25 Years of DISHER!

DISHER is celebrating 25 years of innovation and service in 2025! We’ve found many ways to celebrate this milestone, including a special company offsite and a video to document all that DISHER has come to be.

DISHER was founded on the vision of Making a Positive Difference with our customers, coworkers, and communities. We’re proud to see that vision thriving 25 years later, thanks to the dedication and support of so many along the way.  

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with more 25^th anniversary celebrations >>

Q&A: Founder Jeff Disher Reflects on 25 Years

Recently, our founder and chairman Jeff Disher sat down with the West Coast Chamber of Commerce to reflect on his remarkable journey. Here’s a look into the conversation and some of the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned he’s experienced over the past quarter-century.

What inspired you to start this company 25 years ago?

“There were three things that inspired me to start DISHER. First, I was a customer of some engineering service providers in the area and felt they all could be doing a better job of servicing me as ‘the customer.’ I thought that if I were in their shoes, I would bring extra ideas and service to the table. That thought was the kernel idea for DISHER.

Second, I needed to find out for myself if I could start a business from scratch and sustain it. I knew that challenge would teach me a lot, even if it failed.

And third, there was a company that would give me some work if I took the leap.”

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in early years?

“Growing the business and hiring for that growth. With each person I hired, I felt a greater responsibility for them and their families. Also, diversifying into other industries besides automotive was a significant challenge.”

What has been your proudest moment as the founder?

“There are two: realizing we survived the startup and were developing good momentum, and seeing our teammates living out our mission and doing great work for our customers, our coworkers, and in our communities.”

Can you share a memorable story from DISHER’s history?

“Getting our first large project was exciting. We executed on it really well for our customer. It gave us confidence that we were bringing something that was needed and different to the marketplace.”

How do you stay motivated and inspired after 25 years in business?

“I have a deep desire to make a positive impact on the people and the world around me every day. Regardless of whether we are going through good times or hard times, that desire never wavers.

I also believe we never arrive, but we’re always on a journey with exciting challenges ahead. The moment we think we’ve arrived is the moment the journey, and our motivation to keep going, stops.

I’ve also found ways along the way to stay rejuvenated to keep going.”

What are some key factors that have contributed to your company’s longevity?

“A continuous improvement mindset and willingness to innovate how we serve our customers and how we operate internally. As Jim Collins writes, ‘Preserve the core and stimulate progress.’ Staying true to the timeless principles that got us here and being willing to take risks and find the better path forward.”

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

“The lessons you learn from starting or trying something new are far more valuable than staying in your comfort zone, even if you fail. Just make sure you are able and willing to handle failure if it happens. If that’s so, then you truly have nothing to lose.”

What role has community involvement played in your company’s success?

“We call it stewardship. It includes sharing our money, time, and talents with the community. It has played a significant role in us living out our mission and in providing meaningful employment for our teammates.”

How do you maintain a positive company culture?

“We have clearly articulated our mission, vision, and values to our team. We have numerous and frequent ways for everyone to live them out with and for the people around us. We also do a thorough cultural self-assessment every two years to help us be our best.”

What are some lessons you’ve learned from your failures?

“The main lesson is that a positive attitude and perseverance will get you and your team through even the toughest setbacks. Life is tough sometimes. We have to expect that. When you’ve survived a setback, not only are you better and smarter, but you have a stronger hope that you can handle the next one that comes along.”

How do you balance work and personal life?

“In the early days, my wife Kathy and I agreed that Thursday nights would be my night to work as late as needed without having to call home. This helped us manage expectations together and protected my weekends better when the kids were young.

Also, protecting one day a week, a sabbath day, to not do any company-related work was key to staying rejuvenated each week.”