Portland SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Tammy brings the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship into her work at. She cares about her team, the clients they serve, the communities and community partners.”

Why do you do what you do?

“Every day I have the opportunity to serve small business owners who believe they are alone, and yet they are not. They do not know what they do not know, and this is normal. It is this experience of business advising and training as a service which changes the lives of small business owners, their families and communities.”

Bio:

Tammy Marquez-Oldham has 40 years of experience working for large, mid, and small businesses in many industry segments including: education, healthcare, software, construction, and specialty food. Tammy has owned several businesses and hired, trained, and developed hundreds of employees.

Tammy has been Director for the PCC SBDC and Oregon SBDC Global Trade Center since 2008. Together with the entrepreneurs in their service, the PCC team develops, launches, and grows small businesses across Oregon. This combined activity of business advising and training builds thriving businesses, creating and retaining jobs, increasing sales, and accessing capital. Tammy has led the innovation of new program development at the Center, including the Capital Access Team and Global Trade Center.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Sharon began working with the PCC SBDC in 2020 right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 20+ years of experience, she is always willing to take on a challenge and has become the Center’s internal tech support and troubleshooter.

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Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Christian Aniciete is an accomplished, well-rounded marketing professional with over a decade of experience in both the private and public sectors. Christian’s career highlights include being the first social media manager for Portland State University (PSU), Port of Portland and Portland International Airport. He holds a BA in marketing and advertising and an MBA from PSU. In addition to his role with the PCC SBDC, he works in public affairs and communications for a local government and serves several local nonprofits. Christian’s numerous accolades include recognition as a Portland Trail Blazers Hometown Hero.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Yevette is someone I can count on to have answers. She is supportive, friendly and dedicated.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy hearing the variety of people’s ideas and being a part of making their dreams come to fruition.

Bio:

Yevette was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. She came to Oregon to attend Oregon State University. After leaving college she worked in retail management for several years before joining the SBDC team as a data entry assistant in 1992. Yevette currently serves as Portland SBDC’s Program Specialist and lead Orientation Instructor.

Her 25+ years of experience makes her an obvious “go to” person for support throughout the Oregon SBDC Network. Her historical knowledge and familiarity of the systems give her an ability to predict the impact any new systems will have on both clients and support staff, and she is frequently tapped to provide support to staff throughout the network.

How do your colleagues describe you?

My colleagues often describe me as the “duality queen,” centered between fun and down-to-business, art and commerce, concept and structure. Balance rules!

Why do you do what you do?

Small business brings empowerment to entrepreneurs, their families, their communities and our greater society. When individuals are allowed to share their voices through something as powerful as business, we’re one step closer to a future that represents us all. I do what I do so that others can share their voices and make their dreams come true.

Bio:

Kayla brings five+ years of helping clients start and grow their businesses, with focuses on marrying brand and business model, art-based business, jumping the growth chasm and marketing strategy that works. With a BS in Marketing and an MBA under her belt, she brings structure to business strategy development and implementation. Kayla also co-owns a small creative company which shares the balance of creation through film projects and other creative mediums.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Jackie is dedicated to the success of solopreneurs whether they are solos, creatives or encores. She is not only a great teacher, but she is full of ideas and connects her clients to resources they can use to grow their enterprises.

Why do you do what you do?

I believe there are major changes taking place in the shape of the workforce. I know people can get back on their feet and create a flow of income for themselves by monetizing their expertise and creating a viable, valuable solo business. We can do what we love, what we know, make a difference in the world and make money to support retirement.

Bio:

Jackie is a CPA, coach, author and consultant who has been an instructor and strategic advisor at the SBDC for over 16 years. Jackie developed the Encore and Solo Business Builders program, as well as the Encore Concept Development program, to help those over 50 monetize the knowledge and expertise they have gained in a lifetime of working. Jackie is a longtime entrepreneur and a published author.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Jill’s steady persistence and encouragement often pushes her food clients through barriers and keeps them going toward creating their products.

Why do you do what you do?

Using my experience, education, and skills to help startup food businesses thrive is my professional joy. I enjoy connecting clients to others, sharing resources, problem solving, and identifying opportunities in the community to help local food producers produce products that are in demand.

Bio:

Jill grew up in the Napa Valley and worked many different jobs in the wine industry. from the vineyards to the wine lab to sales. She has a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She previously worked as a researcher at the OSU Food Innovation Center, taught farm management at Linn-Benton Community College and has been with the SBDC for five years.

Jill is a business advisor and co-facilitator of the Getting Your Recipe to Market program. She has more than 15 years of experience in the food and wine industry as a researcher, marketer, and consultant.

How do your colleagues describe you?

He is a team player, helpful, knowledgeable, and a good listener

Why do you do what you do?

To be of service and to do interesting work.

Bio:

Noah Brockman leads the Oregon SBDC Network’s Capital Access Team (CAT), the group that provides strategic business advising to SBDC clients statewide on access to capital, business planning and financial analysis. Noah has worked with the Portland Community College SBDC since 2008, where he facilitates Profit Mastery and the Small Business Management II program.

He has worked with hundreds of small business owners on business planning and capitalization – helping to secure millions of dollars in capital. His professional background includes management consulting, strategic planning, financial analysis, program management, market research and international affairs.Noah has an MBA from the University of Portland with a focus on entrepreneurship. He holds certifications in Project Management, Profit Mastery, and is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP).

How do your colleagues describe you?

“I always enjoy the playful way Sean engages his audience to participate, fostering an adult learning environment going beyond the lecture.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I believe that small businesses are different. They are most often an extension of the business owner into the world. Profit is important to small business, but so is the need to create something that uniquely expresses themselves and adds meaning to their life. I do this work because it is extremely rewarding to watch people create a business that brings them wealth while helping them live their lives to the fullest.”

Bio:

Sean brings together the existential needs and the business challenges of the 21st century. His unique blend of training and experience are from two seemingly different worlds: divinity and business. As a pastor, he walked with people through life’s spiritual events. Returning to school after that career, he received a master’s degree in business. He now teaches and advises small business owners on how to start and grow a successful business.

How do your colleagues describe you?

David is friendly and kind yet intense at times. He is well-connected and experienced across many industries and levels of engagement, and he brings unusual insight and valuable perspective.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy broadening my perspective. If I can assist someone to feel inspired and empowered in their personal journey, it moves me forward as well. The SBDC is a great place to interact with and assist a wide range of people and industries, allowing me to leverage the resources I have developed over time and apply them in a manner that can positively impact our community.

Bio:

David W. Kohl is the Global Trade Liaison for the OSBDCN Global Trade Center. He is a Department of Commerce certified international trade adviser with a mission to identify and realize global opportunities for individuals and organizations. David has specialty expertise in cross-cultural relations and in particular the East Asia region. David’s extensive international network and deep experience working with fortune 500 companies, top-ranked universities and government agencies around the world provide his clients with a unique set of resources and opportunities that create a distinct advantage in a dynamic and competitive world. David’s clients have included The Embassy of the United States of America in Beijing, DuPont, Nike, Intel, Logitech, and security agencies at the Portland International Airport.

David is a federally appointed member of the District Export Council of Oregon and also serves as International Trade Liaison for the State of Oregon’s SBDC International Trade Center. David is a NASBITE Certified Global Business professional (CGBP) and Certified CGBP trainer.

David has served two terms as President of the Northwest China Council, remains on the Executive Committee, and additionally, sits on the Citizen’s Advisory Board for the Confucius Institute at Portland State University. David also teaches as an adjunct professor in the MBA program at the University of Portland.

David holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Oregon, a Master of International Management (MIM) from Portland State University and has earned diplomas from Beijing Language and Culture University as well as the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Terry puts the business owner at ease with his ability teach accounting clients so are able to grasp the concepts and develop strategic business decision to strengthen, grow and increase their profitability.

Why do you do what you do?

I get excited when I see a small business owner light up when they understand an idea or concept. Their enthusiasm to develop action plans for their success is very personally rewarding. I enjoy the diversity of clients I meet, with a goal of creating a partnership with the SBDC today and in the future.

Bio:

Terry leads the Small Business Builders series. He is an instructor for Understanding Your Financial Statements, Inventory Management I & II, and Building a Budget. He assists small business owners with strategic planning. He is also a member of the Capital Access Team. Terry has an MBA from Fairfield University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Linfield College. He is a graduate of the America’s Community Bankers National School of Banking.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Bruce is a highly valued CAT Team member committed to assisting clients achieve their capital goals. He articulately communicates complex ideas, and he’s fiercely committed to exploring the world’s finest alpine trails.

Why do you do what you do?

After years as a business journalist, writing from the sidelines about how businesses succeed or fail, it’s rewarding to be able to step in to help businesses take action to succeed.

Bio:

Bruce Melzer is a Strategic Advisor with Oregon SBDC Network’s Capital Access Team. He specializes in helping small businesses owners with business planning, finance strategy development and accessing debt and equity funding.

His diverse career ranges from work with energy efficiency start-ups and established firms, to radio, newspaper and web business journalism to business development at NPR. Bruce holds an MBA and an MS in Journalism, both from Columbia University, as well as a BS from UC Davis.

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Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Elisa is a business adviser and co-facilitator of the Getting Your Recipe to Market program. In addition to launching her own line of beverage mixers, Elisa has worked as a Business Strategy Consultant, Creative Director, and UX Designer.

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Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Allan worked a 32-year career in international trade before retiring in late 2022. He spent those years assisting a wide range of U.S. companies (focusing on small & medium-sized companies) in successfully developing and expanding international business, and in organizing and undertaking U.S. export promotion programs for many leading international trade shows and U.S. government-organized trade missions. Allan’s biggest career passion has been developing and presenting trainings for U.S. companies new to international business development.

Allan has a master’s degree in Economics (with a focus on international economics) from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations/Political Science from the State University of New York (New Paltz, NY campus).

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Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Retired from commercial banking in 2023, Patrick’s career stops include stints within equipment leasing, community banking, asset-based lending, and technology/venture banking. He also founded his own captive equipment leasing company which he successfully operated for ten years.

Throughout his career, Patrick has taken particular satisfaction solving financing challenges while helping clients succeed. In his spare time, Patrick spends daily outdoor time with his golden retriever, embraces new experiences and engages in various travel adventures. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Economics from Minnesota State Mankato and an MBA from San Jose State University.

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Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Kasten spent 25 years in the venture capital industry. She has helped companies raise money as well as raising a fund and deploying capital. Her experience stretches across various industries including telecom, software, medical devices, beverages, cosmetics, automotive, professional services, and manufacturing. Kasten prides herself on helping companies develop internally through team development and structure to external growth strategies, branding, and execution.