What Your Peers Are Saying

Meet Some Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Members

Membership in ORLA means being part of the only organization in the state devoted to protecting and promoting the interests of our industry. It’s all of us together that makes that possible. Get inspired by these peer profiles where members share their thoughts on their favorite superheroes and heroines. For a little seasonal fun we also wanted to know their favorite wintertime activities.

Tell Your Peers a Little About You!

If you are a member, and are willing to be profiled here, please email us at info@OregonRLA.org. Also, let us know if there is a question you would like to see your peers answer.

GET TO KNOW SOME OF YOUR PEERS BY READING THEIR RESPONSES TO THESE BUSINESS RELATED QUESTIONS:

What is one kind thing you do for your employees/coworkers? What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

JAKE VANDERVEEN McDonald Wholesale, Eugene

Title: President and COO Joined the Company: 2004 Member Since: 2009 Fav Winter Activity: Frequenting our customers and enjoying many of the fine food and libations they create. Fav Superhero: Everyday superheroes, anyone who has a passion that compels them to forgo self-service and aspire to something greater.

What is one kind thing you do for your employees/coworkers?

I encourage them to be their best self and try to eliminate any roadblocks while giving them the resources to achieve their goals. We also strongly support work-life balance in order to achieve success and enjoyment.

REGINA PICKE Wild Goose Meadows RV, Lakeview

Title: Owner Open Since: 2015 Member Since: 2015 Fav Winter Activity: Snuggling by a fire Fav Superhero: My husband

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business moving forward?

Our business will be sustained by normality. People want to be treated normal again. They want to travel and have fun and not be treated like they are spreading a plague. Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, people are fun and loving individuals that deserve to be celebrated.

AMY LEWIN Oregonian Media Group, Portland

Title: Vice President, Brand & Strategic Partnerships Joined the Company: 2021 Member Since: 2020 Fav Winter Activity: Blustery beach walks Fav Superhero: Mary Poppins

What is one kind thing you do for your employees/coworkers?

Listening. I love hearing from my colleagues how they're doing. We've been working from home and it's complicated. Showing up and sharing a "how's your day?" before diving into the work means a lot.

MARTIN MCALLISTER Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Title: General Manager Joined the Company: 2021 Member Since: 1980 Fav Winter Activity: Skiing! Fav Superhero: Superman

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

Even in difficult circumstances making decisions that put your people first pays off in both the short and the long term.

SCOTT YOUNGBLOOD Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square, Tigard

Title: GM & Playground Director Joined the Company: 2014 Member Since: 1992 Fav Winter Activity: Snowshoe Hikes with Jill Fav Superhero: Anthony Fauci

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

Helping our co-workers find balance and strategies for self-care keeps our business stable and productive, even under the hardest of circumstances.

JOLEE BANCROFT Mo’s Seafood & Chowder

Title: President Joined the Company: 2004 Member Since: 1990 Fav Winter Activity: Traveling Fav Superhero: Wonder Woman

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

We invested in waitlist.me which was a game changer for our concept. It keeps both our guest and staff happy!

LYNNELLE MORGAN Over The Edge Taphouse, Crooked River Ranch/Terrebonne

Title: President/Owner Open Since: 2019 Member Since: 2021 Fav Winter Activity: Riding our Side by Side in the snow Fav Superhero: Wonder Twin Powers

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

DANELLE ROMAIN Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association

Title: Executive Director Joined the Company: 2004 Member Since: A long time Fav Winter Activity: Palm Springs Fav Superhero: Eleven, Stranger Things

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

Whether we like it or not, government decisions control how we conduct business. Government advocacy has never been more important than it is today.

JUSTIN FREEMAN Bagel Sphere, Eugene

Title: Owner & Operator Open Since: 2017 Member Since: 2017 Fav Winter Activity: Rainy hikes Fav Superhero: My wife!

What have you learned this past year that will help sustain your business?

Our business needs to be a bit like an octopus - with multiple arms of income, so that if one is cut off, we still have a fighting chance! :)