Zach Blume, BA ’06 (Clark Honors College, Phi Beta Kappa, political science)

From his roots in political communications to building a company that produces award-winning content for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, networks, and platforms, Zach Blume, co-founder and president of Portal A, has built a career defined by creativity and entrepreneurship. Portal A, a trailblazing digital content company at the forefront of the creator economy, partners with industry giants like YouTube, Target, Snapchat, Netflix, and Lenovo, earning accolades such as Campaign’s Brand Entertainment Agency of the Year and Digiday’s Video Agency of the Year.

A proud University of Oregon alumnus, Blume graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences and Clark Honors College with a degree in political science. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Alpha of Oregon chapter, a prestigious organization for undergraduate students pursuing excellence in liberal arts and sciences. Blume’s journey since then has been inspiring. Recently named to the San Francisco Business Times 2024 “40 Under 40” list, his ability to blend creative and entrepreneurial vision has positioned him as a leader in the world of digital content. 
 
In this Q&A with the Duck Career Network, Blume reflects on his time at the UO, shares insights on building a creative business, and offers advice for Ducks eager to make their mark in the creator economy—a dynamic ecosystem where individuals share their skills, ideas, and creativity with audiences through digital content, fostering community, collaboration, and innovation.
 

From Politics to Branded Content

Q: Your career journey has taken you from running political campaigns to co-founding Portal A, a leading creative company in the creator economy. How did your background in politics shape your approach to storytelling and leadership at Portal A?

A: My career has coincided with a period of dramatic change in how people consume entertainment and information. In my early work in politics, I focused on leveraging emerging communication tools like Facebook to engage young voters in meaningful ways. That same principle carried over to Portal A, where we use new forms of storytelling and creativity to connect with audiences on YouTube and social media. Across politics, entertainment, and media, the constant is that in an increasingly noisy world, the most valuable commodity is people’s attention.

The Evolution of Portal A

Q: Portal A has partnered with some of the world's biggest brands and been recognized with multiple awards. What was the inspiration behind founding the company, and how has its mission evolved over the years?

A: After leaving politics, I planned to go to business school to pursue a career in the private sector. While studying for the GMAT, two of my closest childhood friends—who left their careers to explore an emerging internet video industry—asked me to help produce a digital show called White Collar Brawler. The project was a hit, and instead of following a more traditional path, I joined them in building what would become Portal A.
 

We had no experience, no funding, and no idea what we were doing, but we built the company project by project, client by client, mistake by mistake. What started with independent creative projects evolved into a fast-growing creative business as we saw that brands and platforms were increasingly hungry for our type of digital-first storytelling. Since then, the company has grown, but the core mission is the same: to create breakthrough digital content that stands out in a crowded media landscape. Fifteen years later, we’re still doing what we love.
 

The Creator Economy

Q: Portal A operates at the forefront of the creator economy. What excites you most about this rapidly growing industry, and where do you see it heading in the next five-to-ten years?

A: Since we got our start in what is now called the Creator Economy, this industry has transformed from an internet sideshow into a $250 billion force reshaping media, advertising, politics, and entertainment. At its core, the Creator Economy is driving sweeping changes in how information and entertainment are produced, distributed, and consumed.

What excites me most is the explosion of creativity in this space. Creators no longer need the same type of permission from studios, networks, or executives to reach massive audiences. So many of the traditional barriers have come down, and viewers have much more power over what content they choose to watch. Over the next 5-10 years, this shift will accelerate, leveling the playing field even further. Creators will evolve into full-fledged media companies, and brands will increasingly embrace new formats and forms of storytelling.
 

Lessons from Leadership
 

Q: As president of a creative agency that balances branded content and original entertainment, what is the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

A: I try to lead our business with a heavy dose of humility and soul. Running a company in a competitive and volatile space can be pressure-packed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lead with heart. There were times when I pushed myself and others too hard, falling into the trap of always wanting more. But over the past five years, as I’ve gained clarity about what I love about our business, my focus has shifted to taking care of our team and fostering a culture and identity rooted in community and caring. At the end of the day, in business and in life, the most meaningful impact you leave behind is simply how you treat the people around you.

Advice for Aspiring Creators and Entrepreneurs

Q: What advice would you give to alumni and students at the University of Oregon who aspire to launch a creative business or carve out a career in the creator economy?

A: Don’t be afraid to pursue an unconventional career path. The market is changing in front of our eyes and many of the careers that a previous generation would have seen as the most stable or rewarding are no longer so. Surround yourself with good people, it will define your career (and your life). Find something you’re genuinely passionate about and get as close to it as you possibly can. And work as hard as possible in your 20s so you can focus more on family and all the other important aspects of your life in your 30s and 40s. 
 
Honoring His UO Roots

Q: Graduating with honors from the UO in political science and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa is a significant achievement. How did your time at the University of Oregon shape your professional path, and do you have a favorite memory or experience from your time as a Duck?

A: I felt empowered to succeed at the University of Oregon. After a shaky high school academic experience (to say the least), I was able to blossom intellectually at the UO, explore who I was and who I wanted to be, and begin to find what I was passionate about. I also loved being at the UO during the era of Luke Ridnour, Luke Jackson, and Freddie Jones. If you know you know.