Gary Walls, a thoughtful, gentle man

Portland, Oregon: Trailblazer Foods makes jams, preserves, syrups, toppings and pie fillings. A former school teacher and football coach who suffered from kidney disease, Gary had to resign because students carry cold and flu germs that his weakened immune system could not fight.

In just 10 years Gary Walls turned his love into a $12 million dollar business employing over 60 people. In this episode we take you from the source -- beautiful berry fields throughout Oregon -- to the finished product. For his success in building a business and for championing the export of Oregon's wonderful fruit, the Small Business Administration named Gary Small Business Person of the Year for Oregon.

Though the face of small business is diverse...

there are common qualities!

On this website you get real inspiration, insights and ideation from actual business owners who are loved in their community and respected within their industry. Every one works everyday to make this world a better place.