Carroll Shelby talks about John Myers ("Flying Man")

I really enjoyed meeting Carroll Shelby. He talked alot about his growing, his father, his heroes, and car racing. Here he talks about his friend John Myers aka "Flying Man."

Tom Jones remembers his friend Johnny Myers ("Flying man"

Here is a short video from our interview with Tom Jones for my documentary film “Flying Man: Life and Times of John Myers.”

You can learn more about this film at www.flyingmandocumentary.com

Maria and Griff Get Married - The documentary

Maria and Griff enter the beautiful Wedding Reception where a lots wonderful surprises awaited them

Maria's Parents Doug & Lori Williams and Grandparents Bud & Dolores Anthony

Its been a journey of joy working on the documentary “Maria and Griff Get Married.” Part one of the documentary was shown at the great Wedding Reception last night at Herban Feast in the Sodo section of Seattle. Stacy Kvam and her team did a fantastic job in organizing the wedding. Over the past few weeks I have interviewed several members of both Maria’s and Griff’s family. Since Griff is from Texas, I interviewed his mom and brother over the phone, and then several of his friends and family at last night’s reception. The video has been a secret to the Bride and groom so I hadn’t met them until last night. Everything went perfect. It was great to also meet some of Maria’s cousins who flew in from Germany and a lot of Griff’s friends in from Austin, Texas. You can learn more about Stacy Kvam atwww.skweddingandeventdesign.com and Herban Feast atwww.herbanfeast.com You can learn about Maria and Griff athttp://www.mywedding.com/griffandmaria/

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.

Foundation for the Future - lecture - Donald Johanson

Donald C. Johanson, Ph.D

Tonight RJ shot a lecture with a HDV video camera for the Foundation for the Future at the Town Hall in Seattle. The guest lecturer was Donald C. Johanson, the paleoanthropologist who discovered “Lucy” the 3.2 million-year-old fossil hominid skeleton. Johanson’s lecture was focused on “Darwin and Human Evolution.” It has been thirty years since my last anthropology class, so I was spellbound by Johanson’s educational lecture about the history of evolution and how recent finds in fossil discoveries are proving Darwin right time and time again. Johanson talked about how the origins of man all point to Africa and how changes in diet and tools have helped effect the size of our teeth. I really enjoyed shooting the High Definition Video for the Foundation for the Future. You can learn more about their mission and other lectures at www.futurefoundation.org

Joe & Kay Regan - B-17 gunner shot down in WW2, married 65 years

Joe Regan with his wife Kay, and Director RJ McHatton

Joe Regan shows us the spoon he made from a tin can and shared with all the POWs

Joe Regan

It was a glorious day in the Northwest. I drove along the lake and the sky was perfect blue. I was there to pickup Joe and Kay Regan. My goal was to interview Joe for a video biography interview. Joe served as a B-17 belly gunner and his aircraft was shot down over Germany. Joe was captured by the Germans and became a POW of Stalag 7a with thousands of roommates. Joe told some incredible stories about his experiences over there. It was a very emotional time for both of us. Luckily Joe’s beautiful wife Kay was there to calm us down. Joe and Kay have been married 65 years. I feel blessed to have met Kay and Joe. They are most proud of raising five children and then another five foster kids, too. After the war Joe didn’t do much flying but he was able in recent years to fly in a B-17 a couple of times. Sometimes its real hard for Joe to think about those days as a POW. He remembers the hunger, the joy he realized when his POW camp was liberated, and the times he met Patton and Eisenhower. He also remembers the spoon he made out of a tin can, and how he shared that spoon with so many other POWs in the Stalag.

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.