Bert Markovich - Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Bert Markovich with Director RJ McHatton

It was great meeting Bert Markovich, senior partner with one of America’s leading law firms, Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. I was there to interview Bert for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Bert said that he had worked his entire career with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and that he was very proud of where he worked. He told me about how their firm is over 100 years old and they are focused on treating their clients and employees with respect. Bert talked about the importance of family and values and character.

Brian Vance - CEO of Heritage Bank

Brian Vance with Director RJ McHatton

I had never been to downtown Olympia before. It was a beautiful sunny day. We were there in Olympia to interview Brian Vance, the CEO of Heritage Bank, for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Brian did a great interview. Brian is originally from a farm and ranching family in Southern Idaho. He calls himself a cowboy because that is where his roots came from. Brian told me how he had started in the banking business as a teller and over the years he had worked almost every job in the bank. Now he is the CEO of one of the fastest growing community banks in the country. He was proud that his bank just became a “Billion Dollar” bank, which is a huge milestone in his industry. We talked about how his company has become a “Best Workplace.” Brian said it all came down to the values of integrity, listening to your people, and doing the right thing. He talked about the importance of keeping constant communication with the team and keeping to the fundamental vision. Brian talked about the 80 year history of the Heritage Bank and how proud he was to see it growing still, even in tough economic times. I could tell that Brian was very passionate about the importance of honesty and integrity and having fun with his team. Some of the Heritage team made sure I heard about Brian’s famous “Pancake” recipe. Brian talked about the company picnics and Pancake parties. Sounds like a great place to work.

Rob Harris, Pacific Market International (PMI)

Rob Harris with Director RJ McHatton

It was a fantastic morning in downtown Seattle as we headed over to the Pacific Market International headquarters. We were there to interview CEO and Founder Rob Harris for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. We were greeted by a very enthusiastic team including HR Manager Doreen Huether and Marketing Communications Coordinator Jenn Ottele. Rob Harris is a very nice guy. During our interview he talked about the history of his company and how he started it 26 years ago in his home. Now it is an international company with offices in several countries including China and England. We talked about the culture of his organization and how important it was to create a great place to work. Rob talked about the core values of his team and the fantastic character they have shown over the years. He said his proudest moments were when he saw his people grow as people. He talked about his joy in seeing people move up in his organization and he thinks the secret to success is listening to your people. I really enjoyed meeting Rob Harris and his team at PMI. They are very positive, nice people.

Jim Sypher - MassMutual Financial Group

Director RJ McHatton with Jim Sypher of MassMutual

It is always very exciting to drive into downtown Seattle on a beautiful sunny morning. Today my son Jason and I could feel our ears pop as we rode the elevators up to higher floors of the big black Columbia Tower. We were there to interview Jim Sypher of MassMutual Financial Group. MassMutual was a finalist as one of the “Best Workplaces” as awarded by the Puget Sound Business Journal. We were interviewing all the top leaders of these companies for a video project. I really enjoyed meeting Jim and the MassMutual team. They are so enthusiastic and cheerful. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Jim did a super job in the interview. He talked about the unique “team” culture there at MassMutual and the important values that have been so profound during the recent financial crunches. He talked about the incredible dedication his team has focused on integrity and courage and character. Jim talked about how important attitude can be to the success of an organization. I learned a lot in my meeting with Jim. He has one of the best view offices I have ever seen. You can almost watch a Seahawks or Mariners game from his office. Jim explained to me how important the concept of “Mutual” is to his industry and how proud he was to work for MassMutual.

Scott Dietzen - CEO of Lemaster Daniels CPA

Scott Dietzen with Director RJ McHatton

My son Jason and I drove over to Spokane to interview Scott Dietzen, CEO of Lemaster Daniels CPA. We were interviewing Scott for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Scott did a super job in the interview. He talked about the very strong legacy and Core Values of the Original founders of the firm. Lemaster Daniels recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Scott talked about his experience as a basketball coach and how important it was that every member of the firm understand and grab onto the expectations of positive behaviors. I was very impressed by the leadership philosophies of Scott Dietzen.

Russell Steele - CEO Clearwater Casino & Resort

Russell Steele with Director RJ McHatton

My son Jason and I took the fairy to Bainbridge Island. It was a fantastic day. Jason brought the binoculars. We were there to interview Russell Steele, the CEO of Clearwater Casino and Resort. Russell did a super job in the interview. He talked about the many programs that his company has put into place to help inspire a “Best Workplace” culture. He talked about the importance of offering educational opportunities for the team and providing a great environment for listening to the employees needs.

Brad Burkett - Kimpton Restaurants and Hotels

Brad Burkett with Director RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed meeting Brad Burkett from Kimpton Restaurants & Hotels. I was there at the Alexis Hotel in Seattle to interview Brad for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Kimpton was a finalist for the Best Workplace of the year awards. Brad told me some of the fundamental values that helped create such a winning culture at Kimpton. He talked about the importance of his team overdelivering with clients and doing whatever it takes to make experiences special. He talked about the vision of the Founder and how their company has grown from one location to fifty. Brad talked about the empowerment that he and all Kimpton employees feel and how wonderful it was to work for such a friendly company.

Donn Harvey - CEO of Protingent Staffing

Donn Harvey with Director RJ McHatton

It was a wonderful day as I drove over to the headquarters to Protingent Staffing in Redmond, WA. I was there to interview CEO Donn Harvey for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. I was immediately impressed because as I entered their front doors, I was met with a big sign that said, “Welcome RJ McHatton from Inventive Productions.” You always hear from leaders that its the little things that count, and I can testify that my attitude was definitely affected in a positive way by meeting that sign. Donn Harvey is a really nice guy. He had pictures everywhere with him and his motorcycles. As we began the interview I asked Donn about his childhood heroes and teenage ambitions. He told me that he was a musician from way back and that his heroes were all musicians. I later learned that Donn is a nationally recognized blues bass player. He told me about his background working in the Aerospace industry and how he became involved in the Staffing business. Donn told me about some of his philosophies of running a “Best Workplaces” business. He said it really comes down to the simple concept of respect. As soon as I got back to my office I googled Donn and found his Myspace page, where I proceeded to play several of his awesome songs. I enjoyed meeting Donn and I learned a lot about how to run a “Best Workplaces.”

Brian Paulen - CEO Madrona Solutions Group

Director RJ McHatton with Brian Paulen

It was great meeting Brian Paulen, CEO of Madrona Solutions Group in downtown Seattle. I was there to interview Brian for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Brian had a great sense of humor and it was exciting to learn about one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Brian proved to me that a positive attitude and a positive team culture has tremendous impact on the team success. He talked about the importance of being a great listener and being flexible to the needs of clients. He talked about the diversity of his team and the importance of having fun at work. I really liked how Brian said his greatest mentor was his father.

Tim Gibbons - CEO of Pharmacy OneSource

Tim Gibbons, CEO of Pharmacy OneSource

I learned a lot in my interview with Tim Gibbons, CEO of Pharmacy OneSource. I interviewed Tim for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video. Tim talked about the great culture that his company has nurtured over the years. He told me that his greatest pride is seeing his team being happy, successful, and innovative. He said that his secret to success is hiring great people.

Chuck Riley interview - Lane Powell Attorneys

Chuck Riley with Director RJ McHatton

I went down to the Lane Powell offices in Seattle to interview VP Chusk Riley for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” award. Chuck Riley did a super interview. He talked about the incredible culture at Lane Powell and how they really focus on core values with their clients and their employees. Lane Powell is one of the oldest and most successful law firms in the Northwest. It was started over 100 years ago. Today Lane Powell has over 300 staff and over 150 attorneys. Over the years many of the Northwest’s great judges once worked with Lane Powell. Chuck said that one of the secrets to success at Lane Powell is total committment to the local communities. The culture of the company is focused on coming up with new ideas about ways the firm can help people. He talked about how the employees dedicate time and money to helping the food banks and Habitat for Humanity and the United Way. I could tell that Chuck was very dedicated and proud of his team at Lane Powell. He also was very proud that his employees would have voted Lane Powell as one of the “Best Workplaces” in Washington.

Kurt Carlson, CEO of Propel Insurance

Director RJ McHatton with Kurt Carlson

I could not stop thinking about my interview with Kurt Carlson of Propel Insurance. He really impressed me with his interview. I had driven down nto Tacoma to meet with Kurt as part of a video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” Award. Kurt’s company Propel Insurance was a finalist this year. Kurt told me how the company started many years ago and how they recently had changed their name. He told me how they nurtured the culture and about the incredible character of his team. Kurt started talking about all the many things that his company has created to help inspire a positive workplace. I was definitely impressed. In addition the normal medical benefits and 401ks, Propel had created several recognition awards and parties to inspire team mates to look for and find heroes among the team. Their goal is to recognize and focus on the positive things that people do everyday to help others. They try to catch people doing things right. I was inspired by the enthusiasm of Kurt Carlson and his huge goals for the future. Kurt talked about how he has learned a lot from his mentors including friends he has made at the YPO, Young Presidents Organization. Propel definitely seems like a great place to work and I can see why they were nominated by their employees for an award.

Bob Berntson interview - Berntson Porter CPA

Director RJ McHatton with Bob Berntson

I first met Bob Berntson a few years ago when I interviewed him and his partner Greg Porter for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce “Eastside Business Awards.” Today I was interviewing Bob for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal on the “Best Workplaces in Washington.” Bob is a great person to interview because he has a subtle sense of humor. He reminds me of Harrison Ford because when I interviewed Harrison Ford he always did subtle jokes about himself, and Bob does the same thing. Bob talked about the unique culture they had at Berntson Porter CPA and the many ways they try to nurture that culture. He said that Values are extremely important and that his team had terrific character. He said that they have a “Fireside Chat” several times a year to help keep everyone in the team on the same page about where the firm was going and how they were going to get there. Bob said that he is very lucky because he has some terrific mentors who have helped him over the years. Bob said he loves his company and all the people on his team. Bob said that he felt like a very lucky man. He said that one of the key foundations of their focus is on community involvement and that his team really loves helping others. I really enjoyed my interview with Bob and feel I learned a lot.

Dave Coffman interview - Coffman Engineers

Dave Coffman with Director RJ McHatton

I met Dave Coffman in downtown Seattle at the Coffman Engineers office. Dave Coffman is the CEO of Coffman Engineers. He is a real character. I was interviewing him for the Puget Sound Business Journal video about the “Best Workplaces” finalists. Coffman Engineers has been around for over 30 years now. Dave talked about how he started the company 30 years ago in Bellevue, then expanded to Alaska and now they have coverage all over the Western US and do work all over the world. Coffman Engineers has a great track record, with several large long-term clients including Nordstroms. Dave talked about his focus on integrity, honesty, and dependability. He talked about the culture he has tried to nurture over the years. He said that several of his people have gone off to start their own companies and he is proud that he has been a mentor to so many and that his team voted Coffman as one of the best workplaces in Washington. Dave told me he really cares for his people. He said the secret to their success has been their people and their belief in diversity. I really enjoyed meeting Dave Coffman.

Melanie Dressel interview - Columbia Banking System

RJ with Melanie Dressel of Columbia Banking System

I drove down to Tacoma to meet the CEO of Columbia Banking Systems, Melanie Dressel, for a video we were making for the Puget Sound Business Journal. Columbia Banking was a finalist for the “Best Workplace” award. Melanie did a great interview. She talked about the reasons her company has been successful in such a challenging business climate. She said that the culture of the organization and the focus on the values of customer service and treating people right were paying off. She said that her philosophy is to hire good people and you will succeed. She said that every employee goes through a boot camp to make sure everyone understands the culture and values. Melanie proved to be a very strong leader and I learned a lot from our interview. Thanks, Melanie!

Patrick Tessier interview - Northwest Laboratories

Director RJ McHatton with Patrick Tessier

Patrick Tessier is an interesting man.  I drove over to Bellevue to interview Patrick Tessier, CEO of Northwest Laboratories, for the Puget Sound Business Journal video about the “Best Workplaces” in Washington.  Patrick told me how he was educated in engineering and had worked in the paper box industry for almost twenty years.  Then when his 40th birthday was approaching, he decided to completely change his life and find a new business, a new industry, to focus his next chapter of life on.  He chose the Dental reconstruction business.  Today his company Northwest Laboratories is one of the fastest growing companies in America.  We talked about his secret to success and he said it was his team.  He talked about the many things they do to keep the positive culture alive and he said his secret weapon was putting in a kitchen and having real home cooked lunches everyday.  He said that one of his team members is a world class cook and that nothing keeps the culture alive like a great lunch.  Patrick Tessier has an awesome attitude.  I talked with several members of his team and they were so enthusiastic!  I think Patrick Tessier is a great leader.  We talked about the core values and character of his organization.  His eyes teared up with pride.

Howard Chermak interview- Chermak Construction

Howard Chermak with Director RJ McHatton

 Howard Chermak is a nice guy.  Howard is the founder and CEO of Chermak Construction.  They specialize in remodeling.  I was there to interview Howard for the Puget Sound Business Journal video we are making about the “Best Workplaces” in Washington award.  I was very impressed with Howard and his philosophies of running a successful business.  Howard is always thinking about the future.  Many years ago he started a Vision Team to help plan the future of the company.  He anticipated the slow times of the recession so he worked closely with his team to not have to lay people off.  Howard talked about how he started the company with just one employee, himself, and how its grown over the years.  He talked about the core values and the importance of working closely with the community.  He talked about being a member of the Chamber and the Rotary and other service groups.  Howard is a nice man and he has built a nice company with a fine reputation.

Patrick Yalung interview - Wells Fargo Bank

Director RJ McHatton with Patrick Yalung

 I had a great interview with Patrick Yalung of Wells Fargo.  I was there to interview Patrick for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s video about the “Best Workplaces” in Washington.  Patrick did a super interview.  He talked about how Wells Fargo really works hard to build a culture that is supportive of all the employees.  He talked about the organization’s complete focus on the customer experience.  He also talked about the importance of diversity in the team.  We talked about core values, character, and the return to family values in the workplace.  I learned a lot in this interview with Patrick.  He is a nice guy.

Casey Sheldon interview - Weber Shandwick

Casey Sheldon with Director RJ McHatton

 I drove down to the Union Station area of downtown Seattle to the offices of Weber Shandwick.  I was there to interview President-NW Casey Sheldon for the video we are creating for the Puget Sound Business Journal about the “Best Workplaces in Washington” award.   It only took five seconds to realize why Casey Sheldon is so successful.  She is energetic, enthusiastic, charming, and extremely confident.  Casey is so passionate about her team and her love for her work.  Casey loved to talk about her great team and how her goal is to do whatever she can to help them succeed.  She talked about the tremendous pressure of her industry and how her team has risen to the occasion.   We discussed the core values and the culture and the character of her team.  Casey talked about the first time she ever managed other people.  It was back in Ohio when she was young and leading a team of auto workers.  She talked about how her team had worked together to overcome adversity.  Casey Sheldon is a remarkable leader and a tremendous positive force.  I spoke to some members of her team and they were very proud to be a finalist for the Best Workplace Award.  They said that they love the flexibility that Casey and the leadership allow for the team members.  I am very lucky to be able to interview these Best Workplaces companies and their leaders.  You learn so much from each interview.  Its rewarding to hear that so many leaders like Casey still have focus on values and integrity and character.  Everyone is going back to basics of the way they treat each other.

Cam Green & John Rubino interview - Green/Rubino PR

Cameron Green, Director RJ McHatton, and John Rubino

 I really enjoyed my interview with Cameron Green and John Rubino of the PR firm Green/Rubino.  I was interviewing them for the Puget Sound Business Journal video about their nomination as one of the “Best Workplaces” in the State of Washington.  John and Cameron are a great team.  One is a numbers guy (John) and the other is a writer-creative guy  (Cam).  They seem to have a winning combination.  One of the great moments during our interview was when Cameron talked about the importance of writing skills.  He said that his advice for a future CEO is to make sure to focus on writing skills.   I could tell that John and Cam are great leaders because they kept talking about values and character and integrity.