David Molina.
When you need something fast, your community is often the best place to turn for advice and connections. Switchboards like Wheelwomen, Meat Collectives, and PDX Startups let people ask for help from the people they trust.
When David Molina urgently needed a videographer for a crowdfunding effort to help veterans learn to code, he posted an ask on PDX Startups Switchboard. Though multiple videographers got in touch with him through avenues other than Switchboard, in the end, he picked one he found through PDX Startups because the community bond mattered to him.
Teresa Mahoney.
"I immediately felt that the problem he was trying to solve was an important one, and with a background in journalism, this was a powerful story that I wanted to help tell," says Teresa Mahoney, the videographer who wound up working with David. "PDX Startups Switchboard is not only a great place for people who have launched startups, but for those of us who want to work with startups and be part of that exciting world."
We asked David to share his story.
Why did you start using PDX Startups Switchboard?
I was drawn to PDX Startup Switchboard because of the strong sense of community—local community and the elegant interface: ask and offer.
You used PDX Startups Switchboard to find a videographer. Could you share your story?
Teresa filming for David's crowdfunding project.
I initially made the request on Twitter after leaving a meeting in NW Portland where I didn't feel the team was going to make it urgent. Rick Turoczy was quick to respond and suggest posting on Switchboard.
After posting my ask that afternoon, I received multiple offers and suggestions, including on Twitter and direct messages through Switchboard. After over a dozen interviews, meetings, and discussions with potential videographers, I settled on Teresa. Beyond her local, national, and international filming experience, she used Switchboard, which I loved. That sense of community building meant a ton. After interviewing her both by phone and over coffee, I felt closer to a decision. I introduced her to the campaign team, and we were immediately off to the races.
Would you recommend Switchboard to friends?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend PDX Startups Switchboard to anyone wanting to genuinely ask or offer something to the Portland startup community.