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…
SponsoredSeattle’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…
‘A Flood Of Unprioritized Chaos’ During The Workday
Microsoft report breaks down the hectic, endless workday. The numbers are staggering.
We’re all overburdened with the constant flow of emails, chats and video meetings. Now, new research from Microsoft called “Breaking down the infinite workday” reveals just how overwhelmed we all actually are. The research, based on trillions of globally aggregated Microsoft 365 data, is fascinating. The average worker, for instance, receives 117 emails each workday…
First Taiwan Tourism Center Opens in Seattle
The center is the country’s first in the United States
Taiwan has chosen Seattle for its first Taiwan Tourism Information Center in the United States. The effort is part of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s effort to expand its tourism presence across North America and deepen travel, cultural and business ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Seattle has had a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung, Taiwan,…
SponsoredIt 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,…
No More Bartell Drugs
The 20 remaining stores will be rebranded as CVS locations
I popped into the Ballard Bartell Drugs the other day in search of some cold medicine. Shelves throughout the store were mostly empty, even in the pharmacy section. It’s been like this for years. It seemed only a matter of time that the iconic 135-year-old Seattle retailer would cease to exist. Drug store chain CVS…
‘A Flood Of Unprioritized Chaos’ During The Workday
Microsoft report breaks down the hectic, endless workday. The numbers are staggering.
We’re all overburdened with the constant flow of emails, chats and video meetings. Now, new research from Microsoft called “Breaking down the infinite workday” reveals just how overwhelmed we all actually are. The research, based on trillions of globally aggregated Microsoft 365 data, is fascinating. The average worker, for instance, receives 117 emails each workday…
First Taiwan Tourism Center Opens in Seattle
The center is the country’s first in the United States
Taiwan has chosen Seattle for its first Taiwan Tourism Information Center in the United States. The effort is part of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s effort to expand its tourism presence across North America and deepen travel, cultural and business ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Seattle has had a sister city relationship with Kaohsiung, Taiwan,…
Think You Know Seattle?
Greater Seattle Partners releases a treasure trove of fascinating information
You already know that Amazon, Boeing and Microsoft are the region’s top employers. You may be aware that China is our top trade partner. But did you know that almost one-quarter of King County residents are foreign born? Or that more than one in five employees in the county work remotely? Did you know that…
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,…
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…
She Never Gave Up
Some of Alissa Leinonen’s biggest mistakes turned into her greatest successes
Alissa Leinonen launched her catering and box-lunched company, Gourmondo, as a simple, four-table lunch café in the Pike Place Market almost 30 years ago. Today, Gourmondo has become a turnkey catering company, offering full services for social and events catering, a successful corporate café division, a retail line of gourmet grab-and-go products, and an in-house…
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….
Puget Powerhouses
Washington ranks No. 1 for women-owned businesses
Washington has a higher percentage of women-owned businesses than any other state. Forty-two percent of all businesses here are female owned. At 34%, the state also ranks No. 1 for its percentage of women-owned businesses that earn more than $1 million in annual revenue. The employment rate of all women across the state is 59%,…
Agrivillage Adventure
Ambitious co-housing project preserves Snohomish County farmland
Dave Boehnlein’s motivation was aspirational, practical and novel at the same time. The co-founder and project manager at nonprofit Rooted Northwest spearheaded a plan to prevent the former 240-acre Tillman Dairy Farm in Arlington from being split for development. Rooted purchased the property and worked with county officials to preserve the farmland while also providing…
Little Hands, Big Brands
Small ad agency lands major clients
Michael Boychuk likes the critically acclaimed TV show Mad Men as much as anyone. It’s not inaccurate, he says, just romanticized. He should know. Boychuk, who cut his teeth at venerable Seattle ad agency WongDoody, now runs Little Hands of Stone, an independent creative agency with a modest office in the Fremont neighborhood, with partner…
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…