Business scaling mistakes to avoid in Portland

Joshua Paul Hooks is a serial entrepreneur and consultant known for scaling startups into nationally recognized brands. As the founder of HooksHustle, Joshua helps founders and investors transform ideas into high-growth ventures by combining operational systems, creative marketing, and global market strategy. His career includes consulting for startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, guiding them through product development, branding, and U.S. market entry. Driven by family, community, and a passion for building impactful businesses, Joshua brings a rare mix of visionary leadership and hands-on execution to every project he touches.

Brennen Lesser is an innovative strategist who bridges the gap between marketing, software, and automation. With a background in both creative and technical fields, Brennen has led cross-functional teams to deliver scalable systems that drive sustainable business growth and operational efficiency. He excels at integrating new technologies, optimizing product development cycles, and crafting solutions that help startups and established companies adapt to changing markets. Brennen’s hands-on approach and commitment to continuous improvement have made him a trusted advisor for founders seeking to innovate and scale. At HooksHustle, he brings a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and strategic vision to every project.

Maria Rodriguez is a trusted legal advisor specializing in corporate law, compliance, regulation, and contract negotiations. With a sharp eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she guides businesses through the complexities of entity structuring, regulatory requirements, and risk management. Maria has extensive experience drafting and negotiating contracts, ensuring organizations are protected while positioned for growth. Her expertise spans startups to established enterprises, where she helps leadership teams navigate legal challenges with confidence. At HooksHustle, Maria provides the legal foundation that allows founders and executives to scale their ventures securely and sustainably.

Reggie Johnson is a Producer, Storyteller, and Fund Raiser known for his relentless energy, visionary strategy, and hands-on expertise in driving real, measurable growth. With a proven track record in investment strategy, project financing, and creative production, Reggie has helped launch and scale brands across multiple industries. He is passionate about elevating businesses, building impactful partnerships, and guiding teams toward sustainable success. Reggies leadership style combines creative vision with practical execution, making him a catalyst for innovation and growth. At HooksHustle, he is dedicated to breathing new life into your brand, elevating your presence, and helping you achieve lasting impact in the marketplace.

John Aguilar is a seasoned operations specialist with a talent for streamlining businesses through smart systems and efficient processes. With deep experience in IT, logistics, and software, he has managed multi-million-dollar accounts, led product implementations, and built scalable structures that drive growth. John’s expertise lies in evaluating technology, optimizing workflows, and ensuring companies operate with precision and profitability. Having contributed to successful product launches in industries from healthcare to electric vehicles, he thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. At HooksHustle, John empowers founders with the clarity and infrastructure needed to scale confidently.

Madison Hamway is a dynamic strategist who bridges product development with digital storytelling. With expertise in social media, branding, and consumer engagement, she helps companies position their products to resonate with target audiences and scale in competitive markets. Madison has led campaigns that drive awareness, build communities, and convert followers into loyal customers, while also advising on product features and market fit. At HooksHustle, she combines creativity with data-driven insights to craft strategies that amplify brand voice, strengthen customer connections, and fuel sustainable growth across both digital platforms and real-world markets.