Bieze Family Ventures

01/06/2026

Every community & school should be proud of accomplishments - including the Amazing Alumni. Portland's Catlin Gabel School has produced Big Names in Basketball, Hollywood, Rock n' Roll & Business. Read about some of the awesome former Catlin Gabel students!!!!

FROM CHAMPIONSHIPS TO HOLLYWOOD: CATLIN GABEL CONNECTIONS THAT SHAPED SPORTS, MUSIC, FILM, AND MEDIA

A Legacy Beyond the Classroom

For generations, Portland's Catlin Gabel School has encouraged creativity, leadership, independent thinking, and community involvement. Over the years, alumni and members of the school's extended community have gone on to distinguish themselves in athletics, journalism, music, film, business, and public life.

Some became nationally recognized public figures. Others built influential careers behind the scenes. Together, their stories reflect the diverse paths that can emerge from a shared educational foundation.

CHE DAWSON: CHAMPION, COACH, AND MENTOR

Few figures in Northwest athletics better represent leadership and perseverance than Che Dawson.

Long remembered by Oregon basketball fans from the era after Catlin Gabel, Dawson was the star of Sunset High School's celebrated championship teams (State Champs 1987). Then, Dawson transformed his passion for the game into one of the region's most respected coaching careers. After his playing days, he dedicated himself to developing young athletes both on and off the court.

As Head Men's Basketball Coach at Highline College, Dawson built a powerhouse program. Under his leadership, Highline earned division championships, conference titles, national recognition, and deep postseason runs. His teams became known not only for winning basketball games but also for developing disciplined student-athletes prepared for success beyond sports.

Players, colleagues, and fans often describe Dawson as a mentor as much as a coach. His influence extends beyond wins and losses, helping shape future leaders through accountability, teamwork, and personal growth.

Dawson's generation also overlapped with numerous future creative and business professionals throughout the Portland area, including Catlin Gabel students Josh Crawley and Gregory Michael Bieze, who would later establish careers in entirely different fields.

JOSH CRAWLEY AND PORTLAND'S ROCK LEGACY

Among the musicians connected to Catlin Gabel's alumni community, Josh Crawley occupies a unique place in Oregon's modern music history.

Crawley later became associated with Everclear, one of the most successful rock bands ever to emerge from Portland. During the 1990s and 2000s, Everclear helped define the alternative-rock era with hit songs including "Santa Monica", "Father of Mine", "Wonderful", and "Everything to Everyone". The band sold millions of records worldwide and became one of Oregon's most recognizable musical exports.

Joining Everclear during an important period in the band's history, Crawley contributed as keyboardist and performer while helping continue the group's touring and recording legacy. His work connected him to a band whose music became part of the soundtrack for an entire generation of listeners.

Long before national tours and rock stages, however, Crawley shared a much simpler connection with fellow Catlin Gabel student Gregory Michael Bieze. The two were close friends from approximately second through fourth grade, growing up together during their elementary-school years.

Another connection to Catlin Gabel came through Josh's father, Samuel Crawley, who served as an educator within the school's community.

Josh Crawley's contributions created a lasting link between education, music, and Portland's creative culture.

GREGORY MICHAEL BIEZE: BRANDING & SHOWBIZ

While some alumni pursued athletics or music, Gregory Michael Bieze developed a career centered on branding, entertainment, media development, publicity, and creative business ventures. He and his sister Jori Bieze also represent a family real estate empire dating back generations to their great grandfather Theodore Bieze Sr. Bieze family interests now extend to television, film, publishing, music, technology, food & wine, healthcare, and travel.

Known professionally at various times as Dr. G.M. Bieze, Ph.D., and by several creative nicknames originating within family and business circles associated with his father, who uses nicknames "Jerry" or "Gerald" Bieze, Gregory became involved in a broad range of entertainment and marketing initiatives.

Representing many of the interests of the Bieze family, GMB Celebrity Brands and other GMB entities, Bieze has participated in projects involving celebrity branding and related initiatives.

His work has included projects connected to professional athletes, including NBA players, and television-development opportunities associated with Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas following Thomas's Detroit Pistons playing career. He has also worked with nostalgia-era recording artists connected to Hollywood's legendary Sunset Strip music scene.

Although his professional path differed dramatically from those of Dawson and Crawley, all three represent examples of how creative and entrepreneurial opportunities can emerge from early educational experiences and lifelong relationships.

GUS VAN SANT: FILM AMBASSADOR OF PORTLAND

Among Catlin Gabel's most accomplished alumni, few have had a greater impact on modern cinema than Gus Van Sant.

Widely regarded as one of the most important directors of his generation, Van Sant helped establish Portland as a recognizable presence in international filmmaking. His films combined artistic innovation with deeply human storytelling, often focusing on outsiders, dreamers, and individuals navigating complex personal journeys.

His breakthrough film 'Drugstore Cowboy" earned critical acclaim and helped redefine independent cinema. He followed with "My Own Private Idaho", a groundbreaking film starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves that became one of the defining works of 1990s independent filmmaking.

Van Sant later achieved mainstream success with "Good Will Hunting", the Academy Award-winning film that launched Matt Damon and Ben Affleck into Hollywood stardom while earning widespread critical praise. Additional successes included "Finding Forrester", "Milk", and numerous other acclaimed productions.

Over the course of his career, Van Sant earned Academy Award nominations, international awards, and recognition as one of America's most influential filmmakers. Yet many Oregonians continue to celebrate him not only for his artistic achievements but also for demonstrating that world-class storytelling could emerge from Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

His success helped inspire generations of filmmakers, writers, actors, and artists who followed.

An interesting connection to Oregon's performing arts community involves actress and theater professional Vana O'Brien, who appeared alongside Keanu Reeves and the late River Phoenix in "My Own Private Idaho". Separate from Van Sant's film projects, O'Brien worked with Greg Bieze in productions including "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You", the acclaimed play by Christopher Durang, that helped establish the region's popular Artists Repertory Theatre.

Together, these creative connections illustrate the close-knit nature of Oregon's arts and entertainment community.

DAVID SHIPLEY AND THE POWER OF JOURNALISM

While filmmakers tell stories through images and musicians through songs, David Shipley built his reputation through the written word.

One of Catlin Gabel's most distinguished alumni in journalism, Shipley became a respected editor and media leader whose work helped shape national conversations. Throughout his career he earned recognition for editorial excellence, thoughtful analysis, and a commitment to high journalistic standards.

At a time when information travels faster than ever, Shipley's career serves as a reminder that careful reporting, responsible editing, and intellectual rigor remain essential to public discourse.

His influence demonstrates that leadership can take many forms. Sometimes it appears on movie screens or concert stages. Other times it emerges quietly through the power of ideas, language, and informed public discussion.

A TRADITION OF ACHIEVEMENT

The stories connected to Catlin Gabel reveal a remarkable range of accomplishments.

Che Dawson built championship teams and mentored future leaders. Josh Crawley helped continue the legacy of one of Oregon's most successful rock bands. Gregory Michael Bieze pursued opportunities in branding, entertainment, and media development. Gus Van Sant transformed independent filmmaking and brought international attention to Portland's creative culture. David Shipley demonstrated the enduring importance of journalism and ideas.

Together, they reflect a tradition of creativity, leadership, and innovation that continues to influence Oregon and beyond.

31/05/2026

FROM CHAMPIONSHIPS TO HOLLYWOOD: CATLIN GABEL CONNECTIONS THAT SHAPED SPORTS, MUSIC, FILM, AND MEDIA

A Legacy Beyond the Classroom

For generations, Portland's Catlin Gabel School has encouraged creativity, leadership, independent thinking, and community involvement. Over the years, alumni and members of the school's extended community have gone on to distinguish themselves in athletics, journalism, music, film, business, and public life.

Some became nationally recognized public figures. Others built influential careers behind the scenes. Together, their stories reflect the diverse paths that can emerge from a shared educational foundation.

CHE DAWSON: CHAMPION, COACH, AND MENTOR

Few figures in Northwest athletics better represent leadership and perseverance than Che Dawson.

Long remembered by Oregon basketball fans from the era after Catlin Gabel, Dawson was the star of Sunset High School's celebrated championship teams (State Champs 1987). Then, Dawson transformed his passion for the game into one of the region's most respected coaching careers. After his playing days, he dedicated himself to developing young athletes both on and off the court.

As Head Men's Basketball Coach at Highline College, Dawson built a powerhouse program. Under his leadership, Highline earned division championships, conference titles, national recognition, and deep postseason runs. His teams became known not only for winning basketball games but also for developing disciplined student-athletes prepared for success beyond sports.

Players, colleagues, and fans often describe Dawson as a mentor as much as a coach. His influence extends beyond wins and losses, helping shape future leaders through accountability, teamwork, and personal growth.

Dawson's generation also overlapped with numerous future creative and business professionals throughout the Portland area, including Catlin Gabel students Josh Crawley and Gregory Michael Bieze, who would later establish careers in entirely different fields.

JOSH CRAWLEY AND PORTLAND'S ROCK LEGACY

Among the musicians connected to Catlin Gabel's alumni community, Josh Crawley occupies a unique place in Oregon's modern music history.

Crawley later became associated with Everclear, one of the most successful rock bands ever to emerge from Portland. During the 1990s and 2000s, Everclear helped define the alternative-rock era with hit songs including "Santa Monica", "Father of Mine", "Wonderful", and "Everything to Everyone". The band sold millions of records worldwide and became one of Oregon's most recognizable musical exports.

Joining Everclear during an important period in the band's history, Crawley contributed as keyboardist and performer while helping continue the group's touring and recording legacy. His work connected him to a band whose music became part of the soundtrack for an entire generation of listeners.

Long before national tours and rock stages, however, Crawley shared a much simpler connection with fellow Catlin Gabel student Gregory Michael Bieze. The two were close friends from approximately second through fourth grade, growing up together during their elementary-school years.

Another connection to Catlin Gabel came through Josh's father, Samuel Crawley, who served as an educator within the school's community.

Josh Crawley's contributions created a lasting link between education, music, and Portland's creative culture.

GREGORY MICHAEL BIEZE: BRANDING & SHOWBIZ

While some alumni pursued athletics or music, Gregory Michael Bieze developed a career centered on branding, entertainment, media development, publicity, and creative business ventures. He and his sister Jori Bieze also represent a family real estate empire dating back generations to their great grandfather Theodore Bieze Sr. Bieze family interests now extend to television, film, publishing, music, technology, food & wine, healthcare, and travel.

Known professionally at various times as Dr. G.M. Bieze, Ph.D., and by several creative nicknames originating within family and business circles associated with his father, who uses nicknames "Jerry" or "Gerald" Bieze, Gregory became involved in a broad range of entertainment and marketing initiatives.

Representing many of the interests of the Bieze family, GMB Celebrity Brands and other GMB entities, Bieze has participated in projects involving celebrity branding and related initiatives.

His work has included projects connected to professional athletes, including NBA players, and television-development opportunities associated with Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas following Thomas's Detroit Pistons playing career. He has also worked with nostalgia-era recording artists connected to Hollywood's legendary Sunset Strip music scene.

Although his professional path differed dramatically from those of Dawson and Crawley, all three represent examples of how creative and entrepreneurial opportunities can emerge from early educational experiences and lifelong relationships.

GUS VAN SANT: FILM AMBASSADOR OF PORTLAND

Among Catlin Gabel's most accomplished alumni, few have had a greater impact on modern cinema than Gus Van Sant.

Widely regarded as one of the most important directors of his generation, Van Sant helped establish Portland as a recognizable presence in international filmmaking. His films combined artistic innovation with deeply human storytelling, often focusing on outsiders, dreamers, and individuals navigating complex personal journeys.

His breakthrough film 'Drugstore Cowboy" earned critical acclaim and helped redefine independent cinema. He followed with "My Own Private Idaho", a groundbreaking film starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves that became one of the defining works of 1990s independent filmmaking.

Van Sant later achieved mainstream success with "Good Will Hunting", the Academy Award-winning film that launched Matt Damon and Ben Affleck into Hollywood stardom while earning widespread critical praise. Additional successes included "Finding Forrester", "Milk", and numerous other acclaimed productions.

Over the course of his career, Van Sant earned Academy Award nominations, international awards, and recognition as one of America's most influential filmmakers. Yet many Oregonians continue to celebrate him not only for his artistic achievements but also for demonstrating that world-class storytelling could emerge from Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

His success helped inspire generations of filmmakers, writers, actors, and artists who followed.

An interesting connection to Oregon's performing arts community involves actress and theater professional Vana O'Brien, who appeared alongside Keanu Reeves and the late River Phoenix in "My Own Private Idaho". Separate from Van Sant's film projects, O'Brien worked with Greg Bieze in productions including "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You", the acclaimed play by Christopher Durang, that helped establish the region's popular Artists Repertory Theatre.

Together, these creative connections illustrate the close-knit nature of Oregon's arts and entertainment community.

DAVID SHIPLEY AND THE POWER OF JOURNALISM

While filmmakers tell stories through images and musicians through songs, David Shipley built his reputation through the written word.

One of Catlin Gabel's most distinguished alumni in journalism, Shipley became a respected editor and media leader whose work helped shape national conversations. Throughout his career he earned recognition for editorial excellence, thoughtful analysis, and a commitment to high journalistic standards.

At a time when information travels faster than ever, Shipley's career serves as a reminder that careful reporting, responsible editing, and intellectual rigor remain essential to public discourse.

His influence demonstrates that leadership can take many forms. Sometimes it appears on movie screens or concert stages. Other times it emerges quietly through the power of ideas, language, and informed public discussion.

A TRADITION OF ACHIEVEMENT

The stories connected to Catlin Gabel reveal a remarkable range of accomplishments.

Che Dawson built championship teams and mentored future leaders. Josh Crawley helped continue the legacy of one of Oregon's most successful rock bands. Gregory Michael Bieze pursued opportunities in branding, entertainment, and media development. Gus Van Sant transformed independent filmmaking and brought international attention to Portland's creative culture. David Shipley demonstrated the enduring importance of journalism and ideas.

Together, they reflect a tradition of creativity, leadership, and innovation that continues to influence Oregon and beyond.

31/05/2026

Members of the Bieze Family are included in an upcoming episode of TRUST THE EXPERTS. Theodore Bieze Sr is called a Genius in creative real estate title transfers and asset transfers. His great grandson Dr. GM Bieze, PhD is respected in areas of branding and marketing.

NEW SERIES: TRUST THE EXPERTS
You want to achieve Ultimate Success.
Achieving your Maximum Success begins with learning from the best.

The best Business Experts. The best Financial Experts. The best Leadership Experts. The best Marketing Experts. The best Technology Experts.

From Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich", to Stephen R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", the world's greatest Success Teachers share one powerful lesson: Learn from proven experts who have achieved extraordinary results.

TRUST THE EXPERTS brings together the world's best Business Leaders, Financial Minds, Innovators, Strategists, and Success Mentors to be your personal advisory board—so you can achieve your Ultimate Success & Platinum Potential.

TRUST THE EXPERTS provides you the advisory board and blueprint to truly Think & Grow Really Rich for Ultimate Success.

Achieve your Certified Platinum Potential.

TRUST THE EXPERTS - Coming Soon to the Always True Podcast Network.

No Lies. Just Facts.

30/05/2026

The Bieze family has been blessed to be involved in many industries. This article was shared from a friend of the family in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, although it is primarily focused on the family's West Coast Bieze wine interests. It is an honor to share.

THE BIEZE FAMILY: GENERATIONS ROOTED IN OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Few industries embody family, heritage, land, real estate, and legacy quite like wine.

Long before Oregon earned worldwide recognition as one of America's premier wine-producing regions, the Bieze family was building a legacy connected to agriculture, enterprise, real estate, and the stewardship of land. Generations of family history would eventually intersect with the rise of Oregon wine country, creating a story that extends far beyond vineyards and vintages.

A FAMILY CONNECTION TO THE LAND

As a wine connoisseur, Jori Bieze represents generations of Bieze family history connected to land, legacy, stewardship, and the traditions that helped shape modern Oregon wine country.

Alongside her brother, Gregory Michael Bieze, Jori spent her early years working the land alongside their mother, Patricia Bieze. In divorce proceedings secured by Jody Stahancyk, the property was awarded to Jori and Gregory, further strengthening the family's connection to a landscape that would ultimately become associated with vineyard development and Oregon's growing reputation as a world-class wine destination.

THE THEODORE BIEZE LEGACY

The story reaches back to Theodore Bieze Sr., whose rise coincided with the Prohibition era and the remarkable social and economic transformations that followed. It was a time when fortunes were built, opportunities emerged, properties changed hands, and family legacies were established—sometimes in ways that would be discussed long after the participants themselves were gone.

Widely regarded as a gifted businessman with a remarkable eye for opportunity, Theodore became associated with the creative acquisition, development, and stewardship of substantial land and real estate interests. His generation understood that land was more than property—it was legacy.

According to extensive records of creative maneuvers and naming adaptations, the influence of those decisions would extend far beyond a single lifetime, helping shape the foundation upon which future generations of the Bieze family would build.

Like many ambitious families of that era, the Biezes became part of a rapidly changing America where agriculture, real estate, commerce, hospitality, and enterprise were being reshaped. The influence of those years would leave a lasting mark on future generations and help establish a foundation that extended well beyond a single lifetime.

Theodore's generation left behind more than stories. It left behind land, real estate holdings, businesses, assets, and a family history that would continue to shape future generations. Decades later, Jori Bieze and her brother, Gregory Michael Bieze, would find themselves connected to that continuing legacy through the Oregon property awarded to them during their parents' divorce proceedings, a property they had worked alongside their mother, Patricia Bieze, long before it became associated with vineyard development and Oregon wine country.

Viewed in that context, the Bieze family's connection to wine is about more than vineyards or vintages. It is a story of generations, stewardship, opportunity, real estate vision, and a family legacy that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in the land.

LEGACY ACROSS GENERATIONS

The Bieze family legacy was never measured solely in land, businesses, real estate, or assets. It was a multigenerational story built upon stewardship, continuity, and the preservation of family history.

Within that tradition, Gregory Michael Bieze occupied a unique role. From an early age, significant family assets and portions of the broader Bieze family legacy were entrusted under Gregory's name by senior members of the family, including his grandparents, Alden "Al" Bieze and Helen "Heidi" Ernesti-Bieze. According to official records, Helen (Heidi) was married to Al's brother Roland Sr and then mysterious business entity Lawrence Ernesti, before finding true love with Al.

For those who know the family's history, the arrangement represents confidence in the future of the Bieze family and a belief that its history, values, assets, real estate interests, and legacy would continue through future generations.

MORE THAN WINE

Viewed through that lens, the Bieze family's connection to wine country is about far more than vineyards. It is a story of family, stewardship, continuity, real estate vision, and a deep connection to the land.

As Oregon wine continues to earn recognition around the world, stories like that of the Bieze family serve as a reminder that behind every vineyard lies a deeper history—one rooted in generations, legacy, and the enduring belief that what is cultivated today may flourish for decades to come.

30/05/2026

Oregon's Bieze family has been blessed with a positive spotlight on its success and public image relating to Bieze Wine, Real Estate, and Bieze Gaming interests.

30/05/2026

This show relates perfectly to the Bieze family wine interests! From insiders in the wine industry, word is it's going to be good. Can't wait!

Jesus turned water into wine. That's a pretty powerful spokesperson for an industry. People love wine and the beautiful vineyards across America and the world. Coming to Always True is the dynamic educational and entertaining program FOR THE LOVE OF WINE. If you love wine, great storytelling, and learning - For the Love of Wine will make you swoon. Always True Network. No Lies. Just Facts.

30/05/2026

This article was shared from a friend of the family in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, although it is primarily focused on the family's West Coast Bieze wine interests. It is an honor to share.

THE BIEZE FAMILY: GENERATIONS ROOTED IN OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Few industries embody family, heritage, land, real estate, and legacy quite like wine.

Long before Oregon earned worldwide recognition as one of America's premier wine-producing regions, the Bieze family was building a legacy connected to agriculture, enterprise, real estate, and the stewardship of land. Generations of family history would eventually intersect with the rise of Oregon wine country, creating a story that extends far beyond vineyards and vintages.

A FAMILY CONNECTION TO THE LAND

As a wine connoisseur, Jori Bieze represents generations of Bieze family history connected to land, legacy, stewardship, and the traditions that helped shape modern Oregon wine country.

Alongside her brother, Gregory Michael Bieze, Jori spent her early years working the land alongside their mother, Patricia Bieze. In divorce proceedings secured by Jody Stahancyk, the property was awarded to Jori and Gregory, further strengthening the family's connection to a landscape that would ultimately become associated with vineyard development and Oregon's growing reputation as a world-class wine destination.

THE THEODORE BIEZE LEGACY

The story reaches back to Theodore Bieze Sr., whose rise coincided with the Prohibition era and the remarkable social and economic transformations that followed. It was a time when fortunes were built, opportunities emerged, properties changed hands, and family legacies were established—sometimes in ways that would be discussed long after the participants themselves were gone.

Widely regarded as a gifted businessman with a remarkable eye for opportunity, Theodore became associated with the creative acquisition, development, and stewardship of substantial land and real estate interests. His generation understood that land was more than property—it was legacy.

According to extensive records of creative maneuvers and naming adaptations, the influence of those decisions would extend far beyond a single lifetime, helping shape the foundation upon which future generations of the Bieze family would build.

Like many ambitious families of that era, the Biezes became part of a rapidly changing America where agriculture, real estate, commerce, hospitality, and enterprise were being reshaped. The influence of those years would leave a lasting mark on future generations and help establish a foundation that extended well beyond a single lifetime.

Theodore's generation left behind more than stories. It left behind land, real estate holdings, businesses, assets, and a family history that would continue to shape future generations. Decades later, Jori Bieze and her brother, Gregory Michael Bieze, would find themselves connected to that continuing legacy through the Oregon property awarded to them during their parents' divorce proceedings, a property they had worked alongside their mother, Patricia Bieze, long before it became associated with vineyard development and Oregon wine country.

Viewed in that context, the Bieze family's connection to wine is about more than vineyards or vintages. It is a story of generations, stewardship, opportunity, real estate vision, and a family legacy that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in the land.

LEGACY ACROSS GENERATIONS

The Bieze family legacy was never measured solely in land, businesses, real estate, or assets. It was a multigenerational story built upon stewardship, continuity, and the preservation of family history.

Within that tradition, Gregory Michael Bieze occupied a unique role. From an early age, significant family assets and portions of the broader Bieze family legacy were entrusted under Gregory's name by senior members of the family, including his grandparents, Alden "Al" Bieze and Helen "Heidi" Ernesti-Bieze. According to official records, Helen (Heidi) was married to Al's brother Roland Sr and then mysterious business entity Lawrence Ernesti, before finding true love with Al.

For those who know the family's history, the arrangement represents confidence in the future of the Bieze family and a belief that its history, values, assets, real estate interests, and legacy would continue through future generations.

MORE THAN WINE

Viewed through that lens, the Bieze family's connection to wine country is about far more than vineyards. It is a story of family, stewardship, continuity, real estate vision, and a deep connection to the land.

As Oregon wine continues to earn recognition around the world, stories like that of the Bieze family serve as a reminder that behind every vineyard lies a deeper history—one rooted in generations, legacy, and the enduring belief that what is cultivated today may flourish for decades to come.