

A Business for Good

Hannah’s experiences have led her to believe that businesses can be a significant force for good. It’s a principle that she and her team practice at Up & Over Advisors, setting the company apart with its unwavering commitment to mission-driven partnerships.

Aside from offering services designed to foster meaningful and sustainable growth, Up & Over Advisors dedicates 5% of proceeds from successful transactions to funding early-stage impact entrepreneurs. Through this endeavor, Hannah contributes to regenerating the business ecosystem and empowering a new generation of changemakers.

As a woman- and LGBTQ-owned business, the company is deeply committed to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusivity. It honors community and collaboration and is on track to becoming a certified B Corporation.

Hear Hannah Tell Her Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Hannah Sandmeyer will bring her expertise to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp, where she will share insights on how businesses can grow with integrity and impact and become a force for good.

Save these dates and stay tuned for details on this opportunity to learn what it really means for businesses to have a lasting positive impact on their communities.


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