In this episode, we sit down with Marcus Harvey, founder of Portland Gear, to explore his journey from Nike-inspired beginnings to building one of Portland’s most iconic lifestyle brands. Marcus shares how his brand evolved alongside a rising female fanbase and the growing influence of women’s sports, emphasizing the power of merchandise in connecting athletes and communities.

We dive into the return of Portland’s WNBA team, and its renewed rivalry with the Seattle Storm, reflecting on the legacy of the Portland Fire and stars like Jackie Stiles. Our conversation covers the financial challenges that shaped the league, the anticipation around the new team’s branding, and the importance of honoring history through storytelling.

The episode also explores athlete partnerships, NIL deals, and the rise of new women-led sports leagues like Unrivaled. Featuring local talents such as Cameron Brink and Lexie Hull, we highlight how sports, business, and culture intersect in Portland’s evolving identity. As a parent, I also reflect on raising ambitious girls and the value of normalizing business ownership and women’s leadership in sports.

Chapter Timestamps

• (00:00 ) - Portland Fire Celebration and WNBA Return
• (12:28 ) - Building a Versatile Apparel Brand
• (19:46 ) - Athlete Partnerships and Brand Innovation
• (28:15 ) - Evolving Purpose in Business and Community
• (30:44 ) - Promoting Growth and Empowerment in Portland
• (40:01 ) - Supporting Women in Sports