Jessica Biel comes from the bustling home of Amazon and Microsoft. She’s quickly adjusted to rural living and become an asset to Pinnacle and our clients. She participates in local organizations that support housing and health issues and conducts hours of research on funding opportunities. We recently caught up with Jessica for a little Q&A.

You’ll be celebrating your second-year anniversary at Pinnacle in a couple of months. How did you come to be the Business Development Director at Pinnacle and what is your role?

I moved to Bend from Seattle in May 2015 to create a better life for my family. We were tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and wanted to spend more quality time together. When I saw the position available on Pinnacle’s website, I knew it was meant to be. Less than six months later we landed in Bend. I’ve pretty much only worked for architects so it is a perfect fit. As the sole marketer, my role is a little of everything from marketing strategy to responding to request for proposals and writing content that is valuable to our clients.

Tell us about your background.

I’ve been doing marketing for architecture and engineering firms for 18 years. Mostly large global firms. Although not an architect, I’ve found a passion for how the built environment supports wellbeing. Architecture has a huge impact on people and I feel very lucky to work for a firm that focuses on well-designed buildings that enhance lives and communities.

What’s your favorite part of your job and why?

Learning about the challenges and opportunities our clients face. I’ve been doing a lot of research and education around different funding methods for public projects. I recently attended a local Nonprofit Association of Oregon workshop on Pay for Success. I look forward to attending the OHCS Mental Health NOFA training next week and participating in Housing Opportunity Day in Salem on March 22. On average, 80% of our projects are publicly funded. We want to offer our clients as much support as possible during all stages of development and construction.

Pinnacle’s mission is to enhance lives and communities. How do you fulfill that every day?

I’m passionate about giving back to my community. It was part of my upbringing and I’ve continued to make it part of my life from volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to raising funds for various causes. This firm is a perfect fit. I’ve enjoyed helping our firm live our mission through supporting the project teams and community outreach. Last year we assembled Finding Dory care packages for the kids visiting Kids Center and participated in a yearly winter clothing drive for The Shepherd’s House.

Pinnacle is a small firm that values its company culture. We work hard and like to have fun. We asked Jessica a few fun questions to get to know her a little bit more:

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My 5-year old son. It’s not easy keeping a kid alive for five years! Just kidding. Parenting is hard and I feel a very strong responsibility to ensure he’s happy, a good person, and contributes to society.

What makes you laugh the most?

David Hasselhoff’s video “Hooked on a Feeling” and 80s video parodies!

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A truck driver. I thought it would be so cool to travel and live in the cab of my truck.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life?

Pizza with a side of ice cream!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Go back to school and travel. I love learning and experiencing new places.

Have a question of your own about Jessica? Ask! Jessica@parch.biz