Update on Zumiez

I wrote a brief post a couple of weeks ago looking at a local company, Zumiez, and some of their videos (you can read that here). The Everett Herald posted a story on Monday looking at one of the Co-Founders, Gary Haakenson.

My son is big fan of Zumiez fashion, so I’m closely attached to the brand. I’ve been quite impressed with my interactions with them, both in their stores and in the community. Their headquarters is just a few miles from my house, and I regularly drive past. All these bring about an attachment.

So, read up on one of my local brands and enjoy this snapshot into regional business culture. And into one of our areas entrepreneurs.

No You Go, Or, Seattle-Stop-Sign-Itis

I find it hard to imagine anyone driving in Seattle who hasn’t experienced this. And, I must confess, I’ve suffered from this syndrome.

This is courtesy of the great parody, Portlandia, which exquisitely captures NW culture.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-baV-xULLk?list=PLojjDpU2hfbl2O152r83d4ifEMuVOlBY4&w=560&h=315]

New Bridges : Saving the Sanity of Skagit County

After the bridge collapse up over the Skagit, the powers that be have been working feverishly to get something in place ASAP. I’ve been quite impressed with both the speed in which the pieces are coming together, but also the great levels of communication with the public.

Here’s a look at the process (I think it’s cool, but I’m a geek).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmaYikWdfY&w=420&h=315]

And here’s a snapshot of where things stand right now (well, as of today via Twitter).

Catching You Folks Up : Closing Out May 2013

My past few weekends have been quite busy…full of the good living that makes me love this region. Memorial Day weekend I was able to spend with good friends on the beach a few miles north of my house, and then spent a day at Folklife, one of my favorite Seattle festivals. Though the weather was a bit drippy, I enjoyed the music and other artists while we wandered the Seattle Center Campus. Then we wandered over to the Pacific Science Center, always a favorite for us. Lunch in the Armory, my son enjoying Kabab and my wife and I grubbing on burgers from Skillet’s counter.

This past weekend we spent part of Saturday meandering the Edmonds Spring/Garden Market, ending the day with froyo at Revelations. Yesterday, spent most of my morning and early afternoon at Trinity Lutheran Church for our annual meeting, followed by a run down in Edmonds.

For me, at least, all recipes for perfect weekends.

You’ll find a few photos below for your enjoyment!

Cheers, all.

Scenes From Folklife 2013

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A Day At Mission Beach, On The Tulalip Reservation

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Companies, Serving Customers, & Measurements

I love Seth Godin’s post today.

We’ve all seen policies that only serve one function of a business to the detriment of others. And watched that team fail to address this.

It’s painful and often sad, as good people either leave, or get sucked into that paralyzed mindset. When creativity and innovative thinking are crushed, this is your journey’s destination. It sucks.