Scribble out an idea, consider its brilliance, then ball it up and throw it away.
Or maybe not. Take us--William Weinstein and Bob Taylor, co-founders of Portland’s Center Of Excellence. We believe no idea is too small. Just like no idea is a bad idea until proven otherwise. And an idea without execution is merely hallucination. At the Center of Excellence, we turn dreams into marketable products.
We formed our partnership in Portland, Oregon; the sports footwear and apparel capital of the world. When we met, something interesting happened. A confluence of interests that sparked a determination in us to use all the resources Portland has to offer to the global marketplace.
Portland has long been a pioneer in the sports industry. Internationally based firms headquartered here have drawn talent from all over the world. Sure, we know a big company has big resources. But entrepreneurs, and even small to mid-sized businesses, often lack those tools, which is why so many drawings get balled up and thrown away.
We knew Portland had sophisticated and creative talent. We also knew that Portland lacked a support system that entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses could tap into.
Until now, that is.
You might have a great idea that you manage to get linked to a Cool-Hunter site, but when the orders start pouring in, you’re scrambling to find a manufacturer, and tapping your uncle for start-up cash. We can help. And it doesn’t matter if you’re generating ideas from Portland or Hong Kong. The Center of Excellence is a broad system that spans the globe.
We draw together Portland’s deep creative culture to provide the infrastructure, access and the resource network required to jumpstart your new or existing venture. Emerging sustainable businesses in the footwear, active wear, outdoor gear and cycling industries, to name a few, need look no further.
The Newton Running Company wanted to make a shoe that enhances performance by mimicking barefoot running. We helped them hone the concept, and brought in experienced staff to enhance their original design. We did the same for Cloggens, guiding them from concept to finished product and from entrepreneurial skeletal staff levels to a high powered professional organization. Water sports company AQX wanted to make a water shoe for world class to average athletes and for injury rehab & geriatric exercise use. We helped AQX move rapidly from a start up with a basic concept to a recognized industry leader.
The Center of Excellence offers a comprehensive network of resources and tools. Perhaps your design is in place but you need a prototype of a slick sweater made of sustainable and environmentally friendly bamboo for a trade show but don’t have the faintest idea how to get one made? Our relationship with a myriad of factories, home and abroad, can do just that. Looking for seed money to make that prototype? The Center of Excellence’ capital fund network is there to draw on.
The Center of Excellence is a gateway to and from US markets. We can help with R&D, design, outsourced manufacturing, marketing, sales and operational expertise. We want to put ourselves in your shoes, even if the shoes are only an idea in your head. Or on a napkin.