Len's Story
“I love working with creative, motivated, disciplined, and smart people. We have a blast together.”
Areas of Expertise
Business Startup & Growth
Marketing
New Products or Services
Leadership
Fundraising
Advertising
Public Relations
Branding
Competitive Research
New Venture Validation
Strategic Planning
Innovation & Creativity
Positioning
Sales Promotion & Packaging
What is My Story?
I have 40+ years as a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing guy. In the 1980s and 90s, I helped start and built an ad agency that grew to having Fortune 500 clients. In 2001, I started a management consulting firm and since then have been advising companies ranging from startups to multi-billion-dollar, international corporations.
In 2018, I prioritized helping my small hometown of Cottage Grove. I got my real estate broker and CCB licenses and started a real estate development company and construction company. My wife, Deb, and I bought the Bank Building, the “biggest, ugliest building” in the historic downtown. With our talented team, we’ve totally transformed it.
Additionally, I consult with a statewide non-profit which helps technology startups originating from Oregon’s research universities. And I’m always exploring new business ventures. I’m 68 and have no interest in retiring.
Deb and I have been married for 46 years. She’s my soul-mate, hero, and a licensed professional counselor in private practice in Cottage Grove. We live just outside Cottage Grove, have two adult daughters, and two grandchildren.
Interesting Tidbits. I’m a former police officer, school board member, planning commissioner, seminary student, business school student, and my marketing work has been featured on 60 Minutes. At age 50, I embraced my fear of heights and went skydiving.
Challenges. Life has not always been easy. Over the last four decades, I’ve faced failures and sorrows, which helped shape the person I’ve become.
In 1978, my wife, baby daughter, and I moved to Oregon in an old, beat-up school bus with the seats torn out. I started a business with only $500 and the rent paid for 2 months. I knew nothing about business and made tons of
mistakes.
In the early 80’s, the economy fell apart. Two of my banks failed. And, in 1985, I went through both business and personal bankruptcies. We lost our home, our car, and moved to Cottage Grove to heal and rebuild. We were broken but not defeated.
I’ve lost a son. I’ve had a daughter in a coma for 6 weeks and in ICU for 8 weeks. I know trauma. Both my parents are gone. I’ve been through terrible times and come out the other side a better, healthier person. Tough-minded and tender-hearted.
My best wishes to you,
