episode 11: PDX Startup News + Yes We Need a Soho House + Live from Portland Gear
Today on Portland Tea Party we get you caught up on the Startup scene, and talk to the founder of Portland Gear.
But first...SOHO HOUSE - YES we need one!
Arguments against Soho House Portland have been:
It’s not “weird” - Well guess what? A city can’t be just one thing! Portland has to change to grow.
It displaced artists - Soho House actually showcases local artists, purchasing work directly from artists and their galleries.
It’s expensive - In comparison to what? If we (those of PTP) add together our coworking memberships, gym memberships, and networking memberships that’s far more than the annual membership at Soho House.
It’s elitist - Lot’s of places are, including places with no membership or access fee.
Portland
Malia Spencer, Portland Business Journal
What’s her “beat”?
Portland StartUps and now…restaurants!
How does she choose which innovators to cover?
Pitch Competitions are a great way to learn about startups, and/or get your start up in front of journalists, investors, and potential partners.
A lot of Portland investors recommend startups reach out to Malia.
What are the challenges with the current state of journalism?
What is fulfilling about reporting on business? How do you not get cynical
Malia admits to being “inherently nosey”!
Talking to entrepreneurs is infectious - they’re really excited about what they do. They’re hopeful and that spreads.
There are a lot of people in town doing interesting things.
What makes you optimistic about Portland?
The excitement - something is going to happen. Portland is coming forward - we can be better than we were before.
What’s the right way and wrong way to pitch her?
Gotta do your research people! Know your audience. If you’re not based in Portland, or serving the Portland community, she can’t cover you.
Check out more on Malia, her work, and Portland Business Journal below.
Tea
Marcus Harvey, Portland Gear
How did Portland Gear Start?
What has Portland Gear’s trajectory been like?
How have they grown?
When did he doubt himself?
How did he create Portland Gear’s iconic logo?
What does he love about Portland?
Party
This week's top events:
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival- Woodburn - starts March 22
West End Wednesdays - Last Weds each month, come through to Portland Gear!
Last call to see Kinky Boots by Stumptown Stages
Check out Episode 6 for our interview with Kinky Boots star, Michael Hammerstrom
Think you know the best events and parties in Portland? Hit us up to be a guest events correspondent!
We’re looking for venue hosts, tea spots, episode sponsors, and season sponsors. More here.
Connect with Us
Guest & Venue Info
Malia Spencer
Malia Spencer is the tech, startups and food and beverage reporter at the Portland Business Journal. She has been covering Portland businesses for 10 years.
Connect with her on Instagram or on LinkedIn
You can find more of her reporting on Portland Business Journal by subscribing on the site.
And for current live reporting on the Portland startup scene subscribe to her tech and startups newsletter Portland Inno
Marcus Harvey
Marcus is the founder of Portland Gear, the local Portland brand working to elevate the city through thoughtfully designed product and intentional story telling. Catch him on Instagram
Founder, Marcus Harvey, fueled by '90s nostalgia and a deep passion for sports, cultivated his affection for Portland during his Duck-filled childhood and close proximity to Nike. After college, he delved into the realms of marketing, art, and branding. In 2014, inspired by the unwavering pride of Portlanders, he embarked on the journey of launching Portland Gear, armed with nothing more than two shirts and an overnight-built website. Today, Portland Gear products proudly represent Portland in all 50 states and across 70 countries. They’ve grown exponentially, established a strong retail presence, and forged collaborations with esteemed organizations, all while remaining steadfast in their mission to foster Portland's pride and community spirit.
Connect with them out on their website , on Instagram @ Portland Gear, or download their ap for your smartphone.
