Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Legends of Entertainment, Sports and Politics have graced our stages
Stages Northwest is proud to work with the most innovative event production and Fortune 500 companies, who are committed to creating cutting-edge experiential events for their attendees, patrons, and audiences. Our partnership with these and the many festival and fairs we provide services to, have given us the opportunity to excel at creative event infrastructure solutions. Thanks to our clients, some of whom we have worked with for 20 years, Stages Northwest continues to grow, learn, and thrive.
how we became a live event industry leader
our story
Stages Northwest was founded by Robert Zavada in 2001. He brought his 17 years of staging experience to the new company; and through his hard work, embrace of new technologies, timeliness, excellent client relations, and key industry alliances the company has grown into the Northwest’s go-to staging company.
why choose stages northwest
Services Designed for Success
Comprehensive Live Event Services
We provide complete solutions tailored to meet your event’s unique needs. Our inventory and skilled professionals ensure seamless execution at every level.
Our Core Values
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SUCCESS
At Stages Northwest, we believe that great events start with great people. Our core values define how we work, collaborate, and innovate.
Passionate – Dedicated – Professional
Meet the Stages Northwest Team
Chris Ortolano – Client Services
971-212-0284 Ext. 1
Chris Ortolano is the Client Relations Rep at Stages Northwest, working closely with producers and planners to solve problems, hit deadlines, and help keep event production on time and within budget.
Prior to his role at Stages Northwest, Chris worked as an accounting manager for a Portland fabrication company remodeling the Portland airport. Chris is also a dedicated pickleball player and coach, building community on and off the courts, in Oregon and Washington.
Anthony Zavada – Chief Estimator
971-212-0284 Ext. 2
Anthony has been around the staging industry his whole life. Started working at Stages Northwest as a high school summer job, went off to study engineering and business, and has been working full time since 2014.
Alex DePiero – Logistics Manager
971-212-0284 Ext. 3
Alex DePiero, Logistics Manager, joined the firm in 2012. He grew along with Stages Northwest moving through the ranks to the position he holds today. Alex’s experience both as the Yard Manager and Stage Lead provides the strong background and expertise to manage complex projects such as Paradiso, Waterfront Blues Festival, and CART Races.
During the “slow” season, Alex enjoys the great outdoors and getting away from electronic communications.
Ray Blum – Equipment Yard Manager
971-212-0284 Ext. 5
Ray brings a love of music and a familiarity with the ever-shifting priorities of event planning from the performance side to his role as Equipment Yard Manager. This, coupled with a strong history of creative problem solving and a remarkable consistent calm make him a valued member of the Stages Northwest Team.
Robert Cunningham – COO
971-212-0284 Ext. 6
Robert Cunningham’s background includes management in the the commercial construction industry, he’s well suited for planning and managing multiple complex projects. With a focus on consistency and methodical planning, Robert will be instrumental in the success of our team members, as well as project satisfaction.
Outside of the office, Robert mostly enjoys spending time with his family. He’s an outdoor enthusiast, often found backpacking portions of the pacific crest trail or biking through Oregon’s wine country.
Robert Zavada – Founder & President
Bob founded Stages Northwest in 2001. Throughout his adult life, Bob has worked with theater groups, sporting events, and event production companies, providing his expertise in setting the “stage”. In his home town of Teaneck, New Jersey and at college, Bob worked in many theaters. Starting as a scenic carpenter in a local community theater he went on to build sets for the largest Opera Companies in the nation, including Chicago Lyric Opera, and Houston Grand Opera. Bob never lost his love for theater and kept his toes in the theater world through his 16-year involvement with Portland’s improv comedy group “Waggie and Friends”. Bob is a graduate of Portland State University with a degree in General Sciences with a love for nature and the Oregon Coast. When time allows, he can still be found working with wood and creating masterful “sets” in his home.
