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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New Opportunity: Corporate Development Manager

By Christine Kennedy • March 12, 2025

Corporate Development Manager About the Company Impel is a family of companies that offer comprehensive flow management solutions in partnership with each other and the best manufacturers in the world. Each of Impels branches represent individual brand cultures and span the West Coast. Impel serves customers in water, wastewater, agriculture, industrial, manufacturing, energy and mining. Impel was founded in 2021 with a vision to build a “one-stop shop” to serve municipal and industrial fluid management needs by acquiring complementary capabilities in contiguous geographies. The platform launched with the first acquisition of PumpTech , a premier distributor of high-quality pumping products and systems serving the Pacific Northwest. Subsequent acquisitions have grown Impel to over ten fluid management companies throughout the US. Impel is backed by Pike Street Capital , a private equity firm based in Seattle, WA. Recently, Pike Street successfully raised capital to fund additional acquisitions. Impel is actively pursuing growth opportunities and remains focused on acquiring and partnering with family-owned and operated companies in the sector. About the Role This is a key position managing the acquisition process within Impel. You will participate in all aspects of the investment process including industry/market research, deal origination, strategy and execution, and relationship building with acquisition target owners, executives, investment bankers and other intermediaries. This is a great role if you’re looking to own the deal process and progress your skillset as a deal professional. This role will give you deep insight into the entire acquisition process while closing multiple deals a year. We are a fairly lean team and believe in cross functional work so come with a growth mindset and you will develop a skillset across each business function; Our team believes in developing our team members. Primary Responsibilities Perform company analysis, including initial screenings, financial modeling and valuation, due diligence, consultation with external advisors, and preparation of materials for internal investment meetings. Responsible for M&A project management processes to include, but not limited to, valuations, letters of intent, due diligence analysis, financial planning, and business case development. Analysis of risks and opportunities of M&A activities, translate this into fact-based and well-reasoned insights on the valuation and structural impact of various acquisitions. Drive market research and strategic fit analysis. Conduct research on prospective sector opportunities and market trends and develop and present data-based opinions to inform decision-making and price transactions. Participate on deal teams to help structure and execute transactions, including coordinating the deal process and legal and transactional documentation. Special projects working directly with C suite, functional leads, and regional vice presidents. Qualifications 2-6 years experience in private equity, consulting, financial DD/QoE, investment banking, accounting, or corporate M&A Exposure to other diligence areas including commercial, operational, market sizing, risk analysis, customer and supplier, agreement review, etc. Excel and PowerPoint expertise Value oriented Strong communication skills Commitment to high professional standards Credentials: CPA preferred Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Impel to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley /503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com

The 4 Letter Word That Every Private Company Should Know About – LTIP

By Greg Togni • March 10, 2025

Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) and Why to Implement Executive compensation is a nuanced and multifaceted subject that involves a delicate balance between rewarding top talent and aligning their interests with the long-term success of the organization. Typically, executive pay packages consist of three primary components: base salary, annual bonuses, and long-term incentive plans (LTIPs). While base salary and annual bonuses have historically been the most visible and commonly discussed elements of executive compensation, LTIPs are increasingly being recognized as the third and arguably most important leg of the stool. LTIPs serve as a tool for aligning the goals of executives with those of the company over the long term, offering rewards that are tied to the sustained growth and profitability of the organization. As businesses evolve and face growing challenges, LTIPs have become a central component in shaping how executives are compensated, ensuring they remain focused on creating long-term shareholder value. Over the past 75 years, LTIPs have been a common feature in public companies, where stock options, performance shares, and other equity-based incentives align executives with shareholder interests. It hasn’t been until the past couple of decades that private companies have implemented LTIPs to align executives' interests with the long-term success of the company, but also almost out of necessity to compete for the same talent who might already possess an LTIP as part of their compensation. What Are Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)? Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) are compensation structures designed to reward executives for achieving long-term business goals. Unlike annual bonuses, which are typically tied to short-term financial metrics, LTIPs are structured to reward performance over a longer time horizon—usually three to five years or more. The primary purpose of LTIPs is to ensure that executives are motivated to focus on sustainable growth, value creation, and the long-term health of the company. The Factors Driving the Adoption of LTIPs in Private Companies According to a survey by WorldatWork, approximately 63% of private companies are using LTIPs as a means of rewarding executives and aligning their interests with the company’s long-term success. Several factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of LTIPs in private companies, ranging from the quest for competitive advantage to changes in organizational dynamics and evolving employee expectations. But the following reasons might shed additional insight: Companies with LTIPs Have 30% Higher Revenue Growth: Research by the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) found that companies that implement equity-based LTIPs experience 30% higher revenue growth compared to those that do not. The statistic underscores the positive impact of LTIPs on a company’s overall performance, as they drive executive focus on achieving goals that lead to sustained revenue growth, innovation, and market expansion. 91% of Executives in Private Companies Cite LTIPs as Key to Retention: A survey by Korn Ferry found that 91% of executives in privately held companies consider LTIPs an essential factor in their decision to stay with the company. The statistics demonstrate the significant role LTIPs play in retaining key talent, ensuring that executives are motivated to stay with the company over the long term. By offering equity-based compensation, companies can reduce turnover and keep their leadership team focused on long-term objectives. Companies With LTIPs Are 50% More Likely to Meet Exit Targets: According to a report by Bain & Company, private companies that implement LTIPs are 50% more likely to meet or exceed their exit targets during mergers, acquisitions, or initial public offerings (IPOs). By aligning executives' interests with long-term value creation, LTIPs motivate leadership to work toward achieving the performance metrics that will maximize the company’s value at the time of sale or public offering. Transitioning Ownership and Succession Planning: For family-owned businesses or privately held companies with a significant ownership stake held by a small group, succession planning is another critical factor in the decision to adopt LTIPs. As the company grows and the leadership team evolves, there may be a need to transition ownership to new management. LTIPs can help retain key executives during this period of change, providing financial incentives that keep the team focused on the company’s long-term growth even during periods of uncertainty. As businesses strive to remain competitive and evolve in an increasingly dynamic marketplace, the adoption of LTIPs has evolved as a key driver for optimizing performance. No longer limited to public companies; private companies have increasingly recognized the benefit and need for these compensation structures. Perhaps adding these 4 simple letters (L-T-I-P) to a company’s compensation program could be the difference maker that they’ve been looking for.

New Opportunity: Assistant General Counsel

By Greg Togni • March 3, 2025

Assistant General Counsel With roots going back to the 1960’s, Forest City Trading Group (FCTG), may have started as a small lumber yard run by two immigrant brothers, but has since grown into North America’s largest wholesale lumber product distributor. FCTG facilitates the distribution of products across 6 continents through our network of 12 operating companies and over 800 employees. The company’s impact is far-reaching, especially when considering that one in every ten houses today is built using products sourced and sold by our operating companies. As proponents of forest sustainability, FCTG actively supports suppliers who use sustainable forest management practices that promote forest sustainability and result in long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. Due to significant growth over the last decade, and expecting strong growth in years to come, FCTG is adding an Assistant General Counsel to their legal team to support growth and help scale the business. Position Overview Forest City Trading Group is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Assistant General Counsel to report directly to, and support, the General Counsel and assist in managing the company's legal operations. The ideal candidate will have strong legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across different business units. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be a part of a dynamic team while contributing to the growth and success of the company. Key Responsibilities Provide legal support to the General Counsel on a variety of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and operational matters. Assist in the company's legal department operations, including document management, contract review and negotiation, legal strategy, and corporate governance. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Assist with the management of corporate compliance and risk management programs, including conducting legal risk assessments and providing recommendations for mitigation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., finance, IT, human resources, marketing, trading operations) to provide legal guidance on operational and business issues. Advise on employment law matters, including policies, employee relations, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. Handle legal research and due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions as needed. Manage outside counsel and vendors, ensuring legal matters are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. Assist with litigation and dispute resolution matters, including managing internal investigations, handling settlement negotiations, and overseeing litigation strategy. Stay updated on legal developments and regulatory changes that may impact the company’s operations and provide proactive legal solutions. Qualifications and Skills Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Oregon. Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, with preference for some experience within a corporate or in-house legal environment. Experience in corporate governance, commercial contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and solve complex legal problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a high level of professionalism under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Preferred Experiences Experience supporting operational functions, such as HR, marketing, and compliance, in a corporate setting. Previous experience managing outside counsel and coordinating legal projects. Experience with construction and material supply contracts. Interested in Learning More? 180one is a retained search firm and has been engaged by Forest City Trading Group to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan/ 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com

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