Umpqua SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Aaron Larsen is a seasoned business strategist, educator, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to empowering small businesses and cultivating growth. As the Director of the Umpqua SBDC, he brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and community engagement including spending over a decade as a business consultant helping companies large and small with their marketing. Aaron has served as a Co-organizer and Speaking Chair for two TEDxRoseburg events, and helped create and emcee Umpqua GrowthTalks. He’s passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s evolving marketplace and grateful for the opportunity to help build Oregon’s best businesses through UCC and the Oregon SBDC Network.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Innovative, energetic and knowledgeable in social media, marketing and IT solutions.

Why do you do what you do?

The internet is like the wild west, eventually it’ll be a thriving environment for economic growth, but first it needs to be refined and made usable by all. My goal is to lower the barriers to entry to online business success by demystifying the internet and how it works in relation to your business. Students will leave my class with a better fundamental understanding of the internet and it’s potential.

Bio:

Justin Deedon is a UCC alumni who dedicates his entrepreneurial endeavors to bringing the full power of technology to Douglas County. He has worked on projects from data center development to low-cost IT support solutions for those in need. He continues his dedication to this cause by assisting SBDC clients in the areas of online marketing presence and system developments to demystify the difficult field of technology.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“She has lots of experience and is willing to help.”

Why do you do what you do?

“It’s so rewarding to see the light bulb moments when small business owners understand the importance of bookkeeping. When they run financial reports and can track their progress, I feel a sense of accomplishment.”

Bio:

Gale has been an SBDC adviser for more than 23 years. She also runs workshops throughout the year on QuickBooks.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Doug brings a wealth of experience to the advising role, adding a dash of good humor and quick wit on the side to keep things exciting.”

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy helping others and I really like to see people succeed. I always tell my kids to listen to me about the things I have learned and the mistakes I have made. If they do that, their progress may be faster and easier. While they may still make their own mistakes, this is sometimes how we learn best.

Bio:

Doug has over 35 years of experience managing people: 10 years were with a major corporation and 25 years were spent operating a restaurant franchise. He started with one unit and expanded to seven over time.

He also has bought, sold, and managed, real estate for over 45 years.