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.

Voice Over for Camp Korey Video

Filmmaker Julia Welbourne, RJ McHatton, with Camp Korey Marketing & Communications Coordinator Eva Dankanics

We are very proud and happy to help the Camp Korey team in any way we can. I first heard of Camp Korey about three years ago when I read an article about the actor Paul Newman being in the area. He was here to check out the property at the old Carnation Farm located near my Ames Lake area home in the Snoqualmie Valley. Camp Korey is associated with the “Hole in the Wall Camps” which offers supervised camps for very sick kids and their families. Recently I was contacted by the voice over artist Patti Payne to see if they could use our studio to record some voice overs for the Camp Korey team. We were happy to help in any way we can. I lost my Dad to cancer back in the early 1990s and I will never forget how devastating the experience was for my family. I think the Camp Korey project is a wonderful cause and I recommend you check out their great website and videos at www.campkorey.org

Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky

Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky

I had a fantastic meeting with Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky. We met in Vancouver to discuss the production of my new historical documentary on the “Impact of Generic Drugs on the Changing Health Care Environment.” Dr. Stavchansky is a Professor at the College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, and an internationally recognized expert on the generic drug industry. Ben Wiener was one of the early entrepreneurs in the Generic Drug industry, dating back to the 1940s. Both Ben and Sol are fantastic mentors to this documentary project. I am tremendously grateful for their influence and support.

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.

Bob Oliver - Fire Chief

Bob Oliver – Fire Chief

Larry Sagen, Fire Chief Bob Oliver, Carol Remz, and Director RJ McHatton

I am proud that we were able to help Larry Sagen and the non profit “Fire 20/20″ do an interview on High Definition video with Redmond Fire Chief Bob Oliver. It was great meeting Bob Oliver. He is an RJ too. The purpose of the interview was to talk about the importance of diversity in the Firefighting industry. To learn more about Fire 20/20 go to www.fire2020.org

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.”

Trina Westerlund - Children's Institute for Learning Differences

Trina Westerlund with Director RJ McHatton

It was a beautiful morning in Mercer Island. I was there to interview Trina Westerlund, the CEO and Founder of Children’s Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD) for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s video “Best Workplaces.” There was another film crew there because they are making a one year documentary of the life and times of this organization. Trina told me some great stories about how she started the non-profit 33 years ago with five children. Today the organization is a whole lot bigger, but the goals and focus have remained the same, on the children. To learn more about Trina and her team, go to www.childrensinstitute.com

John Oppenheimer - CEO of Columbia Hospitality

Director RJ McHatton with John Oppenheimer

It was a gorgeous, sunny day in Seattle. The waterfront was full of tourists off the Cruise ships. I headed to the World Trade Center to interview John Oppenheimer, CEO of Columbia Hospitality for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” award video. Columbia Hospitality owns or manages 13 premier resort properties including the Salish Lodge & Spa. John was a great interview. He talked about how he started in the hospitality business as a bell hop and now he was the CEO! John talked about how important the team culture was for their success. He said that he really focuses on hiring the right people. He said that all employees go through a rigorous hiring process and that he personally interviews all the concierges of all resorts. He said he believes the first impression and the last impressions are the most important. I really enjoyed meeting John. I could tell that he is a world-class guy with a tremendous focus on the values of customer service and the goal of creating raving fans among his team and clients. John said that he is a big believer in nepotism, that he loves to have lots of family working for his organization.

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 Shelton - Leadership 101 for White Men, Speaker, Author

Author and Speaker Chuck Shelton

I originally thought the title to the book was pretty provocative and not politically correct. ”Leadership 101 for White Men.” But then I looked closer and the tag line is “How to work successfully with Black Colleagues and Customers.” Author Chuck Shelton asked us to shoot some footage and do editing on a video for his new website (www.greatheartleaderlabs.com). I met with Chuck and I learned a lot about his philosophies concerning diversity in the workplace and those old time taboos. We talked about how things have changed so much in our lifetime and for the better. Chuck is a very interesting man with a strong background in management and leadership training for companies like Microsoft, Key Bank, Wal-Mart, and Safeco.

Jeffrey Lyon Interview - GVA Kidder Mathews

Jeffrey Lyon with Director RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed meeting Jeffrey Lyon of GVA Kidder Mathews. I drove down to the GVA Kidder Mathews headquarters to interview Jeffrey for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” Award. GVA Kidder Mathews is a very successful commercial real estate firm with 9 offices in Washington, California, and Oregon. They have over 400 employees. I sat down with Jeffrey Lyon to talk about why his company has been successful and why the employees voted them as one of the best workplaces. Jeffrey talked about how proud he was of his team. He talked about the unique culture of his organization, where everyone works hard and together to help clients be successful. He talked about the unique character of his team and how they have pulled together and succeeded even in turbulent times. He said that he is very proud to work for GVA Kidder Mathews and that he was very optimistic about the future. Recently Jeffrey Lyon was recognized by Ernst & Young at the “Entrepreneur of the Year” for 2009 in the Real Estate category. I enjoyed meeting Jeffrey and I learned a lot.

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.

Matt, Steve, and Ben interview - Turnstyle Design

Matt Diefenbach, Director RJ McHatton, Ben Graham and Steve Watson

I drove over to the Seattle offices of Turnstyle, a fast growing Graphic Design firm. I was there to interview the leadership team of Turnstyle because they were finalists for the annual Puget Sound Business Journal “Best Workplaces in Washington” award. I was immediately impressed with the Turnstyle team. The office had a great receptionist, but as I looked around it seems that I could see almost the entire staff in one big loop of view. The offices had lots of people but they weren’t in cubicles or offices. It was one big room, with the leaders and regular employees all working hard on their computers. There was a very positive buzz in the air. I set up my camera, lights, and sound equipment in a small office of someone who was out that day. I interviewed Matt, Steve, and Ben individually, and then all together. My goal was to find out why they were nominated as one of the Best Workplaces and to find out their secret to success in business. I quickly learned that these leaders were a great team. Each partner had specific skillsets that when put together equalled an unbeatable match. They told me how important their culture and values were to the fundamental success they had achieved. They talked about how every member on the team was like friends, so they valued taking time off together for an event or even just a drink. They thought it was worthwhile shutting down the entire office to go have a fun time together. They talked about how important relationships with clients and the employees meant to them. They told me how they believed in trust and integrity and diversity. Matt, Steve, and Ben were so enthusiastic that I felt enthusiastic and energized, too. These guys were very creative and fun, but I could tell they took their business very seriously and would go the extra mile to find creative solutions to a project.

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.