Chemeketa SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Matt grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Jesuit High School. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 1999, from St. Lawrence University, he has spent 20+ years in business, including 13 years in the insurance field running his own business, 6 years in the field of private optometry as a business and operations manager, and 2 years with a real estate and construction firm as chief business/finance officer. One of his biggest skill sets is the ability to build rapport and connect with people that he has just met and engage them in compelling conversation. Relationship building has been an integral part of his career and has contributed greatly to his success and the success of the businesses in which he has worked.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Tatyana exudes a positive and steadfast energy to everything she does. She exemplifies a clear, heart-felt dedication to making a difference and serving others.

Why do you do what you do?

I thoroughly enjoy working with a variety of clients and helping them succeed on their business journey by connecting them with the right people, tools and resources. I also like the daily variety, challenges and excitement of my job.

Bio:

Tatyana provides support to the small business community through the coordination of training and advising. She assists with day-to-day operations of the Center, provides administrative support to SBDC staff, and coordinates development, scheduling and continued improvement of SBDC training events. Tatyana obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Corban University.

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.

How do your colleagues describe you?

I’m an analytical and systematic thinker who loves details. Solving complex problems is fun!

Why do you do what you do?

I love the people side of business, and getting a chance to help small business owners is very rewarding.

Bio:

Brandon has an extensive background in human resources. He holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior and Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Angie is a problem solver and great at critical thinking. She can execute creative solutions no matter the issue. She is energetic, caring, and analytical.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I love retail, but it’s harder than ever in this quickly changing marketplace! I have spent many years mastering inventory management and cash flow, retail merchandising and managing staff, and I am passionate about mentoring other business owners through their own road map to success. I believe successful businesses learn and grow from being supported by their peers.”

Bio:

Angie has owned and operated a retail store for 18 years. Her background includes an Air Force career as well as a career in banking, specifically focused on business banking prior to buying her store. She is president of two industry non-profit organizations with a mission of bringing harmony to her industry as well as offering high-level training and support to store owners worldwide.

Angie is an expert in bringing a systems focus to a business, from staff to operational processes and strategic planning. Her expertise also includes all things related to scaling a retail business, from inventory management to merchandising, sales process, and staff coaching.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Jim is a small business cheerleader, enthusiastically guiding owners on their path to success.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I am a small business adviser for a whole host of reasons. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, an outlet for innovation and creativity and provide the opportunity to develop a nontraditional work-a-day lifestyle. It is my pleasure to work with people who take their futures into their own hands and make a go of it. Every day I look forward to collaborating with entrepreneurs and helping move them toward their goals.”

Bio:

Jim’s focus is on getting small businesses up and running. Starting with business plans and moving through marketing and QuickBooks, Jim will get you off on the right foot. Jim has many years of personal experience as an entrepreneur. He owns several companies which he has built from scratch and is always willing to share his experience with others. If you are searching for an adviser who can address issues from top to bottom, he is the adviser to contact.

Jim has a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science/International Affairs and Master’s in Business Administration.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Blanca has over 20 years of experience working for various state government agencies. She also serves as adjunct faculty with Chemeketa. Her primary focus has been walking clients through creating a business idea, preparing a business plan, including a gaining a comprehensive understanding of starting a business from ground zero. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Strategy.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

I have lived in Oregon my whole life. I have held many positions in retail, social services, and construction business. In all these positions, I have helped people to getting them connected to what they need.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Elizabeth Pratt is recently retired from the California Community Colleges (CCC) system after 30 years and thrilled to be back home in the Willamette Valley. During her tenure with CCC, Pratt served as a VP of Academic Affairs. Dean of Workforce, SBDC Business Adviser and Director, and Business Instructor. Dr. Pratt has more than a decade experience in instruction supporting students and small business owners in the classroom and in the community. She has owned and operated several businesses and most recently launch a consulting firm. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and providing the tools needed to grow their businesses She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Brandman University and an MBA in International Business from Middlebury Graduate School.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Nate is a former chef and journalist with 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship. His business background includes work in television production, food systems, restaurants, and consulting, with particular expertise in operational design and customer service.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Jeremy Turner is an experienced business owner and sales leader with a strong background in digital marketing and small business growth. With years of experience running his own agency, he has worked directly with entrepreneurs to build strategies that drive revenue and long-term sustainability. Jeremy’s expertise lies in understanding the challenges small businesses face and crafting solutions that blend marketing, sales, and operations. His hands-on experience as an owner, combined with his education and professional background, enables him to guide business leaders with practical, results-driven strategies that support growth, profitability, and long-term success.