GOLDENDALE, Wash.–Shannon and Phil D’Avanzo knew they wanted to relocate from Troutdale, Oregon, to the small town of Goldendale in rural Washington state to be closer to family, but what would they do for work? Shannon had worked in corporate retail for 16 years and Phil’s experience was in gym management and auto detailing, so….what … Read more
BELLINGHAM, Wash.— In Jeff Shaw’s previous work, he was fighting to save the planet. Now, as owner of Bellingham BJJ, a training academy for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he’s helping students learn to fight for their own improved physical and mental health. “It’s definitely as rewarding [as my previous work was],” said Shaw, a former deputy director … Read more
AUBURN, Wash.—After another conversation with her husband about problems at his work, Mari Borrero told him, “Look, you have a choice. If you don’t like the way things are going, do something different.” So he did, and she did, too. Today, Mari Borrero and her husband Aaron Borrero are co-owners of American Abatement and Demo, … Read more
"Lorena was honest about her concerns, but not discouraging in anyway"
Christina Sodemann-Perkins and Dale Perkins
Sensory Tool House, a retail store that provides space to explore sensory supportive equipment and tools, has been named the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Star Client for 2023.
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. – A roof leak necessitates immediate action so the building isn’t damaged nor its integrity threatened. It therefore seems fitting that Michael Dechand, a man of action and initiative, wasted little time opening his own roofing company when opportunities for growth with his former employer hindered his aspirations. “There was no ladder … Read more
SPOKANE, Wash.—Single Handed Consulting, a disability management service that helps injured workers get back to work, has been named the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Star Client of the Year. Owned by siblings Katie Leneker-Hynes and Kevin Leneker, the business employs nearly 40 vocational rehabilitation counselors across the state. Kevin Leneker accepted the award … Read more
"Steve Burke helped us clarify what we needed to do to achieve our goals,” said Kristina Orille, financial and creative director of Verde Organic Body, a holistic health, personal training, massage and yoga studio that she and her husband incorporated in November 2016. "
Kristina and Michael Orille
TACOMA, Wash.—The Great Recession may have knocked the construction industry on its heels, but architectural firms didn’t escape unscathed either. Architect Jennifer Weddermann left one firm in 2008 in search of more professional challenges just before the recession hit, and then was laid off from two different firms over the next 12 months. That’s when … Read more
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – After working for mid-sized building contractors since the early 2000s, three longtime friends and colleagues were inspired to start a company that focused on building lasting relationships while easing the burdens that inevitably come with construction projects. Saul Whitworth, Kenny Nichol and Elke Stevens started Ethos West Construction, Inc., to extend their … Read more
PULLMAN, Wash. – DJ Goldfinger and Molly Golden have a heart for large-scale hospitality whose innovation and service attract first-time customers and then convert them into lifelong fans. The partners – in marriage and business – had worked 15 years at the popular college dance bar Stubblefields when it was forced to close in August … Read more
