From Forklifts to Boardrooms: Lori Spencer on Wearing Every Hat in a Startup

How do you build a million-dollar brand when nobody even knows what your product is? In this episode of Women's Million Dollar Conversations, Alice Tang sits down with Lori Spencer, co-founder of Oregon Chai and a 25-year veteran of the food and beverage industry. Lori shares the organic, high-energy journey of growing a startup by 350% and watching the "million-dollar thermometer" in the office climb to the top. Lori reveals the grit it took to succeed in the 90s—including selling her car and moving back home to fund her dream—and how she transitioned from a "fear of sales" to realizing that sales is simply building relationships. Whether you are a founder or a corporate leader, Lori's advice on building a "community" rather than just a "network" is a game-changer for long-term resilience. In this episode, you'll learn: The "mouth-to-mouth" marketing strategy that launched the Chai tea category. Why Lori's "boardroom" is actually her daily walk. The importance of the "Mentor Table" and how to curate your own circle of advisors. Why "Asking for Help" is the single most important skill for a growing entrepreneur Key Moments: 00:55 – Lori's 25-year journey: From Oregon Chai co-founder to executive consultant. 01:59 – Value of Money: Creating the freedom of choice for your family. 02:50 – The Oregon Chai thermometer: Hitting $1M in revenue in three years. 04:45 – Innovation in 1994: Starting an alternative beverage category as four women. 06:40 – Breaking the Bias: Navigating a male-dominated industry in the early 90s. 09:50 – The Mentor Table: Filling your circle with people you can rely on. 12:20 – Raising your hand: Why asking for help opens new chapters of growth. 14:50 – Problem-solving on the move: Using walking to find your "center". 18:15 – The Family Motto: Be Kind, Work Hard, Have Fun.