The COLAB Story
Jon Loomis | Co-Founder & CFO
Jon is the Co-Founder and CFO for Baseballism. He has a degree in Economics and an MBA with a focus in international trade. He worked in healthcare for 12 years before becoming a full-time entrepreneur.
Member Stories
Marcus Harvey
Marcus Harvey has a deep passion for Portland, where he grew up inspired by the city’s unique energy. In 2012, he launched the @Portland Instagram page, which has since amassed over 350,000 followers. While managing the page, Marcus recognized the immense pride Portlanders have for their city and began receiving requests for apparel that showcased it. On Black Friday in 2014, Marcus debuted his brand with two iconic t-shirts and two posts on @Portland. Within 24 hours, he sold over 200 shirts to customers in four countries and 10 states, generating more than $5,000 in sales. Since then, his products have reached every U.S. state and over 35 countries, spreading a tangible connection to Portland’s spirit worldwide. Marcus is committed to creating high-quality, wearable products that resonate with people while fostering a community around Portland’s vibrant culture. Through his work, he aims to celebrate the city and its citizens by building meaningful experiences through product design and branding.
Alex Hudjohn
As the President and founder of STLHD Gear, Alex Hudjohn has turned his passion for the outdoors into a thriving brand that inspires adventure and connection with nature. What began as a small project in a Forest Grove, Oregon garage—crafted alongside his brother—has evolved into a trusted name in outdoor apparel and gear. Alex's leadership is rooted in his dedication to creating high-quality, durable, and stylish products that resonate with outdoor enthusiasts. Guided by a customer-first philosophy, Alex continues to shape STLHD Gear’s mission of making the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all.
Mike Spangenberg
Mike Spangenberg was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona and is the CEO & Co-founder of lifestyle and apparel brand, State Forty Eight. Before devoting himself to his company the past 12 years, Mike spent 15 years in the hotel and hospitality industry. But fashion has always been a passion he wanted to pursue. As an Arizona native, Mike loves everything there is about his home state, so creating a company that allows him to do something he is passionate about all while giving back and being involved in the community he grew up in, has been a dream come true. In 2020, State Forty Eight launched the State Forty Eight Foundation which is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting Arizona entrepreneurs through free resources and grant funding. Currently, Mike sits on the Board of Directors for the foundation as Chair of the board.
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Erik Hernandez
Erik Hernandez, an athletic shoe designer, has always had a soft spot for restaurants. For years, he worked with top athletes developing shoes at Adidas before moving to Portland footwear design firm Studio Noyes. Through Mise, a shoe company tackling the barren market of kitchen-specific footwear, Hernandez set out to reciprocate the love he felt for his friends in Portland’s restaurant community.
“I wanted to use my craft to benefit their craft.”
Tyrone Hazen
Tyrone Hazen is the founder of Puffin Drinkwear and is leading several new projects anticipated to launch in early 2025. Residing in Bend, Oregon, Tyrone shares his life with his wife Elif and their sixth-grade son, Oliver, enjoying activities like skiing, mountain biking, and backpacking. Over six years, he grew Puffin to nearly eight figures before taking on the role of Head of Partnerships, where he manages collaborations, licenses, and customizations while also mentoring other consumer brand founders. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Tyrone is developing new startups and coaching early-stage consumer product entrepreneurs to help them establish and grow their businesses.
Calin Thomas
Calin Thomas is a 20 year veteran of the baseball/softball industry. He has worked in hard goods, soft goods, and technology, spending time with Easton, Marucci, Rawlings, and in his current role at Diamond Kinetics. Diamond Kinetics is the Official Youth Training Partner of Major League Baseball, utilizing sensor and camera based technology to help players train and improve, while becoming lifelong fans of baseball and softball. Calin leads strategic initiatives and partnerships for Diamond Kinetics, including working closely with MLB and the MLBPA.
Kaylie Greene
Kaylie is the founder of Rebel Child Journeys. Established in 2024 after planning high level events for multiple brand owners and corporate events, Kaylie enjoys helping people's vision come to life.. Born and raised in the pacific northwest, Kaylie has always shared a love for the western lifestyle. In her free time, she loves fishing, traveling, and always thinking of her next business move. In addition to starting RCJ, Kaylie is also the owner of Rebel Child Hat Co, a western inspired trucker hat company. With two businesses under her belt Kaylie hopes to one day expand her brand into the apparel industry, creating her own denim jacket line.
Emily Salsbury
Emily Salsbury is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and personal growth. With a rewarding career as a consultant in the retail and commercial real estate industry, she attributes her success to those who believed in her potential and took a chance on her. Despite early challenges in an education system that struggled to recognize her unique learning style, Emily’s resilience, strong character, and determination have been the foundation of her journey. Guided by the belief that life should be designed from within rather than conforming to external expectations, Emily inspires others to embrace their individuality and pursue true happiness and self-acceptance. She defines herself not by her profession, but by her character, integrity, and grit, encouraging everyone to dream big and trust in the power of perseverance.
Blake Evetts
Blake Evetts serves as the VP of Finance at Baseballism, bringing strategic financial expertise to the brand's mission of celebrating the culture and love of baseball. With a strong background in financial management and a passion for the sport, Blake plays a key role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring its long-term success. His leadership helps Baseballism continue delivering high-quality apparel and products that resonate with baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
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Applying For Membership
We review applicants’ experiences and meet with them 1-on-1 to ensure they’ll be a good fit. While admission is selective, our group is an open and interactive space for all members.
Be involved: We’re looking for leaders who are enthusiastic about sharing their insights and experiences to help other businesses.
Be established: It doesn’t matter how big your company is, but it must be driving revenue.
Be a leader: You must be a founder or decision maker in your company.
