Hustle Northwest

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, Carrie introduces a very special guest — her dad, Leon Adams — a knife maker with a passion for giving back. Since 2009, Leon has handcrafted over 115 custom knives, not for profit, but to help Oregon schools and communities, raising close to $200,000 through auctions.

We talk about:

• The first time he made a knife… and how it “wasn’t ugly, just rustic.”
• How a school auction changed everything.
• T...

These guys didn’t set out to make another sugary cider for the brunch crowd. They set out to reclaim cider’s seat at the table—next to the best craft beers and wines in the Northwest.

In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Two Towns Ciderhouse out of Corvallis, Oregon. What started as three dudes with backgrounds in fermentation, finance, and design turned into one of the biggest cider producers in the Northwest—with over...

What is a dirty soda—and why is everyone in Salem talking about it?

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we sit down with two of the four founders of Floso Dirty Soda, Brad Reynoso and Karlee Flores. They share the story behind one of Salem’s fastest-growing drink spots, what exactly goes into a dirty soda (spoiler: it’s not alcohol!), and how they turned a fun idea with friends into a full-blown business.

From Brad’s background in c...

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we sit down with Ryan Baugus, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainer, and founder of Headquarters Physical Therapy (HQPT). With clinics in Beaverton, Milwaukie, Tualatin, and Bend, Oregon, Ryan and his team are redefining how athletes and everyday people prevent injuries, manage pain, and optimize movement.

We cover:

✔️ How to stay ahead of injuries with proactive physical therapy

✔️ Pain man...

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we sit down with Sarah Ora, founder of Girls Gym PDX, Portland’s first female-focused MMA and self-defense gym, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Sarah is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a former professional MMA fighter, and a dedicated coach who has spent decades empowering women through combat sports.

She shares her incredible journey, from learning martial arts in her front yard at 1...

From humble food truck beginnings to upscale storefronts in Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene, Bo & Vine is redefining what a great burger should be. This isn’t just another fast-food joint—it’s a burger experience built on quality, creativity, and culture.

In this episode, we sit down with Bo & Vine’s founders—Matt, Mike, and branding mastermind Brian—to break down how they:

🔥 Went from a single food truck (“The Paddy Wagon”...

Lexi McKay has been in the fashion game since she was slinging jeans at seven years old. Now, she runs Style House & Co. in Salem Oregon, a boutique she built from the ground up—debt-free—thanks to pure hustle. No loans, no shortcuts, just grinding.

We get into:

Dropping out of college and making it work anyway

Jumping from real estate to retail with zero safety net

Why customer experience actually matters in 2025

Hosting events, h...

What does it take to turn a passion for fitness into a thriving business? In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we sit down with Ryan, the owner of Valley Strength and Fitness in Happy Valley, Oregon. Ryan shares his journey from a teenager obsessed with weightlifting to opening his own personal training gym in 2019.

We dive into:

💪 How he fell in love with bodybuilding and self-taught his way into the industry.

🏋️‍♂️ The grind of wo...

What’s actually going in at the old Statesman Journal building? Could we finally get another Costco? And what about Wunderland, the new entertainment complex coming to Salem?

Nick Williams from SVN Commercial Advisors breaks it all down—what’s being built, what’s stalling, and why Salem still doesn’t have a Whole Foods. Hint: It’s not about demand.

💰 Is Salem growing in the right direction?

🏠 How commercial real estate impacts housi...

Prepare to have your mind twisted! Salem, Oregon’s own Finn Joseph, a magician and mentalist, joins Hustle Northwest to pull off some mind-blowing tricks right in the studio. From reading our thoughts to making the impossible seem real, Finn dives into the art of mentalism, the psychology behind his craft, and how he’s built a career entertaining and mystifying audiences across the Pacific Northwest.

We break down the secrets behind...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Parra, founder of Parra Wine Co., one of the few Latino-owned wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Sam shares his journey from Napa Valley, where his family cultivated their wine expertise, to blazing his own trail in Oregon’s vibrant wine scene. We discuss his unique approach to crafting wines that highlight the local environment, his dedication to quality, and the challenges and rewards of...

In this spine-tingling Halloween episode, we sit down with Oregon Paranormal’s Casey and Nikki to reveal what really goes bump in the night. From eerie voices and phantom footsteps to cold chills in empty rooms, they’re here to share tales from their investigations across Oregon, including a haunting encounter in Dallas that left everyone questioning reality.

What does it take to confirm a haunting? And why do these investigators do...

In this episode, we hang out with Nick Hunter, the Sheriff of Marion County Oregon. We hear how he went from a family legacy career in the medical field to becoming the top lawman in Marion county. Nick breaks down his wild journey, starting with a ride-along with the Salem PD that made him realize public safety was his calling. Now overseeing four divisions in the Sheriff’s Office, Nick talks about the real challenges facing the...

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we sit down with Brandon from Bentley’s Coffee to chat about their incredible journey from humble beginnings as a single drive-thru coffee stand to becoming a multi-city coffee empire, all while keeping their love for dogs at the heart of their brand. With locations in Salem, Keizer, and Albany—and a new shop coming soon in Redmond—Bentley’s Coffee has built a strong community presence throughou...

In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Navarro of Just Look Left Grant Consulting to explore the world of grant writing and non-profit funding. Elaine shares insights on the grant writing process, offering tips for non-profit organizations looking to secure essential funding. We also discuss the common challenges non-profits face each year and how to stand out in the competitive selection process.

Whether you’re managing...

On this episode of Hustle Northwest, we step inside the ring and go toe to toe with Adam Navarro, the man behind Toe 2 Toe Boxing. 🥊 We talked about his passion for the sport and how he’s built a gym that welcomes everyone—from first-timers to seasoned fighters. Adam’s not just about training champions; he’s about creating a space where people can fight for themselves and push their limits. Plus, we explored his nonprofit mentorsh...

In this episode, we hang out with Jason Greenwood, the founder of Divine Distillery, and get into the real story behind how he built an award-winning brand from the ground up. We talk about what it takes to grow a distillery, the challenges that come with it, and the wild ride of staying on the right side of the law while managing a business in a heavily regulated industry.

Jason also breaks down how Divine Distillery started rackin...

In this episode of Hustle Northwest, we’re excited to welcome Whitney Ulven and Monica Bochsler from the renowned Mt. Angel Oktoberfest for a truly wunderbar conversation! 🍻 We explore the rich history of this beloved festival in the heart of the Willamette Valley, tracing its Bavarian roots and evolution into one of Oregon’s most iconic cultural events.

Whitney and Monica share behind-the-scenes stories of organizing the Oktoberfe...