I don’t know Kappel personally. But I know his company Space Monkey.
When I still worked at swoosh, I left one department (procurement) for another (innovation). I was incredibly blessed to have a close knit team, and they had a going away party for me.
At Ringside on Burnside.
My going away gift was made by Kappel. It was a shotski. Not any shotski, but one with some of my passions (zags, The Dalles, bikes, skis) and slogans “it’s all bubble gum and baling wire” , or “I am just a hayseed from The Dalles” emblazoned on the ski.
Each individual shot glass had a silloutte of my face on it.
My team did the first and only shotski in the history of Ringside: and we did about a zillion shots.
I still have my Kappel/Space Monkey shotski. It is a prize possession, although it needs some TLC:
As someone in sales marketing, who has made a career of it, I am torn. While I admire the top down, big buck events described here about the CFP or the Superbowl, or March Madness, my heart is with local, small town events that are organic and driven from the bottom up. America's success is a combination of both, from the very beginning. Locals with the "pioneer spirit" that invited and created the entrepreneurism we are famous for, who drove the growth of America, capture my heart; while free market capitalism and the ability for anyone to become unGodly wealthy by leveraging their capabilities and using "other people's money" to capture people's fantasies is what makes America wealthy and so far, invincible; That wins over my mind. This is an unresolved paradox for me and probably always will be. Back to your story: PAC NW people have this creative originality because it is not cosmopolitan NYC or LA. Oregon still retains its original country spirit and millions of people find that refreshing.
Not surprised that you, Brian, can manufacture a negative out of a beautiful story. You're the best at finding the fly in the ointment...even when it doesn't exist.
Great article and insight into the planning and people behind it. I remember when Beaver fans were so starved for bowl play in 2000 that we filled ASU's arena for a pre-game day rally with the Fiesta Bowl team.....sounds like such events are now on big money steroids. Super read---thanks, John.
Well written, Most look at PK and Nike for the obvious both past and present. I feel the impact of what both did is missed by most. PK’s less obvious impact / legacy will last for generations. Doubt if anyone will come close.
Appreciate you John for helping Sheridan with the Fundraiser. Sheridan is not alone. The small schools have gotten destroyed by the state funding formula's.
Love this storyline! We often don’t think about who are the mastermind behind the scenes on these kinds of events. I also really like that they are home grown! Thanks for the scoop John.
Fascinating look behind the scenes — another of the unique stories John provides his readers.
On the topic of the 12 team CFP, I wonder if the 11 teams that end their season with a loss will miss the old days when many of them would have finished the season with a bowl victory.
Yeah the playoff has pretty much turned off college football interest for me. Big money and corporate greed killed the goose. RIP Rose Bowl and traditon.
Super column John! Informative and very enjoyable. I can't be the only one who notices a similarity between what you describe about Revere and your work......modest beginnings coupled with hard work and passion resulting in a truly sucessful endevor. Doesn't get any better!
We looked into the UW alumni party but it was already sold out. The stormy weather and lack of amenities near NRG Stadium probably played a part. Sorry we missed it. It sounds like it was a great party!
Fascinating history - but not surpising when you understand the super high calibre of people around Portland in marketing, advertising and events (not to mention the Nike/Addidas/Columbia effect.
And the Ringside: I've been partial to El Gaucho and Ruth's Chris - but Bill Schonelly loved the Ringside. That's good enough for me.
The other two you mentioned are also very good - excellent. However, the Ringside has an atmosphere and tradition - along with great steaks and unbeatable onion rings - that sets in apart, in my humble opinion. Portland is fortunate to have it.
Nice story...hard work still pays off in America. Not always, not easy, but no country has as many opportunities as the United States of America. It's worth protecting, because we don't have a God given right - it's earned and protected. And we should give thanks.
I love this kind of information. Information I don't read anywhere else. Thanks, John.
I don’t know Kappel personally. But I know his company Space Monkey.
When I still worked at swoosh, I left one department (procurement) for another (innovation). I was incredibly blessed to have a close knit team, and they had a going away party for me.
At Ringside on Burnside.
My going away gift was made by Kappel. It was a shotski. Not any shotski, but one with some of my passions (zags, The Dalles, bikes, skis) and slogans “it’s all bubble gum and baling wire” , or “I am just a hayseed from The Dalles” emblazoned on the ski.
Each individual shot glass had a silloutte of my face on it.
My team did the first and only shotski in the history of Ringside: and we did about a zillion shots.
I still have my Kappel/Space Monkey shotski. It is a prize possession, although it needs some TLC:
Cool article.
I had not thought of the Ringside for years.
My going away party when I left Portland was there.
Love Ringside...the best restaurant in the PNW.
Great comment Matt!! Thank you for sharing this additional detail.
As someone in sales marketing, who has made a career of it, I am torn. While I admire the top down, big buck events described here about the CFP or the Superbowl, or March Madness, my heart is with local, small town events that are organic and driven from the bottom up. America's success is a combination of both, from the very beginning. Locals with the "pioneer spirit" that invited and created the entrepreneurism we are famous for, who drove the growth of America, capture my heart; while free market capitalism and the ability for anyone to become unGodly wealthy by leveraging their capabilities and using "other people's money" to capture people's fantasies is what makes America wealthy and so far, invincible; That wins over my mind. This is an unresolved paradox for me and probably always will be. Back to your story: PAC NW people have this creative originality because it is not cosmopolitan NYC or LA. Oregon still retains its original country spirit and millions of people find that refreshing.
Not surprised that you, Brian, can manufacture a negative out of a beautiful story. You're the best at finding the fly in the ointment...even when it doesn't exist.
The fly ot the ointment?
"the fly in the ointment". "In".
Great article and insight into the planning and people behind it. I remember when Beaver fans were so starved for bowl play in 2000 that we filled ASU's arena for a pre-game day rally with the Fiesta Bowl team.....sounds like such events are now on big money steroids. Super read---thanks, John.
You write the best, most interesting, stories. Such a gift you share with your readers. Thank you!
Well written, Most look at PK and Nike for the obvious both past and present. I feel the impact of what both did is missed by most. PK’s less obvious impact / legacy will last for generations. Doubt if anyone will come close.
Had the pleasure of coaching Tony when he played for us at Sheldon. Great Dude, Great Person & a pretty good RB. Very happy for him!
By the way, Coach Carter up at Sheridan was on that staff as well, along with Gary Roberts, who had great success at Cottage Grove.
Appreciate you John for helping Sheridan with the Fundraiser. Sheridan is not alone. The small schools have gotten destroyed by the state funding formula's.
Love this storyline! We often don’t think about who are the mastermind behind the scenes on these kinds of events. I also really like that they are home grown! Thanks for the scoop John.
Fascinating look behind the scenes — another of the unique stories John provides his readers.
On the topic of the 12 team CFP, I wonder if the 11 teams that end their season with a loss will miss the old days when many of them would have finished the season with a bowl victory.
Yeah the playoff has pretty much turned off college football interest for me. Big money and corporate greed killed the goose. RIP Rose Bowl and traditon.
Fantastic point. 🥲
Super column John! Informative and very enjoyable. I can't be the only one who notices a similarity between what you describe about Revere and your work......modest beginnings coupled with hard work and passion resulting in a truly sucessful endevor. Doesn't get any better!
We looked into the UW alumni party but it was already sold out. The stormy weather and lack of amenities near NRG Stadium probably played a part. Sorry we missed it. It sounds like it was a great party!
Fascinating history - but not surpising when you understand the super high calibre of people around Portland in marketing, advertising and events (not to mention the Nike/Addidas/Columbia effect.
And the Ringside: I've been partial to El Gaucho and Ruth's Chris - but Bill Schonelly loved the Ringside. That's good enough for me.
The other two you mentioned are also very good - excellent. However, the Ringside has an atmosphere and tradition - along with great steaks and unbeatable onion rings - that sets in apart, in my humble opinion. Portland is fortunate to have it.
“ It’s like Fisher said: “To think where we came from...” “
What a long, strange trip it’s been
GO DAWGS
Go Ducks!
Nice story...hard work still pays off in America. Not always, not easy, but no country has as many opportunities as the United States of America. It's worth protecting, because we don't have a God given right - it's earned and protected. And we should give thanks.
Underrated comment.
Wow great success story! Congrats to the Fisher's and Kappel's! Thank you John for yet another uplifting column!
John, Thank you. That was both informative and interesting! I remain VR,