This might just look like a security screen door, and I don’t want to overdramatize it, but it’s been a long and difficult road getting here.
There isn’t a shopkeeper alive that hasn’t experienced theft on some level, but we experienced a dramatic shift in 2023 with our pop up in the Washington Square Mall. While the location itself was a success, it came with a level of theft that was jarring, and forced us into a level of hyper-vigilance that wasn’t sustainable. We decided to close that location, and focus on Multnomah Village. It wasn’t much later that we experienced our worst theft ever: a smash and grab through the front door that was focused on designer bags, and totaled damages in the many tens of thousands. We stopped carrying luxury bags.
I was heartbroken.
We had spent so much time developing that part of our business. Customers were understandably disappointed, but it just wasn’t worth it anymore. Theft all over the city had gotten so bad that people from the city even told me I should consider moving my business out of Portland altogether, because of the theft issues. But after everything we’ve built, leaving never felt like the right answer. So we kept adapting. I’ve told myself this whole time: every job has a part that sucks. This has just been mine.
Every time we looked into more security for the shop, there were barriers. In Portland, we were told that ground-floor storefronts have to keep 60% window visibility, which really limits what kind of security you can install. We looked into scissor gates and roll-down metal covers, but honestly, it still felt like our glass front door was just waiting to be smashed again. Not to mention, every option we explored to really secure our store came in at over $10,000, and none of them felt quite right. It was exhausting to even think about spending that kind of money on something that didn’t actually solve the problem.
And then we were broken into again.
Because we don’t keep luxury bags on site anymore and we shifted our focus away from them, the monetary damage wasn’t as bad, but the emotional damage was devastating. The aftermath is exausting and neer ends.
So that’s why everything shifted when Jodi, from Mascotte Security, reached out to us!
She offered a solution that didn’t involve bars or cages. It’s simple, clean, thoughtfully painted, and actually blends in with our space. Most importantly, it makes us feel safe. Now, we can refocus on what we love, including designer items, with a little more peace of mind. We love our security doors and feel empowered!
A Q & A with Jodi Below:
What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself and
your business / creative practice!
Hi! I’m Jodi Brunold—wife, mom, and co-owner of Mascotte Security Doors.
Alongside my husband and our small (but mighty!) team, we build and install
custom, American-made security storm doors for homes and businesses
throughout Portland and beyond.
Mascotte isn’t just a business, it’s now a part of our family story.
What inspired you to get into your field of work, or what is meaningful to
you about it? What is something that you do differently from others in the
field?
We had admired Mascotte long before it became ours. The original owners were
close friends—who we consider family—who built this business from the ground
up almost 50 years ago with integrity and grit. When the time came for them to
pass the torch, we felt honored to step in and carry it forward. We believed in
what they had created, and we saw the potential to keep growing while
preserving that same trusted, high-quality craftsmanship.
What’s meaningful to me about this work is that it’s personal. Our doors don’t roll
off an assembly line. Each one is built to fit a real home with a real family inside.
I’ve answered phone calls from people shaken after a break-in, domestic safety
concerns, or just feeling uneasy about answering the door. We never take that
trust lightly.
We’re not flashy—and that’s the point. We’re local. We’re honest. And we show
up. While others might push out cookie-cutter products, we build what fits you,
down to the last bolt. We also make it a point to listen to our customers. It’s not
just about selling a door; it’s about making you feel safe and proud every time
you walk through it.
Tell us about a milestone in your work or something that you’re especially
proud of (and/or a crazy story from owning a small business!)
One moment that sticks with me? We finished a door install for a woman who
had experienced repeated home invasions. When we locked it up for the final
time and handed her the key, she got emotional and said, “I finally feel safe.”
That’s what keeps us going. That moment reminded me exactly why we do this.
What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
I’m inspired by makers—people who build something from nothing, who pour
themselves into their craft, who aren’t afraid to do things the hard way because it’s the right way.I find inspiration in the natural beauty around us in the Pacific Northwest. Design doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. That mindset is shaping where Mascotte is headed next. We’re not done evolving. We’re currently working on brand-new designs that we can’t wait to unveil—options that bring both elevated style with the same serious strength to your door.
Do you think about how to incorporate environmental sustainability into
your job? What challenges have you encountered, or successes have you
had?
Sustainability matters to us. We try to keep our waste low—cut-offs are often
saved for other uses, and we work with local suppliers whenever we can to
reduce transport emissions. It’s a constant learning curve, but we’re always trying
to find ways to do better for our environment while still delivering products that
last decades, not just years.
Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the
most “you”?
My favorite outfit? An old pair of jeans, a hoodie, and a pair of farm-dedicated
Birkenstocks (definitely not very practical). That’s my uniform for life out on our
farm—always outside, always working on something. But when I do get the
chance to go out with friends, I love throwing on a casual dress or jeans and
boots—something comfortable but put-together. Nothing too fancy, just enough to
feel a little polished while still feeling like me.
What do you do in your free time?
We live on a couple of acres that we lovingly call our forever project: a small
hobby farm with pet pigs, a growing flock of chickens, and a handful of dogs and
cats. When I’m not working, I love spending time outside, dreaming up new
‘honey-do’ projects (our upcoming ‘she shed/beer shed’ is a big one!) and
attempting to hang out with our teenagers – usually by bribing them with food or
pretending I’m not embarrassing! In the quieter winter months, I love to quilt and
finally slow down a little. It’s when I get to be creative in a different way—piecing
together quilts for friends, often while tucked in with a good book and a cup of
coffee nearby. Winter is also when I do most of my reading, catching up on
memoirs, true crime, and anything that lets me unwind after the busy seasons
outside.
Three things: The best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or
listened to, and the best thing you’ve eaten lately? (Or things you’ve really
loved)
Read: I can’t pick just one best thing I’ve read lately—there are too many! But I always
find myself drawn to historical fiction or thrillers. I’ll also admit that I read some
young adult fantasy books – they are quite entertaining and extra fun because I
get to talk about them with my younger nieces.
Listened to: Lately, I’ve been loving Armchair Expert and Good Hang—they’re perfect for
keeping me company during quiet times in the shop. And when I’m in the garden,
it’s all about 90s music. Nothing like weeding your vegetables to some Snoop
Dogg or Salt-N-Pepa.
Bonus question – space to list a few small, local businesses you love
As for local favorites, I’m always happy wandering around downtown Oregon
City. White Rabbit Book Café is my happy place (books and coffee? Yes, please),
and I always find treasures at The Vintage Nest. And if we’re talking food—I’ll
gladly make the drive into Portland for Yoko’s Sushi. It’s my not-so-secret secret
spot… the kind of place you almost don’t want to share because it’s that good.
Don’t tell everyone, okay? Support your locals—they’re the heart of the
community.
Running a small business isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding
things we’ve ever done. When you support Mascotte, you’re supporting real
people who care about quality, safety, and community. And we’re just getting
started—stay tuned for what’s coming next.
Jodi Brunold
Mascotte Security Doors
