Founder Stories
The Founder Experience
Explore the inspiring stories of founders who transformed their visions into successful ventures.
Founder Stories pulls a chair up for you for our sit-downs with founders who Built Oregon has worked with. In these stories you'll discover the passion and innovation that drive the businesses who are shaping the future of consumer product development and positioning Oregon as a leader in the industry.
Dappled Tonic - Faith Dionne
Faith Dionne’s journey with Dappled Tonic beautifully illustrates how expertise in one craft can inspire another. For nine years as a craft distiller, Faith recognized an untold story about native Oregon ingredients like douglas fir and cottonwood buds that deserved to be celebrated beyond her gin creations at JAZ Spirits.
Heck Brewing: Andy McMillan
From Northern Ireland to Portland's vibrant craft beverage scene, Andy McMillan's journey embodies the spirit of community-driven entrepreneurship. Growing up as part of the first generation after "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland, Andy developed a unique perspective on building bridges through shared experiences.
Hot Mama Salsa: Nikki Guerrero
When Nikki Guerrero moved from the Southwest to the Pacific Northwest, she brought with her a passion for authentic flavors and a dream of creating handmade products using fresh, local ingredients. What started as an 'art project' in 2008 with three fresh salsas has grown into a thriving business that now operates from a 9,000- square-foot facility, producing not just their signature salsas but also the best tortilla chips in town.
Nico’s Ice Cream: Nico Vergara
From an igloo cooler on NE Broadway to a multi-state ice cream empire, Nico Vergara's entrepreneurial journey embodies the spirit of determination and community support.