Salem Business Journal

Join host Jesse Peone on the Salem Business Journal podcast for an in-depth conversation with Aaron Stickney, co-founder of Silver Capital. Aaron shares the ambitious vision for "The Canary," a massive 383-unit multifamily development transforming the historic front street cannery into a European-style destination. Discover how this project aims to be a catalyst for Salem's growth, f...

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal podcast, Jesse Peone sits down with Ryan W. Collier of Collier Law to discuss his journey from Seattle to becoming a pillar of the Salem legal community. Ryan shares deeply personal stories about why he views business as a ministry, his surprising passion for Legos, and a critical warning about Oregon’s estate tax laws.

In this special episode of the Salem Business Journal podcast, host Jesse Peone is joined by tattoo artist Kane Tolle to take on the ultimate hot sauce challenge. While braving six of the most intense sauces from the official "Hot Ones" lineup, they dive into personal stories, business insights, and embarrassing moments. From discussing toxic traits and risky business moves to revealing...

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal podcast, host Jesse Peone sits down with House Representative and gubernatorial candidate Ed Diehl. They dive deep into the most pressing issues facing Oregon today, from the root causes of the homelessness crisis to the state's current business climate. Deal shares his perspectives on housing affordability, the "homeless industrial complex,&q...

In this episode, host Jesse Peone sits down with former NBA player and businessman Chris Dudley to discuss his run for Governor of Oregon. Dudley shares his perspective on why the state is at a critical juncture, the necessity of having an executive with a business background in office, and his plans to address homelessness, drug addiction, and the state’s economic challenges.

In this episode Jesse Peone sits down with Brian Carrara, Assistant Fire Chief with Salem Fire, to discuss the innovative integration of AI into the city's dispatch systems. With the Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC) handling approximately 500,000 calls annually, Chief Carrara explains how the AI communication specialist, "Eva," is helping manage the high volume of non-e...

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Peone sits down with Salem City Councilor and Mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke for an in-depth conversation about the biggest challenges facing Salem. They discuss Vanessa’s journey growing up in Salem, her path through Georgetown University and public policy, and the real issues affecting the community today. Topics include homele...

Homelessness is one of the most debated issues in America today — but how does someone actually become homeless? In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, Jesse Pion sits down with Jimmy Jones (Executive Director of Community Action Agency) and DJ Vincent (Pastor & Director of Church at the Park) to break down the real causes of homelessness, how prevention works, and what actuall...

On January 7th, Victor, a local Salem landscaper and small business owner, was brutally stabbed while doing routine cleanup work near downtown Salem. In this raw, unfiltered interview, Victor walks us through exactly what happened, how he survived, and how the incident has changed the way he views safety, homelessness, and protecting his employees. This conversation isn’t about fear, it’s about aw...

Childcare costs are soaring, literacy rates are alarming, and families are feeling the pressure. In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Pion sits down with Lisa Harish, Executive Director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub and newly elected school board member. Together, they unpack the real economics of childcare, why Oregon is considered a “childcare desert,”...

Rudy’s is back, and Salem noticed. In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, we sit down with the team behind the revival of Rudy’s Steakhouse to talk about what really happened behind the scenes, the collapse of the old operation, and how a five-day turnaround turned into a sold-out comeback. We cover delayed paychecks, rebuilding trust with employees, rethinking the menu, opening un...

How does Oregon pay for better healthcare outcomes, and what happens when that system is put at risk? In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Pion sits down with Sheamus, CEO of Yamhill Community Care, to break down Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) and the Quality Incentive Program (QIP).They unpack how the program works, why it rewards outcomes instead of v...

Salem’s coffee scene is giving back to the dogs — one pup at a time. 🐶☕💗 In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast , host Jesse Peone sits down with Brandon Eastman (founder of Bentley’s Coffee ) and Noah (manager at the Mission St. location) to talk about how Bentley’s grew, how they build a workplace people actually want to be part of, and the story behind their new program Dollar...

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy joins host Jesse Peone on the Salem Business Journal Podcast to share her perspective on the city’s budget outlook, public safety, downtown conditions, homelessness response, and how major decisions move through City Hall. This interview is part of SBJ’s ongoing effort to hear directly from candidates and public officials as voters evaluate priorities ahead of the May 19, 202...

In today’s episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Pion is joined by State Representative Ed Diehl (House District 17) for a timely conversation on civic action, government accountability, and the power of organized voters. This episode explores the story behind a highly successful referendum effort, why it resonated so deeply with the public, and what happens when people feel th...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Osborn , the new CEO leading Willamette Valley Vineyards into its next era of growth and innovation. From building Wine.com in its early days to stepping into one of Oregon’s most iconic wineries, Mike brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision and deep industry insight. He shares what makes Willamette Valley Vineyards so unique, why Oregon wine has...

Today we sit down with Nat Borchers — pro soccer legend, investor, and community builder — to talk about vision, discipline, and what Salem could become with the right people leading the charge. Want more conversations with game-changers? 👉 https://salembusinessjournal.org/podcast/

Jason Conrad has lived the kind of story movies are made from — once a top high-school prospect, then shattered by injuries, bipolar disorder, depression, and a near-suicide attempt… only to rise again and play professionally in nine countries. In this episode, Jason opens up about resilience, rebuilding a career, and finding purpose through basketball. 👉 Don’t miss this powerful and raw conversa...

Ever had a big idea but didn’t know where to start? 💭Jesse, owner of the Salem Business Journal, gets real about what it takes to turn ideas into action. From buying a local newspaper in college to running multiple podcasts, he shares the lessons, the grind, and the truth behind building something that lasts.🔥 Don’t just think — start doing. Watch the full episode now!🎧 Listen to more episodes...

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, host Jesse Pion sits down with Representative Ed Diehl (House District 17) to discuss one of Oregon’s most debated topics — the Transportation Package Referendum and what it means for taxpayers, businesses, and the state’s future. Diehl breaks down House Bill 3991, which includes a 15% gas tax hike, higher vehicle registration and titling fees...

Church at the Park began 18 years ago with a simple potluck — and a mission to build real relationships with people experiencing homelessness. Today, they’ve grown into a team of over 100, operating five shelters and housing programs that empower individuals to set goals, find pathways, and maintain agency in rebuilding their lives. Over half of their staff have lived through homelessness themselv...

💡 Danielle Bethell shares her journey from a challenging childhood to a life dedicated to building stronger, more compassionate communities. From calling the police at age 10 to serving as a county commissioner, Danielle’s story is one of grit, healing, and hope. She shares how her Native American roots, mentors, and lived experience taught her the power of belonging and the importance of designi...

💡 In this episode, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy shares a candid city update on fiscal recovery, collaboration, and community momentum. Faced with a multi-million dollar budget gap, the city worked quickly — cutting the projected deficit from $23M down to $13.8M through forecast reviews and an efficiencies team. Mayor Hoy explains how Salem achieved a zero-deficit outlook for the next four years, even wh...

💡 In just nine months, the City of Keizer turned its financial outlook around — achieving a zero deficit for the next four years. Mayor Cathy Clark shares how teamwork, smart budgeting, and community collaboration made it possible. Even while City Hall underwent seismic upgrades and staff worked from temporary locations, Keizer kept moving forward — finding efficiencies, saving costs, and reignit...

In this episode of the Salem Business Journal Podcast, we sit down with Amber Dizon, franchise owner and driving force behind the newest Black Bear Diner location in Salem, Oregon. Amber shares how her family’s journey with Black Bear began back in 2004, when her parents left their high-tech careers to open their first diner in Klamath Falls. She reflects on her own career path — from working in S...