2019 graduate of the PCC SBDC Restaurant Builders program, Robert Greenup, has been obsessed with Ramen since he was a child. When he made a trip to Japan to visit family, he experienced delicious Mutekia Tonkotsu Ramen and spent the next year feverishly trying to replicate it. After that he decided to begin making his own noodles. One thing led to another and his restaurant Baka Umai (Japanese for "stupid delicious") was born. This is Robert's story.

Working as a wildland firefighter, SBDC client Leo Ochoa learned firsthand about back pain and how it hampered the work he did. That experience led him to design and manufacture spine-centric personal body support. In 2019 DorsumTech launched a Kickstarter campaign and receive its first orders. Manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge, but now all the parts are coming together and DosrumTech is finally able to ship off their first round of products. This is Leo's story.

Elisa Wickstrom began her work with the PCC Small Business Develop Center in March of 2021. She is an advisor in the Getting Your Recipe to Market (GYRM) Program. This is her story.

SBDC client Chris Pero (perodesign) is a premier art sourcing studio with many options for your art needs. They offer a wide variety of options that include custom picture framing, 3 dimensional wall artwork, concept design, layouts, art procurement, project management, art installation, finishing (such as printing on surfaces such as acrylic, canvas, metal), and more. This is Chris' story.

We’re checking in with PCC SBDC client Christi Dodge, who participated in Business Builders in March of 2020 and continues to check-in with her specialty business advisors as Dodge Media Productions thrives and grows!

Tell us, how has your business changed over the past year?

Over the past year, I was able to grow from a solo crew to being able to hire a cinematographer and sound engineer for video projects. I also had the opportunity to expand my sound portfolio to include providing audiobook editing and mastering services for self published authors who want to release their audiobook on popular platforms.

What new milestones or successes are you proud to share?

Last year I produced a marketing campaign for two female franchise owners. I have become very involved in the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. I have joined the LGBTQ+ business advisory council, become a chamber ambassador and recently found out that I will be a part of the next cohort to participate in Leadership Hillsboro. And this November I will celebrate three years in business with a ribbon cutting! I’m looking forward to continuing to increase my knowledge of audio and video production. I love meeting new business owners and supporting them with my creative vision.

Read more about Christi’s story and success below!

Ready to start and grow your business with confidence? Learn more about how Business Builders provides you with the information and support needed to build a business that lasts. 

Original Post: Published July 19, 2021

Christi Dodge started her podcast and video production business to help other small businesses amplify their messaging. She is an expert at taking content and presenting it in a way that is informative, engaging, and inspiring. Christi started her business in the spring of 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to impact businesses all across the country, and with the help of the PCC Small Business Development Center has been able to connect with resources in her community that have helped her start her business on a solid foundation. This is Christi's story.

With his personal experience creating videos over the years, Bryan Cargill understands the value and impact video can make for helping build a brand. In August of 2019 he started Tactus Media to help elevate brand awareness and quality of digital assets in the community for small and mid size businesses. This is his story.

In February 2020 Jeff Inskeep started Hand Made Home. Hand Made Home remodels classic Portland homes with an eye toward historical details. His goal is to make homes more practical for the way we live today, but look like the new work could be original to the home.

Medical coders, also known as Medical Records and Health Information Specialists, are in high demand around the Portland area and beyond. With Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, as well as Adventist, Providence, and Legacy Good Samaritan, Portland is in many ways the healthcare hub of the state. Given the complexity of the healthcare and insurance world, these high-demand professionals have a relatively quick educational pathway to a job that makes on average $44,090 per year. 

Portland’s population is constantly expanding and with it, there is a steady rise in the need for excellent dental care in our community. While any given practice may have one or a few dentists, each practice has excellent paying jobs like Dental Hygienists or Dental Assistants that require less extensive training periods than going through a full dental program.  

In January 2019 Julie Wilson launched her dream business -- Department of Work. She rescues vintage and contemporary, unloved, cast iron cookware. She then cleans it up and re-seasons it so it can get back to work. She also offers restoration services for those cherished family heirlooms. This is their story.