Spotlights
For Salem, Oregon

We recently had the chance to catch up with Teresa Lulay at the Konditorei, which is just across the street from her State Farm Agency office located on Commercial St. in Salem. Teresa's path to becoming an insurance agent was not one she had planned. Originally from the Midwest, her life took a sudden turn when she lost her first husband, leaving her a single mother in need of a stable job. "I was a stay at home mom and had to have a job. And State Farm was the largest employer," Teresa recounts. Her journey with State Farm began in Bloomington, Illinois, but it was her move to Salem that marked the start of a lifelong commitment to serving the local community with care and expertise. Teresa's dedication to her clients sets her apa…

In downtown Salem, where the past meets the present, Salem natives Alex and Andrew Hussey are scripting a new chapter in Salem's cultural narrative. As co-owners of To The Ceiling Entertainment and the event managers for Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, the Hussey brothers are key players in the expansion of live entertainment in Salem, Oregon with hopes to reshape the local scene. The seeds for To The Ceiling Entertainment were sown during Alex's eight-year tenure as Technical Director at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. When the owners of the Theatre approached him in the fall of 2023 offering him the opportunity to do a show, Alex jumped at the chance. “I did one show by myself and quickly realized I needed to handle everythi…

Acres of Hope Youth Ranch is changing lives, one young person at a time. Located just outside of West Salem, founders Emmy and Justin Arana have created a comfortable place where the mutual healing power of equine therapy and mentorship fosters growth, healing, and a renewed sense of hope among hurting youth. This unique non-profit is full of compassion and support, dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing today's adolescents. Founded on the principles of empathy, healing, and personal growth, Acres of Hope provides a seemingly unconventional sanctuary in today's busy digital world where young lives are not only loved and understood but genuinely nurtured towards a brighter future. As founders, Emmy & J…

A new haven for board game enthusiasts has emerged at the Broadway Coffeehouse in Salem Oregon. Dubbed the "Tabletop Loft," this innovative space is redefining the local cafe culture by blending the love for ethically sourced coffee with the joy of board gaming. Manager Matt Mlinarcik shares the vision behind this unique addition and how it’s creating a buzz among locals and visitors alike. Matt Mlinarcik isn't just the manager of Broadway Coffeehouse; he's the visionary behind the Tabletop Loft. With a tenure of almost five years at Broadway and over two years in his current role, Matt has witnessed the coffeehouse evolve. Yet, it’s his passion for board games and community building that sparked the idea for the Tabletop Lo…

Unique flavors are simmering in Salem, Oregon. Catharine and Matt Kuerbis, the duo behind HYCH: Heat You Can Handle have embarked on a culinary adventure that spans continents, from the lush landscapes of Costa Rica to the local Salem community. Their journey is not just about crafting hot sauces but about creating experiences that bring people together through the universal language of food. The story of HYCH: Heat You Can Handle begins in Costa Rica, where Catharine and Matt were immersed in a world of vibrant flavors and communal meals. It was here, amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing food for music festival crews, that the idea of a sauce company took root. Matt's homemade sauces, born out of necessity and creati…

Dr. Matt Hennings DPT, OCS There's a physical therapy practice in Salem, Oregon that stands out not just for its innovative approach to wellness, but for the story of its founder, Matt Hennings, DPT, OCS. At Leading Edge Physical Therapy, Matt is redefining what it means to offer physical therapy by blending his unique journey into the field with a deep commitment to his clients' health and well-being. Matt's path to physical therapy began not in a classroom or a clinic, but at a friend's birthday party gone awry. At 13, an accident involving a golf cart and an unexpected tumble led Matt to his first encounter with physical therapy. "I had to go to therapy to regain motion and strength to be able to start playing sports again," M…

With each project, Sara Klindtworth, owner of Solid Roofing NW, is crafting more than just roofs—she's building dreams and strengthening the community in Salem, Oregon and the surrounding area, one shingle at a time. Sara's journey into the world of roofing wasn't planned; it unfolded unexpectedly in March of 2008. Pregnant with her oldest daughter and seeking employment, Sara found herself drawn into the roofing industry through her father-in-law's company. What began as a temporary gig soon evolved into a passion as Sara delved into the intricacies of the business, gradually assuming more significant responsibilities. As Sara's expertise and love for the industry grew, so did her desire to carve her own path. In 2018, she…

Are you fascinated by modern day blacksmithing and how custom knives and blades are made? We were too, so we took the opportunity to sit down with Josh Navarrete, a master bladesmith and the proud owner of NK Forge & Metalworks in Salem. He has carved a niche for himself in Salem and around the world with his exceptional skills and a heart as sharp and enduring as the blades he forges. Josh's journey to Salem began in 1999, a pivotal move that saw him trading the busy streets and life of California for the peaceful, community-driven atmosphere of Salem. "I got tired of it. And I just packed my stuff and moved up here," Josh recalls about his decision to leave California. The slower pace of life and the close-knit community in Salem …

Salem, Oregon - What does it take to engage the interest of today's youth in thinking about possible career paths when they grow up and graduate from high school? Meet Amy Caulder, the Senior Manager responsible for Career Connected Learning programs at the Willamette Education Service District (WESD). Amy Caulder, Senior Manager Career Connected Learning She and her team are on a mission to bridge the gap between education and industry, helping students unlock a world of possibilities. Amy Caulder's journey is one of purpose and dedication. Before joining WESD, she spent 17 years as a special education teacher. However, her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, encompassing the realm of "World of Work," transition…

We had to chance to sit down with Trevor Barre recently at Broadway Coffeehouse and learn more about him personally as well as his career in real estate. As a real estate agent with John L. Scott Real Estate, Trevor's mission transcends the mere buying and selling of homes. It's about fostering connections, understanding individual needs, and turning the daunting into the achievable. Trevor's passion shines brightest when working with first-time homebuyers. "I've had a few longtime friends of mine actually buy a house from me, and I genuinely enjoyed helping them," Trevor shares. This sentiment underscores his commitment to not just transact but to transform lives through one of the most significant milestones a person can experienc…

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Jesse Kindler, a sales consultant, office manager, and commercial specialist at Budget Blinds of the Mid-Willamette Valley. As a local business, they not only transform homes and offices with its array of window treatments, but they also weave community spirit and support into their daily business mindset. They stand out as a local enterprise where personal touch, innovation, and community support are as fundamental as their exceptional window coverings. Being married to the owner's daughter, Priscilla Glidewell, Jesse is deeply rooted in the family business. He describes his role as "doing what I can to help the family company," a sentiment that reflects his commitment and pe…

Salem Free Clinics has been a beacon of hope in the local healthcare landscape since its inception in 2005. The mission statement found on their website states that Salem Free Clinics "exists to provide quality, compassionate healthcare at no cost to the uninsured in our community as an expression of Christ's love" (Salem Free Clinics). One might wonder, "How does Salem Free Clinics manage to keep the doors open without charging their patients?" Curious to find out more, we interviewed the clinic's Development Director, Maddie Leutwyler, whose primary role is overseeing all the fundraising efforts for the organization. Maddie presented the clinic's recipe for success as a combination of fundraising, donations, and the dedicatio…

As the publishers of WhirLocal Salem, we have the privilege of bringing to light the inspiring stories of our community's people and businesses. Today, we're focusing on Dan Farrington, the Business Development Manager at BBSI in Salem, Oregon. His journey and contributions to our local business scene are not just impressive; they're a reflection of the vibrant spirit that drives our local communities. Dan's path to his current role at BBSI is as unique as it is inspiring. Born and raised in Newport, Oregon, Dan initially pursued education but soon found his calling in the business world. His journey led him to manage the growth of Rock and Rogers restaurants and later to found Sunrise Medical Consultants. Despite the challe…

We recently had a chance to sit down and interview Russ Hedge, a local marketing coach, author, and speaker, to explore the art of authentic connections. In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face engagements, we find ourselves more 'connected' than ever before. Yet, there's a growing yearning for genuine, personal connections, especially within our local community. Our conversation with Russ offered insightful perspectives on bridging this gap, fostering meaningful relationships, and revitalizing the essence of true community spirit in our digitally-driven world. Russ's philosophy is grounded in the belief that authenticity is the key to building lasting relationships. He argues that in a world incre…

There's a business in Salem, Oregon that's been adding color and life to homes and buildings for nearly two decades. Elvis's Painting, a Latino-owned local painting company, isn't just about brushes and ladders—it's a story of passion, community, and a commitment to excellence. As a proud member of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, The Homebuilders Association of Marion & Polk County, and the Professional Business Development Group Association, Elvis Alvarez is proud to be building his business in the Salem community. The Man Behind the Brush: Elvis Alvarez Elvis Alvarez, the heart and soul of Elvis's Painting, started his journey in 2004. With a love for meeting new people and a passion for transforming spaces, Elvis embark…

Michelle's Ashley’s journey to becoming known as “The Cake Lady” behind Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes is a tale of resilience, talent discovery, and sweet success. Her story is proof that a fresh start can lead to delicious destinations. Starting Over In 2010, Michelle decided to begin a fresh start in Oregon following a difficult divorce. Despite knowing only two people in the area, she was drawn to the beauty of the Happy Valley area. So much so, that Michelle decided to move from Texas and make Happy Valley her new home. Shortly after her move, however, she "hardly saw those two people anymore, and ended up feeling truly alone." Michelle's journey improved when she met her future husband through online dating. Love…

Join Valor Mentoring's Bowling FUNdraiser! Have fun while raising money to help provide needed mentoring for youth in our community. Purchase a lane for 4 people to compete and raise money for mentoring. Comes with a pizza for your team and the chance to win some great prizes! Room for a few more teams! REGISTER TODAY! Date: Wed. January 24. 2024Time: 6 PM - 9 PMCost: $500 per team For more information and to register your team go to: valormentoring.com/knock-down-to-lift-up …

With its beginnings in the heart of Salem, Oregon, Mimi and Little Bean's Children's Boutique is a testament to the power of dreams and community support. Owned by Jen and her daughter, Mck, this charming boutique grew to become a beloved local establishment and is now an online store providing unique products and fostering strong relationships within the community. A Dream Realized Jen's journey to entrepreneurship is an inspiring one. Having spent nearly three decades in the affordable housing industry, she dedicated herself to her career, climbing the ranks from a compliance officer to overseeing the compliance department. But in 2020, a significant event shook her world. Her daughter, married to a Marine, gave birth to her gr…

How Matthew developed his love of smoking meat Miller's BBQ in Salem Oregon is owned and led by passionate chef, Matthew Miller. From its humble beginning back in April of 2022, Miller's BBQ has grown steadily since and has been making a mark in the local community. Miller leads by example and is known for his huge heart, engaging smile, and high class catered BBQ for events and special occasions. When asked how he got his start smoking meat, Matthew chuckled and said that he learned to smoke meat when he and his wife, Janita, worked as the caretakers at Drift Creek Camp, a small Christian camp located in the Coast Range Mountains just outside of Lincoln City, OR soon after they were married. Matthew said, "We accepted t…

Located in Salem, Oregon, Bell Gardens Landscape has been transforming outdoor spaces with dedication, passion, and a commitment to quality. As a proud member of our local business community, we wanted to delve deeper into what makes this company stand out. We recently had a chance to sit down with Omar Luna, the founder and president, and get to know more about his vision and what they do for Salem-area residential and commercial customers. About Bell Gardens Landscape Bell Gardens Landscape has been providing landscaping excellence in the Salem area since 2012. Their mission is simple yet profound: to bring the beauty of nature to homes and commercial properties in the Mid Willamette Valley. With a promise of integrity from…