“Jacques Nichols started the venture capital business in Oregon as an attorney in high-technology businesses. Nichols did much to lay the groundwork for Portland’s venture capital explosion of the early 1980’s said Ralph Shaw, managing partner for Portland’s Shaw Venture Partners.”
The Portland Business Journal – December 1987
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Clyde Fryer
Founder of Optical Data, Inc. and Smart Power, Inc. - Molalla, OR November 2006
Jacques B Nichols is the thesis statement for a book on accomplishment. Not necessarily for what he has done, as much as for how he has managed to do it. He has defined his career on his terms and he has never settled for anything less than what his grit and intuition has confirmed.
He is a writer, speaker and entertainer, but above all he is a man even more committed to his family than to the profession that has granted him his leisure. Jacques has been behind the
success of many people, not because he saw the monetary value in them, but because he was able to read their stories, and establish for them the perfect ending for readers, and authors alike.”
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Than Clevenger
Why 3, the Public Communications Company and Green Dog Press
Portland, Oregon November 2006
“In every person’s life there should be a Jacques Nichols. Along with a Mom, a Dad — and Grandparents — we should come in to the world with our very own Jacques.
Think about a place where seven degrees of separation was collapsed to one — you and Jacques and the people you and Jacques know. But, in this case, Jacques will know most everybody. He’d introduce you to everyone you need to know and every one you’d ever want to know. And he’d do it without judgment, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
It’s a good thing I don’t have to wish for such a thing; I have a Jacques in my life. It is hard to imagine what it would be like without his spirit weaving through my own personal journey here on earth. He’s a particularly special person. I believe Jacques is on this earth to activate relationships. He is a hand-joiner, to be more direct. Jacques says “I know Joe. I know you. You and Joe should meet. I’ll set that up.”
Jacques makes the connection happen and like Cupid, he moves on to the next divinely-directed assignment. And you and Joe are now best buddies and are trying to figure out how to make millions of dollars. It’s magic.
Jacques also does this without desire for applause.
I checked one time as Jacques had his back to me to see if he had wings. He didn’t. But, if you close your eyes and think about it, you can imagine that he should.
In Jacques’ world, a German Baron is equal to an ex-con baker. A Romanian refugee is equal to the CEO of a Silicon Valley software company. A red neck is equal to a blue blood. And, servant leadership is more than a contemporary cliché. It’s how Jacques lives his life.
My mentors taught me to speak softly and carry a big Rolodex. I was obviously not a very good student. Jacques, on the other hand, aced this lesson and the world of business is all the better for it. If you get to know Jacques, you will be better for the experience too. So, get to know him. Get a “Jacques” in your life. You will be the richer and wiser for it.”
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Dave Hudson
Gemini Value Partners, LLC, New York, NY October 2006
“Whoever coined the phrase “Been there … Done that…” must have been referring to Jacques Nichols. And he even has the DIRT BROS T-shirts to prove it!
Over 20 years ago, in my first meeting with Jacques, his wisdom, insight and infectious enthusiasm caused me to leap into building my own investment management business. I have never looked back and have Jacques to thank.
“Savvy, sage and wise” doesn’t speak to the heart and the soul . . . but spend a few minutes with Jacques and he’ll open those doors too.”
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Cheryl Wilson
President, Oregon Resource Corp.,
Portland, OR October 2006
“I am pleased to be asked to share my thoughts. I have known Jacques since 1976 both as a business professional and as a friend. In the early years of my career I had the good fortune of working with him. He was the one who inspired me to pursue entrepreneurial avenues rather then continue as a legal secretary. From his example, I grew to understand the rewards of working with others to develop and grow a business. Over the many years of our friendship, I have admired his positive attitude, terrific sense of humor, enjoyment of people, and tremendous sense of pride in family and the many friends he holds dear.”
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Robert Behnke,
Serial entrepreneur, Portland, OR October 2006
“I first met Jacques Nichols in 1967 when, at the advice of one of our directors, he was called in to clean up a mess I created by illegally giving out “unqualified” stock options to almost everyone in our employee-owned, startup, software company in Honolulu.
A few months later, Jacques and George Ariyoshi — who later became Governor of Hawaii — handled all the details of a merger of this now-pristine startup with Control Data, Inc., a NYSE-listed, high-tech corporation.
Without Jacques’ help — especially the rapport he established with dozens of disparate decision-makers — this merger never would have happened. I owe him “big time”.
Over the years, we have fished, hunted, played poker, wined-and-dined, and worked on business deals together. Every once in a while he mails me a picture of a swan to remind me of my “world-record” Snow Goose, as a sign of my fallibility and my mortality.
I have made friends with a few very good and very capable people in my lifetime. Jacques Nichols is one of them.
Please call me if you have any questions.”
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Nick Goyak,
Attorney, Portland, OR November 2006
“I have the pleasure of knowing Jacques for over thirty years. When he and I first met he was a recent graduate of Stanford Law School and on his way to establishing yourself as a prominent attorney. He was never limited to the legal profession. He always has had an interest in start ups, venture capital, corporate finance and soon became very familiar with board rooms, CEOs, etc. I followed his many successes.
Others have correctly complimented his positive traits, e.g., honesty, strong analytical abilities, absence of ego, sense of fairness, and results-oriented approach. His ability to assist companies with management and key personnel, as well as venture capital, is well documented. I frequently brought him into transactions or to clients that needed contacts outside the State of Oregon, as well as national and international contacts.
He has also demonstrated a capacity to assist clients by providing a vision of what they can become. Finally, I most enjoy Jacques as a genuine good guy and fun to work with and spend time together.”
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Nels P. Paine
PPC Ventures, LLC October 2005
Portland, OR
Jacques is honest, consistent and genuine. He is the epitome of a business network hub - connecting people, ideas, and thoughts together between all types and walks of life. His personal venue is invisible and his ego non-present. He is trustworthy, a hard worker and has no personal agenda.
Best of all Jacques carries a trait unfortunately lost in our society and business climate today - he recognizes and believes in good people and will take personal risks based on this trust
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Jim Newcomer
Mid-China Capital
Portland, OR October 2006
“Jacques,
I feel honored just to have been included on your list. I would love to participate in this testimony, what in academics we would call this festschrift for you in recognition of your contributions to us.
Like so many others, I met you in a business setting and immediately sensed that your listening has a deep quality, what the Buddhists call “mindfulness,” the ability to pay absolute attention with no preconceptions and no personal agenda. When I asked questions, you paused and thought about your replies. When you suggested action or people to reach out to, they were wise actions and helpful people, some of whom went way out of their way to meet with us because they had appreciated you in much the same way I had. In your presence it feels like I would insult the universe if I failed to face and express truth, as deeply as I can. I am always seeking to listen and understand more deeply when I am in conversation with you – and to seek within myself the lasting human reality beneath the apparent business concerns.
You have built up a network of people one can trust – because you have trusted them, and we know they have experienced and appreciated some of the same values we esteem in you – intelligence, experience, truth, and compassion. Many of us – maybe I should only speak for myself, but I know others who feel the same – hope our lives can mean as much to those around us as yours does to us.
Any company that you find in your outreach can count on you for careful listening, sage counsel, and discretion. They can also hope that if you are inspired by their plans, you will contribute to them as richly as you have to us. If they are wise, they will know that the most precious contribution you make may not be getting the money; it may be, rather, teaching them what it takes as a human being to be deserving of what ever is to come.
I wish you the interesting and rewarding future you seek, and you can count on support from me whenever you ask.”
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Jin Lan
President of Octaxias Company,L.L.C October 2006
www.Chinaselections.com
“I have known Jacques for many years and worked with him on many, new start up companies in the U.S. and China. As Jacques says “Life is a series of introductions”. Indeed, he does introduce wisely with a touch of business savvy. Through Jacques ‘introductions I have had the good fortune to work on President Bush’s 2002 visit to the Great Wall.
Together, Jacques and I have gone to the cradle of Giant Panda in Chengdu, the hustling and bustling streets of Shanghai, the village of Zhejiang and picturesque West Lake of Hangzhou. Everywhere in China Jacques’ wisdom, knowledge in helping start up companies, and most importantly his kindness to people left indelible marks on Chinese hearts. His savvy coaching, his wide contacts, his magic touches to put right people together are without equal!”
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David Ruggieri
Baja 123, Rosarito, Mexico October 2006
“Jacques has a sense about him that keeps things both simple and beneficial. Having had the opportunity to listen to him and his approach to things, I can say that listening to him makes good sense. That’s a wonderful place to be. I also know first hand how important helping those in need of help is to him personally. And in my world of education, that’s a quality that is both rare and often mis-understood by business people. I am honored to both know you and consider you a friend and advisor. I look forward to all of our future endeavors.”
John Geigle, President and Founder
Masterpiece Models, Inc. and EZ Clean Paint Brush Co.
Vancouver, WA October 2006
“I met Jacques about 12 months ago so I am probably the newest person to Jacques’ list. He came to my shop and he was a kid in a candy store. The look on his face seeing all of the models and widgets that we do was amazing. After a brief meeting with him and introducing him to our new project, Jacques immediately went out and found us a great COO, Michael Pinkowski. One of the most important things I can immediately say about Jacques is his wide knowledge of business and his willingness to help out the small guy.
People should also know about his sense of humor that will always keep you smiling.”
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Mark Effinger, Founder of
Exit Path
Thought Rocket
Rich Content
Vancouver, WA November 2006
“In the 13 years I’ve known and worked with Jacques Nichols (has it really been that long?), my life and work have always had a truly experienced, guiding hand that is but phones call away.
As a serial entrepreneur, you face enormous risks, compounded by your
inherent ADD nature. Nichols has been a consistent, positive presence with insights only his length of tenure and number of battles in the business world could produce. Jacques has saved me from more than one precipice, helped guide me through some seriously snake-ridden territory.
Whether helping to clarify and address a conflict, select winning team
members, find a bankable CEO, connect you to your biggest opportunity yet or raise a few million in investment or strategic partner equivalents,
Jacques always performs. His greatest weakness is a willingness to go the extra mile for a client, even those who don’t understand and fairly compensate him for the enormous contribution Jacques makes to their business.
The powerful introductions, strategic advice and seasoned expertise come not from ego, but from a humble man who has survived many hundreds of battles. In doing so, Jacques Nichols has found the truth in the quote “For what does a man profit, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Trust. In the end, you and I both need someone we can trust, even in our darkest hours. When my business nearly failed, when an investor pulled the plug, when my marriage cracked, Jacques was at my side, or at the ready. And when success flowed into my life, Jacques smiled and shared the knowing encouragement and approval for a job well done.
Savvy, Sage & Wise? I couldn’t think of a better moniker.”
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Steve Baird
CEO of several companies
Portland, OR October 2006
“While many business people can “network”, I have noticed that Jacques’ approach is both unique and consistent. His pattern always includes two actions; his first action is to try and determine what someone really needs - contrasted to what they may be saying they need. Sometimes he can get them to see, and sometimes he cannot. His second action is not as apparent. He tries to make a character evaluation to determine if the individual is ready and capable of a win/win relationship, rather than the more common zero sum transaction. I have never seen him involved in anything other than win/win.
I don’t have any specific thoughts as to his professional future, but I do believe it will be exciting, exceptional and beneficial for all involved.”
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Bill Hogan
Silicon Valley CEO and former CEO of Global Giving, Washington, DC
November 2006
“Jacques is a living haiku:
Both smart and heart
With soul eyes turned on
Not unlike the eagle
Soaring wide and high
While savvy sage and wise
No small gesture missed
Friendships built to last
Introductions rolling like the sea
Glimmering pools of love”
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Ron Buel
Donavon Cards, LLC
Portland, OR October 2006
“I have known Jacques Nichols through two start-up ventures over the past four years. Jacques never over-promises, but he is always there to help. He will make the right introductions, help with strategy, and do legal work for you if you need it.
Jacques has taught me more about raising money for start-ups than any other person. In these four years, I have made more than 200 money-raising calls, mostly friends and family, and I now ALWAYS follow his rules. He is an excellent listener, and never fails to let you know when your presentation is out of line. Jacques is an optimist, and is great at seeing business potential, at anticipating the future, and at finding synergies where you didn’t think they existed.
He is, indeed, savvy, sage & wise.”
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Mark Middleton
Vancouver, WA October 2006
“For the last six years, you’ve met me with laser-like accuracy in times of critical growth - both professionally, and personally. You have a keen ability to approach topics with a humility and child-like curiosity while simultaneously bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge and resources to the endeavor. Our community and world could use a lot more people like you who would “laugh hard, hang tough and lend a hand.”
David Bondilillo
Baja 123
david@baja123.com
www.baja123.com
“This may be a little “stream of consciousness” but here it goes.
It has only been a couple of years since I met Jacques but I can remember vividly from the first time we spent time together that there was magnetism that I felt drawing us together. Your ability to both draw me into your personal space and draw me out of myself into whatever we were discussing made our friendship grow instantly. It was like we knew each other for years and we had just met.
I think I realized from the first what a special man you were and as we have spent more time together and I have gotten to know not only you but Kathleen I can see that there is so much more to your genuine caring about mankind.
I know that we will go on together to explore more of life’s great unfolding joys.”
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Marian Guertin, MBA
Twice, Oregon Business Woman of the Year October 2006
“To Whomever would like to know Jacques Nichols,
It has been my privilege to know Jacques for about a year and three months. He has become a dear friend, as well as a business colleague. Jacques has the enviable ability to see the best in others, and link those people with still more people who share some of the same traits and interests.
Jacques is a man of impeccable character. His business dealings are only ever win-win. I would trust him with my checkbook and my first born child.
Jacques has a love of words and uses them extremely well. He has incredible insights and makes business dealings creative, fun and profitable for all concerned. He is that rarest of all creatures—an honest attorney!
Should you be privileged to do business with Jacques, count yourself blessed!”
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Mark Reed
President
High Ground Group LLC
www.highgroundgroup.com
“Jacques Nichols is really a man you need to meet along your journey.
Seldom have I encountered an individual with such knowledge on so many different fronts. He is truly a gentle man…yet ambitious and focused on his work. He is a distinguished man…yet doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is a discerning man…in that he can spot an opportunity in a business setting faster than I can say leveraged buy-out! And he is a principled man…thus making it a pleasure and an inspiration to be in his presence.
Jacques has it right. He loves his family, he is devoted to helping people achieve their objectives, and he carries himself with the bearing of a statesman. I am a fan of Jacques Nichols and I know you will be to if your paths fortuitously cross.”
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Tracy Wu
President, Mid-China Capital
Portland, OR and China October 2006
“Mr. Jacques Nichols is a nice gentle man in high class who has high character and wonderful heart. He has great experiences and knowledge in business and legal matters. He is a great leader like a guarding light to lead people to success. He is also a wonderful teacher not only in business, is in all kinds of areas about the life. He is smart and wise; He has a great mind and big vision; He is strong and serious; He works efficiently and effectively; He is loving and caring; He is kind and warm-hearted. He loves to help people and give them good advice. He is the kind of person when you see him, you know you can trust him and count on him. Every time when I talked to him, I always feel I learned a lot from him. I admire him and I appreciate his wisdom and knowledge on all the things. He is a wonderful person who you really want to choose to be friends with. He always has good judgment on things but also respects other people’s opinions.
So, Jacques, This is how I feel about you. Please excuse my poor English.”
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Dawnray (Don) Young
CEO, InPowerSoft, Inc.
Vancouver, WA October 2006
Jacques,
I’ll like to thank you for more than 6 years of relationship. We started off as a business acquaintance to visiting each other homes on holidays.
I hope to remain a friend with you not because of what you will bring to InPowerSoft but how you’ve mentored me in many aspects of this business and many things about life’s perspective.
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Elizabeth “Dizzy” (Nichols) Fukutomi
Owner/President Dizzy’s Tumblebus, Inc. - December 2006
Jacques Nichols (a.k.a. Dad),
I thought it was only appropriate to have at least one daughter share her thoughts on her Dad. The first thing you need to know about him is “Family Comes First”. That was instilled in all of his children and it has created a very close family. I especially cherish the relationship I have with my father now that I am older and have children of my own. As a parent, I have found myself doing some of the things my father did when I was young. One of my fondest memories as a young girl was having my dad coach our softball team. I haven’t played softball since that time, but those memories inspired me to coach my daughter’s softball team. I truly thank him for that memory because volunteering my time to work with these young girls was so rewarding and I couldn’t have enjoyed myself more.
My dad inspired me to believe in myself. I didn’t think there was anything that I couldn’t do, and I still don’t. I went into engineering because I knew there weren’t very many women in the industry and I loved math and science. I think I wanted to prove that a woman could be smart, work well with others, and be successful in a male dominated industry. After twelve years of consulting and accomplishing all that I had hoped in the industry, I knew it was time to create a new path.
He also inspired me to follow my dreams and to not be afraid to take a risk. My mom inspired me to be a loving mother and nurturing to all children. So nearly five years ago I started my own business working with young children. It’s allowed me to have more time with my own kids and it’s been incredibly rewarding on an emotional level to provide this special service for so many kids. In the past year I have been lucky enough to work closely with my dad to help grow my business. His knowledge and experience has been extremely helpful, and I especially enjoy getting one-on-one time with him (being from a family of eight children, you learn that doesn’t happen very often). My business will be growing significantly over the next few years and I couldn’t imagine doing it without him by my side. I’d have to say I’m pretty lucky that Jacques Nichols as my dad.
There are so many things that I would still like to accomplish in my lifetime and my husband and kids will often tell me I have so many big dreams. The funny thing is that I remember telling my dad the same thing when I was little. Luckily for me this is the time when I hear my dad saying to me, “Dizzy, just put your heart and soul in to it and you can make all your dreams come true!”
Dizzy (Jacques’ 3rd Daughter), www.dizzybus.com
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Jacques - I will never forget your wisdom and inspiration. You are a huge part of the growing success of World Pulse. Wine soon?
Jensine Larsen, Founder & Creative Director
World Pulse Magazine
www.worldpulse.com