Opening Bell
On Reflection: Dogs and Chickens
Costco's trajectory just keeps rising
You can buy virtually anything at Costco. Costco has its own travel agency. It offers health. The company sold 11 million tires last year and filled 60 million prescriptions. You can buy a 5-carat diamond for $260,000 or a Mickey Mantle autographed rookie card for $250,000. But it’s the hot dogs and rotisserie chickens that…
Statshot: Weapons of Mass Construction
Seattle boasts an impressive number of new office buildings
Downtown Seattle’s vacancy rate continues to rise, though new office buildings are going up at a rapid rate. A report from Kidder Mathews pegs the vacancy rate at 23.9%. For comparison purposes, it was about 10% at the end of 2019, just before the pandemic. Despite that, data firm Commercial Edge reports that Seattle has…
Healthy Food Drives Deal
Entrepreneurs Norman Wu and Lisa Nordstrom join forces over a shared passion
It began with the creation of a healthy snack. It morphed into a café. Now, a major investment will transform the very nature of Sano Café. Conscious Hospitality Group co-founder Norman Wu is making a major investment in Sano Café, a small establishment on Mercer Island that offers espresso, juices, smoothies, breakfast, and lunch. Lisa…
‘Culture Takes All of Us’
Impinj sets the tone, but allows employees to build an inclusive workplace
Christina Balam and other executives at Seattle tech company Impinj use a simple yet powerful phrase to ensure collaboration and communication. “‘Culture takes all of us’ is the call to action we remind employees of often,” says Balam, the company’s senior vice president of human resources. “To empower this attitude, we’ve built pathways for discussion…
Statshot: The Silver Economy
Washington state fares better than most when it comes to older adults
Washington state is considered among the best places in the country for older residents due to its natural beauty and thriving economy, though it does have a relatively high cost of living. Seniors are significant players in the state’s economy. Here’s an economic snapshot: 38.5 Median age in U.S. 37.7 Median age in Washington state…
Gym Journey
Chris Travis launched SSP to help others in the same situation he once found himself in
Chris travis remembers working 80 hours a week after starting a new job at Amazon’s Kindle division back in 2010. Not surprisingly, it took a toll on his health. He was eating poorly. He had developed a bad back, and wasn’t exercising. He wasn’t really even moving at all. He spent all of his time…
Deliberate, Direct, Decisive
At Davidson & Associates, culture is nurtured on a daily basis
Don’t be confused by Tony Johnson’s use of the word “deliberate” to describe the culture at his insurance company. Think thoughtful, not laid-back. And it all begins before an employee even sets foot in the door. “We are ‘deliberate’ about ensuring personalities will mesh well with our culture in the hiring process,” says Johnson, principal…
On Reflection: Telecommuting Triumph
Seattle and Washington state score high for remote work
If you’re reading this from your home office, you’re not alone. Almost one-third of employees across Washington state work from home on at least a part-time basis. A report from web hosting company Hostinger says slightly under 2 million people, or 32.7% of the state’s workforce, worked remotely at least one day out of the…
Statshot: Life Science on the Rise in Washington
Advancing scientific knowledge, improving public health
Washington state’s life science industry bucked the pandemic downturn, with impressive job growth, especially among women. The industry added $21.7 billion to the state’s GDP in 2022, and contributed $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue. “Washington has solidified its standing as a top 10 life science hub in the country,” Life Science Washington…
Cultural Revolution
Revolution tops ‘Best Companies’ list by emphasizing teamwork and open communication
Revolution Custom/Civil Builders employees and their families very much anticipate the Issaquah-based builder’s annual company retreat to Chelan. Pizza is served on Friday night, followed by an elegant dinner the next day at a winery. Last year, one disappointed worker was unable to attend the company-paid bash. You’d never know it by looking at a…
Whale Wins
A new study pinpoints massive economic impact
Most people look at Puget Sound and think of its natural beauty. They notice nearby islands, or Washington state’s fleet of 21 ferry vessels. Add whales to that mix. A study for the Pacific Whale Watch Association by Martin Associates finds that whale watching expeditions in Washington state create $119.1 million in economic value and…
Statshot: Maritime Punch
A hub of innovation
Working waterfronts across Washington state boast significant economic benefits. The state maritime industry creates more than 174,000 direct and indirect jobs and $14.4 billion in labor income. A study commissioned by the Washington Maritime Federation found that the average annual salary for maritime-related jobs is $112,000, including benefits. The study notes that, while the majority…
Counterfeit Crackdown
Amazon bulks up fraud-fighting efforts as global scams increase
Amazon’s extensive efforts to fight fraud are paying off. The Seattle e-commerce giant says it stopped more than 700,000 “bad actor” attempts to create new selling accounts last year. Amazon’s recently released 2023 Brand Protection Report reveals that the company invested a staggering $1.2 billion into fighting fraud last year. Amazon has more than 15,000…