Each week, The Columbian offers a brief snapshot of an interesting Clark County business. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
Business name: Pacific Cascade Corporation.
President: Mark Curtis.
Address: 14208 N.W. Third Court, Suite 200.
What the business does: Since 1987, Pacific Cascade has manufactured and distributed parking and traffic supplies. Mark Curtis said his company has become the most comprehensive parking supply company in North America. Pacific Cascade also designs and installs parking revenue management control systems throughout the northwestern United States. Recently, with an agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, Pacific Cascade added locally made, sustainable recycling containers to its product line.
Steps to build your business as the economy recovers: Curtis said his company is actively and aggressively investing in new product development and bringing new products to the marketplace. It is widening its product line to fit the needs of those new business segments. As spending increases, and to make the online transactions as user-friendly as possible, Pacific Cascade is streamlining and simplifying the online purchasing process. Also, it is finalizing international patents on new products.
Greatest challenge: Curtis said because his business is based on customer service and finding solutions to customer needs, dealing with unexpected supplier delays can sometimes be very frustrating. Curtis also continually markets his company through networking and with online media.
