Jim Foster was born in the Midwest and moved to Portland, Oregon, when he was just 9 years old. He attended Madison High School and Portland State University, and has called Portland home ever since. With more than 50 years of experience as a business owner and leader, Jim understands the risks, rewards, and realities of entrepreneurship better than anyone.

His business career began in the food industry. Over the years, Jim owned and operated multiple ventures, including convenience stores, a restaurant, a deli, a school lunch service, public park concessions, a corporate cafeteria, and a catering company. Each business taught him more about what makes an operation run efficiently and profitably — insights he now brings to every client he serves.

In 2005, Jim made the leap into business brokerage. He quickly became the top-producing agent in his very first year. Motivated by a passion for helping other business owners navigate big transitions, Jim launched Business Brokers of Oregon in 2007. Since then, the firm has grown to become the most successful business brokerage in Portland and Vancouver, with more listings and closings than any other in the area.

Today, Jim is not only a leader in the business community — he’s also an avid sailor. He captains his Santana 35 sailboat both locally and on offshore routes. Whether on water or in business, Jim brings strategy, confidence, and discipline to everything he does.