SALEM, Ore. – At Capstone Wealth Advisors, Senior Financial Advisor and co-owner Ryan Skogstad stands out not only for his business acumen but also for his dedication to the Salem community. Under his leadership, Capstone has become one of the fastest-growing Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms in America, a distinction noted by InvestmentNews in their 2023 report. The firm, managing approximately $700 million in assets, has more than doubled its asset base since July 2020.

Reflecting on his journey, Skogstad credits his rise in part to a steadfast commitment to his principles and community. “I feel what has helped me be most successful is simply the consistency and drive to excel. It hasn’t always been easy. But I haven’t waivered on my commitment to grow in my work life, but also contribute to the areas in the community…

Amador Aguilar-Arellanes's journey from his youth in Oaxaca, Mexico, to the founding of the ENLACE Cross-cultural Community Development Project in Salem is a testament to the power of passion, heritage, and unwavering determination in transforming communities. Aguilar-Arellanes recalls, "Since I was in middle school in Oaxaca, south state of Mexico, I was

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 pr…

It would be naïve on our part to think that everything will fall in place after the perfect storm that we all endured- COVID- 19 pandemic, social and economic disruption, social unrest, political polarization, and worldwide turmoil. While the world seemed to fall apart, I also witnessed acts of courage, love, and compassion from our teachers, school staf

The other day, I saw a headline in the Willamette Week titled, “The State’s Leading Psychiatrist Says Oregon’s Approach to Mental Health is Wrong.” In the article, the newspaper interviewed the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University. Intrigued, I continued reading and discovered that this academic’s big id

Adriana Barrera, the visionary behind Porque No Terapia (Why Not Therapy), stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey from an uncertain career beginning to becoming a linchpin in Salem's mental health and addiction community speaks volumes of her commitment to fostering well-being a

Here in Salem, where we take pride in our dynamic history and the vigor of our community, Deanna Gwyn stands as a testament to innovative leadership and steadfast dedication. Her career, spanning more than thirty years as a Principal Broker in the real estate industry, coupled with her esteemed role on the Salem City Council, delineates a narrative of ded

"Every challenge is an opportunity to excel," states Salvador Herrera, Salem's Rising Star. Recognized as the top Sales Surgical Workflows Representative for Getinge in the United States in 2023, Herrera's journey is a compelling tale of ambition, resilience, and a profound impact on Salem's business environment.

Herrera, an Eastern Oregon University grad…