Wondering if there are jobs here, or if everyone in Bend works remotely? Bend, Oregon is home to a surprising number of notable businesses for a city its size.
About The City
Bend, Oregon is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and active community. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Bend has also become a fertile ground for entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the years, this small city (which is growly quickly) has given rise to a plethora of businesses.
Here's a mix of well-known, influential, or uniquely Bend-based companies across various industries:
Argonaut Cycles
Argonaut Cycles is a renowned custom bicycle manufacturing company based in Bend, Oregon. Founded in 2007, Argonaut Cycles is known for its high-performance, tailor-made carbon fiber road and gravel bikes. Argonaut Cycles takes a unique approach to building bicycles by employing advanced engineering techniques and utilizing cutting-edge materials, particularly carbon fiber, that is made in Bend. Each bike is custom-built to meet the specific needs and preferences of the individual rider, ensuring optimal fit, comfort, and performance. Argonaut Cycles has garnered praise from both professional cyclists and enthusiasts alike for the quality and performance of its bicycles.
WakeMakers
WakeMakers is a team of water sports experts dedicated to helping boaters upgrade their time on the water. Based in Bend, Oregon, they specialize in wakeboard and wakesurf boat ballast systems, offering premium products, custom solutions, and top-tier support to maximize wave performance. Whether you're dialing in your wake or tricking out your boat, WakeMAKERS brings deep knowledge and a community-first approach to every order.
Oregrown
Oregrown is a vertically integrated cannabis company born and raised in Bend, offering premium products cultivated, extracted, and sold entirely in-house. With a sleek flagship dispensary downtown and a deep commitment to Oregon’s outdoor culture, Oregrown blends lifestyle, quality, and sustainability into every part of its brand.
Dust Moto
Dust Moto is redefining the dirt biking experience with its all-electric Hightail—a lightweight, whisper-quiet machine built for maximum fun and minimal fuss. Founded in Bend, Oregon, this American startup is on a mission to bring more people into the sport by blending high performance with approachability. Dust Moto's commitment to American manufacturing is evident through its partnership with Detroit-based Bloom, ensuring domestic craftsmanship and production.
The Flybook
The Flybook is a reservation and business management platform crafted in Bend, Oregon, for tour operators, outfitters, and adventure parks. We recently redesign their website and software UI, case study here in case you're curious. Founded in 2006 by Craig and Megan Langer to manage their own fly-fishing business, the software has evolved into a comprehensive system that handles online bookings, rentals, lodging, staffing, waivers, and marketing tools—all in one place. Built by outdoor industry veterans, The Flybook is designed to meet the unique needs of adventure-based businesses.
The Haven
The Haven is a beautifully designed coworking space on the Deschutes River, created for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking for flexibility and community. With private offices, meeting rooms, and killer views, it’s where productivity meets the Bend lifestyle—kayaks and laptops welcome.
Crux Fermentation Project
Crux Fermentation Project is a beloved brewery and gathering spot tucked into the heart of Bend, known for its boundary-pushing beers and legendary sunsets. Founded by brewing veterans, Crux has become a local institution by mixing craft innovation with a laid-back, community-first vibe.
Courier Socks
Courier Socks is a Bend-based performance sock brand built for what they call the “Renaissance Athlete”—runners who ride, riders who run, and anyone who refuses to be boxed into a single sport. Born from a surfside brainstorm and brought to life by a team with experience at Nike, lululemon, and Burton, Courier’s mission is to create socks that adapt to your entire day, not just one activity. Courier champions versatility, comfort, and the belief that your gear should keep up with your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Humm Kombucha
Humm Kombucha started as a kitchen experiment between friends and has grown into one of the top kombucha brands in the country. Humm brings bold flavors and feel-good fizz to shelves nationwide, all brewed with heart in Bend and backed by a mission to spread health and happiness.
Kollective Technology
Kollective Technology is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in enterprise video delivery, helping Fortune 500 companies efficiently stream content to thousands of employees. Headquartered in Bend, they combine smart tech with a distributed team to solve big problems from a city built for balance.
Cubicle Surfboards
Cubicle Surfboards is a Bend-based surf company that brings the spirit of ocean riding to rivers, lakes, and beyond. Founded by longtime board-rider and former pro snowboarder Travis Yamada, Cubicle specializes in hand-shaped surfboards designed for both river waves and traditional surf breaks. Each board reflects decades of experience in skate, snow, and surf culture, blending progressive design with durable craftsmanship. Built in Bend, Cubicle's boards are tailored to the unique conditions of the Pacific Northwest, offering riders a versatile and high-performance experience wherever they choose to surf.
Mt. Bachelor
Mt. Bachelor is Central Oregon’s year-round adventure hub, offering expansive terrain and diverse activities just 30 minutes from Bend. As the largest ski resort in the Pacific Northwest, it boasts over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, 101 runs, and a 3,365-foot vertical drop, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort's long season, typically from November through May, is complemented by additional winter activities like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. In 2023, Mt. Bachelor employed 1,081 people, making it the second-largest private employer in Central Oregon.
When the snow melts, Mt. Bachelor transforms into a summer playground featuring lift-served downhill mountain biking, the region’s steepest zipline, chairlift rides, hiking trails, disc golf, and sunset dinners at Pine Marten Lodge. With its combination of high-alpine thrills and laid-back mountain culture, Mt. Bachelor is a cornerstone of the Bend lifestyle, offering adventure enthusiasts a dynamic destination throughout the year.
Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery, founded in 1988 by Gary Fish, is one of Bend's most iconic businesses. What started as a small brewpub has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the United States. Deschutes Brewery is celebrated for its innovative craft beers, including the immensely popular "Black Butte Porter" and "Mirror Pond Pale Ale." The brewery's commitment to quality and sustainability has garnered national recognition and played a pivotal role in putting Bend on the map as a hub for craft brewing.
Deschutes Brewery's success can be attributed to several factors, including a dedication to community involvement and environmental stewardship. They have not only contributed to Bend's thriving craft beer scene but have also supported numerous local initiatives, making them an integral part of the city's fabric.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, founded in 2009 by Travis Rosbach, emerged as a major player in the outdoor industry by revolutionizing the water bottle market. Known for its high-quality, insulated stainless steel water bottles and commitment to reducing single-use plastic, Hydro Flask has achieved global recognition. The company's headquarters in Bend, Oregon, not only benefit from the city's outdoor culture but also contribute to its reputation as an outdoor gear innovation hub.
Hydro Flask's success highlights the importance of product innovation and sustainability in Bend's business landscape. Their dedication to environmental responsibility aligns with Bend's eco-conscious ethos and has resonated with consumers worldwide.
Ruffwear
Founded by Patrick Kruse in 1994, Ruffwear is another notable business that calls Bend, Oregon, home. Specializing in outdoor gear for dogs, Ruffwear has become synonymous with high-performance pet products designed for active lifestyles. Their innovative dog harnesses, backpacks, and other accessories cater to outdoor enthusiasts who want to include their canine companions in their adventures.
The success of Ruffwear underscores the city's affinity for outdoor recreation and the strong bond between the local community and their pets. Bend's pet-friendly environment has provided an ideal backdrop for Ruffwear's growth.
10 Barrel Brewing Co.
Another gem in Bend's thriving craft beer scene is the 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Established in 2006 by twin brothers Chris and Jeremy Cox and their friend Garrett Wales, the brewery quickly gained popularity for its innovative brews and lively atmosphere. In 2014, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired the brewery, catapulting it onto the national stage while keeping its roots firmly planted in Bend.
The story of 10 Barrel Brewing Co. exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of Bend's business community. It highlights how a local brewery can rise to prominence while maintaining its local charm and character.
EarthCruiser
EarthCruiser, based in Bend, Oregon, specializes in designing and manufacturing rugged expedition vehicles for off-grid adventures. Founded in 2008 by Lance Gillies, EarthCruiser's flagship product, the EarthCruiser EXP, offers a compact yet functional living space equipped with essentials for extended off-grid travel, including a kitchenette, sleeping area, and bathroom. Custom-built to meet individual needs, these vehicles feature innovative design and engineering, allowing adventurers to access remote destinations with ease while enjoying comfort and luxury. EarthCruiser has garnered widespread recognition in the overland travel community for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and adventure, all while remaining rooted in its Pacific Northwest heritage.
Visit Bend
While not a traditional business, Visit Bend is a prime example of a successful destination marketing organization (DMO). Established to promote tourism in Bend and Central Oregon, Visit Bend has played a pivotal role in attracting visitors to the area. Their marketing efforts have helped establish Bend as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers alike.
Visit Bend's success is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between businesses and tourism in the region. The influx of tourists has provided a steady stream of customers for local businesses, contributing to Bend's economic prosperity.
Bend, Oregon, is more than just a picturesque city surrounded by natural beauty; it's a thriving hub for innovative businesses.
The success stories of Deschutes Brewery, Hydro Flask, Ruffwear, 10 Barrel Brewing Co., and Visit Bend illustrate the diverse range of opportunities available in this dynamic city. These businesses have not only made their mark locally but have also contributed to Bend's growing reputation on the national and international stage.
Bend's unique blend of outdoor recreation, entrepreneurial spirit, and community values have created an environment where businesses can flourish. As Bend continues to attract creative minds and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, it is poised to remain a hotbed for innovation and a source of inspiration for businesses seeking to make a lasting impact. Bend, Oregon, truly exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship in a stunning natural setting.
Need help growing your business in Bend or elsewhere? We help companies with their branding, design, and websites. Hit us up and we'll be happy to schedule a time to chat!
