Successful Lobbyist and Business Owner: Justin Martin’s Western Oregon University Experience

Justin Martin ‘96, a successful business owner and lobbyist, is a proud Western Oregon University alumnus who received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from the university. During his time at Western, Martin gained valuable experience through internships that solidified his interest in government work. These experiences helped him realize that majoring in public policy and administration was the right choice for him.

After graduation, Martin began advocating for his tribe, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, using the skills and knowledge he gained at Western to excel in his career. In addition to his lobbying work, Martin also owns a vintage guitar store called Guitar Castle in Salem. Despite being a music-related business, Martin has been able to apply what he learned in college to enhance his business operations.

Martin’s success can be attributed to the practical experience he gained through internships while at Western. As a non-traditional student who entered college after working in the workforce, Martin appreciated the guidance he received at Western, which helped him focus on his passion. The flexibility of the curriculum at Western allowed him to succeed in his chosen career path.

Western Oregon University is located in Monmouth and was founded in 1856. With approximately 4,000 students, it is Oregon’s oldest public university and an NCAA Division II institution with most of its students hailing from Oregon. Western takes pride in its diverse student body that includes individuals from different backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. The university offers a supportive and student-focused environment with faculty-led instruction, making it an ideal campus for those seeking an enriching education.

In conclusion, Justin Martin’s success story shows how Western Oregon University has provided students with practical experience that can be applied beyond graduation. He used his time at Western to pursue government work and even opened a music store where he could put into practice what he had learned about running a business operation successfully.