I loved connecting with customers who came to visit us, recommending other incredible creators they should support in our beautiful city. But what I loved the most was working with and making donations to amazing community groups to make Portland a better place. LGBTQ community groups such as Trans Day of Visibility, Black-centered organizations such as Albina Vision Trust, Arts groups such as Echo Theater Company, and Reproductive Rights organizations such as NW Abortion Access Fund all  knew that I was an engaged business leader always ready to donate gift cards for a fundraiser, offer a meeting space, or endorse an important cause.

(Oh, and along the way, I shipped over 7 million cans and bottles around the world that proudly stated, “Made in beautiful Portland Oregon.”)

I had a philosophy as a boss: Never ask an employee to do something that I wasn’t willing to do myself. As a small business owner, I’ve built powerful teams, pitched to national retailers and repaired broken windows in the middle of the night, only to wake up early and do it again. I’ll bring that willingness to work, along with the lessons learned over 25 years as an entrepreneur, to collaborate with other folks elected to Council, work with community leaders to solve the problems unique to our neighborhoods, and help small businesses get the resources they need to keep making Portland an amazing place. I am running for Portland City Council in District 2 (N/NE).