((Top Row, L-R) Brenda Potampa, Katy Brooks, Jenn Limoges and Laura J. Breit. (Bottom Row L-R) Katy Haines, Monica Elsom, Karen Smuland, Georell Bracelin and Sharon Calhoun)
They are mentors, moms, managers and CEOs. They work hard, play hard and inspire those around them. They are women who possess ingenuity and creativity, and have climbed the ranks through their careers to achieve top-level positions, or started their own businesses and hung in there no matter what to achieve success. In this edition of Cascade Business News, we celebrate women in business, and in so doing, we queried a number of Central Oregon leaders to find out how they got where they are, and what keeps them going.
Please provide a brief background on your work/business and how you got started:
Brenda Potampa, Nursery Manager, McPheeters Turf, Inc., mcpheetersturf.com • 541-546-9081
I was actively involved in FFA in high school and along with my sister, began — what is now — the nursery at McPheeters Turf. We began with one-gallon juniper shrubs and slowly expanded the varieties of shrubs as the venture grew. I came home after graduating from Washington State University with a vision of redoing the nursery in order to accommodate larger quantities of the trees and shrubs that were able to be wintered here one year and ready to use first thing in the spring. I left the farm/nursery when I got married. Then my husband, Jason Potampa, and I returned about three years later and are both managing the different aspects of the farm alongside my parents, Butch and Sharon McPheeters.
Katy Brooks, CEO/President, Bend Chamber, bendchamber.org • 541-382-3221
I’ve been with the Chamber for five years. My mission has been to identify outcome-based work on behalf of Bend businesses and build our organization to deliver. We’ve updated our leadership programs, resources for businesses, grown our business healthcare group to insure more than 15,000 Oregonians and raised Bend’s profile in the Oregon legislature and locally. We’ve taken on the childcare shortage and worked with community partners to start new programs that will serve Bend and the region. Our next initiative is housing, with emphasis on building capacity for the middle class/market — our workforce.
Jenn Limoges, CCIM, NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate, Partner/Principal Broker, naicascade.com • 541-706-9370
I worked as an admin for Central Oregon Leasing and Management in the early 1990s and met Maxine Ribera-Card, the owner of a successful commercial property management company in Central Oregon at the time. After college, I worked throughout the Northwest and Southwest in corporate America for +/- 15 years managing facilities, operations and admissions in higher ed. In 2013, I moved back to Bend and started shadowing Maxine to see if I wanted to continue in commercial real estate. About a year later, I met Andie Edmonds, co-founder of NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate at a Realtor Association event. I became the firm’s first non-partner broker in 2014, and in January 2021, I purchased NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate with my now partner, Walt Ramage.
Laura J. Breit, PE, LEED AP, Principal and CEO, ColeBreit Engineering, colebreit.com • 541-728-3293
ColeBreit Engineering provides Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering services. We provide the design and engineering drawings for construction, mainly commercial projects. I have been in Bend for 15 years, and was working for another firm when I decided, eight years ago, that I wanted to branch off on my own and create a community-oriented firm and a team that intentionally chooses to live, work and play in the communities we serve. So, I took my last paycheck, bought a computer and AutoCAD, and sent a few emails from my dining room table. We currently have 16 employees and two offices (Bend and Corvallis).
Katy Haines, Director of Operations, NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate, naicascade.com • 541-706-9370
I started as a residential broker’s assistant right out of college in the Columbia Gorge and worked my way up to director of operations for that firm. It traded hands during the recession, and I moved into commercial real estate in Portland. We moved here six years ago, and a connection of mine from Portland introduced me to Andie Edmonds, who owned NAI Cascade at the time.
Monica Elsom, President, Prineville Insurance Agency – Insure Pacific – Gerald Ross Agency Inc., prinevilleins.com • 541-447-6372
I have two Oregon insurance agencies, and we have grown to be licensed in 11 states. One agency is in Prineville, and one is in Brookings. Both have stayed strong through the ups and downs and have thankfully grown every year. Prineville Insurance Agency has been in business since 1935. Gerald Ross Agency has been in business since 1949. We are 100 percent owned and operated by women at this time. We chose to move to Central Oregon for a better way of life for our family. We invested in our future with the two agencies and have built a stable business and are proud to be part of the Central Oregon community. In the beginning, I was fortunate enough to be home with my kids, working remotely to help with the businesses. My husband worked in the office daily. He sadly ended up passing away in 2015, and I stepped in and took the two agencies over. Since we have a strong team, it has been an amazing journey.
Karen Smuland, Architect, Leed AP, Karen Smuland Architect, LLC, ksmulandarchitect.com • 541-788-4357
I moved here with my family in 2003 from Colorado, where I had previously practiced architecture.
Georell Bracelin, Founder/Strategist, GB2 Agency Branding/Marketing/Advertising, gb2agency.com • 541-410-6965
Starting out as a writer in Billings, Montana, I’ve worked in advertising, marketing and branding my entire career, and interestingly enough, I was employed by female-owned agencies at every job — very unusual in a male-dominated industry. In 1993, after years of working in Montana and Portland, I was fortunate enough to move to Bend and take a job with the RalstonGroup agency. Over the years to follow, I also worked as a brand manager for a snowboard company, wrote copy for numerous action sports and fashion businesses, did some freelance PR work and partnered in a branding agency called 14 Hands.
When the recession hit Bend in 2008, I decided to start a virtual agency (unheard of at the time!) and assemble super talented designers, writers, photographers, etc. for individual projects rather than hire full-time employees. This strategy helped me move into a smaller office space, keep my prices reasonable, be super responsive — and work with businesses that were trying to weather the challenging economic times, including community start-ups whose budgets weren’t huge. It worked! We built great relationships with clients we still work with today, got to work on creative projects with entrepreneurs, maintained that elusive work/life balance — and most importantly, I’ve loved every moment of doing things a little differently. Today, my agency isn’t an anomaly, and I think this new way of doing businesses continues to spur innovation, attract talent and ignite imagination.
Sharon Calhoun, SVP, Retail Regional Manager, Greater Eugene/Central Oregon, Columbia Bank, columbiabank.com • 541-322-4442
As bankers, it’s our responsibility to help our clients with their current and future financial needs. I think, as with all bankers, it was a little by mistake that we got into banking! (And, by seeking out ways to not work on the weekends or holidays!) In seriousness, I got started mostly by a desire to help others. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a career as a banker!
Who and what most inspires you in your business?
Brenda Potampa
My parents inspire me most in the business. I grew up watching and learning firsthand about hard work, diligence, loyalty, perseverance and more hard work. There are always a lot of ups and downs in any business/economy over the period of 42 years, but my parents have devoted their lives to this business and doing what they love, and they do it very well.
Katy Brooks
What inspires me are people who see the connection between their business success and that of our community. There are so many business leaders in Bend who have done amazing things for the greater good.
Laura J. Breit
My dad and my daughters are my greatest inspiration. My dad built his own mechanical engineering firm and has been my greatest mentor, I am so lucky to have him to bounce things off of. I am also inspired by my daughters. They think nothing of the fact that I am a woman business owner and engineer, which I believe helps to normalize that role for society. I am hopeful that by the time they are building their careers, being a woman in business or a woman engineer will not be remarkable at all.
Katy Haines
I am inspired daily by the brokers I work with, but especially, Jenn (Limoges, see above). It’s no secret that commercial real estate can be a bit of a boys’ club, and I am always impressed by the way she lets her business acumen and experience do the talking without feeling like she needs to prove herself.
Monica Elsom
I am inspired by all the ladies in both of my offices. They work hard, support each other and are a strong team. When one has something they are trying to figure out, we all pitch in with ideas. “Team work makes the dream work.” I know how lucky I am!
Karen Smuland
The amazing setting that we have here in Central Oregon, and trying to capture its essence into each home, while integrating nature and the outdoors. Also, the incredible carpenters and other tradesmen, whose skills I have learned a lot from. I enjoy collaborating with them.
Georell Bracelin
Although I’ve been immensely inspired and supported by several pioneering women in my industry who gave me the confidence to found my own business, including Jennifer Blair, founder of the RalstonGroup and Pamela Hulse Andrews, Cascade Business News publisher, I’m regularly inspired by my clients whose enthusiasm, intellect and originality are really at the heart of all of the branding work we do. Because we dig deep to learn about the magic of each brand we work with, we learn so much about the spirit, values and character behind every successful business — I’m constantly inspired!
Sharon Calhoun
The team that I work with and the clients we serve. It inspires me how hard people work to create an experience for others and to see others succeed. Our teams work tirelessly to provide that for each other and for our clients. In turn, our clients do the same for their families and businesses, and we’re honored to help support them along the way.
What are business tips you live by?
Brenda Potampa
Attention to details. Being honest. Work hard.
Katy Brooks
Collaborate whenever you can. Don’t do something that someone else can do better. Be genuine. Believe in yourself and don’t put up your own roadblocks.
Jenn Limoges
Relationships are everything. Take care of your staff. Protect and invest in your company culture.
Laura J. Breit
Oh so many, pick what you like.
- Hire for attitude and aptitude, and teach skill.
- Get professional help: Don’t do your own taxes, bookkeeping or even mow your own lawn. Anything you do yourself is time away from your business, and experts can do it faster and better than you can.
- Get a line of credit when things are good, because you will want it in place when things are bad (and will not be able to get it).
- Similarly, you need to be marketing when you are busiest.
- Take time to find the right team members, and when you have found that you have a team member who does not fit, get rid of them quickly. It is not worth the brain power and culture erosion that goes with having the wrong team.
Katy Haines
Say yes to (almost) every opportunity, but know when to walk away if it doesn’t fit. I’m not saying it’s the right tip to live by, but it’s definitely how I operate!
Monica Elsom
It is our job to help protect the things people work so hard for and the people they love. We take pride in focusing on the exposures that each individual may have, so we can recommend the best coverage for that client.
Karen Smuland
Work hard, play hard!
Georell Bracelin
Be genuine. Be transparent. Listen, collaborate and have an open mind. Invite clients into the creative process — after all, they’ve inspired it. Lastly, have fun!
Sharon Calhoun
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What have been your greatest challenges since you started your work/business?
Brenda Potampa
Maintaining a reliable, teachable, devoted work force.
Katy Brooks
Gaining trust and a relevant place in Bend has been at the top of my list since I set foot in the Chamber in 2016. I had to make a lot of big changes over the past five years that were difficult, but opened the opportunity to become an effective, trusted organization that serves businesses and their employees well.
Jenn Limoges
Understanding all the pieces that need to come together to make a deal really work for the parties, building my cadre of experts I can trust and having the experience now to know what opportunities to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to.
Laura J. Breit
I started this business two days before my middle daughter was born. Our daughters are now 11, 8 and 18 months old. Juggling being a good mom and a driven business owner can be very challenging, and most of the time I feel like I am not doing either to the best of my ability. Sprinkle COVID-19 on top of that, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
Katy Haines
Being patient. A lot of challenges work themselves out. Give it a little time to see what you’re actually dealing with.
Monica Elsom
I don’t think I have had too many challenges that other businesses have to deal with. Staffing has been difficult in the past, but I am thankful for the strength we have now. The restrictions that our government has put on us have been frustrating, but we are adjusting as needed. For me personally, stepping in abruptly and taking over the daily responsibilities of the businesses has had its obstacles, but that was only a period of time. Now I only look forward, and want my culture to be positive and to support career-driven people.
Karen Smuland
These things have changed over the years. When I started out as a young female architect in the ‘80’s, I was not well-respected in the field, so had to prove it time and again. Today, I don’t have those challenges because there are so many women in construction. My current challenges are labor shortages, supply chain and pricing issues that have made construction more complicated and more expensive.
Georell Bracelin
I have to admit, the recession was not a friend of marketing budgets. But… I’m a big believer that good things come out of crazy challenges, and we worked with many businesses during that time to help them pivot, key in on strengths, start and grow. It’s helped shape the unique services we offer our clients today.
Sharon Calhoun
As with all industries, technology has changed the banking industry. There’s also been increasing regulations for banks. So we learn, evolve and help our clients do banking — the way they’d like to do banking.
What have been your greatest triumphs?
Brenda Potampa
I enjoy seeing our turf, trees and plants around Central Oregon over all these years. Hearing how customers have success in their gardens and yards with our products and that they are thrilled with what they have created. I’m not doing what I do to make the largest nursery around and sit back and count my dollars. My family and I really like what we do, and we love where we live and are thankful that the Lord has allowed us both of these things all these years. We have also employed a lot of young people over these many years for summer jobs. It is always fun to hear from these young people years later tell of how they can recognize and name plants and trees at their college campuses or at places they have gone on to live and work at. They seem to carry an appreciation for plants and trees for the rest of their lives.
Katy Brooks
I am completely stoked about helping secure $2M for the new OSU-C/COCC childcare program. This has been an intense, multi-year effort with terrific partners. It will house 100 children and be able to be replicated throughout the region. I’m also grateful for partnering with Mike Riley at the Environmental Center and others from our community for our successful transportation bond measure in 2020. This will have long-lasting benefits to our quality of life and was a very forward-thinking commitment for our community to make.
I also believe I have an outstanding team of people working with me at the chamber. They are committed to service and open to new ideas and working with people pulling at the same end of the rope.
Jenn Limoges
Friendships I’ve made through the Central Oregon Association of Realtors and the Certified Commercial Investment Member network. Most recently, purchasing the partnership with Walt this year, and working with both he and Katy Haines, our director of operations.
Laura J. Breit
I have loved building and growing the team here. I had no leadership experience when I started my company, and I have found that having a culture based on trust and vulnerability is very powerful.
Katy Haines
The relationships: in the office, with outside brokers, clients, vendors, etc. Everyone brings something to the table.
Monica Elsom
I, of course, am so happy when we are able to help amazing people with their personal assets and businesses. We are able to cover most aspects of insurance to make it a “one-stop shop” for our clients to make their lives less complicated. I am thankful every day for the successes of the agency team and how we work together. That makes me proud!
Karen Smuland
Happy clients.
Georell Bracelin
My greatest triumphs are definitely the incredible long-term relationships I’ve built with clients (who are now also friends) over the past 25+ years. It’s heartwarming to look around and see how much of the work we’ve created is still visible and has helped shape and contribute to the personality of our community.
Sharon Calhoun
Seeing people who I work with advance in their careers, even if that means it’s not in banking. And seeing clients grow in their businesses, be better prepared for retirement or to sell their business, be better prepared to send their kids to college and be protected against emergencies. Our business is relational, and we typically see our clients through many life challenges and successes. We try to help them navigate through all of those.
Any humorous memories or stories to share?
Katy Brooks
Coming to my first Chamber interview with my shirt mistakenly on inside-out. A lady came across the coffee shop at Bend Tech where we were meeting and, in the middle of the interview, tapped my shoulder to let me know (and the person interviewing me) that it was on inside-out. I had two choices —be embarrassed or find it funny. Turns out everyone had a good laugh.
Jenn Limoges
The summer of 2014, NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate was launched. We decided that a great teamworking event would be entering the AmeriTitle corn hole tournament hosted on Deschutes Brewery’s lawn. After about five rounds of winning, it became clear that we “new kids on the block” had a chance of taking the championship. The only issue was time; I had my seven-year wedding anniversary dinner scheduled that night at Black Butte Ranch, but I was certain we had enough time for me to be picked up and for us to make it to dinner, especially since I was somewhat dressed for the occasion. All was well until it started raining… then downpouring. Sweaty, hot, drenched and rushed, we threw the last toss and won the championship. I was already putting my shoes back on and rushing to the car so we could make our reservation while the rest of the team did their photo op. I managed to dry my hair in the truck air vents on my way to dinner. It was a wet and wild start to my time with NAI Cascade, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Katy Haines
There’s just a lot of humor on the daily in our office. I’m blessed to work with such smart and funny people. I could come up with something specific, but I’ll just leave it at… Jeff and Walt.
Monica Elsom
Well, we love to joke in our office. It makes me happy that we can all laugh and share. One of my team members decided to film me pulling a broken branch off the tree in front of my office. Of course, I fell on my backside. I am glad I can entertain.
Karen Smuland
One funny thing I can think of is a lot of people don’t know how to spell architect.
Georell Bracelin
The first thing that comes to my mind is the conversation behind my original decision to move to Bend 30 years ago. My husband and I were living in Portland at the time, and after an incredibly rainy winter, I announced one evening that I had done a bit of research on ad agencies, rental units and climate — and we were going to move to Bend. I’d even given notice! After I reassured my husband that it really didn’t matter that I’d never been there, he was totally game. At the time, he worked in the snowboard business, and this move would just put him closer to “research.” We packed up and headed over the mountain and haven’t regretted a moment since.
Sharon Calhoun
One day a clown walked into my branch (not at a bank in Oregon). It wasn’t Halloween. We were all convinced we were getting robbed! He walked up to the counter and bent down to pull something out of his sock. We were all in shock and weren’t moving an inch. He pulled out his wallet to deposit a check! We never did find out why he was dressed as a clown.
What advice would you give to someone managing or starting a business?
Brenda Potampa
You have got to start out giving all of yourself to the venture. Work hard. Always be honest. Pay attention to details. Find good people to work for and with you, and then help them grow and learn. Educate yourself: Gary English of Landsystems Nursery always said, “Keep learning!”; and educate your employees and customers. We never know it all, so keep yourself teachable.
Katy Brooks
Build a solid business plan with contingencies and stretch goals. Ask for help and be open to using input — even when you don’t want to. Don’t ever sacrifice what’s important to you or who you are.
Jenn Limoges
If you can find a mentor, do it.
Laura J. Breit
Be brave. Take risks, but be sure they are calculated. I have rarely regretted a calculated risk.
Katy Haines
Make sure you have the right people for the positions. Be aware of your shortcomings, find someone who is great at those things to fill in your blanks and make sure they feel appreciated for it.
Monica Elsom
Stay positive and push forward. We all have challenges we need to push through. Believe in yourself and make it happen.
Karen Smuland
Intern with a professional early on before committing to the profession.
Georell Bracelin
You’re lucky if you’re starting it in Bend! We’re a great community for entrepreneurs and you’ll find amazing support if you look for it. There are incredible resources you can tap into, including peer-mentorship at Opportunity Knocks, start-up support at OSU-Cascades and much, much more. If you admire a business in the field you’re looking to go into, give them a call! Odds are, they’ll be happy to share. Myself included.
Sharon Calhoun
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to surround yourself with those who will support, encourage and walk alongside you.
Anything else you would like to add?
Brenda Potampa
I so appreciate the people who I have been blessed to work with over the years. Tamara Barnard works in our office now and is doing an outstanding job. She has picked up quickly the points we try to educate our customers on so that they have the greatest success with their new sod, trees and plants. My daughter, Lucy, has grown up working in the nursery and on the farm until this year. She is taking the skills of working hard and being teachable into areas toward her interest of nursing.
Katy Brooks
Bend’s business community reflects what we all love about this place — be a dolphin, not a shark; lend a hand and get engaged. I do worry about retaining the spirit of collaboration as we all get worn thin by the pandemic, the housing shortage and growth-related issues. Be gracious. Pass that on.
Jenn Limoges
Take the risk and start the business. It’s incredible how freeing it is to work for yourself. It’s hard work, but once you’ve built it, it’s yours.
Monica Elsom
I also volunteer for Rimrock Trails Treatment Center. It is important to give back to your community in whatever way you can. Their work is so important to our community, and if you are able, it is an organization that you know is helping in Central Oregon.
