Central Oregon SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

What you see is what you get 🙂 Straightforward, practical...a person of action!

Why do you do what you do?

I'm so lucky to do what I love. Helping (small) businesses and teaching are my calling.... discovered in my first midlife crisis when a mentor "put me on the spot" and called me to teach Leadership to a room full of my peers with about 45 minutes notice. And it's only grown from there!

Bio:

Sue has a passion for helping small businesses be the best they can be. She has served as a small business consultant since 1999 and currently co-operates two successful small businesses with her husband Steve, in Redmond, OR.

Sue holds a BS degree in Marketing and Advertising from Arizona State University and a Master's Degree in Organization Management from University of Phoenix. Sue has worked as an instructor at several universities and colleges teaching Human Relations, Marketing and Communications courses in every modality. She currently teaches Business at Central Oregon Community College and facilitates classes and advises with Central Oregon SBDC.

How do your colleagues describe you?

"A strong advocate for small business owners, especially related to the food industry, with a big heart for the Spanish-speaking community."

Why do you do what you do?

"Even though most Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in Central Oregon are, by necessity, able to go about their business in English, it is still a great benefit to be able to discuss important issues and concerns in your native language. Having owned and operated my own restaurant, I'm well positioned to help our clients with the particular challenges that can arise in the food-service industry."

Bio:

José has owned restaurants for more than 20 years and often works with clients who want to start food-related businesses. He also serves as the SBDC's Veteran liaison, drawing from his own experience in the U.S. Army.

Born in Mexico City, José knew by the age of 16 that he had a passion for computer programming and design, so he attended a technical school where he learned the ‘first era of computers.’ José came to the United States at the age of 18 and graduated from Hermiston High School. He later enlisted in the Army and was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate Award, several Certificates of Achievement, the Military Excellence Award and the Army Achievement Medal. José went on to own several businesses and raise his two children in Central Oregon. His longest business was a successful Mexican restaurant that he owned and operated in Bend for more than 17 years.

Negocios En Español

How do your colleagues describe you?

"Someone who takes you under her wing and guides you to success. She has such a wide variety of business experience from baking to banking."

Why do you do what you do?

"I have a strong background in banking and financing and enjoy exploring funding options with clients who are looking for capital. Having started and run my own successful business, and having seen it through from concept to reality, I feel genuinely qualified to advise other potential entrepreneurs. Being a long-time resident of Central Oregon, I have a good handle on the economy of the region and its resources."

Bio:

Maureen is a long-time 'lead adviser' at the SBDC. In addition to advising her clients, she teaches classes on “How to Start a Business,” “Launching a Successful Business” and “Pricing for Products & Services.” She has a strong background in banking and finance and spent seven years working at an investment bank on Wall Street in NYC. She is considered an expert in business finance and the lending process.

Maureen has also worked as a successful realtor learning about contracts, negotiations and marketing. She and a partner owned and operated a retail and commercial bakery and café in downtown Bend for eight years. Maureen brings wide experience and knowledge to assist small business owners in Central Oregon and to help others start and grow their businesses.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Dave is a retired Senior Finance Leader from Boeing Commercial Airplane Company with over 34 years of experience. He has led program financial planning and analysis, investments in capital and tooling, investor relations and estimating and pricing strategies. Dave has developed long-range business plans and is also adept at lean manufacturing and process improvement activities.

As a volunteer for a non-profit organization, he helped restructure the organization's website to improve product visibility and supported tax/financial filings with the state and federal agencies along with maintaining compliance. Dave holds a degree in finance from the University of Washington, an MBA from Seattle University, and is a non-licensed CPA. He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, and time spent with his wife and adult children.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Born in Seattle and raised in the South, Keith Sherrill has a genuine love for the Pacific Northwest that was established at birth. Like the salmon, he has returned! Keith served most of his adult life in the US Army, quickly rising in the ranks within the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and 160th SOAR.

Upon exiting the military, Keith applied his lessons learned and leadership to his own entrepreneurial pursuit; he built an award-winning microbrewery and beer brand from the ground up. In addition to his experience as a practitioner, Keith holds an MBA from The College of William & Mary and is a graduate of the Stanford GSB's Ignite program.