Portland, Oregon, United States
I've spent 40+ years at the intersection of business leadership, entrepreneurship, and education — and I'm still energized by all three. My career began in industrial sales and marketing, taking me from Sales Representative to International Marketing Manager at Emerson, then on to leadership roles at Bosch and Cadet Manufacturing. In 2002 I bought Ostrom Glass & Metal Works, a specialty manufacturer of museum-quality etched glass and metal products, where I led a team of up to 20 people through more than a decade of growth before selling the business in 2013. In 2015, I founded Oregon Seaweed — now the largest on-land seaweed farm in the United States. We're pioneering scalable dulse cultivation and processing with a clear mission: developing the world's first carbon-negative protein. It's the most meaningful work I've done, and we're just getting started. Alongside my entrepreneurial life, I've taught business at the University of Portland, Oregon State University, and most recently Portland State University, where I serve as Adjunct Faculty in the College of Business Capstone Program. At OSU I taught some of the largest 300-level courses in the College of Business — consistently drawing students from across disciplines because, frankly, entrepreneurship and marketing matter to everyone. I hold an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in Business Administration from Michigan State University. What connects it all: a belief that real-world experience and rigorous thinking belong in the same room. Whether I'm mentoring a startup, managing a manufacturing operation, or standing in front of a classroom, that's the through line.
The capstone class in the College of Business at Portland State University is a culminating experience for business students, designed to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. In this class, students typically engage in comprehensive projects that address real-world business challenges, often in collaboration with local businesses, non-profits, or community organizations. Key features of the capstone class include: Team-Based Projects: Students work in teams to tackle complex problems, encouraging collaboration, communication, and the ability to work effectively in diverse groups. Real-World Application: Projects are often based on actual business or community issues, providing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. Interdisciplinary Approach: The class encourages the integration of various business disciplines such as marketing, finance, management, and operations, reflecting the multifaceted nature of business problems. Professional Mentorship: Students may receive guidance from faculty members and industry professionals, enhancing their learning experience and providing valuable networking opportunities. Presentation Skills: A significant component of the capstone class involves presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders, honing students' public speaking and professional presentation abilities. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: The course emphasizes analytical thinking, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving, preparing students for leadership roles in their future careers. Overall, the capstone class at Portland State University's College of Business serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the business world.
Oregon Seaweed is the largest on-land seaweed farmer and processor in the United States. We are producing the highest quality lowest impact protein for the growing plant-based meat industry.
I teach the largest survey course in the college of business, BA 390, Marketing, we take a very practical look at both theory and practice of Marketing concentrated on the changes in technology with speed and content being at the forefront. We also look at direct monetization, retention, and the viral nature of products and services
Ostrom has developed AccuEtch, an ADA compliant sign made from a single piece of glass., priced the same a plastic ADA signs. Manufacturing capabilities include sand blasting glass and chemically etching metal (stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper and aluminum)
Taught Marketing and International Marketing