What does it take to build a world-class training facility for professional athletes? Our latest STEAM Connect Pop-up (March 11, 2026) took us to the future home of the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire (WNBA 2026 expansion team) new practice facility in Hillsboro, to be called the Kaiser Permanente Performance Center. Led by the experts at Hoffman Construction, our STEAM Pathways “Next-Gen Pros” got an exclusive, hard-hat look at how blueprints become reality.
https://www.thorns.com/performance-center-hq

Mission Control: The Hoffman Trailer

Our journey began in the “brain” of the operation—the Hoffman onsite trailer. We were greeted by Brandon and Kathryn, who helped kick things off, and the rest our leadership team for the day: Chris (the “Super”), Chuck (Safety), and Ryan (Field Supervisor).

Before stepping onto the active site, safety was the #1 priority. We donned our official gear—bright orange vests, hard hats, and safety goggles. Brandon explained the strict site guidelines, including a “no-photo” policy to protect design elements of the new concept multi-sport Women’s training facility and the privacy of the high-profile teams moving in soon.

Inside the trailer, the students saw the massive scale of coordination required for a project this size. We studied a giant Gantt chart on the wall, learning how the team manages the “dance” of hundreds of tradespeople, material deliveries, and inspections. It was a masterclass in the “Math” of STEAM—scheduling everything perfectly so the project stays on track.

Precision on the Court: Leveling the Playing Field

We stepped out of the trailer and straight into the massive basketball wing on the North side of the facility. This soaring space will eventually house two professional-grade courts, but seeing it in its raw state revealed the incredible engineering required before a single hoop is hung. We were informed this is the only “new construction” for the facility — the rest of the facility was utilizing pre-existing building infrastructure.

Because professional basketball requires a perfectly level surface, the Hoffman team explained the painstaking process of grinding down high spots in the concrete floor to meet exact specifications. With the exterior walls not yet fully sealed, we could see rainwater pooling in certain low areas—a clear, visual “map” of where the underlying surfaces still needed precision leveling before the professional hardwood floors could be installed.

The Reality of Reconstruction

One of the most striking lessons we learned was about the difference between a “plan” and “reality.” Initially, the project was intended to reuse significant portions of the pre-existing building infrastructure. However, as the Hoffman team began the work, they discovered that nearly all the original walls—except for a central restroom area—needed to be taken down and rebuilt from scratch to meet the high standards of a professional training center. It was a great example of how engineers must be ready to adapt when “on the ground” conditions change.

The “Heart” of the Building: Shared Excellence

As we moved around the structure, we learned about the layout logic of the facility:

• The North End (The Fire): Home to the basketball courts and the Fire’s new training hub. We saw the massive windows into the courts designed for coaches and management to observe from their offices.
• The South End (The Thorns): Dedicated to professional soccer.
• The Connection: While the teams play different sports, they share the “Heart” of the building—a state-of-the-art treatment center. This shared zone includes cardio areas, weights, and yoga studios, where athletes from both worlds come together.
  In addition to shared treatment center, the teams share a dining room. There’s a beautiful story here about the “Olympic spirit”—a space designed to bring people together over a shared meal, regardless of their sport or role in the organization.
• The Business Center: RAJ Sports is the owner of the two clubs and the training center. RAJ sports and the two teams business staff also have a large space in this facility for conducting business operations. Another story here about changes of the requirements during construction – the original space dedicated for this purpose was deemed inadequate as the teams’ business organization size changed after the project was underway, so we learned that this business space was needed to be moved to an adjacent building after construction had already begun – evidence that change is constant and we must often consider how to be adaptable.

Engineering for the “Pro” Experience

The Hoffman team showed us that high-level construction is all about the details. Our students learned how specific user needs dictate design:

• Custom Heights: On the basketball side, we were informed that charging ports and fixtures installed higher than standard height—a simple but necessary adjustment when your primary users are often over 6’5″!
• Supporting the “Dual-Career” Athlete: Because the pay gap in professional sports often means female athletes run businesses or hold other jobs, the building was engineered with private “business pods” so players can handle meetings between practices.
• Hydrotherapy in the Floor: We walked over what will soon be therapy pools and a water treadmill. Currently covered with plywood for safety, these are recessed deep into the concrete foundation—a massive plumbing and structural feat.

The “Three Zones” of Progress

Our guides explained the Three Zones of a construction life cycle: the “Skeleton” (structural framing), the “Veins” (electrical/plumbing), and the “Skin” (drywall).

We saw this in action through a unique design challenge: Rounded Walls. The facility features both concave and convex curved surfaces. To achieve this, the team built a backing metal structure in fine, segmented pieces. Since drywall doesn’t naturally bend, it had to be precision-cut into sections before being applied. Later, the “mudding” process will smooth those angles into the seamless, elegant curves seen in the architectural renderings.

From the Ground Up: Career Stories on the Pitch

We concluded our tour outdoors at the massive soccer field complex. Standing alongside the natural grass and the high-tech turf fields, we discussed the “invisible” engineering beneath our feet—the massive amount of earth moved and the complex plumbing systems required to keep a field playable in Portland’s rainy winters.

Against this backdrop, the Hoffman team shared their personal journeys, proving that STEAM careers aren’t always a straight line from a classroom:

• From the Farm to the Field Supervisor: One of our guides shared how growing up on a farm—managing land, operating heavy machinery, and solving complex outdoor logistics—provided the perfect foundation for managing a multi-million dollar construction site. It was a powerful reminder that “field experience” is a massive asset in this industry.
• The High-Demand World of the Trades: The team led a deep dive into the specialized trades—plumbing, electrical, concrete, and site preparation—that make a project like this possible. Our “Next-Gen Pros” were particularly interested to learn about the high-pay potential and the current heavy demand for these skilled roles.

The session sparked a wave of excellent questions from our students, ranging from how to start an apprenticeship, union vs. non-union, to what a “day in the life” looks like on a major build. Standing on that field, the connection between hard work, technical skill, and a rewarding career felt more real than ever.

Thank You, Hoffman Construction!

A huge thank you to Brandon, Chris, Chuck, Ryan, and Katherine for the mentorship and the behind-the-scenes access, as well as Michal O. for the initial suggestion and connection! It’s clear that building a facility like this requires more than just hammers and nails—it takes empathy, foresight, and world-class engineering.

Join Us for the Next Pop-Up!

Are you a student (or parent) interested in seeing STEAM in action? Check out our upcoming schedule here.

Want to host a Pop-Up? Help us bridge the gap between the classroom and the career!

Contact Erik Mace to Learn More

What happens when you combine a broken-down Fiat, a trip through Europe, and a passion for engineering? You get the world-famous Leatherman multi-tool.

This week, our STEAM Connect “Next Gen Pros” went behind the scenes at Leatherman’s Portland headquarters to see exactly how these iconic tools are born—from raw metal sheets to the finished products in our pockets.

From a “Fiat Fail” to Global Innovation

We kicked off our tour in the hallway of history. We heard the story of Tim Leatherman, who was inspired to create his tool while traveling Europe in a cranky Fiat. He needed something more than a scout knife; he needed pliers and a toolkit that fit in his pocket. It was the perfect lesson for our students: STEAM starts with solving a problem.

The Magic of the Manufacturing Floor

Stepping onto the manufacturing floor, the first thing we noticed was how incredibly clean and organized the facility is! We watched in awe as:

The Lab: Where We Try to Break Things

A highlight for many was the testing lab. We saw machines designed to whack, bend, and stress-test tools 10,000+ times to ensure they exceed their specifications. We also visited the Design Hub, where 3D printers allow engineers to hold a “prototype” of a new knife or tool within hours to test how it feels in the hand.

Career Pathways: No Two Journeys are the Same

We wrapped up in the conference room for a Q&A that proved there is no “one way” into a STEAM career:

• Charlie (Mechanical Engineer): Shared his journey from designing rocket parts and for Whirlpool appliances, and to becoming a Technical Project Manager, before landing as Senior Design Engineer at Leatherman.
• Jillian (Product Business Management): Proved that you can pivot! She started as a Rockette dancer before going to engineering school, working in Engineering, and eventually transitioning into Product Management.
• Kimi (Industrial Design): Shared how she blended her love for fine arts and graphic design with 3D product design to bring products to life. She’s now a Senior Industrial Designer.

The common thread? They all spoke of Leatherman as a “family” and a place where creativity is valued just as much as technical skill.

A Huge Thank You

Every student walked away inspired (and with a lovely small multi-tool of their own!). A massive thank you to Kimi, Jillian, and Charlie for being such incredible guides and mentors for the afternoon. Thank you also to Leatherman, and especially all of the amazing hard-working associates in the factory, who went out of their way to keep us safe, but also show us the Leatherman way! So thankful!

The Heart of the Hangar: Maintenance & Math

Led by Maintenance Director Nate VanDeMark, our tour started in the shop. We dove deep into the AMP (Aviation Maintenance Professional) pathway.

Key Highlights:

• Hands-on Sleuthing: Students used technical documentation to troubleshoot spark plug issues.
• The Magneto Challenge: We learned about the importance of a teardown, part replacement, and how the rigorous timing test of a plane’s 2 Magnetos are performed. The testing framework vividly demonstrated how a plane generates its sparks for firing the engines.
• Math in Action: When asked about school subjects important for his career, Nate smirked and responded, “I still use SOH CAH TOA“, explaining how trigonometry is sometimes essential for precision sheet metal cutting during airframe repairs. (Cue the student head-slaps!)
• The Future of Flight: Nate discussed the shift toward electric planes, including the eBeaver retrofit, but also shared the engineering challenge of battery weight versus fuel efficiency from traditional piston-based aircraft.

From Dispatch to the Flight Deck

After the hangar, our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) took us through the operational nerve center of HAA:

• Dispatch: Where pilots are assigned planes and analyze weather patterns.
• The Debrief: We saw where students learn from their CFIs, reviewing their flight actions and communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• The Simulators: We toured FAA-certified simulators where trainees are instructed and practice emergency procedures before doing them in the air. HAA also had set up four Microsoft Flight Simulator stations where our students got to test their wings—resulting in some successful landings and a few “spectacular” crashes!

Around the classrooms, we learned that flight training revolves around building knowledge about: Airframe, Powerplant, and General. General covers a very broad set of topics, including safety, laws and ground operations, weight and balance, and so much more. It seems that most time will be studying in this area.

Up Close with the Cessna 172

Outside, Maddie demonstrated a walk-around inspection of a Cessna 172, inspecting fully the airframe, including moving and non-moving airframe components/systems and sensors. It was eye-opening to see how the flaps are controlled entirely by physical wires and pullies rather than hydraulics or motors. We were also encouraged to stick our head inside the cockpit to view the controls.

Pathways to the Skies: From Zero to Professional

Back in the classroom, Keren Williams shared that you can start your journey at HAA with zero experience. Whether you want to turn wrenches or take the controls, there is a clear path forward.

Aviation Maintenance (AMT)

Aviation Maintenance students at HAA focus on a 12-month program leading to the essential FAA “A&P” certification.

Flight Training

The academy curriculum guides students through the following progression:

• Private Pilot (PPL): Your foundation in flight.
• Instrument Rating (IR): Mastery of all-weather flying.
• Commercial Certificate: Single and Multi-engine qualifications.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): The key to your first professional job.

Choose Your Pace: Choose an accelerated 14-month program for a fast track to the cockpit, or the standard 18-month program for a more traditional pace.

The Goal: As a CFI, you’ll gain the professional experience and flight hours needed to reach the 1,500-hour requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

Industry Partnerships that Pay Off

A major highlight was learning about HAA’s partnership with Alaska and Horizon Airlines. For qualified students, these airlines may pay for a significant portion of training costs, creating a direct and affordable pipeline into a career with a major carrier and the ATP certification.

🔄 The “Non-Linear” Career Journey

Perhaps the most impactful moment was hearing from our guides—Nate, Katie, and Maddi. Not one of them started out with aviation as their first goal! Their paths to the hangar and the cockpit took them through:

• Bio-engineering
• Pre-med/Neurosurgery
• Real Estate
• Pharmacy
• Teaching

Their stories showed our nextGen STEAM pros that it’s never too late to pivot into STEAM. Our guides showed how aviation careers are achievable by all and can be very rewardarding.

A Massive Thank You

A huge thanks to the four HAA staff members who spent over 90 minutes inspiring our group. You didn’t just show us planes; you showed us a future.

Thank you Hillsboro Aero Academy!

Where It All Started: The VintageTEK Museum

Our journey began in the amazing VintageTEK museum, a fundamental resource that truly brings the history of the “Silicon Forest” to life. The museum, led by the exceptional Dave Brown, showcased why Tektronix is a foundational pillar of the high-tech industry, having literally given birth to many of the tech companies that now thrive in our region.

Dave shared some fascinating moments:

• Pop Culture Connection: We learned about Tektronix equipment’s surprising appearances in iconic films like Hidden Figures and Star Wars. We even got to hold the Grammy Award Tektronix earned for its role in audio technology!

• Visualizing Sound: Dave helped us understand the science of sound, explaining how audio is a wave that can be heard at different frequencies, and how that wave can be perfectly visualized on Tektronix equipment.

🌟 Plan your visit! The VintageTEK museum is a must-see for anyone interested in tech history. It is open every Saturday 10am-4pm and admission is free. It’s an amazing place to stop, explore, and learn.

The Ultimate Test: Behind the Scenes in the Reliability Lab

The adventure continued in the Tektronix Reliability Lab, where Christian showed us the intense testing required to ensure quality and durability. This is where products face brutal conditions before they ever reach a customer:

• Extreme Environments: We saw equipment tested under extreme heat and cold, humidity, and pressure chambers. Also we got to see the “Shaker Tables” that expose Tek equipment to 6-10G’s of vibration force!
• Durability and Shipping: We witnessed drop tests designed to simulate the bumps and stresses of the shipping process, and expose the probes and cords to extreme and repetative movements.
• Robot Testing: We ‘met’ the robots custom-built to automatically touch screens thousands of times, rigorously testing functionality and durability over time.

The Power of the Non-Linear Career Path

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway was the personal stories shared by the Tektronix employees and VintageTEK volunteers. Each person elaborated on a powerful truth: very few people experience a straight-line career pathway. We often take detours, right or left turns, and even U-turns to find our true calling. These real-life stories are the heart of the STEAM Connect mission—showing our “Next Gen Pros” that every journey is valid and unique.

How You Can Get Connected

Thank you again to the VintageTEK and Tektronix teams! If you missed this event, don’t worry: go visit the VintageTEK museum and join us for our next Pop-ups!

• Stay Tuned: Visit SteamPathways.org/steam-connect/ to Register for our upcoming destinations.
• Help Us Spread the Word: Know a student, family, or professional who would benefit from these experiences? Direct them to our website and share this post!

Erik Mace, an Electrical Engineering pro from Intel, kicked off our two-part series by introducing the history and vast opportunity of High Tech in the Silicon Forest.

In Part 1, we journeyed through the origins of Tektronix and the numerous spinoffs it produced. We explored how they helped seed and continue to grow the thriving semiconductor industry in the Portland Metro area, including giants like Intel, HP, Lam, and Mentor Graphics.

We got down to the “nuts and bolts”—learning about digital products (logic gates) and the complex process of making semiconductors. We covered the challenges of improving performance, the infrastructure demands of manufacturing and use (power and water), and how constant consumer demand for smaller, faster devices (from PCs to phones) and the rise of video, AI, and business automation have fueled the rapid growth of data centers. The Silicon Forest is deeply rooted in the businesses and people driving this demand.

(Full presentation for Part 1 here)

Join us next month on November 19th, when we return to the “tap-root” of the Silicon Forest—Tektronix—for our Part 2 Pop-up to learn about Test & Measurement.

Find about any of our other STEAM Connect Popups here.

We learned a lot about the industry, people’s paths to their STEAM careers, and we got to see and explore some awesome construction equipment!
Thank you Fulcrum team!

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