Spotlight

About the Company

Founded in 2023 by Abrar Ahmed, the company has grown from the founder to four seasoned cyber-security veterans in order to serve a broadly diverse range of industries. The company’s competitive advantage lies in the team’s CMMC credentialed experts, who share well over twenty years of combined experience with NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-53 standards.

ZenSecured’s mission is to provide guidance tailored to align each client organization’s risk profile and business objectives while meeting compliance and continuity/ resilience goals with clear ROI. 

ZenSecured’s comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services and compliance solutions includes the integration of advanced security technology platforms, coupled with strategic and tactical advice by experienced, credentialed cybersecurity experts. ZenSecured delivers end-to-end support, ranging from proactive risk assessments and incident response planning to virtual CISO advisory and robust security tools that measure ROI.  

For organizations pursuing compliance, ZenSecured’s CMMC Readiness Solution streamlines the entire journey with secure CUI environments, policy automation, self-assessment tools, and hands-on guidance from CyberAB (the DoD’s Authorized Body for CMMC Accreditation and Ecosystem) credentialed professionals. 

ZenSecured minimizes resource strain, reduces costs, and positions each client for success in the face of evolving threats and demanding regulatory standards with proven frameworks, AI-powered policy tools, and secure environments.  Whether you are aiming to enhance resilience or secure your ability to win and retain government contracts, ZenSecured provides the clarity, capability and confidence to successfully navigate today’s complex threat and regulatory landscape. 

About the Founder

Abrar Ahmed is a longtime Portland resident who has always had a passion for computers and math and holds his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and a Computer Design degree from the University of Portland.  His love for technology grew naturally into a professional career in high-tech, working for a range of larger companies, including Tektronix and Mentor Graphics, to startups including SureID and IDGo.  His technical expertise is grounded in years working as a software engineer, a product engineer, and eventually to becoming a CIO and a CISO.  About twenty years ago, Abrar’s professional career landed in the burgeoning field of Cyber-security and since then he has explored and immersed himself in all aspects of Cybersecurity. Today, Abrar holds a CISSP, a CMMC RP designation, with experience as vCISO for a range of entities including non-profits, defense industry-based companies, manufacturers, and local governments.

 

When not at work, Abrar can be found pursuing his newest favorite outdoors activity with friends and family – out on the pickleball courts!

In addition to playing pickleball, Abrar and his daughters enjoy time together in the outdoors. A favorite fun family activity is “foodie” time – exploring Portland’s diverse culinary venues together.

About Business in the Gorge & Joining the GTA

Coming to the Gorge to hike, recreate and eat fresh Hood River cherries, Abrar became aware of the GTA through an event co-sponsored by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO). Meeting Jason and other GTA members, he was favorably impressed by the community’s open demeanor to meet newbies and the warm welcome that he received.

With the assurance brought on by his warm welcome and with ZenSecured’s specialization in CMMC compliance for Defense Industry-based companies, Abrar decided to join the GTA to build his company’s brand and to expand his company’s client base. With the Gorge’s High Tech industry cluster needs for ZenSecured’s services, and the introductions and community engagement provided by GTA events, Abrar looks forward to growing the personal connections that will facilitate ZenSecured’s business opportunities and success.

Quick Links

Company Website:  ZenSecured.com

GTA Website:  ZenSecured | Gorge Technology Alliance

Email Contact: abrar@zensecured.com

Social Media:  Linked In: Abrar Ahmed

Schedule a call:  https://calendly.com/abrar-zs

Phone: 503-536-5235

About the Company

Founded in 2022, MMM Consulting Services provides financial strategy and fractional CFO services to small- and mid-sized businesses.

Principal Owner Molly Mors’ in-depth experience in auditing, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance brings a high level of financial expertise that guides small business owners with clarity and confidence. Practical, results-driven insights are combined with a hands-on collaborative approach, ensuring that each client receives the customized support that will bring growth and success.

Typical clients are companies with $2M–$10M in revenue, particularly in tech and professional services, and MMM Consulting’s support includes financial modeling, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and due diligence. These services are tailored to each client’s intention ranging from preparation to scale up, or to sell.

Business in the Gorge

MMM Consulting has recently expanded to offer more accessible financial services to businesses in the Gorge! With a focus in 2025 on supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, core offerings have been expanded to include a one-time financial deep dive session at $500, accompanied by flexible strategy support at $150/ hour. These services are ideal for those who may not yet need a full-time CFO but want clarity and confidence as they grow. Ongoing CFO services round out MMM Consulting’s local support offerings.

About the Founder

Molly is passionate about giving back to the community through her volunteer work on the Cougs 4 Kids nonprofit advisory board, an organization that connects student-athletes with marginalized youth. Other active community pursuits include supporting financial literacy and mentorship for local small business owners, soaking up the local food and wine culture, and attending community events.

For outdoors activities, Molly participates in running half-marathons and can often be found out exploring trails in the Gorge with her huskies Luna (left) and Jet (right).

Joining the GTA

As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and CPA who’s equally passionate about storytelling through numbers and running half marathons, Molly fits right in with the local GTA crowd.  For Molly, membership in the GTA provides the perfect forum to meet and build relationships with business leaders in the region, share knowledge, and collaborate on ways to help our local economy grow. When asked what she hopes to get from her GTA membership, Molly said, “I am looking forward to engaging more deeply with the community through GTA events,”  and she offered an invitation to fellow GTA members to reach out “even if your business is not yet ready for formal consulting services, because I’d love to help you grow your business and build a strong financial foundation!”

Quick Links

Company Website:   MMM Consulting Services

GTA Website:  crgta.org/mmm-consulting-services

Email Contact: Email Molly

Social Media:  Linked In: Molly Mors

Schedule a call:  https://calendly.com/mmmconsultingservices/30min

About the Company

Founded in 1912, Moss Adams LLP started in Seattle and has a heavy presence in the Pacific Northwest, and although the company does not have a physical location in the Gorge, the Portland office is very active in the surrounding local communities serving clients in many industries including forestry, healthcare, manufacturing, tech, agriculture, and more. 

Moss Adams is a full-services accounting firm offering tax compliance, audit, wealth management, and business consulting services to a diverse range of businesses from local startups to publicly traded corporations, with a particular focus on mid-sized to larger enterprises.  The company’s competitive advantage lies in the deep industry knowledge and personalized service shared by its dedicated team of 4800 professionals. Moss Adams partners understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the tax/finance sector and will provide individually tailored solutions that meet each client’s specific needs.

Partners are committed to building long-term relationships and employ a proactive approach to client engagement that sets Moss Adams apart from its competitors. Understanding our clients’ goals is the top priority, and Moss Adams partners work collaboratively with each client to support their goals and achieve success. This ensures delivery of real value, not just services.

Most organizations lack the culture and technical infrastructure to fuel data-driven decision practices. Moss Adams helps client companies build a significant competitive edge by compiling the right data and interpreting it relative to your company’s industry and specific goals.  By tapping into the potential of your company’s data, leadership can implement crucial support systems and identify areas for growth, risk, and more with guidance from our professionals.

About Business in the Gorge and the GTA

As a member of the GTA, Moss Adams aims to achieve several key objectives in the Gorge:

• Collaboration and Networking – We seek to foster relationships with the other professionals in the alliance.
• Sharing industry insights—We’d like to provide thought leadership in our expertise areas and promote knowledge sharing throughout the alliance.
• Support local innovation – We are committed to supporting and promoting local innovation!
• Enhanced service offerings—As we foster relationships, we are open to feedback from other professionals on services they would like to see offered, and bring those services to life when possible.
• Increased community engagement—We aim to strengthen our ties to the local community by participating in events and initiatives that are important to the alliance’s members.

Quick Links

Company Website: https://www.mossadams.com/

GTA Website: https://www.crgta.org/moss-adams

Ben Sappington: Aerospace & Defense Accountants

Email Contact: ben.sappington@mossadams.com

Cell Phone: 541-915-5212

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ben-sappington/7/332/409/en

Sigma Design are product development experts; designing, engineering, building and testing solutions for customers’ success. The company’s core values demand the highest standards for quality and security. Sigma Design brings confidentiality, efficiency, and precision to all of its partner relationships and projects.

The company’s competitive advantage lies in its partnership-driven approach to tackling extremely complex projects for clients. Sigma Design’s unique, results-oriented culture advances collaboration by leveraging extensive experience and expertise to solve unique challenges in order to design innovative products successfully for the partner. Sigma Design teams embrace new opportunities with every project, and this is reflected in the company’s purpose statement:  “Challenges Accepted. Solutions Delivered.”

Founded in 1994, Sigma Design has grown to its current size of 275 employees. Employees are valued as the biggest strength of this company, and over the past year President has driven major initiatives to strengthen employee and leadership development, empowering employees to innovate in their jobs to maximize operational efficiencies. By encouraging employees to think about how they can make their own position better, Sigma Design’s initiatives show management’s commitment to continuous improvement, which benefits both the company and its partners.

About the CEO & President

Lindsey Dotson, Sigma Design’s President since 2023, grew up on a lake in a small town in Northern Minnesota. Her first school was a quaint country schoolhouse with minimal classrooms and faculty—kind of like Little House on the Prairie, but with ice skating at recess. Lindsey loved swimming so much that her dad would actually cut a hole in the ice for her birthday dip every March. Eventually she made her way to the Pacific Northwest, where she picked up a Computer Engineering degree from Portland State University.

When not working, Lindsey loves getting outdoors. Whether it’s a forest or a beach, nature is the place to be. She also loves traveling and reading.  Lindsey fell in love with reading during her 20’s, when she was encouraged to read The Alienist; a historical suspense novel set when fingerprinting was just being discovered. To this day Lindsey continues to enjoy the intersection of history, storytelling and technology found in historical fiction, but as her interests have widened, her reading has branched out to include philosophy and poetry.

As someone who values lifelong learning, Sigma Design has been a perfect fit for Lindsey, with plenty of opportunities to develop new skills and tackle unfamiliar challenges. Over her tenure with the company, Lindsey has excelled in a number of positions prior to becoming President, including Firmware Engineer, Director of Firmware & Software Engineering, Director of Business Technology, and VP of Engineering & Corporate Functions.

About Business in the Gorge & the GTA

Sigma Design joined the GTA in 2015, when the company first joined the Alliance to gain exposure to the Gorge’s technology and aerospace sector businesses seeking product development, engineering, and manufacturing solutions. Customers vary from tech industry giants to small aerospace and drone companies. Product development services for Gorge partner companies include:

• Automation and integration of custom systems (Robotics) 
• Staffing and on-site resources
• Customized electro-mechanical design
• Firmware and Software Engineering
• Fabrication and Prototyping
• Manufacturing

Sigma Design has supported the GTA’s mission to help support, connect and develop the technology community of the Gorge for a decade. The GTA’s network provides personal connections with potential customers and vendors that can benefit from Sigma Design’s expertise.

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About the Company

Founded in 1902, Edward Jones is a privately held company whose financial advisors operate independently.  Products and/or services include:

• 401k Rollovers (especially in the Aerospace & Defense world of the Gorge!)
• Consolidation of Accounts
• Retirement Planning, Including The 3 Buckets (ask me to learn more)
• Estate Planning, Including Reducing Taxable Estates
• Charitable Giving
• Custodian & 529 Plans for Children

As a single advisor, JR’s competitive advantage lies in his dedicated investment of time and attention to learn his clients’ needs, wants & wishes personally in order to give the best possible advice. He is also able and willing to travel for client appointments as needed.

About Business in the Gorge

When asked why he started his company in the Gorge, JR explained that he had worked locally in the Aerospace & Defense Industry for almost 15 Years prior to joining Edward Jones in 2022. There were no plans to leave the Gorge’s high tech industry because he really enjoyed the people and the customers that he worked with.

However, upon reflection about what he enjoyed most about his role, he always came back to “the people I worked with.” While switching careers and industries was a huge change, he found that this new role “allows me to focus on the People rather than the Stuff!”

JR admits that his conversations with clients are often geared more towards helping about life, with the finance work only coming at the end of the consultation, because “helping to inspire others is my purpose!”

Today, JR continues to work with the Gorge’s Aerospace Industry in his financial advising capacity and says, “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help my former colleagues with their financial goals.”

About JR Frakes

JR grew up in the Columbia River Gorge and “couldn’t wait to get out of here at age 19!” After traveling all over, he and his wife realized what a wonderful place he had grown up, and they decided to raise their family here. Both agree that this has been a huge blessing.

JR enjoys family time that includes trips to the beach, family BBQs, and the annual family softball game. He is active with many hobbies including hiking, hunting, pottery, gardening, paddleboarding, riding motorcycle, coaching sports, watching the Packers, and firing up the grill!

About the GTA

When asked what he has gained from being a member of the GTA, JR replied, “Community in the form of friendships among like-minded folks, and being thought of as the Go-To financial resource for those that may need my help or advice.”

JR further described the benefits that his involvement with the GTA has brought to his business… “I have been fortunate enough to work with many clients from GTA businesses. Each time I attended a GTA function I have folks mention they have an old 401k plan they need to do something with or have had some other life event that they have sought my advice. I love that they feel comfortable confiding in me as their trusted source for financial advice.”

Quick Links

Company Website: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/jr-frakes?

GTA Website:  https://crgta.org/edward-jones-financial-advisor-jr-frakes

Email Contact:  JR.Frakes@edwardjones.com

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrfrakes/

Phone: 541- 980-9937

About the Company

GrovTec Machining specializes in precision CNC machining and multi-spindle screw machining for many industries including aerospace, defense, medical, and dental. The company offers services such as custom assemblies, prototyping, and contract manufacturing for OEMs, and provides high-quality components with exacting standards and efficient production capabilities.

The company has expanded its contract manufacturing services into the medical and dental industries, and has added new machine capabilities with Hydromats and Tornos. GrovTec continues to innovate within its product lines, offering custom solutions for OEM partners in all industries that the company serves. Typical customers are mid-to-large-sized OEMs in the aerospace, defense, medical, and dental industries who rely on GrovTec for precision-machined components and custom assemblies, often with tight tolerances and high-quality standards. GrovTec serves both short and long production runs on CNC and multi-spindle screw machines.

The company’s competitive advantage starts with its dedication to ‘Made in the USA’ manufacturing, a commitment to superior quality and precision, and specialization in high-tolerance machining and custom solutions that are tailored to the needs of each and every customer.

About the Founder

As a young man just out of high school, Bob Grover was preparing for his career in dentistry by taking high level mathematics and science courses in college. This was the beginning of a journey that would lead him to become the founder and CEO of GrovTec Machining, US, in 2006.  Outside of his work life, Bob is an enthusiastic collector of sports cards and Hot Wheels/ Matchbox cars.  Spending time with his four grandkids also tops his list of family activities.

About Business in the Gorge

When asked, “Why did you come to the Gorge?” Bob explained that when his business had an opportunity to relocate outside of Oregon, the governor’s office stepped in and helped the company find its current ideal location in Wood Village. Just off of Interstate 84 at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge, this location allowed GrovTec to stay rooted in Oregon, where it has continued to grow as an employer and currently supports 94 workers.

Tyler Grover is GrovTec’s Sales and Marketing Manager.   Joining the GTA to “build bridges in the manufacturing community,” Tyler explained that, “For GrovTec, joining the GTA is a great way to connect with other local businesses and industry leaders and to foster partnerships that support innovation and growth. Being a part of the GTA allows us to stay informed about the latest developments in technology and manufacturing. Through the GTA, we have also been building valuable relationships within the local manufacturing community, exploring opportunities to see where our precision machining services can best support and serve the needs of the region.”

Quick Links

About the Company

Thirty years ago, Fusion started in a modest workspace with only three employees. These three people all shared a common vision: to make the EMS landscape a better place.

Founded by Tom Hauge in 1995, the company’s close proximity to the Gorge brought immediate connections because Gorge tech companies needed a close, reliable resource for the products and services that Fusion EMS provided.

By always striving to deliver timely, quality results to customers and by providing employees with an unbeatable work environment, Fusion’s team has expanded from a handful of people to over 50 dedicated employees. The company’s growth and transformation are attributed to the devoted customers and employees over all the years– the positive relationships that have created countless win-wins and have contributed to the company’s mission of mutual success.

Fusion EMS provides printed circuit board (PCB) assembly services to small- to medium-sized companies in the commercial, industrial and military/aerospace sectors. The company’s products include:

• Quality PCB assemblies
• Lead-free and leaded processing
• SMT and PTH
• Surface Mount Fine Pitch, uBGA, MLF, CSP and 0201 Placement
• Automated optical inspection (AOI)
• BGA X-ray inspection
• Conformal coating and potting
• Box build, product final assembly and packaging
• Final packaging and logistics

Fusion’s services specialize in turnkey and consigned EMS strategies, with a focus on high-mix, low-to-medium and high-volume production. The company’s expertise and wide range of capabilities allows for the development of custom solutions for each customer.  The company’s 30,000 square-foot facility in Hillsboro, OR is fully equipped with state-of-the-art surface mount technology and through-hole equipment, staff certified to J-STD-001, and offers a robust range of test solutions to support the customer’s product throughout its entire lifecycle.

About Business in the Gorge and the GTA

Fusion EMS worked with many foundational GTA companies “back in the day.” Newly returned as a sponsor of the GTA this summer, Fusion EMS is excited to reconnect with the Gorge’s tech companies and expand their connections in our community.

Quick Links

Company Website: Fusion EMS

GTA Website: Fusion EMS

Social media: Linked In

About the Company

Magnum Custom Works is located in Hood River and provides custom Cerakote services for automotive and aerospace/UAV projects. Cerakote is a specialty sealant that is a ceramic paint coating that can be applied very thinly and provides super protection from heat, UV and corrosive substances such as oil/ gas etc.

The business grew out of a need for local Cerakote services that Joe first encountered in his work as an Engineering Technician at Trillium. Looking for a heat and UV resistant, lightweight paint coating for Trillium’s gimbal mounts, Joe’s research led to Cerakote, which is produced in Medford, Oregon.  With the proper material identified for the project, the next step was to get the coating applied to the surfaces. Joe started looking around for a local service shop to do this work and quickly discovered that there weren’t any.

In 2022, Joe and Lorie decided together that there was sufficient demand for Cerakote services to support a full-time business. Under Lorie’s expert financial guidance, the oven in the shop has now expanded to two sandblasters, two ovens (pictured on the left), and two spray booths. 

Joe is now self-employed with a business that has dual customer bases in the local UAV industry and in the automotive industry. Magnum Custom Works provides local in-person support, quality work and quick turn around times for their customers. Cerakote can be applied in a whole variety of colors to suit whatever the customer needs.

About the Founders

Joe Griffith and Lorie Repp are a husband and wife team whose business started out in their basement as a side gig. Joe is the business’ one-man customer service and production crew who works under the watchful eyes of their Shop Manager Magnum, pictured at right.  Lorie is a bookkeeper by trade and manages all of the company’s finances.

Gorge local residents for over 3 decades, Joe and Lori are both active in the community. They both volunteer with Hood River’s Westside Fire Department, and Joe coaches robotics for his twin boys. The couple shares a passion for travelling adventures and have taken some amazing camping road trips together, including Route 66 and Highway 20 across the US.

About Business in the Gorge

Magnum Custom Works partners with GTA member Delta Sierra Aviation to provide support for the flight testing of gimbals. The company has also developed a working relationship with Columbia Gorge Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication Department.

About the GTA

When asked about what he and his business have gained as part of the GTA, Joe replied, “We really enjoy the networking and idea sharing that takes place within the GTA. The support is very informative and helpful. We are a growing company and we are always looking for ways to support the needs of GTA members and other Gorge companies.”

Quick Links