Vancouver Business Magazine by VBJUSA

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BUSINESS LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED | MARCH 2021 | $15.00

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES WITH BEST IN BUSINESS AND ACCOMPLISHED AND UNDER 40 PROFILES

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Cover photo courtesy of Taylor Payne

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Joanna Yorke ext. 6019 jyorke@vbjusa.com Melissa Woster-Million ext. 6010, mwoster@vbjusa.com

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NEWS SUBMISSIONS The Vancouver Business Journal welcomes the submission of news tips, press releases, column ideas, letters to the editor and opinion pieces relevant to Southwest Washington business communities. NEWS TIPS, PRESS RELEASES Email your information news tips and story ideas to the editor. LETTERS Email letters to the editor. Letters should be no more than 150 words and should include your full name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. Your name and city of residence will be published with your letter. Anonymous letters or letters missing the information described will not be published. Letters are published based on their relevance to immediate news and then in the order received.

OPINIONS Email longer opinion pieces to the editor. Opinions should be no more than 550 words and should include your full name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. Opinion writers may be asked to provide headshot photos to run with their submissions, as well as brief biographical information. Opinion pieces should argue for or against an issue rather than give advice.

elcome to the second “official” edition of the Vancouver Business Journal’s Vancouver Business Magazine! This edition of the Vancouver Business Magazine focuses on Women in Business and as you read through, you will see several features on different womenowned-and-operated businesses in the Clark County area.

DEADLINES VBJ publishes every Friday. Submission deadlines are 10 days prior to the publication date. Publication of submissions depends upon available space and the discretion of the editor.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to these Women in Business features, this edition of the Vancouver Business Magazine also aims to keep some of the VBJ’s yearly special editions and events at the forefront of our readers’ minds as 2021 gets underway. This edition of the magazine will also include a Family Owned Business feature, profiles and updates on a couple of our Accomplished and Under 40 Class of 2020 honorees, and a quick look at a couple of our 2020 Best in Business winners.

CONTACT Managing Editor; 360-448-6019; editorial@vbjusa.com. The Vancouver Business Journal reserves the right to accept, reject and edit news and editorial submissions. Opinion pieces and letters are edited for style, grammar and length but not content. Vancouver Business Journal is a locally owned and operated publication of Brown Warrior Publishing LLC, John McDonagh General Manager. Vancouver Business Journal (ISSN #1534-2956) is published weekly by Brown Warrior Publishing LLC, 1605 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661. Annual subscription is $149.00 a year. © 2020, Vancouver Business Journal. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited without publisher’s written approval. Periodicals Postage paid at Vancouver, WA. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Vancouver Business Journal, 1605 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661.

We hope to bring our readers a new edition of the Vancouver Business Magazine roughly every quarter this year, with our next one focusing on our Business Growth Awards (although this may look a little different this year given the hard hit many businesses took because of the COVID-19 pandemic). In addition to these quarterly magazines, we will continue to bring you Southwest Washington business news on our website, vbjusa.com. Joanna Yorke, Editor MARCH 2021 VBJ MAGAZINE

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WOMENINBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

INK ABILITY OFFERS FULL-SERVICE PRINTING IN BATTLE GROUND Owner Kendra Laratta says her company’s customer service, personal touch and quality set them apart When looking back over the last four years since opening her family business, Ink Ability, in Battle Ground, Owner Kendra Laratta said business was rough during the first two years. “It took a while for people to even know we were here,” Laratta said. “I still have customers come in and tell me they had no idea we were here. This made revenue pretty slow. In fact, my husband and I both worked full-time jobs until last year when we were finally able to transition to being in our shop full time.” Ink Ability offers all types of printing services, including forms, brochures, flyers, business cards, presentation folders, wedding invitations, custom calendars, greeting and foldover cards, standard copy jobs, as well as corrugated yard signs and banners. In addition, Laratta said they are able to help with design and graphics with their full-time, in-house graphic designer. Ink Ability’s bindery department offers fullservice bindery, including coil binding, laminating, scoring, numbering and finishing. Laratta said Ink Ability had employed two full-time employees until the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year. With the shutdowns and reduced business, they were forced to layoff both employees. However, one has since returned to full-time status and the other is doing some of the company’s book work from home. “With my husband and I both in the shop full time as well, we have not hired anyone else,” Laratta said. “However, if growth continues this year we will be adding at least one more employee. With the pandemic and the uncertainty in business in general we are mindful of being able to sustain an employee once we hire. I would hate to add someone only to have to lay them off due to low work volume. Our main focus since last March has been to make sure we are still here to serve our customers and community.” Laratta said they originally chose the Battle Ground area to start the Ink Ability business because of the area’s great atmosphere and people. She and her husband have a daughter that had moved to the Battle Ground area and they had made many visits from Southern Oregon to see her and their granddaughter, falling in love with the area in the process. “We had been searching for a location to open our business and Battle Ground seemed like a great fit,” Laratta said. “The only other local print shop had recently closed and left a bit of a 6 VBJ MAGAZINE MARCH 2021

Kendra Laratta and her husband first started Ink Ability, a full-service printing business in Battle Ground, four years ago. (Courtesy of Ink Ability.)

hole in the community. We wanted to be in a big enough town to support our business but still maintain that small local feel – Battle Ground and North Clark County ticked all of our boxes. Bonus was getting to move closer to our granddaughter and not have to travel to see her.” As a woman business owner in the area, Laratta said that she doesn’t feel she has experienced any obstacles or challenges with starting her business any more so than any other business owner starting a new business. She said she quickly became involved with the local organizations such as the chamber of commerce and volunteer efforts, which she said helped somewhat with reaching out to those who could support and guide her; women who had already been down this path and were willing to give their time and advice. “I am blessed with a great location right between two

dynamic women business owners – Marilyn (Moeser) from Main Street Floral Company and Shannon (Wyman) from Legions Realty – they have both been a huge help and will let me stop in and ask questions even when they are busy. I still ask them all the time ‘what about this or that.’ I also read a lot. There are some really good resources available through the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the state website.” Laratta is involved with the business community, and said she believes this is a great way for people to help grow their business and learn about issues Located in Battle Ground, Ink Ability offers all types of printing services, including forms, brochures, flyers, business cards, presentation folder, impacting businesses. She sat on the wedding invitations, custom calendars and much more. (Courtesy of Ink Ability.) Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce until they joined the Greater Vancouver Street Trick or Treat. The organization be not only still standing, but standing Chamber of Commerce and is a current supports many local charities such as stronger than before the pandemic,” she board member for the GVCC. Laratta Rocksolid Teen Center, local Rotary said. “We will continue to support our also sits on the Woodland Chamber community and believe our community clubs and Battle Ground Education of Commerce and is the incoming will continue to support us as we all Foundation with in-kind donations and president for 2022. In addition, she navigate this craziness together. Last printing sponsorships. Serving Clark County for Over 20 Years! also started a nonprofit organization year when this all started, we made When asked about how the pandemic has to host Harvest Days in Battle Ground. affected Ink Ability, Laratta said she believes signs for local businesses to put in This nonprofit is also in charge of every small business has been impacted. their windows that say, ‘We Love Battle the business involvement for Main Ground’ because we truly do.” “We truly feel blessed beyond belief to

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WOMENINBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

HEIDI JOHNSON BIXBY PRESENTS THE RIPPLE SPACE Ripple Space is for workshops and gatherings for staff teams, but is also for the community – particularly nonprofits When Heidi Johnson Bixby moved her businesses – Johnson Bixby & Associates and Integrated Tax Services – into the top three floors of the Hurley Building in downtown Vancouver in mid-January of 2020, she had no idea that the first year in the building would be so much different than anticipated. Johnson Bixby owns Johnson Bixby & Associates, a fiduciary firm that offers comprehensive financial services, as well as Integrated Tax Services (ITS), which provides tax accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses, individuals, nonprofits, as well as estates and trusts. The Johnson Bixby business occupies the sixth floor of the building, while ITS takes up the fifth floor. The fourth floor began with a vision of training space, and blossomed to become an entire floor, named the Ripple Space, according to Jeanne Kojis, director of nonprofit resources with ITS. “The ‘ripple effect’ is the multiplying waves of results from a single action,” Kojis wrote in a background piece on the Ripple Space. “The Ripple Space is a platform that exemplifies Johnson Bixby’s belief in connection, appreciation and strength of

community. It is a space for workshops and gatherings not just for staff teams, but for the community, particularly nonprofits.” The Ripple Space venue is comprised of two primary rooms. The River East offers views of the Columbia River, the I-5 Bridge, the Fort Vancouver area and, on a clear day, Mt. Hood. The space includes a drop-down screen, podium and projector for presentation ease. There are also quiet-glide barn doors that open for direct over-the-counter access to a well-equipped kitchen. The River East room is about 1,600 square feet. The second room, River West, offers views of the Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge to the Port of Vancouver USA and around to downtown Vancouver in the north. This space is about 3,500 square feet. Kojis said that each room connects to the reception area, which offers access to an outside balcony and catering kitchen. There is a selection of comfortable conference tables and chairs and the “generous footprint of the rooms” that allows for flexible and socially distanced seating. Dishware is also available onsite if needed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kojis said the Ripple Space will welcome general inquiries and tours this fall. She said the venue is not looking to fully book the event calendar, but to initially focus on workshops, corporate meetings and board retreats. The space will easily accommodate 120-plus people comfortably but will first welcome groups of 30 or fewer. Both the ITS and Johnson Bixby teams are planning to host

Heidi Johnson Bixby owns Johnson Bixby & Associates and Integrated Tax Services. Bixby moved the businesses into the Hurley Building in downtown Vancouver last year, she is pictured here in the Johnson Bixby & Associates lobby. (Courtesy of Johnson Bixby & Associates/ Integrated Tax Services.) 8 VBJ MAGAZINE MARCH 2021

in-person educational events as it opens up. “Ripple Space will initially be available to rent on a limited basis, with the priority to serve internal needs of Johnson Bixby’s companies for staff development and client workshops,” Kojis said. “’Ripple Academy’ is a unique onboarding cohort piloted in 2020 with new Ripple Companies’ employees, meeting online over several weeks. Developed by Paula Lee, director of talent and culture, the Ripple Academy is an interactive curriculum on the companies’ services, policies and values, equipping team members with the resources for personal and professional success. New levels of Ripple Academy look forward to being in house instead of online.” Kojis said that the Ripple Space was originally focused on internal use and client workshops, so revenue from the space was not the intent. Once completed, however, she said it was clear that the Ripple Space was an opportunity to share with the community, primarily for nonprofit use. She said the fees are scaled to cover the expenses incurred in maintaining and use of the venue. Rentals are by room or the entire floor and also vary by day of the week and time. Hourly rates range from $100 to $350 an hour, with 501(c)(3) groups receiving a discount. A four-hour midweek meeting will be around $400, depending on rooms used. Rentals will be limited to two or three each week to begin. Since March of 2020, client and staff safety have been high priorities at both Johnson Bixby and ITS, and much work for both companies remains virtual. The companies have both grown through the pandemic with a 20% increase in team members, bringing the total of the two companies to 36 employees. Kojis said the move to the Hurley Building was planned to allow for growth, and although the majority of employees are currently working from home, moving back into the office is a common goal. “As a planner, my perspective is to take the long view,” Johnson Bixby said. “Knowing there are always opportunities along with setbacks, I have built my companies to be resilient and prepared. The pandemic offered a new twist, but our team adapted quickly and continues to focus on our main purpose of helping clients strategically plan their finances to live out their goals and dreams. This experience has only deepened my endeavor to help our clients, team and community flourish.” Inquiries about the Ripple Space can be sent to jeanne@theripplespace.com.

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One of the three floors that Heidi Johnson Bixby occupies in the Hurley Building in downtown Vancouver is now home to the Ripple Space – a space for workshops and gatherings for staff teams and for the community, particularly nonprofits. (Courtesy of Johnson Bixby & Associates/Integrated Tax Services.)

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WOMENINBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

UPTOWN PRINTING OFFERS CUSTOMERS ‘SWAG & STRATEGY’ After spending months with no business during the pandemic, Jamie Young and her business persevered

Jamie Young, owner of Uptown Screen Printing in Battle Ground, first started her business in 2018 under the name Atta Girl Promotions, LLC. (Courtesy of Uptown Screen Printing.)

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Clark County area hard in March of last year, Jamie Young – owner of Uptown Screen Printing in Battle Ground – said it immediately had a huge impact on her business. “Orders that were lined up to be placed had been canceled, orders in production were placed on hold until manufacturing resumed,” Young said. “I spent three months with no business, it was so scary; I wanted to crawl up in bed, pull the covers over my head and shrink. But since I had no money sitting in the bank to survive, I began going ‘live’ on Facebook chatting about Generous Gifting for Growth and how the most visible businesses would survive and stay top of mind. I dug deep and did that for three months and I began getting hired to write gifting strategies for clients – that kept me afloat, but I had operational costs that were not getting paid.” “I gave myself six weeks to ‘make it’ or I had to close my business, and (the) last week of June my phones started ringing and they haven’t stopped,” Young continued. “Because most of those orders in July and August were screen printing apparel, I decided to buy a screen printing shop – so glad I did.” Young first opened her business in 2018 as Atta Girl Promotions, LLC, as a promotional products distributor. At the time, she was the director of the Portland Women’s Expo and was already recommending they use promotional products to drive traffic to their booth. “My brand was very female-forward, thinking I’d just mainly serve women in business, but within six months I noticed half my clients were male,” Young said. “In 2019 after

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the word around town was that Jamie would not only recommend incredible products to market your business, she would also help you generate a strategy for successful promotion. I then rebranded myself to Jamie Young Swag & Strategy and I began offering strategy sessions to my clients in addition to making product recommendations for swag and gifts. Then in September 2020 I decided to buy a screen printing shop and start printing my client shirts in house, instead of outsourcing the work.” Offering screen printing services, gifting strategies and personalized gifts, Young said that in terms of custom apparel and gifts, Uptown Printing offers no different products than other screen printing companies, but she said she does feel she offers a more intentional service. “I always want to see the opportunity for my clients growth if possible, what are the intentions for getting shirts (uniforms, giveaways or retail sellable shirts), who are their ideal clients (finding products that will be well received by their target market), finding a design that will best represent the brand and staying on budget,” Young said. When Young bought the screen printing business from Flexabili-tees in September, she moved the business from Vancouver up to Battle Ground because she lives in Battle Ground and also because she said the city is growing so fast. Since September, she said she has noticed an increase in Custom Apparel & Hat orders. In addition to running her business, Young also serves on the leadership board for Business Networking International (BNI), Women’s Entrepreneur Organization (WEO) and

In September 2020, Jamie Young decided to buy a screen printing shop and start printing her client shirts in house, instead of outsourcing the work. (Courtesy of Uptown Screen Printing.)

she said she networks with “as many amazing individuals as I can.” “I donate every chance I get to send shirts and sweatshirts to charity this

year,” she said. “I got to send shirts and sweatshirts to Northwest Children’s Outreach Head-to-Toe Drive hosted by Life Force Chiropractic.”

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WOMENINBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DENTAL PRACTICE OWNER FACED CHALLENGES HEAD ON Dr. Kristine Aadland said there continues to be a lack of women in leadership positions in dentistry

Dr. Kristine Aadland started her first practice, Aadland Dental, in 2009 and bought her second practice in 2018. (Courtesy of Aadland Dental.)

When talking about if she felt she faced any challenges as a woman business owner when she was first starting her dental practice more than 11 years ago, Dr. Kristine Aadland – owner of Aadland Dental in Vancouver – said, “always and it seems so silly.” “I was in my late 20s when I started my practice,” Aadland said. “I had big dreams and needed a lot of money to create them. I was single, not many assets to my name and went to 10 banks to ask them to believe in me. Eight of them laughed; two of them said come back when you have at least two years of work experience. At the two-year mark I did come back and one bank needed my parents to co-sign. I was a doctor. No way was I going to ask for a co-signature. I hadn’t had any of my male colleagues need this. One bank did take a chance on me and I am forever grateful for that.” “When I had my open house for my practice, a few dentists did call my father asking about certain details in the practice,” Aadland continued. “My dad is a bridge builder. He would laugh and just tell them, ‘you need to ask my daughter. It is her business and I know nothing about it.’ I was so lucky I grew up with strong parents who encouraged me to do anything I set my mind to.” Aadland opened her first practice in 2009 and bought her second practice in 2018. She said she currently has 21 employees between the two. After starting her first practice from zero revenue and four employees, including herself, that practice today produces $2.5 million in revenue and has 14 employees. She said her second practice, last year during the pandemic, grew by 15%, even without three months of production. Aadland said she is a general dentist with a focus on high

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technology and also tends to do a lot of cosmetic work. “I was always terrified to go to the dentist as a child and wanted to create a safe spot for patients to feel relaxed, or at least as relaxed as possible when getting their teeth worked on,” Aadland said. “I wanted to change people’s minds about what going to the dentist could be like. Dentistry is an interesting business because it involves so many aspects and fears in life. We work in a very personal space, it is emotional, expensive and people often associate dentistry with pain.” Aadland said technology offered her a chance to build better relationships by showing the patients exactly what she was seeing and also offering a lot of same-day services, like crowns delivered in a single appointment rather than multiple. She said this has become even more important in today’s world of exposure and risk, and patients really appreciate being able to be taken care of in one sitting rather than multiple. When Aadland decided to purchase another dental practice in September of 2018, she said her intention was to take what she had learned from her practice and implement it in another while coaching young women dentists on how to run a business effectively while giving them their own space to implement that. Aadland said she chose to start her practice in Clark County because she grew up in the area and her family has roots here. She said her parents owned the property that she built her practice on, and “it was a great legacy to return there every day for my own calling.” “Clark County is a strong community that likes to support small local businesses,” Aadland said. “I believe in grassroots marketing and just getting involved, whether this is through Rotary, local business networking groups or supporting local kids sporting events. There are some amazing and smart people in our community who want to help. Use them as resources, ask for help. It is so much easier to learn from other people’s mistakes as well as successes. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.” Aadland said he future plans for herself and her practice have continued to change and evolve over the years. At first, she said her goal was only growth and she had definitive markers for that. Aadland said she met those goals as planned, but then the season in her life changed and now she said her future is less about monetary growth and more about personal growth and giving back. “I want to help young doctors learn how to run a practice and

Dr. Kristine Aadland said her dog Auggie goes to work with her every day to sit with patients and make sure they’re OK. (Courtesy of Aadland Dental.)

still have somewhat of a life balance, whatever that means for them,” she said. “I also now have the capability to give back to people who just need a little extra help here and there and have found ways to do that through teaching other dentists different dental techniques. It is such a win-win. I never imagined I would be the person in front of the room lecturing and teaching but there was and continues to be a huge lack of women in leadership positions in dentistry. I wanted to change that and the only way I knew how was to step up and start to create an example for other women to do the same.” Aadland said her biggest advice to other women business owners or women who are thinking about starting their own business is to “surround yourself with like-minded women who want to help and be willing to receive to receive the help.” “It’s hard to ask for help, but there is truly no reason to recreate the wheel and women feel good helping other women,” she said. “We love to support each other. You don’t always have to follow the advice, but listen to it, learn from it and then make the decision that you feel is right. Trust your instincts.”

A Big Thank You From Us To Our Community For Voting Us Best In Business For The 5th Year In A Row

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WOMENINBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

HAUTE MADRE SEES CONTINUED GROWTH SINCE MOVING TO BATTLE GROUND Owner Michelle Smith says Haute Madre is ‘Not Your Momma’s Thrift Shop’ Since relocating her resale boutique, Haute Madre, to Main Street in Old Town Battle Ground in September of 2019, Owner Michelle Smith said growth at her business has been “exceptional.” “Battle Ground is growing and the local businesses here are thriving,” Smith said. “I have been able to maintain two to three employees as well as myself. I love my girls and couldn’t

run my business without them.” Haute Madre was first brought to life by Smith in 2016 as a result of a craving that she had for the thrift scene. Smith said she knew what she wanted, but she just wasn’t sure there would be a demand for it. It turns out there was a demand for the type of resale shop Smith wanted to open – Haute Madre is a “modern resale boutique that specializes in selling women’s fun, fresh, gently loved fashion and accessories.” Smith, who first opened Haute Madre in the Hazel Dell area before relocating to Battle Ground, described her resale

Haute Madre Owner Michelle Smith said the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely forced her and her staff to get creative in order to continue to meet the needs of their customers. (Courtesy of Haute Madre.)

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First located in the Hazel Dell area back when the business first opened in 2016, Haute Madre moved to its current location on Main Street in Old Town Battle Ground in September of 2019. (Courtesy of Haute Madre.)

boutique as “an experience.” “Haute Madre is a is where you go when your BFF needs a pick-me-up,” she said. “Haute Madre is a retreat when you get a break from your kiddos. Haute Madre is the first place that comes to mind when picking out a date-night outfit. Haute Madre has always been an idea of a place that you go to when you want to unwind, recharge or simply have a good laugh. I knew from day one that Haute Madre would be about the beautiful souls that grace our presence and the clothes that make them fall in love with themselves. I encourage women to shop all the shops. No one shop is better than another. We are all in this together and well all appreciate each and every customer that comes through the door.” When talking about whether or not she faced any unique challenges as a woman starting her own business in the area, Smith said “only the same challenges that any business owner comes across.” In the

beginning, she said that everything she did was an experiment; everything was trial-and-error. “I feel that my biggest support came from other women business owners,” Smith said. “Such as April Allen, owner of Spoiled Salon & Spa. She, along with many others, were constantly cheering me on and offering advice from their own personal experiences. I believe that support and positive like-minded individuals can have a huge impact on the success of your business mindset and growth.” Like every other small business in the area that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith said Haute Madre staff had to get creative in order to meet the needs of their customers. And while she said it has been difficult, and has been a transition they didn’t anticipate, they are forever thankful for the opportunities to better their business and find new ways to give customers

what they want. Smith said Haute Madre also continues to be involved in the community – the business has been a community partner of God’s Closest for several years now. This nonprofit organization in Clark County helps moms and children in need. “We are also very proud of our business partnership with several local womenowned businesses,” Smith said. “We offer a platform for at least nine local businesses to carry their own handmade goods and products ranging from jewelry and eco-friendly laundry soap to upcycled flannels, uplifting mugs, wine tumblers and handknitted scarves. We hand select each vendor with our customers in mind. It has been such a rewarding venture and I am truly grateful for the women in my shop that believe in our brand and love being a part of this women’s collective.”

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FAMILYOWNEDBUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

RJL BUSINESS SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW, NOW OFFERS TAX PREPARATION

RJL Business Services is owned by Jennifer Loftin (front middle, right), and is operated by Jennifer, her husband Rob (back left), along with help from their two daughters, Eriyann (front middle, left) and Leanne (not pictured), and the rest of the RJL staff. (Courtesy of RJL Business Services.)

Jennifer Loftin runs RJL with husband, Rob, and also their two daughters who work as accounting assistants When Jennifer Loftin originally started RJL Business Services back in September of 2012, she said her plan was to help businesses with bookkeeping and consulting. However, she quickly realized that by collaborating with her husband Rob, they could help businesses with all things accounting. So, the husband-and-wife couple teamed up to grow their own business together. RJL Business Services provides interim CFO services, accounting and bookkeeping, payroll and tax preparation, which is a service that the company just started offering. “Our specialty is our interim CFO services,” Jennifer said. 16 VBJ MAGAZINE MARCH 2021

“Our CFOs educate our clients on the importance of financial statements and help them make meaningful financial decisions with their data. Our passion has always been to help businesses thrive under even the most challenging of times. We enjoy helping struggling businesses overcome cash flow hardships, help healthy businesses propel their businesses and guide startups with financial advice and resources.” Jennifer takes on the role of owner and CEO of RJL, while Rob is the treasurer and handles the daily operations of the business. Eriyann and Leanna – the couple’s adult daughters – also both support the RJL staff as accounting assistants while also attending college. Jennifer said the company has a total of 11 staff members, including her and Rob, and the business has increased its revenue by 50% every year for the last four years. The company went from four staff members in 2017 to 11 in 2021. Prior to working together in their own business, Jennifer and

Rob worked for two other companies together. Rob has more than 25 years of accounting experience, which includes controller and CFO positions, and Jennifer has her own extensive background of more than 20 years in accounting, which includes VP of accounting and administration. She is currently the president of a Portlandbased litigation support company, as position she was offered in September of 2019 by one of her clients that also happens to be her former employer before forming RJL. Jennifer said her current role in RJL is at big-picture level, as she trusts Rob to make the day-to-day business decisions. “Rob likes to call me his boss when introducing me, but I usually laugh that off because without Rob the firm would not be where it is today,” Jennifer said. “He is client-facing and works closely with our staff. Over the years we have learned how to work seamlessly together, even incorporating our daughters into the family business, which has been a mutual goal fulfilled.” There are, of course, some challenges associated with being a family ownedand-operated business, one being that it is difficult to take vacations or synchronize time off, Jennifer said. She said her and Rob did manage to preplan a summer vacation in 2020, which included their entire immediate family, but some family members ended up working remotely over half the time to keep up with the needs of the business. “Some time off was better than no time off though,” Jennifer said. As far as any advice Jennifer has to offer to any other new family owned

“Rob likes to call me his boss when introducing me, but I usually laugh that off because without Rob the firm would not be where it is today. He is client-facing and works closely with our staff. Over the years we have learned how to work seamlessly together, even incorporating our daughters into the family business, which has been a mutual goal fulfilled.” – JENNIFER LOFTIN businesses in the area? “Hire a business coach!” She said. “We hired a business coach to help us identify our roles in our business and learn more about effective communication. Make goals together. Acknowledge each other’s professional achievements. Always keep your personal matters private so that your staff and clients feel comfortable and productive.” Jennifer said she feels RJL Business Services is succeeding in the local community because they believe in networking and supporting other small businesses in the area. She said her and Rob have built relationships with some great people in Clark County. RJL also donates to support different causes, most recently donating to the Pink Lemonade Project. Looking to the future, Jennifer said that RJL will continue to grow into a much larger firm. The company recently started offering tax preparation services,

which opens even more doors for the firm and staff. Jennifer said they also intend to expand into other areas as well. “In five years we will do what we do now but on a larger scale,” she said. “We intend to continue to support other local CPAs with their bookkeeping and interim CFO services, too. We plan to continue to pair up with local CPAs and financial advisors to continue to offer a holistic approach in the business arena.” “The firm continued to grow under the pandemic circumstances but there was less growth opportunities in 2020 than forecasted,” Jennifer continued. “However, 2021 is off to a very strong start. RJL keeps diversifying by welcoming new clients from a wide range of industries. This protected our business when the hospitality industry was shut down in 2020 and is helping us propel our business in 2021.” • OFFICE SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES • OFFICE FURNITURE • PROCUREMENT CONSULTATION • ERGONOMIC TRAINING & EVALUATIONS • COMMERCIAL OFFICE MOVING • OFFICE AUTOMATION (COPIERS/PRINTERS)

BESTINBUSINESS WINNER PROFILE

WEBFOR Every year, the Vancouver Business Journal opens up nominations and voting for our annual Best in Business Awards. Readers are able to vote for and help recognize their favorite companies in a variety of categories, ranging from food and drink to credit unions and commercial printing, and more. Here is a brief update from the business that was voted Best Web Consulting in the VBJ’s 2020 Best in Business Awards, Webfor. This information was provided by Kevin Getch, founder and director of digital strategy at Webfor. While Getch acknowledges that 2020 was a crazy year, he also said it’s a year that he never wants to forget. “While it was extremely challenging at times, it was also very rewarding,” Getch said of 2020. “I was able to see how our team, our clients and this community – when push comes to shove – come together to rise above the challenges. Many businesses experienced numerous setbacks in 2020 and it felt like the hits just kept coming. But the entrepreneurial spirit, the innovation and the determination to continue forward exhibited by our community continued to surprise me.” Getch said that he is most proud of the Webfor team. He said they’ve always talked about how the work we do has a positive “ripple” effect in the community. When Webfor is able to help their clients grow, they’re able to keep people employed and even hire more people. These are people that have families, people in the community. “Experience is often an extremely effective teacher, and now more than ever our team really understands how what they do

is impactful and important to our community,” Getch said. “Webfor was able to save hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Jobs that help keep those families afloat and communities thriving. That brings with it a level of satisfaction and joy to the work we do. All the work we’ve put into our own organization and our clients was truly stress tested in 2020. I’m glad to say we all passed with flying colors.” Getch said that when they first saw that many businesses were likely going to need to shut their doors, the Webfor team stepped up, created a plan to help those businesses and sprang into action. He said the strategy framework Webfor created has helped numerous organizations innovate and do more with less during this challenging time. Uncovering and implementing high-value opportunities to deliver value for their clients that produced quick return on investment. Getch said they were able to help large international companies as well as some of their favorite local small businesses. “We had already been implementing website design, search engine optimization, paid media management, content marketing and social media marketing for our clients before COVID,” Getch said. “But we really amped up our expertise and delivery around marketing strategy, web accessibility, branding, messaging and customer experience tracking.” Getch said they will be relocating the Webfor office starting next month to 1111 Main St., in the Main Place building alongside the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. “We couldn’t be more excited about the future for our team, our clients and this community,” he said.

Webfor, a digital marketing/web consulting agency owned by Kevin Getch, was able to help numerous organizations innovate and do more with less during this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Webfor.) 18 VBJ MAGAZINE MARCH 2021

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BESTINBUSINESS WINNER PROFILE

COLUMBIA VETERINARY CENTER Every year, the Vancouver Business Journal opens up nominations and voting for our annual Best in Business Awards. Readers are able to vote for and help recognize their favorite companies in a variety of categories, ranging from food and drink to credit unions and commercial printing, and more. Here is a brief update from the business that was voted Best Veterinarian in the VBJ’s 2020 Best in Business Awards, Columbia Veterinary Center. This information was provided by Cody Gray, office manager at Columbia Veterinary Center. Columbia Veterinary Center is currently in the multi-year process of constructing a new building behind their existing one that was built in 1969. The pandemic has slowed the project down with many changes to processes at the county and the center’s own uncertainty over the first six months of the pandemic. Columbia Veterinary Center’s business contracted over the first 90 days of the pandemic during the lockdown and cancelation of non-emergent services. Once the lockdown was lifted, Gray said they quickly realized, like the rest of the veterinary industry, that business demand had grown because of the pandemic. Many people, staying home, decided they wanted a new pet to keep them company. Others, who began working from home realized

a furry family member needed medical attention more quickly than they would have not being home all day, every day. “We have seen demand increase and are currently at building capacity,” Gray said. “We have had to stop taking new patients a couple of times over the past year, so we could help our existing patients in a timely manner. Currently, we have not accepted new patients since the first of the year and have no timeline of when we will be able to open our services back up to new patients in our existing facility. We hope to have the new building completed by October and then we will have the ability to serve more patients each day. The new building layout will improve efficiency as well as double our current capacity.” Gray said they have had to hire quite a few additional staff to help with curbside service as veterinary care is a labor-intensive industry to begin with. This has pushed the pre-pandemic business model around some and increased the company’s labor roughly $8,000/month. Gray said they continue to look at ways to be more efficient while maintaining the highest standards of care that they all want to deliver, their patients COLUMBIA VETERINARY CENTER: See page 21

Dr. Tammy Cleveland’s dog, Zola, is pictured here with Michelle Weiker, a licensed veterinary technician at Columbia Veterinary Center. Dr. Cleveland is a veterinarian and owner of Columbia Veterinary Center. (Courtesy of Columbia Veterinary Center.) 20 VBJ MAGAZINE MARCH 2021

ACOMPLISHEDANDUNDER40 UPDATE

Andrew Harper Columbia Bank Back in December, the Vancouver Business Journal announced our Accomplished and Under 40 Class of 2020. Here is a brief profile on one of the honorees, Andrew Harper, and a little update on what Andrew has been working on so far in 2021, and how the current COVID-19 pandemic has affected some of these things. In addition to working as a relationship banking officer, VP with Columbia Bank, Andrew Harper is also an active volunteer with numerous area nonprofits, including serving on the board for Second Step Housing and serving as the chair of their finance committee. According to a letter of recommendation written by Tim Foley, executive director of Second Step Housing, Harper joined the board of directors this year and immediately stepped into the role of treasurer. He quickly and effectively took leadership of the finance committee and serves as the direct liaison to the board on all financial matters. Beyond his technical knowledge and willingness to volunteer his time, Foley wrote that Harper is a keen supporter of the Second Step mission, which is to empower homeless individuals and families with opportunities that foster self-sufficiency through affordable housing partnered with community services. So, how has the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affected Harper in both his community involvement and his professional life? “The current environment requires us to think outside the box and engage with others in ways we may not have before,” Harper said. “This applies to banking relationships and community involvement as well. For example, the nonprofit board I sit on

COLUMBIA VETERINARY CENTER: Continued from page 20

need and their clients are accustomed. “We have invested over $20,000 in pandemic adjustments to our building to increase airflow/filtration/safety of our team members and provide a nice outside heated and covered area used for curbside service,” Gray said. “We leave windows ajar to provide additional airflow and our utility bills are $300 more per month. We have been forced to raise prices to cover all these additional expenses.” Gray said that not being able to have

has been meeting virtually since the start of the pandemic. It has been tremendously effective and efficient. We have adapted and learned how to connect with each other through digital channels and ensure that we meet the needs of the organization in new ways. That said, I do greatly look forward to being able to have in person board meetings, hopefully soon!” “Additionally, something that has been very effective for me as a community volunteer is reaching out to nonprofits I’m passionate about and seeing what volunteer opportunities they have that can be done remotely,” Harper continued. “For example, during the holiday season I had the opportunity to lead a volunteer effort for which we created handwritten holiday cards on behalf of a local nonprofit. This nonprofit serves homebound individuals, primarily seniors. Once the cards were created, the nonprofit safely delivered them to the recipients. This effort provided those who were homebound, and potentially isolated, with a reminder that they were being thought of during this time. Needless to say, this was very rewarding as a volunteer. I plan on continuing to look for opportunities such as this to ensure I’m offering a helping hand to organizations in need.” “The pandemic has created some significant challenges when it comes to my professional life. Pre-pandemic, my weekly routine involved, among other things, networking events, coffee and lunch meetings, attending nonprofit fundraisers, etc. Essentially, making connections face to face with others in the business and nonprofit community. Video conferencing has certainly been a helpful tool. I’m seeing more and more business networking and nonprofit fundraisers being hosted virtually and I look forward to participating in those as much as possible in the days and weeks ahead. I’m hopeful that later in the year the opportunity will once again be available to meet in person. In the meantime, I will be continuing to look for creative ways to leverage technology to create meaningful connections.”

clients in the exam rooms has been painful to Columbia’s doctors and staff as well as many of their clients. “Many clients have been coming to see Dr. (Tammy) Cleveland for over 20 years and everyone missed those personal relationships,” Gray said. “That inability to examine animals and talk with the pet parents in the exam room at the same time has been the biggest negative outcome of the pandemic. Our doctor/ client relationships have suffered. Calling clients and going over the exam on the phone is not the same as in person, and tasks and activities take longer. We are all waiting for it to be safe again to bring

humans into the building.” “Our team members have been fantastic throughout the pandemic,” Gray said. “We work very closely with each other holding animals and providing medical care and have reinforced the need to maintain the highest levels of safety protocols to make sure we all keep each other COVID safe. We have provided some payroll protection income when a team member has needed to go out on COVID watch, and we provided full paychecks to those working less than full time during the lock down last spring, using a PPP loan.” MARCH 2021 VBJ MAGAZINE

ACOMPLISHEDANDUNDER40 UPDATE Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Advisory Committee. He has also been a part of the Landerholm Hood to Coast team. So, what has Sikora been working on – both professionally and personally – so far in 2021, and how has the pandemic affected him in these areas? “Personally, one of my goals this year is to run a 50k,” Sikora said. “I started doing more trail running last year during the pandemic and really enjoy it. I’ve run a few marathons over the past several years, and I’m excited about the challenge of running a longer distance on trails. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that running events (and really any event) will be able to happen later this year!” “Professionally, I’ve been primarily working from home since last March like so many others who work in office settings,” Sikora continued. “I feel fortunate to have the ability to safely work from home, and I think it’s amazing how quickly businesses adopted to situation. However, I miss seeing my colleagues and clients in person, so I am looking forward to being able to return to the office on a regular basis in the future. Because my practice focuses on employment law and providing advice and counsel to employers, the pandemic and legal issues related to it have been central issues in my practice since last March. Employers have been faced with a dizzying array of new laws and expectations, which, in turn, created significant uncertainty, over the last year. One of my main goals professionally this year is to continue to assist employers in our community in navigating this rapidly evolving and uncertain legal landscape as the effects of the pandemic continue.”

Landerholm, P.S. Back in December, the Vancouver Business Journal announced our Accomplished and Under 40 Class of 2020. Here is a brief profile on one of the honorees, James Sikora, and a little update on what James has been working on so far in 2021, and how the current COVID-19 pandemic has affected some of these things. James Sikora, an attorney with Landerholm, P.S., just last year became a shareholder with the firm and actively participates in numerous committees related to the firm’s operations. Sikora’s practice focuses on advising and counseling businesses throughout Washington and Oregon in employment law and related areas. In a letter of recommendation from fellow Landerholm attorney Phillip Haberthur, he writes that Sikora is widely regarded as the “go-to” lawyer for employer needs. He is well known for his quarterly employment seminars that he provides to area businesses, and he is a sought-after speaker on employment, Compliance and ADA issues. In addition to providing many hours of pro bono legal services to area nonprofits and individuals, he also volunteers his time as a member of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington Board of Directors and as a member of the Greater Vancouver

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