Salem Rising Star: Bryce Petersen Shaping a Better Future
Salem’s business community boasts a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the greater good in Bryce Petersen. With leadership roles in Community First Solutions LLC and Petersen Auto Appraisals LLC, his career journey stands as a powerful narrative of ambition, mentorship, and a commitment to positive change.
Bryce Petersen embarked on his professional journey with a solid educational foundation, earning an undergraduate degree in Business from Corban University in 2013, followed by a Masters in Business Administration in 2021. His career has spanned various roles, from Director of Marketing and IT at Valley Credit Union to Director of Community Outreach at Salem Health. Today, Petersen stands as a successful real estate investor, developer, and entrepreneur.
Reflecting on his career, Petersen shares, “One of the biggest milestones was making the jump to full-time investor and entrepreneur. It was the best professional decision of my life.” This leap into entrepreneurship has allowed Petersen to pursue projects with significant community impact, notably the development of a Residential Treatment Facility in partnership with Michael Gay. This initiative aims to support individuals in Marion County struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, highlighting Petersen’s commitment to societal betterment.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Petersen’s dedication to community service is profound. His roles as Treasurer and Board Member at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, and Treasurer and Deacon at Church on the Hill, alongside previous engagements with the Medical Foundation of Marion/Polk and the Salem Chamber’s Salem Young Professionals program, underscore his passion for giving back.
Petersen attributes his success to a “persistent attitude, great mentorship, and resilience in the face of adversity.” These qualities have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of his industry and steering his ventures towards success.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in Petersen’s professional development. He credits Leilani Slama and Mark Godfrey for their guidance and support. “Leilani instilled confidence and belief in me,” Petersen reflects, while “Mark has spent countless hours helping me shape my entrepreneurial and investing journey.”
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Petersen advises, “Treat everyone like you’d want to be treated.” He emphasizes the importance of integrity in business, advocating for decisions that honor ethical principles over immediate financial gain.
Petersen is mindful of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, prioritizing family time, and engaging in work he loves. This balanced approach has been instrumental in keeping him motivated and focused on his goals.
Looking ahead, Petersen aims for steady growth in his appraisal business and aspires to expand his role as a developer in behavioral health resources. His ultimate goal is to leverage real estate to address community needs, a vision he plans to realize by surrounding himself with like-minded professionals.
In every venture, Bryce Petersen weaves a narrative of ambition intertwined with a commitment to bettering society, offering an inspiring blueprint for future leaders in business and beyond.