Columbia Gorge SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Greg has a passion for supporting others and building relationships. If he can’t help you he will find someone who can!”

Why do you do what you do?

We have an amazing team, fantastic resources and a lot of value we bring to small businesses and to the communities we are committed to serve. I enjoy using my years of experience in business development and working with businesses of all types to help our clients bring their dreams to reality.

Bio:

Greg has 20 years of business development experience. He has founded and operated successful for-profit and non-profit companies in the renewable energy industry where he developed a first-of-its-kind energy forecasting and reporting program. He has also worked in sales, marketing, policy, and has spent many years in consulting. He earned his MBA from Portland State University where he was also a part-time professor at the Graduate School of Business. He created and led the study abroad program focused on entrepreneurship, economics and sustainable development.

Greg holds certifications from/in American Management Association, US Dept of Commerce: Export Strategies, Advanced Leadership and Community Development among others.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Josiah is a caring and compassionate leader who challenges his staff to be the best we can be.

Why do you do what you do?

I have always had an interest in improving community, whether a region, town or business. I love being able to share my experiences with others to assist them to be as successful as they can.

Bio:

Josiah has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality management, graphic design and technology training. He and his wife currently own and operate the award-winning Balch Hotel in Dufur, Oregon. He has led businesses throughout the US with teams of up to 200 staff members. He earned his MBA from University of Nevada, Reno where he studied business and non-profits.

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:

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:

Amanda is a journalism major who graduated from the University of Oregon. She is former ad executive for Fortune 500 brands through the dot.com boom 2000-2015 and turned small business owner in 2016. She is also a self-published author.

Amanda specializes in working with business owners navigating life as an entrepreneur. She’s worked with thousands of brands across nearly every industry and is particularly adept at solving complex problems and helping people through barriers she once encountered.