Marcus Harvey

Marcus Harvey is the founder, owner, and CEO of Portland Gear, a clothing and apparel company based in Portland, Oregon.1 Here are some key details about Marcus Harvey:

Background and Education

Marcus Harvey grew up in the Portland area, specifically in Hillsboro, Oregon.3 He attended Century High School and later graduated from the University of Oregon in 2012 with a degree in Digital Arts and Business.34

Career Highlights

Founding of Portland Gear:

In 2014, Marcus founded Portland Gear to express his love for his hometown and connect with like-minded individuals through clothing.1 The company started when Harvey acquired the @portland Instagram handle in 2013 and began building a community around it.3 He noticed a gap in the market for a brand that was simple, well-designed, and approachable, and launched Portland Gear through his Instagram account.1

Growth and Expansion:

Since its founding, Portland Gear has experienced significant growth:

• The company has grown to over 20 employees.1
• They've opened multiple retail stores, including locations in downtown Portland and at Washington Square Mall.4
• Portland Gear has shipped products to all 50 states and over 35 countries.3

Previous Ventures:

Before Portland Gear, Marcus had other entrepreneurial experiences:

• He founded Creative 35, a Portland-based full-service clothing design and manufacturing company, which operated from 2013 to 2015.1
• In 2008, while still in college, he founded Updrift Apparel, his first clothing brand.1

Entrepreneurial Approach

Marcus Harvey is known for his innovative approach to business, particularly in leveraging social media and community building:

• He grew the @portland Instagram account to over 350,000 followers, using it as a platform to build community and later launch his brand.3
• Harvey emphasizes creating products that people enjoy wearing and sharing, while building a community around the city and its residents.3

Public Speaking and Influence

Marcus is a frequent speaker at various events, schools, and organizations, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and insights on branding and business.4 His experiences and success with Portland Gear have made him a notable figure in Portland's business community, particularly among younger generations.2