Aaron James
Co-founder and COO at Adpearance (now Catalyst IQ)
Portland, Oregon
Summary
Attorney-by-training turned operator: Aaron James trained as an attorney (J.D., University of Oregon) and practiced business law before co-founding Adpearance, bringing legal and analytical rigor to running operations. theorg+1
Longtime operator and co-founder: James co-founded Adpearance in 2009 and has served as its COO, overseeing operational growth of a digital marketing business focused notably on the automotive sector. adpearance+1
Public service and government experience: Earlier in his career he held multiple staff roles in the Office of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and worked as a deputy district attorney, indicating experience in government and public-sector legal work. legistorm+1
Community and education engagement: Through Adpearance the company emphasizes community, internships, and mentorship—James is referenced as a Clark Honors College alumnus who connects with students and supports internship opportunities. uoregon+1
Led company through strategic transition: Adpearance, where James is COO and co-founder, was sold to Advance Local in 2024 and the brand/product is presented as part of Advance Local (Catalyst IQ), reflecting a leadership role during acquisition and integration. oregonlive+1
Work
Education
Writing
10 Years of Business Partnership Lessons with Adpearance Co-Founders
April 1, 2019Reflections on business partnership and lessons learned from co‑founding and running Adpearance.
A Letter From Our Founder
A personal letter from Aaron James reflecting on the company, work, and values as founder.
Keeping Pace With Customer Expectations
Discussion of how customer expectations drive business and service decisions in a digital marketing context.