Clackamas SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

“[Cris is] good with kind words.”

Why do you do what you do?

I love helping people start their own businesses. It makes me feel like I’m impacting my community in a positive way by helping people achieve their dreams.

Bio:

Cris grew up in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota, and attended one of the largest universities in the country – the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Getting a Bachelor of Science degree, he taught outdoor education for nearly 20 years before turning to the technology field. Now, in Oregon City, he lives contently with his family of 3, following soccer (both 8th grade and professional), strumming his guitar, and developing board games.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Susan brings varied and fitting experience to the Clackamas SBDC. With a background in project development and commercial construction management, she is organized, able to multi-task, a strong problem solver, and provides excellent client service. Growing up in upstate New York she obtained a degree is in math/science. After college she relocated to the West Coast where she gained experience working with architectural and project management firms, eventually starting her own business.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Joanne holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on project management and brings hands-on experience as a business owner. She manages accounting and payroll operations while supporting strategic planning and daily business functions, giving her a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to run and grow a successful business.

In her role, Joanne collaborates with staff, faculty, and community partners to design and deliver programs that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Her experience in financial management and program development enables her to help clients strengthen operations, build sustainable practices, and turn ideas into thriving ventures. She is passionate about empowering others to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“If you want an expert point of view on marketing and building a positive, memorable customer experience, see Jeff.”

Why do you do what you do?

“Starting a small business is life-changing. You need guidance and encouragement from people who have stood where you’re standing. I enjoy teaching and advising because when I see my students’ change in attitude, that enthusiastic spark, and the acceptance that, ‘I can do this,’ it’s so emotionally rewarding. I just get a real kick from helping folks gain the confidence to go out on their own to build a life of joy and wealth.”

Bio:

Jeff’s career has taken him from the U.S. Army, to the Walt Disney Company, to the luxury automotive business, to governmental communications. As a marketing veteran and owner of his own creative firm, Jeff applies his media and client relations consulting experience to assist business owners with improving their image and culture. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He is generally available for counseling on Tuesday evenings.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Diana is an accountant who has the expertise to work with startup businesses and sophisticated business accounts. She has counseled more than 100 rancher/farmer/growers and has a passion to help their business.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy serving small businesses. It’s so rewarding to see a business succeed and having a small part in their future accomplishments by providing strategic advice and counseling.

Bio:

Diana is an experienced accountant and operations professional with leadership through the CFO level. Her experience in rapid-growth start-ups, utilities, mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, customer care, technology, manufacturing, retail and logistics. She enjoys working closely with small businesses to help them start successfully and develop a growth plan that matches their goals and the unique abilities of the owner.

She welcomes the opportunity to serve small business owners from inception through transition. Her classes and no-cost counseling appointments serve construction contractors, farmers & ranchers, businesses experiencing problems, mature businesses seeking to reach the next level or transition. Her strengths in operations, analysis, accounting, human resources, product introductions, employee benefits, marketing and technology are available through the Clackamas SBDC. Let Diana help you envision your future and make it a reality.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Kasten is a retired professional windsurfer, recovering venture capitalist, non-conforming, near-death surviving, adventure-seeking, lifelong-learning, nomad entrepreneur who now coaches founders with tactical advice, tough love and experiential insight with the hope to inspire others to break societal expectations, stop sacrificing their true identity/calling, and live by their own rules as they build exceptional businesses.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Jeff brings his experiences as a small business owner, manager of single-unit and multi-unit bank branch operations, 30+ years in commercial finance for small and middle-market businesses, import / export finance, SBA and government programs, and instructor of college and professional level finance and management courses. His professional roles have been supported by strong interpersonal skills; adaptation to technological changes; thorough understanding of financial statements and tax returns; and establishment, implementation, and tracking of short and long-term business plans.

In addition to his work-related experience, Jeff has been involved in the communities he’s lived serving on numerous non-profit boards, city council advisory boards, and business associations prior to relocating to The Dalles.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Sergio is a bilingual business adviser and instructor at the Clackamas SBDC. He has been working with small business owners, assisting with business startups and the CCB licensing process. He is also a small business owner who knows the challenges many business owners encounter.

Sergio attended Chemeketa Community College where he earned his Associate of Business transfer degree. He then continued his education at Western Oregon University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Entrepreneurship.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

With a multifaceted professional background, Orlando brings experience across the food and beverage, lodging, telecommunications, and software/document management industries. His skill set is strongest in strategic planning, operations, marketing, sales, and operational finance. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and speaks Spanish fluently.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Friendly, Vigilant, Trustworthy, Fun!

Why do you do what you do?

I love people. I love validating people, encouraging them, and helping people live in their God-given purpose.

Bio:

Sarah offers friendly business advice centered around online sales process improvement. She is known for helping businesses in and around Salem Oregon with their online presence. Sarah can provide technical branding advice and marketing tools to help you grow your profit margin while maintaining your life’s purpose as a business owner/entrepreneur. Sarah firmly believes in the power of online systems and profit first planning.