Relocating to Portland

The Perks of Living in the Largest City in Oregon

With the abundance of craft beers, innovative cuisine, lush outdoor spaces and bike-friendly cities, it’s no wonder that Oregon was the top destination for people moving out-of-state in 2017, and has been a top contender for years.

Proximity

Whether you’re in the mood to hike, ski, camp, fish or perhaps even spend a day in wine country sipping on Oregon’s finest Pinots, Portland’s location offers easy access to a plethora of activities.

Forest Park – 10 minutes – One of the largest urban forests in the United States, with more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads. The park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Columbia Gorge – 1 hour – a popular destination for hiking, biking, sight-seeing, fishing, and watersports. The area is known for its high concentration of waterfalls, with over 90 on the Oregon side of the Gorge alone.

Fun, Unique Neighborhoods

NW 23rd – Discover boutique shopping, great food choices, and an eclectic mix of shops and services to satisfy any need.

Alberta – Independent and diverse, this Northeast Portland neighborhood is full of art, shopping and a plethora of dining options.

Laurelhurst – A neighborhood of vintage homes and undulating streets surrounding a park of the same name, straddling the NE and SE sections of Portland.

The Pearl – Reclaimed warehouse spaces house The Pearl’s many bars and restaurants, from craft breweries and artisan coffee shops to fine dining mainstays.

Downtown – From the theaters and museums of the Cultural District to parks that play host to festivals and farmers’ markets, downtown puts a wide range of entertainment within easy walking distance.

East Moreland – An early-twentieth century, tree-lined quiet neighborhood in inner Southeast.

Food / Beer / Wine

Portland is a no-brainer when it comes to popular destinations for beer lovers. The city has the Pacific Northwest advantage of access to the best ingredients (we’re talking water, hops, malt and yeast…all of them), and houses close to 60 breweries. Popular spots include Hopworks Urban Brewery, Breakside Brewery and Cascade Brewing. It’s hard to walk anywhere in Portland without seeing a fun spot to grab a nice craft beer.

As for food, the list of fun, delicious and innovative restaurants could go on forever. Notable Portland favorites, though, come from John Gorham, one of Portland’s most celebrated restaurateurs. His restaurants are well known for their American-European and Middle Eastern flair, as well as their party-like atmosphere. Each is a unique experience and well worth a visit! You can learn more about the chefs and the restaurants here.

Shopping

There is no Sales Tax in Oregon so… go for it!! Whether you’re in the mood for boutiques (NW 23rd , or The Pearl, to name a few), or mall shopping (outdoor: Pioneer Place; indoor: Lloyd Center), you will not be disappointed by all of the awesome Portland shops.

Sports

Portland loves its sports!

Men’s Professional Soccer: Portland Timbers – 2015 MLs Champs. Sit in the Army section if you’re feeling energetic!

Women’s Professional Soccer: Portland Thorns – Throw on some red, grab a beer and cheer on the 2017 champions.

Men’s Professional Basketball: Portland Trail Blazers – Always great energy at the Moda Center when the Blazers are in town!

Weather

The Rose City’s reputation as a dreary place where it never stops raining is often the only frame of reference non-local candidates have when we first talk with them about Portland.

While there are a few rainy months in Portland, the average annual rainfall is about 36 inches, which is about half of the average annual rainfall for the top 10 rainiest states. And the weather is getting better every year, with mild winters and summers that make enjoying the spectacular outdoor landscapes surrounding Portland even easier.

We still recommend that candidates pick up a sturdy rain jacket when they relocate to Portland, but the weather should not be a barrier to getting here.

Portland locals have a saying – “there is no such thing as bad weather…just bad rain gear”.

Cost of Living

Along with the question about compensation often comes a follow-up about the area’s complete cost of living. At 10% above the national average, Portland’s cost of living has earned a bit of a bad reputation, especially among candidates from Midwestern cities.

Candidates may have to pay more for a cup of local coffee or a slice of pizza if they move to Portland, but after speaking to someone who actually lives here, people quickly realize that the city is more affordable than some statistics seem to imply.

When the topic of compensation arises, often in the context of concern, we ask candidates about how they invest in their quality of life.

Portland often ranks among the top cities to live in based on quality of life, with good reason: It’s one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world with one of the best public transportation systems in the country. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, with mountains, forest trails and coastal beaches only a short drive from the metro area. And with flourishing food, beer, music, arts and sports scenes, there really is something for everyone.

Once non-local candidates hear about the lifestyle in Portland, compensation becomes less of an obstacle to bringing them out here.

Tax Structure

While Oregon has an income tax of 8.5%, it is offset with ZERO sales tax and lower property taxes as compared to its peers on the west coast. In a variety of studies, Oregon has ranked in the top 3 fairest tax systems.

The national average for state and local taxes as a share of income is 10.4%, where Oregon sits below the national average at 10%.

Property taxes are based on assessed value of the property and based on voters passing Measure 50, when a home sells, the value is not reassessed. In addition, Oregon does not have an excise tax on homes sales as compared to its neighbor to the north with an average tax of 1.28% of the sales price.

Exciting & Growing Businesses

Despite the small-city, Portlandia-inspired perception, Portland is home to thousands of thriving businesses that span a variety of key industries, including software, technology and manufacturing. Recently, Portland has developed a reputation as a “no-brainer” city for big tech companies such as eBay, Salesforce, Autodesk and Airbnb to open up satellite offices.

Many footwear and apparel companies call Portland home including Nike, and Columbia Sportswear, along with Adidas’s North American headquarters.

The tech scene has never been more promising, with organizations such as Puppet Labs, Wacom Technology, Jama Software and Exterro choosing to remain in or move their operations to Portland. New start-ups are garnering the attention of investors every day, and growth opportunities abound.

In addition to footwear and technology, Portland has a reputation for fostering premium food brands such as Kettle Chips, Tillamook Cheese and Dave’s Killer Bread that are quickly becoming household names around the country.

In Conclusion…

With its mild climate, beautiful seasons, and easy access to a variety of topographies, Portland has so much to offer, and we are lucky to call this city home!

Check out 180one’s other posts about Portland!

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The Cost of Hesitation: Why Delaying a Leadership Change Quietly Destroys Value

By Greg Togni • January 12, 2026

Few decisions carry more weight, or more emotional friction, than upgrading management. Whether in a private equity–backed business or a closely held private company, leaders know the decision matters. They also know it’s uncomfortable. Incumbent executives may have helped close the deal, built the business, or earned deep loyalty from employees and customers. In that context, waiting can feel prudent, even humane. Yet across ownership structures, cycles, and industries, the evidence points in one direction: delaying action on leadership misalignment quietly erodes value long before performance visibly breaks. What the Data Consistently Shows Research across management transitions paints a consistent picture. Roughly half of PE-backed companies replace the CEO within the first two years of ownership, with many changes occurring in the first year. Studies of executive transitions show failure rates between 30% and 40% in the first 18 months, most often driven not by incompetence but by misalignment- on mandate, pace, or priorities. The lesson is not that boards are impatient. It’s that leadership fit matters more than familiarity, and a misfit rarely corrects itself with time. The Most Expensive Period Is After Doubt Sets In By the time a board or ownership group agrees that a leadership upgrade may be needed, value erosion is often already underway. Growth initiatives slow. Decision-making becomes cautious. Reporting grows heavier as leaders explain results instead of driving them. High performers sense uncertainty and begin to disengage. In PE-backed environments, this dynamic plays out faster and with fewer buffers. But private companies experience the same slow bleed, just over a longer horizon. The “One More Quarter” Fallacy “Let’s give it one more quarter” is one of the most expensive sentences in governance. Boards and owners often justify delay by pointing to an initiative in flight, system implementation, or temporary market headwinds. But studies of executive performance show that trajectory matters more than absolute results. If clarity, momentum, and conviction are not improving, time rarely fixes the issue. A common pattern: leadership change is debated for several quarters. When a new executive finally steps in, they make decisive moves within 60 to 90 days, moves that had been discussed, analyzed, and deferred for a year. The opportunity cost of that delay is real, even if it never appears cleanly in the P&L. Missed Windows Are Permanent Losses The most dangerous cost of waiting is not short-term underperformance; it’s a missed opportunity. In PE-backed companies, similar windows appear around add-on acquisitions, operational transformations, or pricing resets. A capable but misaligned leader can miss those windows by moving too slowly or pulling the wrong levers. Once missed, those opportunities rarely reopen on the same terms. Loyalty Is Expensive, But So Is Delay Many delayed leadership changes stem from understandable loyalty: to founders, long-tenured executives, or leaders who were instrumental during diligence or early growth. But fiduciary responsibility ultimately outweighs emotional equity. The most effective boards separate gratitude for past contributions from clarity about future requirements. They also recognize that earlier action is usually kinder. Early transitions allow for controlled narratives, thoughtful role changes, and dignified exits. Late-stage changes tend to feel abrupt, personal, and destabilizing. A Simple Test for Owners and Boards One question cut through most debates: If we were hiring for this role today, knowing what we now know, would we make the same choice? If the answer isn’t an unambiguous yes, delay rarely improves the outcome. Another signal is how leadership discussions consume time. When meetings shift from strategy and growth to coaching, shielding, or compensating for leadership gaps, the decision has often already been made, just not acknowledged. Why Smart Owners Explore the Market Early High-performing PE firms, and increasingly, sophisticated private owners, often explore the executive market before a final decision is reached. This isn’t about undermining management; it’s about sharpening judgment. Seeing the caliber of available talent reframes the question from “Can this work?” to “Is this the best we can do?” In many cases, an external perspective provides clarity faster than another quarter of internal debate. Timing is Everything Upgrading management is never easy. But the evidence, data, deals, and lived experience are clear: indecision is rarely neutral. The organizations that consistently outperform aren’t the ones that change leaders most often. They’re the ones who change them on time. And in a world of compressed timelines, competitive markets, and rising expectations, timing isn’t just a leadership issue; it’s a value creation issue.

New Opportunity: General Counsel

By Effie Zimmerman • January 5, 2026

General Counsel ABOUT THE COMPANY A-dec is the premium leader in the dental equipment industry, designing and manufacturing products that span dental chairs, lights, handpieces, furniture, air management, infection control, and delivery systems found in dental offices and operatories. With over 1300 employees and headquartered in Newberg, Oregon, A-dec’s familial culture and values have been attributed to their commitment to the Newberg community and its employees through various investments and programs. ABOUT THE POSITION The General Counsel (GC) will manage legal matters for the organization and affiliated entities, including all litigation defense coordination, intellectual property, business development, contracting, unfair trade practices, anti-trust, corporate governance, and the coordination of legal matters managed by outside counsel. GC will provide legal advice to management, provide counsel on negotiating corporate transactions, and prepare related documentation. Provide strong leadership, guidance, and pragmatic business acumen, recognizing the business consequences of legal advice. GC is a strategic and innovative thinker who can develop and articulate a clear understanding of the company’s strategy from all perspectives and find creative solutions to complex legal problems with a strong ability to balance legal and business risk. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Corporate Governance & Strategy Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the executive leadership team on corporate governance and risk management. Oversee corporate governance matters, including board support, entity management, and compliance with applicable corporate laws. Support business development, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions from due diligence through integration. Board meeting preparation and serves as acting Secretary in Board of Directors’ meetings and prepares all necessary Board and Shareholder documents. Regulatory & Compliance Partner with corporate regulatory leaders to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws and regulations applicable to medical/dental devices, manufacturing, quality systems, and global distribution. Interface with corporate regulatory leaders to manage regulatory risk and ensure compliance. Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide compliance policies and training programs. Commercial & Contract Management Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including supplier, distributor, licensing, manufacturing, and customer contracts. Support global sales and supply chain operations with practical, business-focused legal guidance. Establish contract standards and processes to improve efficiency and risk management. Intellectual Property Oversee protection, management, and enforcement of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Work with internal teams and external counsel on IP strategy aligned with product development and global expansion. Litigation & Risk Management Manage all litigation, disputes, and claims, including product liability and commercial matters. Select and manage outside counsel, controlling costs and ensuring high-quality outcomes. Oversee risk mitigation strategies. Legal Operations Build and lead the legal function, including internal staff and external legal resources. Develop budgets, manage legal spend, and improve legal operations and processes. Foster a culture of ethics, compliance, and sound risk judgment across the organization. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives. Deep understanding of regulatory, compliance, and quality requirements in a manufacturing environment. Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills. Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with high ethical standards. Ability to work collaboratively with business clients and proactively become involved in business initiatives. Ability to interact effectively with associates at all levels in all businesses across North America and in countries where A-dec has a presence. Ability to interface and negotiate with legal representatives at dealers and suppliers. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively. Good listening skills. Skilled at working independently and leading critical matters to conclusion with little supervision, while coordinating with other attorneys and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to quickly establish trust and rapport within A-dec. Strong leadership skills to manage projects and influence decisions, with the ability to be persuasive in reinforcing the best interests of the company. Understands business implications of decisions. Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills. Travel, including internationally as needed, to perform the duties of the job. Expert legal document drafting and research skills. Education and Experience Requires Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Must be a member of the bar in good standing; admission to the Oregon State Bar preferred. 10+ years of legal experience in a relevant law firm or corporate setting. Experience as an Associate, Assistant, or General Counsel is preferred. Experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or other healthcare-related experience is desirable. Experience in a manufacturing business is preferred. Experience in a global business with international distribution is preferred. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by A-dec to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .

New Opportunity: Chief Financial Officer

By Effie Zimmerman • December 23, 2025

Chief Financial Officer ABOUT THE COMPANY Superior Duct Fabrication is a market-leading fabricator of highly technical commercial ducting and specialty HVAC products, serving mission-critical end markets such as data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and industrial facilities. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Pomona, CA, Superior operates out of five strategic manufacturing sites across the Western U.S. and Ohio, with a deeply experienced union workforce, vertically integrated operations, and a reputation for quality, speed, and reliability. In 2025, Seattle-based private equity firm Pike Street Capital made a platform investment in Superior to accelerate growth through geographic expansion, product innovation, and targeted acquisitions. With a strong leadership team, trusted customer relationships, and increasing demand for sophisticated air handling solutions, Superior is positioned for rapid, scalable growth. THE ROLE Superior is seeking an experienced and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial strategy and execution of its private equity-backed, high-growth business. The CFO will play a critical role in enabling both organic and acquisitive growth, optimizing operations, and driving value creation in partnership with the CEO, President, and private equity sponsor. This is a hands-on executive leadership role ideal for a proven financial leader with deep manufacturing expertise and a track record of operating in dynamic, performance-driven environments. RESPONSIBILITIES Executive & Strategic Leadership Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, actively contributing to policy, direction, and long-term planning. Help define and execute the company’s growth strategy in alignment with operational, financial, and market objectives. Drive a high-performance culture through accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Lead by example, setting the tone and culture across the organization. Operate as a player/coach—comfortable building models, developing presentations, and engaging directly in critical business issues. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier financial and operational talent. Lead major business initiatives and projects (e.g., productivity improvement, pricing strategies) with measurable results. Shoulder broad business leadership responsibility, beyond traditional finance functions. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Own the development and ongoing refinement of annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and long-term financial planning. Track and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance against strategic goals. Conduct hands-on analysis of financial performance, with actionable insights to achieve growth and EBITDA targets. Lead investment analysis and decision support—including customer pricing models and full business case development. Demonstrated expertise in labor cost management and margin improvement strategies. Bring experience across multiple ERP platforms; ERP selection and implementation experience is highly preferred. Accounting & Financial Operations Oversee all accounting and finance functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial reporting packages, including monthly P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and covenant compliance. Ensure all financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and meet internal and external stakeholder requirements. Lead all month-end close activities, including general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and overhead allocation. Enhance and scale accounting processes, systems, and internal controls to support company growth. Coordinate the annual audit process, ensuring unqualified audit results. Lead the preparation and management of company-wide budgets, including revenue and capital expenditure planning. Treasury & Working Capital Management Lead cash flow forecasting, management, and decision-making around weekly cash disbursements. Improve the full cash cycle—credit policy, collections, inventory, and payables management. Manage lender relationships and covenant compliance. Use forward-looking cash flow analysis to guide capital structure decisions and working capital strategy. M&A & Private Equity Engagement Collaborate with the leadership team and private equity sponsors on M&A add-on strategies and roll-up execution. Experience or understanding of value creation planning, reporting, and board-level communication. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline; CPA and MBA strongly preferred. Extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within a private equity-backed or high-growth manufacturing environment. Deep understanding of financial and operational disciplines, including P&L ownership, balance sheet management, cash flow optimization, and capital allocation. Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead complex negotiations related to financing, vendor agreements, M&A, and commercial terms. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and working capital management; prior public accounting experience is a plus. Strong business acumen with the ability to quickly assess new challenges and make sound, data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment. Natural leadership presence with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of an organization and with external stakeholders. Resilient under pressure with a disciplined approach to prioritization, execution, and delegation. Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to clearly articulate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. Committed to service excellence, with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style. High attention to detail and precision, balanced with the ability to think strategically and see the broader business context. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Superior Duct Fabrication to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley /503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com .