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 Leadership Reset: Why Companies Are Replacing More Executives Than They Are Adding

By Greg Togni • June 8, 2026

For much of the last decade, executive hiring was closely tied to expansion. Growing companies added new business units, entered new markets, launched digital initiatives, and created leadership roles to support growth. Today, the picture looks markedly different. While demand for senior leadership remains strong, a growing share of executive hiring is being driven by replacement rather than expansion. Across industries, boards and leadership teams are increasingly focused on succession planning, retirement-related transitions, and upgrading leadership capabilities to meet rapidly evolving business demands. In many organizations, the question is no longer, "What new leadership roles do we need?" Instead, it has become, "Do we have the right leaders for the future we are building?" Several converging trends are driving this shift. A Wave of Leadership Turnover Leadership turnover continues to accelerate across public and private companies. According to research cited by Harvard Business Review, CEO succession rates reached 12.5% in 2025, up significantly from 9.8% the prior year. At the same time, more than 2,000 CEO departures were recorded in the United States, reflecting one of the most active succession environments in recent decades. Boards are also becoming more willing to look externally for leadership talent. Recent data show that 44% of CEO appointments among S&P 1500 companies came from outside the organization, a level near a 25-year high. This growing willingness to seek external leadership reflects a broader reality: many organizations believe that the skills required for the next phase of growth may not be fully represented within their current leadership teams. The Retirement Factor Is Becoming Impossible to Ignore Demographics are creating another powerful force behind replacement hiring. Large numbers of Baby Boomers continue to exit the workforce, creating leadership gaps across industries. While retirement timing varies by sector and geography, organizations are increasingly confronting the loss of decades of institutional knowledge and leadership experience. Many companies spent the past several years postponing succession discussions while navigating economic uncertainty, inflation, and labor market disruption. As a result, some organizations are now facing a compressed timeline to identify and develop the next generation of leaders. The challenge extends beyond simply filling vacancies. In many cases, companies are discovering that there are fewer experienced leaders available than expected, particularly in specialized industries where leadership pipelines have not kept pace with retirements. Evidence of these pressures is appearing across both public and private sectors as organizations report increasing difficulty replacing highly experienced senior talent. From Replacement to Upgrade Not all replacement hiring is driven by turnover. An increasingly common scenario involves organizations replacing leaders who are performing adequately but lack the capabilities required for future business needs. Economic uncertainty has made many organizations cautious about adding headcount. Instead of creating new executive positions, boards are asking whether existing leadership structures are optimized for growth, profitability, and transformation. Recruiters and talent advisors report a significant increase in confidential replacement searches, particularly for leadership positions impacted by AI, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and changing customer expectations. Rather than expanding leadership teams, organizations are investing in stronger leadership capability within existing roles. This represents a meaningful shift from previous cycles. Historically, executive hiring often accompanied organizational growth. Today, many leadership searches are designed to improve execution, accelerate transformation, or close capability gaps. AI Is Raising the Leadership Bar Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the strongest drivers of leadership upgrades. Boards increasingly expect executives to understand not only their functional disciplines but also how AI will reshape business models, workflows, workforce planning, customer engagement, and competitive advantage. Organizations are reassessing leadership teams through a new lens: adaptability. Leaders are being evaluated on their ability to navigate technological disruption, lead workforce transformation, make data-driven decisions, and build organizations capable of operating in a rapidly changing environment. Companies across industries are investing heavily in AI capabilities and adjusting talent strategies accordingly. As a result, many executive searches today are less about filling a vacancy and more about acquiring capabilities that did not exist as leadership requirements even a few years ago. What Corporate Leaders Should Be Thinking About The implications for boards, CEOs, and CHROs are significant. Organizations that treat leadership succession as an occasional event may find themselves competing for scarce talent at precisely the moment they need continuity and stability. Meanwhile, companies that regularly assess leadership capabilities against future business requirements will be better positioned to navigate both retirements and transformation. The most successful organizations are no longer viewing succession planning and executive hiring as separate activities. They are treating both as part of a broader leadership strategy focused on future readiness. The executive hiring market in 2026 remains active, but the underlying motivation has changed. For many organizations, the priority is not adding more leaders. It is ensuring they have the right leaders for what comes next.

New Opportunity: President

By Effie Zimmerman • June 1, 2026

President ABOUT THE COMPANY Dating all the way back to 1878, BASCO's parent company, founded by the Cronin Family, began its long-lasting legacy. Now a fifth-generation family-operated business, BASCO has built an exceptional reputation by combining industry-leading products, expert customer guidance, and an unwavering commitment to service. With showroom locations in Portland’s Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and Bend, along with an Outlet Store, BASCO delivers a highly differentiated customer experience through interactive appliance displays, knowledgeable professionals, and a curated portfolio of more than 60 premium appliance brands, including Viking, Thermador, Dacor, Miele, and Wolf-Sub Zero-Cove. BASCO is the trusted appliance partner for discerning homeowners, luxury remodel projects, and the building community serving the upper-end residential market throughout the Pacific Northwest. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO and the Board of Directors, the President will lead the organization into its next phase while preserving the culture, reputation, and customer-first values that have defined BASCO for generations. This executive will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, strengthen organizational performance, develop high-performing teams, and continue elevating BASCO’s position as the region’s premier luxury appliance retailer. The President will provide leadership and oversight across all major functional areas of the business, including operations, purchasing and supplier relationships, product delivery, customer service, finance, human resources, and marketing/communications. The Ideal Candidate will possess the following skills: Proven ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain high-performing team members while building a strong, collaborative organizational culture Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively delegate, influence, and collaborate across all functional areas to drive productivity and operational excellence Thoughtful and confident leader with a growth mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to make strategic and timely decisions Strong financial and business acumen with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to effectively leverage organizational resources to achieve strategic and operational objectives CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Review and enhance organizational effectiveness by improving processes, fostering a highly engaged work environment, and implementing operational improvements Develop, implement, and manage annual budgets and resource allocation plans Continuously evaluate and improve operational efficiency and overall financial performance Deliver the financial objectives established by senior leadership and the Board of Directors Partner with operational leaders to establish, track, and achieve key performance metrics and KPIs Identify and implement effective solutions to business challenges, including customer concerns, profitability issues, employee relations matters, and competitive pressures Collaborate closely with the Sales Team to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience Champion customer loyalty by ensuring a consistently high level of service and delivering commitments with integrity and responsiveness Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing talent aligned with the company’s business objectives and culture Inspire and motivate team members to achieve and exceed goals by establishing clear accountability, defining performance expectations, setting high standards, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; advanced degree or graduate-level education preferred Proven executive leadership experience with full P&L responsibility, ideally within a retail, multi-location, distribution, or related operating environment Demonstrated success leading diverse functional areas and large teams while building strong cross-functional relationships that drive collaboration and results Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to balance long-term objectives and day-to-day operational demands Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization Proven ability to develop, manage, and execute financial plans, budgets, and performance objectives Broad business acumen with a strong understanding of key organizational functions, including finance, operations, human resources, procurement, and sales Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to support sound business decisions Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by BASCO to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .

New Opportunity: Chief Financial Officer

By Effie Zimmerman • May 28, 2026

C HIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ABOUT THE COMPANY Founded in 1929, Bennett is a trusted, family-led provider of water, plant health, and energy solutions for growers with locations in California’s Central Valley and Hawaii. Based in Selma, California, and now led by fourth-generation CEO Tyler Bennett, the company offers fully integrated services to maximize resource efficiency - delivering turnkey solutions that help customers maximize yields, improve water efficiency, and enhance crop health. What began as a family-run business, Bennett grew alongside the farming communities it served, built on a commitment to practical solutions, dependable service, and long-term relationships. Over the decades, Bennett continued to evolve with the needs of the industry. As agriculture faced new challenges around efficiency, resource management, and crop performance, the company expanded its capabilities to support operations in more ways. Through each stage of that growth, one principle remained constant: focus on solving real problems in the field and stand behind their work. In August of 2025, Pike Street Capital made an investment in Bennett to help facilitate continued growth and geographical expansion. More information is available at www.bennett.llc . ABOUT THE POSITION The Chief Financial Officer position is accountable for the strategic, financial, administrative, and risk management operations of the company, including the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve company assets, maximize profits, and report accurate financial results to the Board and stakeholders. The CFO candidate must be willing to take a side-by-side role with the CEO and executive team to motivate the people in the organization to achieve its mission and financial targets. The CFO will report to the Chief Executive Officer and be a key member of the Company’s senior executive team. She or he will design, install, and manage the practices and systems necessary, including financial policy, reporting, compliance, risk management, controls, financial accounting, cost accounting, accounting systems, cash management, banking relationships, tax strategy, and Board interface. The CFO will coordinate the development and filing of all bank and board-related reports and regulatory documents, if any, and initiate and maintain accounting and auditor relationships. DUTIES & 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. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS A complete understanding of the role of a private company CFO as a fiduciary with responsibility for reporting, bank covenant compliance, and Board interface. Domain expertise in accounting policy, accounting systems, financial reporting, taxation, and bank compliance. Superior management, analytical, organizational, administrative, and presentation skills. The temperament and maturity to be a key confidant and collaborator with the CEO and the management peer group. Master's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience, preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in an industry-relevant company in a financial capacity. Experience partnering with an executive team and have a high level of written and oral communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with an MBA in Finance and the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Bennett to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .