Future Thinking
Leaning into lessons from her past, including the embrace of new technologies, Ava Van Snow launched her full-service PR firm with the goal of helping others tell their stories.
Public Relations specialist Ava Van Snow has always had big ambitions. Despite a series of challenges during her childhood in Renton—a father who walked out when she was young, being raised by her immigrant grandparents who fled Vietnam during the war, and depending on government assistance to survive—she set her sights on pursuing a career…
Seattle’s Security Industry Gets a New Approach
Not just a guy in a polo shirt — this trauma-informed team brings a new kind of safety to the city
HEARTH Protection is the Seattle region’s premier provider of trauma-informed, community-oriented protective services. We are a unique private security company. Our revolutionary approach combines evidence-based security practices with deep community engagement, creating safety solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. Founded by women and LGBTQ+ leaders, HEARTH operates as a worker-owned cooperative where our…
Something’s Brewing
Downtown Seattle is now a micro-hub for taprooms.
When Reuben’s Brews opened its newest location this summer—front-and-center on First Avenue—it joined a small but mighty cohort of taprooms taking up real estate downtown. With the continued influx of people to the neighborhood (tourists over the summer, workers returning to offices, and locals coming to check out the renovated waterfront), these breweries and cideries…
Learning to Pivot
Liz Galloway, the founder of Brand Sanity Media, spent the past 15 years learning to grow and adapt within her industry’s changing landscape.
In public relations, you have to stay on your toes. This is a lesson that Liz Galloway, founder of Brand Sanity Media, has encountered many times over the years. “I have a lot of admiration for anyone who is consistent and resilient,” says Galloway, who in addition to launching her own PR firm six years…
Sano Expands with New Eastside Locations
The Mercer Island-based fast-casual café opens in Bellevue and Kirkland, with Redmond coming soon
Sano has opened its second café, the first of three new locations planned for this summer. The new spot is in Downtown Bellevue, with a soft-opening set for July 11 in Kirkland, and another café coming to Redmond later this month. The original Sano location launched on Mercer Island in 2015. Sano means “healthy mind…
It Takes a Five-Star Team to Deliver Five-Star Service at Davis Law Group
Davis Law Group’s commitment to excellence starts with a genuine and transparent office culture
Success in business can be hard to come by, especially in the legal industry. It takes buy-in across the board to achieve — let alone sustain — consistent results in the way that Davis Law Group has. A reputable litigation firm that has represented victims of serious accidents in Washington for more than 30 years,…
Sano Expands with New Eastside Locations
The Mercer Island-based fast-casual café opens in Bellevue and Kirkland, with Redmond coming soon
Sano has opened its second café, the first of three new locations planned for this summer. The new spot is in Downtown Bellevue, with a soft-opening set for July 11 in Kirkland, and another café coming to Redmond later this month. The original Sano location launched on Mercer Island in 2015. Sano means “healthy mind…
It’s Official: ACT, Shakespeare Merge to Create Union Arts Center
Inaugural season features five works
More than a year after an exploratory announcement and six months after reaching a deal, it’s official: ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Co. are now one entity. The two Seattle arts organizations announced their first annual 2025/26 season on July 1, the day they officially joined forces. Now known as Union Arts Center, the…
Sleek New Interactive Kiosks Promise to Boost Downtown Seattle
Up to 30 will be installed prior to next year’s World Cup
Downtown Seattle will soon be home to 30 interactive kiosks designed to improve the visitor experience. The touchscreens should be installed prior to the FIFA 2026 World Cup in Seattle next summer. The city will host six matches at Lumen Field in June and July next year, and more than 750,000 visitors are projected. The…
High Hopes for Jones Soda’s Cannabis Drink Fade
Seattle beverage maker sells cannabis business three years after its launch
Similar to several other beverage makers, Seattle’s Jones Soda is getting out of the marijuana business. The craft beverage company known for its playful marketing and premium sodas has sold its marijuana-derived THC business for $3 million to privately held cannabis company MJ Reg Disrupters just three years after creating its cannabis-infused Mary Jones brand….
Seed Strategist
Brianna McDonald's new Ecosystem Venture Group seeks to accelerate entrepreneurial growth
As a successful residential real estate agent, Brianna McDonald had the means to make her first investment of $25,000 at age 26. She was already well on her way to a new career. McDonald has since become a seasoned private investor, serving as president of investment community Keiretsu Forum (launched by her husband, Nathan); an…
The Space Arranger
Kyle Gaffney and SkB take a holistic approach to building design
To say that Kyle Gaffney backed into a career in architecture may be a bit exaggerated, but he did get a late start. Gaffney, a cofounder and principal at Seattle architecture firm SkB, suffered a devastating knee injury and lost a soccer scholarship to the University of Puget Sound. Instead of college he went to…
A Camel, a Desert, and Some Quick Thinking
How an accident led to a $4 million company
Jensen Brehm just wanted to protect his eyes from the blazing heat of the sun. Brehm, then a student at the University of Redlands in California, was a top of a camel in a remote desert in India when his party stopped for lunch and a much-needed break from the 100-degree heat. Brehm sat down…
The Wonderpreneur
Aegis founder Dwayne Clark is an author, philanthropist, filmmaker, and a highly successful business executive
Dwayne Clark was standing on a crate washing dishes at the tender age of 7 in an airport restaurant where his Mother, Colleen, was a cook. He grew up without a father. He was, he says, “at the bottom rung of the economic cycle.” The biggest influences in his life were all women: his grandmother,…
Learning to Pivot
Liz Galloway, the founder of Brand Sanity Media, spent the past 15 years learning to grow and adapt within her industry’s changing landscape.
In public relations, you have to stay on your toes. This is a lesson that Liz Galloway, founder of Brand Sanity Media, has encountered many times over the years. “I have a lot of admiration for anyone who is consistent and resilient,” says Galloway, who in addition to launching her own PR firm six years…
Daring Women: AAA’s Piston
Heather Snavely brings big ideas to AAA Washington
Heather Snavely isn’t one to sit around waiting for something to happen. She helped lead a comprehensive rebranding effort at Seattle’s PCC Community Markets. She crafted global brand strategies at Seattle’s Brooks Running. She led Microsoft’s consumer communications during a key time for the Xbox. She’s now leading AAA Washington into a new era. Since…
Daring Women: It’s Never Just About One Person
Perkins&Will’s Marie Henson calls collaboration ‘critical’ to effective leadership
Architecture captivated Marie Henson at an early age. By the time she was 10, Henson had accompanied her history-buff father on visits to all eight Virginia presidents’ homes. It left a lasting impression: She decided on a career in architecture before she graduated from elementary school. Today, the Seattle-based Henson is the firmwide health practice…
The Corporate Rocket
Mortenson Market Lead Cori Palmer rose through the ranks at lightning speed
Talk about a rapid rise. In 2009, Cori Palmer was a freshly minted graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. It didn’t take her long to land a job as a business development associate at Mortenson, a Minneapolis-based construction company with a sizable Seattle presence. Five promotions later, Palmer…
Future Thinking
Leaning into lessons from her past, including the embrace of new technologies, Ava Van Snow launched her full-service PR firm with the goal of helping others tell their stories.
Public Relations specialist Ava Van Snow has always had big ambitions. Despite a series of challenges during her childhood in Renton—a father who walked out when she was young, being raised by her immigrant grandparents who fled Vietnam during the war, and depending on government assistance to survive—she set her sights on pursuing a career…
Something’s Brewing
Downtown Seattle is now a micro-hub for taprooms.
When Reuben’s Brews opened its newest location this summer—front-and-center on First Avenue—it joined a small but mighty cohort of taprooms taking up real estate downtown. With the continued influx of people to the neighborhood (tourists over the summer, workers returning to offices, and locals coming to check out the renovated waterfront), these breweries and cideries…
Brew Crew Culture
Pot O’ Gold brings people together, inside the office and out
Blake Jones has a very pragmatic and reasonable explanation for why Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service doesn’t allow remote or hybrid work schedules. “As an office coffee company, our success depends on people being present in the workplace rather than working from home,” says Jones, who serves as vice president of sales and marketing at…
Instruments of Inspiration
Music4Life gives kids the chance to find their voice through the gift of music
Editor’s Note: Music4Life founder David Endicott died unexpectedly on May 30. Music4Life plans to continue its work, both as a tribute to David and to help the many children who benefit from its services. Music saved David Endicott’s life. Endicott was a wayward youth when a band director named Emery Nordness took an interest in him….
Full Court Focus
Valuable insights from two leaders on culture building and priorities
At its best, organizational culture goes beyond creating a pleasant working environment. It drives engagement, fosters innovation, attracts and retains top talent, and supports long-term success. A strong culture nurtures employees, emphasizing values that promote well-being, belonging, and growth. But what defines an effective culture? What makes a culture problematic? Ultimately, “good” culture is unique…
The Pros and Cons of March Madness
Lost productivity costs the economy billions. That's right. Billions.
I haven’t filled out my March Madness bracket yet. When I do, I’ll be sure to do it after work. A report from betting site Action Network estimates that March Madness costs the U.S. economy a staggering $20.89 billion in lost productivity. Fully 40% of fans say they’ve called in sick to watch games in…
The DEI Backlash: Staying the Course
DEI and merit are not contradictory
The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has gained momentum in recent months, fueled by political and cultural divisiveness. Some critics have linked DEI policies to high-profile incidents, such as the mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C., Jan. 29. However, there is no credible…
Unity in Diversity
Tips for inclusive company parties this holiday season
Employers focused on diversity, equity and inclusion should know that along with festivities and cheer in the coming months comes ample opportunity to practice inclusivity and continue to foster a welcoming environment for all. Celebrating employees and co-workers via gatherings and goodies during the holiday season can boost morale, increase team bonding and provide additional…