A Deluge of Despair: Milwaukie Vape Shop Owner Faces Catastrophic Damage and an Uphill Battle to Rebuild

For Jordon, the dedicated owner of 'That Vapor Place' in Milwaukie, a typical Friday morning turned into an unimaginable nightmare. What started as a devastating break-in spiraled into a catastrophic flood, leaving his beloved business in ruins and his future uncertain.

The ordeal began around 5:30 AM on a fateful Friday when intruders breached the security of 'That Vapor Place'.

Their aim: to pilfer vape products and the cash register. But in their destructive spree, they inadvertently — or perhaps carelessly — broke a crucial water pipe in the ceiling. What followed was a relentless torrent of water, gushing into the shop for an agonizing four to five hours, transforming the vibrant retail space into a scene of utter devastation.

The aftermath was heartbreaking.

The ceiling, unable to withstand the continuous deluge, collapsed in sections, showering debris and water onto everything below. Walls were saturated, paint peeled, and the very structure of the shop was compromised. Jordon's carefully curated inventory, from high-end vape devices to various liquids, was ruined, soaked beyond salvage.

Display cases buckled, electronic equipment shorted, and the floor became a treacherous mess of standing water and broken dreams. The estimated damage quickly soared past $100,000, a crushing blow for any small business owner.

Jordon's emotional toll is palpable. He describes the gut-wrenching feeling of watching his life's work wash away, a sentiment many entrepreneurs can relate to when faced with such an unexpected tragedy.

"It's overwhelming. You put your heart and soul into something, and then in a matter of hours, it's just... gone," he shared, his voice heavy with despair. The sheer scale of the destruction has left him feeling isolated and battling an uphill struggle with insurance companies, who often seem to add to the burden rather than alleviate it.

While Milwaukie Police have launched an investigation into the break-in, the immediate concern for Jordon is the monumental task of rebuilding.

A ray of hope has emerged through a GoFundMe campaign, initiated by a compassionate friend, aiming to raise $50,000 to help Jordon get back on his feet. However, the initial response has been modest, underscoring the vast gap between the need and the current support.

Despite the immense challenges and the profound sense of loss, Jordon remains a testament to the resilient spirit of small business owners.

Facing down not just a crime, but also a natural disaster within his own walls, he is determined to navigate this arduous path. His story is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by local businesses and the critical role community support plays in helping them weather the storm and rebuild their futures.