About Us
About Us
Meet the Team
Synergy takes experience, wisdom, professionalism, and great personalities. It’s what makes the Blackstone Team work so well… together.
Len Blackstone
CEO, Blackstone Inc
After decades as a strategic marketing consultant for companies across the country, Len brought his sights a little closer to home when he asked, “How can I help my community?” It was 2017, and the answer to that question has led him down unexpected paths.
In prior years, Len started and built an advertising agency which, after his 17-year tenure, had garnered multiple Fortune 500 clients. Then in 2001, he launched a strategy consulting firm, advising multi-billion- dollar companies as well as startups. But after decades helping to build his clients’ businesses, Len decided to focus on what he himself wanted—apply his expertise to help his own community.
The answer to his simple 2017 question fueled a life-change for him: “Help provide well-paying jobs.” Because jobs require sustainable businesses, and businesses need a good location, his vision became nothing less than a downtown Renaissance. This compelled him to expand his personal toolset to become a commercial real estate broker and developer. And, while continuing in these roles, he now leads Blackstone Inc. as it starts multiple ventures and spins out new companies and initiatives.
Chalice Savage
Administration
Chalice joined Blackstone in 2017. She focuses on property management, logistics, accounting, and contracts, although she’s a force behind just about everything. Her eternally positive attitude and outgoing personality exemplify the culture and values of Blackstone. Joining early-on as Len’s Executive Assistant, Chalice witnessed firsthand the transformation of the Bank Building, and continues to support our growing project portfolio. Chalice and her husband have three children growing up here in Cottage Grove. She’s a talented photographer, with her pix frequently taking front-and-center in company publications.
River Molyneaux
REAL ESTATE BROKER& SPECIAL PROJECTS
River began his Blackstone adventure as an intern working two days a week. Having an interest in real estate brokerage and development, he took the national and state exams just days after turning age 18, the earliest age one can be licensed. He’s now a Windermere residential real estate broker and part of the Blackstone real estate team. Though he’s our youngest member, he is helping lead multiple initiatives, including launching a city-wide, automated, bicycle rental program under the FUN! company brand. He also helps with market research for Blackstone’s consulting clients and our own initiatives.
Amanda Ferguson
Special Projects
After two decades in community and rural planning and development, Amanda is an expert at identifying economic development opportunities. She oversees our construction projects, and is a successful grant writer. Her professionalism, smarts, and clarity in communication are significant assets. She excels at project management, community engagement, economic analysis, and grant writing. Her knowledge of regional government, city codes and policy, and the local real estate market is invaluable to the Blackstone team. And, in her “spare” time, she is actively involved in local community theatre.
Keith Kessler
Creative Development
Keith has lived and worked in Cottage Grove for over 40 years as a teacher, actor, and playwright in many Cottage Theatre productions. His creative ideas, communication skills, and entertaining humor contribute significantly to our “event and entertainment vision” for the FUN! company. He is currently writing and developing multiple tours for visitors and the community to enjoy. He says, “I’ve learned more about the City of Cottage Grove, Covered Bridges, and gold mining in recent months than I have in the first 40-plus years I’ve lived here.” His most important job is to keep people laughing and smiling with his puns and jokes.
Eric Johnson
Marketing
Eric has worked in marketing and design for over 20 years. His focus at Blackstone includes identity, branding, and marketing for each new venture. He has worked for multiple startups in his career, and his knowledge of technology and strategy is vital to navigating the waters of early business development. Eric is a rare creative, having the ability to think both strategically and tactically. He is a significant asset to the company, with fresh ideas that inform and stimulate business results. Eric brings enthusiasm and expertise, and a deep love for Cottage Grove. He lives here with his wife and two teenage boys.
Are You Next?
What Can You Bring?
Blackstone, Inc is looking for new members to join our family. If you want to be a part of a dynamic environment with new challenges daily, this may be just the place for you.
Read more about the jobs we’re looking to fill and find application instructions on the Join Us page.