Venturing north of Jim and Patty’s coffee shop on Fremont to NE 50th Avenue, a bright orange sign emblazoned with “Wildcat Hobby Shop” signaled I had reached my destination. There, I found owner Janette Manley in the workshop area among metal lawn and garden pieces she’s preparing for local spring markets to introduce folks to her new business. Janette also collaborates with Portland Community College and other community colleges, offering her welding classes through their community education departments, and teams with another skills trainer to offer basic electrical training through Wildcat Welding Classes and Hobby Shop.
Janette’s path to opening her new business involved a few twists and turns: high school in Southern California, community college classes in the state, and then on to Oregon to attend Portland State University, where she fell in love with the area. Involvement in real estate shifted to repair and rehab of properties to get them market-ready. When the work evolved into building tiny houses, it was time to enhance her skills, prompting her to take welding classes.
A chance drive by Metalwood Salvage near NE 42nd Avenue and Prescott, where she saw their unique materials on display, led to work fabricating varied projects for Metalwood. Later, Janette led its welding classes. So when earlier this year the company announced it was closing, she took a proverbial leap of faith and decided to keep the welding classes alive through her own sweat and equity.
At Wildcat’s new home, Janette has carved out a small office space and classroom with a row of welding booths, work tables, and machines to support training activities and established project work, such as metal and wood table designs.
Wildcat Welding Classes and Hobby Shop is located at 3615 NE 50th Ave. For more information visit wildcathobbyclasses.com.
John Sandie relocated from the Midwest with his wife, Kathy, to be closer to children and grandchildren in the area, landing on Fremont Street in B-W in early 2011. In retirement they pursue their desires to make a difference locally, John by volunteering with the neighborhood association, Kathy with Alameda School. The duo is busy volunteering and keeping up with grandchildren.