Founders of UP2U

John Kemp, Partner — J-K Pursuits, LLC and UP-2-U

John Kemp, a native Oregonian, had a successful business career in financial services. A graduate of Lewis and Clark College, Stanford Executive Program and the Pacific Coast Banking School at University of Washington, he retired in 2000 as Chairman and CEO of Columbia Management Company and Columbia Funds. Active civically throughout his career he has served on numerous local, regional and national boards. Since retirement from Columbia he has invested in a number of ventures including Hawks View Vineyard, a 100 acre property in Sherwood, which produces high quality pinot noir grapes as well as ornamental nursery stock. A winery is currently under construction on the property. In 2006, he and Karon Paul established J-K Pursuits, LLC, a business services and investment company.

Karon Paul, Creator — UP-2-U Partner J-K Pursuits, LLC

Karon Paul's roots are in human resources and consulting. Throughout her career in human resources management she worked in a number of interesting and challenging industries. In early 2006 she joined with John Kemp as a partner in J-K Pursuits, LLC a business consulting and investment partnership.

Over the years Karon has been active in the local schools and community organizations. Currently in addition to her business activities she volunteers with The Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is a native Oregonian, graduated from Portland State University, and with a freshman son at University of Oregon, a senior daughter at Oregon State University, she is never at a loss for games to watch and teams to cheer on.