Moving On
Bill Nootenboom has left the Meriwether Group to form Pragma Group. The Meriwether Group has been one of the most active dealmakers in Oregon in recent years, brokering deals for Oregon brands including Laughing Planet Café and Bike Gallery. Nootenboom was the firm’s No. 2 executive. He teamed with Ray Hanson, who has 28 years of experience appraising businesses and advising on sales, to form Pragma Group.
The transition to new owners strengthened the culture of the company, improved relationships with its major supplier, provided financing for growth, and allowed a successful businessman to retire knowing his family’s legacy was safe in new hands.
Hood River Distillers was the first distillery in Oregon to open after prohibition. Their first products also came from the fruit of the Hood River Valley. HRD wanted to return to its roots – perfect fit.
Pragma Group developed multiple growth strategies, and tested each of them against the cultural and financial requirements of the business. Looking at every growth strategy known to restaurants, ultimately it was decided to split the company in two.
Pragma Group helped build a world-class marketing team, and spearheaded an effort to tell the brand story in a new way. We launched a campaign in Texas, where people are serious about their smoked meats.
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