So You Wanna Be a Portland Power Player? Here's Who You Need to Know
Ah, Portland. Land of artisanal cheese, microbrews you can't pronounce, and...wait, there are actual companies here too, right? You bet your flannel shirt there are! For those of you who haven't gotten the memo yet (and hey, no judgment, maybe you were busy admiring a particularly excellent bird on a power line), Portland is a hotbed of business.
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But what kind of business? Well, that's where things get interesting. We've got the big shots everyone knows (think swoosh logos and CEOs who wear puffy vests unironically), but we've also got a whole bunch of quirky, innovative startups that are brewing up the next big thing (quite literally, in some cases).
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| What Companies Are Based In Portland |
The Big Leagues: Titans of Industry (with a hint of Rain)
- The Swoosh Crew: We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the giant elephant in the room, or should we say, the giant swoosh on the building. Yes, Nike is a Portland mainstay, employing enough people to fill a stadium (with enough leftover jerseys to clothe a small nation).
- Keeping You Dry (and Looking Good): Columbia Sportswear, another Portland giant, is here to ensure you're prepared for whatever the Pacific Northwest throws your way, from drizzle to downpour (because let's be honest, it's mostly drizzle).
Beyond the Big Names: Where the Weird Gets Wonderful
- Brews and Business: Portland's love affair with craft beer is no secret, and it turns out some of those beloved breweries are actually pretty darn successful businesses too! From Widmer Brothers to Deschutes, these companies are proving that you can build an empire, one perfectly hopped IPA at a time.
- Tech Takes Root in the Rose City: Don't be fooled by all the kombucha and kombu, Portland has a thriving tech scene as well. Companies like Puppet and Datto are making waves in the industry, and who knows, maybe they're developing the app that will finally tell the difference between a fir and a spruce (because let's be honest, that's a struggle for everyone).
So, How Do You Become a Part of the Portland Power Grid?
Well, my friend, that depends on your skillset (and caffeine tolerance). But hey, no matter what you do, there's probably a company here that's a perfect fit.
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FAQ: How to Become a Portland Power Player
- How to Get Your Foot in the Door at Nike: Brush up on your motivational quotes and practice your swoosh-making skills.
- How to Land a Job at a Portland Brewery: Be prepared to discuss your beer knowledge at length (and maybe bring your own growler for an interview).
- How to Survive in Portland's Tech Scene: Learn to code, but also be prepared to discuss the merits of different pour-over techniques. Balance is key.
- How to Network Like a Pro: Attend industry events, but also be prepared to chat with people at the dog park. You never know who you might meet (and it's a great way to get some fresh air, because let's be honest, sometimes that drizzle gets you down).
- How to Thrive in Portland: Embrace the weird, drink plenty of coffee, and invest in a good raincoat (because let's be honest, it's gonna rain).
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