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Ebony Blackmon had earned multiple degrees in business, had an extensive career working for the federal government and in investment banking, and taught business courses as an adjunct professor for 15 years. Yet, she wasn鈥檛 quite sure about starting her own business.

鈥淚 was thinking, 鈥業 taught all these business courses, but I had never stepped out on faith to start my own business,鈥欌�� she said.

When her two children graduated from high school, Blackmon felt the time was right. In November 2019, she started XO PDX, a commercial and industrial cleaning company that serves Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark counties, and surrounding areas.

OX PDX employs 17 people and offers a range of janitorial services, including office cleaning, dusting, lobby and reception cleaning, and sanitization programs. Blackmon has obtained a CCB license and is exploring renovation projects and commercial facility management that includes construction and landscaping.

Blackmon said that she most enjoys her relationships with her staff. 鈥淚 also like the thrill of the hunt and growing, expanding and getting new business,鈥� she said.
A longtime Portland resident with a lengthy career in government and investment banking, Blackmon already had developed a strong professional network. Her membership in NAMC-OR allows her to continue strengthening those relationships while also meeting new people to add to her network.

Blackmon鈥檚 advice for other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs: 鈥淚f you have an idea, then pursue it.

鈥淚 believe that if a person starts their own business, people will come and support it,鈥� she added. 鈥淚t may not be who you think, and it鈥檚 often going to be strangers and not the people closest to you.鈥�