Congratulations to all the Achievement in Business Service and Trade winners! AIB, presented by Northrim Bank and Anchorage Daily News, is all about recognizing the awesome people who live in our community — it’s our way of giving the many outstanding citizens in Alaska a well-deserved and muchneeded pat on the back. AIB takes place four times a year, with a different industry of focus every quarter. ADN reaches out to the community to nominate their family, friends, co-workers, employees and upstanding citizens, and winners are chosen by the event committee. Keep an eye out on next quarter’s industry and nomination period!
An event to recognize those doing great things in their industry and within our community. 2ND QUARTER INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY Nomination Period: March 20-April 10 3RD QUARTER TOURISM & TRANSPORTATION Nominations open in June 4TH QUARTER HEALTH & WELLNESS Nominations open in October SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS AT
AchievementInBusiness.com
Congratulations BIRCH HORTON BITTNER & CHEROT 2020 Achievement in Business Honorees
Sarah Badten
bhbc-law.com 907-276-1550
Jason Brandeis
William Earnhart
Your Alaska Law Firm
Matthew Widmer
DeAnn Bacarella Tres Chic Salon and Day Spa DeAnn Bacarella is the owner of Tres Chic Salon and Day Spa, an industry she has worked in for more than 20 years after discovering her passion for helping others. She maintains a positive attitude and smile, regardless of obstacles presented before her. DeAnn supports her community by volunteering at the senior center monthly, providing haircuts to seniors. Said of DeAnn Bacarella, “She keeps her focus on being positive, helpful (and) faithful,and (is) just a hard-working lady.”
Sarah Badten Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Sarah Badten is a member of the Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot legal team with experience in Community Association Law, representing homeowner and condominium associations. She is an amazing lawyer who has spent more than 12 years representing more than 100 homeowners and condominium associations in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley alone, always going above and beyond for her clients. In addition, she is actively engaged in the Anchorage community and consistently volunteers to lead volunteerism and charitable events sponsored by the firm. Said of Sarah Badten, “Ms. Badten brings integrity and ingenuity to her practice, providing both her clients and members of the public with unparallelled service and value.”
Chris Bailey Re-Bath In 2011, Chris Bailey had the chance to join the Re-Bath team as a Design Consultant under Randy and Jamie Pratt, and the rest is history. He has worked on more than 1,200 bathroom remodels in the Anchorage and Mat-Su areas and loves that he is able to help clients through every step of the remodeling process, from design, to demolition and the sometimes-stressful installation that’s usually alleviated by an awesome in-house installation team. In 2017, Chris bought the franchise that he started working for all those years ago. Said of Chris Bailey, “He has a very open, loving, kind heart and I am proud to count him as a friend.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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Casey Bieber iHeartRadio, 101.3 KGOT Casey Bieber was born and raised in Anchorage and has spent more than 20 years on the airwaves with iHeartRadio, working his way up from promotions to on-air as a midday DJ to the KGOT Program Director in 2013. As the Program Director, Casey is responsible for developing the content selections based on his knowledge of the target demographic. The success of his station clearly demonstrates that Casey understands the market. In 2019, Casey was named an Alaska Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 young business leaders, and is the reigning 2020 Lord Trapper by the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival Board. Said of Casey Bieber, “While Casey is in the business of promoting community and bringing people together, he utilizes his talents outside of office walls to make meaningful impact throughout Alaska.”
Jason Brandeis Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Jason Brandeis serves as a legal advisor and advocate to individuals and entities as a member of the Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot legal team. He is also a tenured professor of justice and legal studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he teaches courses on the American legal system, constitutional law and civil liberties. Jason serves the Alaska community through his students, ensuring that Alaska’s future leaders in the legal community have the tools and knowledge necessary to provide all of Alaska’s residents with just and high-quality legal services. Said of Jason Brandeis: “Mr. Brandeis goes above and beyond in his service to the community, participating in numerous committees and projects for the betterment of Alaska. Mr. Brandeis’s value to his employer, his clients, his students, the legal services industry and the Alaska community as a whole is truly exceptional and worthy of appreciation.”
Ross Cameron Rosco’s Pizza When Ross Cameron combined his intimate relationship with food, beverage and hospitality and his deep-rooted need for adventure and it was only a matter of time before he opened Rosco’s in Ninilchik, Alaska. Rosco’s has now seen 10 years of world travelers and fellow Alaskans come through the doors. Alongside his wife, Carol, Ross built Rosco’s with love, passion, vision and plain hard work into the must-stop pizzeria and eatery that Rosco’s is today. Said of Ross Cameron: “(Ross is the) chef and owner of Rosco’s Pizza in Ninilchik, Alaska. The food, for such a small establishment, is outstanding!”
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Adam Cordell Camper Valley RV Adam Cordell, alongside his father, started Camper Valley RV in Wasilla, Alaska, in 2008, starting with three RVs and two employees and growing the business to 170 RVs in stock and 15 employees. He had sold thousands of RVs to and for people in need of money, family time and business over the last 10 years, and grew his business to one of the largest RV dealerships in the state after a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Adam gives back to his community through efforts with the Mat-Su Food Bank and MyHouse in Wasilla. Said of Adam Cordell: “(He is) an outstanding salesman, the best in state, (and) one of the best bosses I’ve worked for and has grown a little 5 person business into a thriving 15+ employee work environment.”
Michael Dejnozka Dave & Busters, KKO Properties and Chili’s Michael Dejnozka has lived in Anchorage for 23 years, graduating from Robert Service High School in 2003, and attending University of Alaska Anchorage for an associate’s degree in welding. He is inspired by his family, fiance Vanessa and six children, and lives by the mottoes “work hard,” “if you’re going to do something, do it right” and “treasure every day as if it were your last.” Said of Michael Dejnozka, “(He) provides excellent customer service and works very diligently.”
William Earnhart Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot William Earnhart is an attorney at Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot where he advises Alaska businesses, village corporations and municipalities as general counsel with an emphasis on labor and employment. He has more than 25 years of practice before the Alaska Superior Court, U.S. District Court, and arbitration panels, specializing in employment, commercial, professional malpractice, construction, and injury defense litigation. William has successfully defended clients in wage and hour matters and claims of breach of contract, retaliation, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and race, age, gender and disability discrimination. Said of William Earnhart: “Mr. Earnhart brings integrity and professionalism to his practice, providing value to his employer, his clients, the legal services industry and the Alaska community as a whole
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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Ylli Ferati Fiori D’Italia Restaurant Ylli Ferati grew up in the industry, folding pizza boxes as early as he could walk, to cleaning in the dishpit, to prepping with his dad in the kitchen. The son of immigrants, he is proudly Albanian-American and his family currently owns the revered and hidden Fiori D’Italia in the heart of Spenard, where he serves as bartender. He has been recognized nationally for his commitment to the whisky industry and has put Alaska on the map for whisky. Said of Ylli Ferati: “Ylli’s talent is rare and his liquor knowledge is varied as he pours many exotic types of cocktails. At his young age he has worked hard, long hours to help his family and has made the bar an internationally recognized whisky bar.”
Liz Gerken Miller Trinion Quality Care Services As Human Resources and Office Manager at Trinion, Liz Gerken Miller handles the hiring and on-boarding of new staff, keeps the office running smoothly and often represents the company at job and career fairs. Her motto is, “Answer the phone with a smile because you don’t know what kind of day the person has had before speaking with you.” Liz also volunteers for Hands of Peace Alternatives to Violence Project, teaching creative conflict resolution built on affirmation, respect, cooperation and trust. Said of Liz Gerken Miller: “I think she has fantastic charisma making everyone feel wanted and important. Her professional congenial attitude combined with a genuine willingness to help her fellow human beings goes way beyond.”
Misty Helander Remington Hotels, Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa Misty Helander has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 18 years and is a hard, flexible, dedicated, passionate employee with exemplary attendance and a smile on her face. In her current role as senior sales manager, Misty is responsible for obtaining and cultivating group business in the military, federal government, international government, religious and fraternal market segments. She loves bringing people to Alaska and helping them experience our amazing state. Said of Misty Helander: “It has been an honor to have Misty on my team. There is not a week goes by where I do not get a comment made to me via internal or external communication on how great Misty is and is a true hero of our industry.”
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Tim Kanady Kanady Chiropractic As one of Anchorage’s most respected chiropractors, Dr. Tim Kanady has a passion for helping people live healthy, pain-free lives. He and his wife Lynn opened Kanady Chiropractic in 1988. The family business has flourished in Spenard ever since. Tim helped lead the way in bringing Chiropractic BioPhysics to Anchorage, becoming one of the first in Alaska to become a certified practitioner. Said of Tim Kanady, “(Tim is a) caring professional in his trade.”
Casey Kirkeby Risq Consulting Born and raised in Anchorage, Casey Kirkeby is a lifelong Alaskan who has more than 15 years of combined experience in business relationship management, insurance benefits and sales. As a strategy consultant, Casey helps businesses effectively recruit, retain and reward their employees by providing specialized risk management, customized insurance programs and comprehensive employer services. Casey excels at identifying business needs by being able to quickly understand the mission, vision and values of the organization. Casey Kirkeby’s personal philosophy: “Always be winning.”
Erika Klaar Shop+Deliver LLC and The Nordic Home Erika Klaar is the co-owner of Shop+Deliver, as well as The Nordic Home, with her husband Michael Matteson. Shop+Deliver, a shopping and shipping service bringing everything from home goods, furniture, car parts and flooring to Alaska for clients, allows customers to access items they are looking for through one easy and affordable system. Erika makes customer care and interaction the highest priority; By getting to know her clients she can assess what their particular style or home needs might be and she works to create an atmosphere of cozy, inviting and uplifting to all who cross her path. Said of Erika Klaar: “Erika is Alaska grown and carries Alaska close to her heart. She is kind and passionate about small business development in Alaska.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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Rick Mallars Upper One Studios Rick Mallars is the President and CEO of Upper One Studios, providing global leadership while being inspired by the talented members of the team. He believes in balancing the different personalities, goals, and values to create a cohesive and collaborative company family. Rick has been a pioneer in customer service and marketing initiatives. His organization has allowed many businesses who traditionally haven’t been able to afford marketing services the opportunity to market and grow their business. Said of Rick Mallars: “He is a pillar of the Alaskan business community and a philanthropist at heart.”
Stephen McConnarty Primal Martial Arts Master Stephen McConnarty is a devoted, expert taekwondo teacher at Primal Martial Arts in Wasilla and a dedicated, volunteer resident of the Valley. He is also an accomplished athlete in his own right, starting at the early age of 6 as a taekwondo student, earning a position on the National Team for more than five years. Stephen dedicates himself to making sure that kids and young adults think enough of others and themselves to consider how their actions will impact their lives. Said of Stephen McConnarty, “Stephen has impacted the lives of literally hundreds of people through martial arts, not only in Alaska, but throughout the country.”
Nathan McKay Sound Financial and New York Life Nathan McKay Sr. LUTCF, or Nate, as he likes to be called, has been an investment professional with Sound Financial and New York Life for 18 years. He is an LUTC and Life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and has served as past President for National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, for both Anchorage and the state of Alaska. Nate has 17 consecutive council qualifications at New York Life Insurance Co. and a great love of Alaska, and is an avid James Bond fan. Said of Nathan McKay, “He is a consummate professional who cares more about his clients than anything else and yet has achieved wild success in the business.”
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Mara Michaletz Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Mara Michaletz serves as a member of the legal team of Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot. Mara has extensive experience in civil litigation and has provided exceptional legal service in areas of commercial litigation and business, construction and insurance disputes. Her practice also includes administrative law and compliance-related litigation in the areas of healthcare, aviation, wildlife and municipal code enforcement. Before joining BHBC, Mara served Alaskans as a trial attorney in the Anchorage District Attorney’s office, prosecuting crimes of domestic violence, theft and homicide. Said of Mara Michaletz: “... she tirelessly advocates for the needs and interests of her clients. Ms. Michaletz has an incredibly diverse practice, representing individuals, corporations, and government entities before the courts and administrative bodies.”
Michael Miller Out of a Jam Solutions Michael Miller grew up off-the-grid in Alaska and ended up in the very on-the-grid business of IT. He started Out of a Jam Solutions in 2000 as a service and repair business for Macintosh computers — in the intervening years the business has evolved to become the only Apple Consultancy in Alaska, dedicated to helping businesses, schools and individuals realize the potential of their technology. Said of Michael Miller, “He is someone who believes that if he can dream it, he can accomplish it.”
Evangeline Morisa Entrepreneur Through the years, Evangeline Morisa has found herself to be quite versatile ranging from being involved in the local community volunteering for numerous non-profits — Special Olympics Alaska, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Social Services, American Cancer Society, to name a few — in addition to her share of partnerships with her family businesses. Evangeline manages to involve herself in many different events in the local community by working to create teams of all ages to help however possible during many projects throughout the year. She is extremely motivated as an individual, and continues to stay positive as a pure example to never give up. Said of Evangeline Morisa: “She has an amazing heart that continues to give even when she has nothing left to give but her heart. I have seen countless times where she has had the bare minimum and she would give her last dollar to a friend that needed it.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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Mary Rosenzweig Turnagain Brewing Mary Rosenzweig is co-owner of Turnagian Brewing,but started as a researcher in the basic sciences, progressing to public health and advocacy and eventually into non-profit management. These experiences, combined with nearly 30 years of homebrewing, lead her and Ted, her husband of 28 years, to open a small craft brewery in 2018. Through their Selfless Sunday initiative, Mary and Ted raise funds for local nonprofit groups. It is Mary’s goal to have both employees and customers enjoy their experience at Turnagain Brewing and to build a community. Said of Mary Rosenzweig: “Committed to making Anchorage a better place to live, happy taproom staff and satisfied customers, Mary provides service and management which truly lifts the quality of life in Anchorage for all of us!”
Summer Schell Northern Hospitality Group Summer Schell is the Director of Human Resources for Northern Hospitality Group and is tasked with ensuring that 600-plus employees are settled in and ready to show every visitor that walks through the door what Alaska has to offer. She greets challenges head-on, with a positive attitude that is infectious and relishes in the chance to build community. Summer is truly delighted that each day she not only gets to work with a leading hospitality company in Alaska, but that she’s part of a group of people that believe that the opportunity in Alaska is endless. Said of Summer Schell, “Summer provides unity and order to ensure people of diverse backgrounds thrive in their new team.”
Matthew Schumaker Mountain Mechanical Matthew Schumaker has been in the plumbing field for more than 20 years, and is a licensed Journeyman Plumber. He goes beyond just trying to repair a client’s problem by contacting manufacturers and doing the necessary research to fix an issue. Matthew keeps up to date on new industry technology and requirements of his job as a service journeyman plumber. Said of Matthew Schumaker, “His goal is to keep the company he works at growing, to train others in this profession and to provide good service.”
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John Schwartz Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security John Schwartz has been in his industry for almost 30 years, starting out when he was only 14 years old. He joined Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in 1999 and worked to grow the business into a successful business, winning numerous accolades including the Best of Alaska Platinum award from 2012-2019. Along with the company, John takes time to focus on the community, and takes a lot of pride in being a part of Anchorage and Alaska. Said of John Schwartz, “He gives back within his industry and in the community, whether it’s knowledge or donations.”
Richard Sorge PacRim Properties LLC Richard Sorge is a proud veteran and Alaskan business owner operating a full-service real estate brokerage in the Anchorage area. Shortly after exiting the Army and graduating from Purdue University with a degree in political science and entrepreneurship, he found himself in Alaska joining the team of what is now PacRim Properties LLC. In 5 short years, Richard went from a professional property manager to a Real Estate Broker and company owner with Dean DesLauriers. Said of Richard Sorge: “Richard is a conscientious young professional that truly tries to do the right thing with clients, tenants and employees. Richard has demonstrated a mentorshiplike leadership style.”
Jessie Taliva`a Catholic Social Services and Rural Cap Jessie Taliva’a is the Program Manager for Homeless Family Services (HFS) at Catholic Social Services and also works for RurAL CAP’s Permanent Supportive Housing Division. Being an Alaska resident for over 30 years and bearing witness to the community has inspired Jessie‘s beliefs to want to continue building up the community on many different levels, from ending homelessness, social justice and even to the extent of working with youth outreach programs. Jessie is a vivid and powerful positive influence in the community. Said of Jessie Taliva’a: “Jessie has always been an outgoing person willing to go out of his way to help however possible. He’s really and genuinely the type of person you can really call at 2 a.m., and he will answer you and make the phone calls at that very moment to help with your situation.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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George Taylor Expert Janitorial Service LLC George Taylor was born in Cleveland, Ohio, overcoming poverty, homelessness and abandonment, and relocated to Alaska in 2011, dreaming of new opportunities. Shortly after arriving in Alaska, he became an ironworker, and years after successfully making it through the Ironworkers education program, George created Expert Janitorial Services LLC. As an inspirational business owner in the Anchorage community, George has spoken at numerous events. Said of George Taylor: “He always goes above and beyond. He is always striving to be great.”
Sasha and Chris Walden Dar Walden Team, Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Sasha and Chris Walden are Buyer’s Specialists with the family business, Dar Walden Team, part of Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group. The couple were married in 2015 and Chris joined the family business, guiding Sasha into becoming a successful agent beginning in 2016. Sadly, Chris unexpectedly passed away in September 2019, but his larger-than-life personality is still widely felt and he continues to inspire Sasha and the home they have created within the community. Sasha has always been a believer that “wherever you call home, it is your duty being in a community to give back to the community.” Said of Sasha and Chris Walden: “One of the most amazing things about Sasha and Chris alike, was they are wherever you need them … they are each other’s love, hope, ambition, admiration, humility, strength, inspiration, resilience, perseverance and each other’s biggest fan. In turn, this creates their hearts of gold, selflessness and purity.”
Heather Walton Reading Write Alaska Heather Walton, owner of Reading Write Alaska, works tirelessly for students in Alaska, spreading awareness about dyslexia. Heather gained a passion for language-based learning disabilities through her work in the schools and spent several years taking continuing education courses and graduate level studies specifically regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia. She created the business in her garage, trying to help one student at a time, and now serves more than 400 students weekly, with the goal of expanding the use of teletherapy to bring dyslexia services to all of Alaska. Said of Heather Walton: “Heather supports each employee to continue to learn more and more about dyslexia, structured learning and language. Her dedication to both the employees and clients is really unmatched.”
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Matthew Widmer Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Matthew Widmer has provided exceptional legal services throughout the state of Alaska for many years. Currently, he serves individuals, corporate entities and local governments in a variety of legal arenas as a member of the Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot legal team. In addition to the exemplary legal services Matt has provided Alaska residents and organizations over the years, he is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that empower Alaska’s youth and support the development of positive and effective future leaders in our community. Said of Matthew Widmer, “Mr. Widmer is, in short, an invaluable member of the law firm BHBC as well as the greater Alaska community as a whole.”
Jennifer Wilcox Lush Hair Boutique Jen Wilcox was raised in Anchorage and is an owner and master stylist at Lush Hair Boutique. She credits her success to the many loyal, long-standing clients who have been with her from the beginning. Jen runs her business like clock-work, she upholds confidentiality when her clients share personal anecdotes, and she has an insane talent that leaves every departing customers feeling their very best. Said of Jennifer Wilcox: “She is customer-focused, consistently innovates, adapting (to the) latest and best practices. She is flexible, caring and always goes the extra mile to take care of her customers. In all my years in business, I have rarely come across a small business owner who is so skilled and professional.”
FEATHER beauty studio : all things beauty :
Wendy Wiltfong Feather Beauty Studio & Hair Salon Wendy Wiltfong is founder and owner of Feather Beauty Studio & Hair Salon located in Eagle River. What started as a dream to offer the highest quality esthetic services almost 10 years ago, to opening a room in her home, to growing to five hairdressers, two estheticians and an apprentice. Additionally, she has developed “Where’s Wendy Wednesday” — a Facebook Live weekly service and sharing presentation, where she showcases and promotes other businesses as well as non-profits to develop public awareness of their services, contributions and value in the community. Said of Wendy Wiltfong, “Wendy uses her talents and skills in support of her priorities: her family and friends, her business and her associates, (and) her community.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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Ryan Dachowski Whole Family Chiropractic Taking care of between 400-450 patient visits every single week, Dr. Ryan Dachowski works extraordinarily hard to care for each person as an individual, making sure they have an opportunity to communicate their goals and create a collaborative care plan to improve their health and make changes for their whole family’s lifestyle. He has a goal to open an integrative center in Alaska, similar to those found in the Lower 48, which will serve a great outreach of different health needs outside of a traditional hospital setting. Dr. Ryan Dachowski’s personal philosophy: “Clinical excellence, patient education and community outreach.”
Megan Ferguson and Tonya Menard Mint Dental Megan Ferguson and Tonya Menard are office managers at Mint Dental. Both ladies do a lot for the practice. They always have uplifting words and never walk away from a difficult situation. For their co-coworkers, they make sure work is just not work; they want everyone to enjoy going to work every morning. Said of Megan Ferguson and Tonya Menard: “These two women are amazing they make sure they do their best in everything.”
Memoree Henson Ulta Beauty Memoree Henson is a hairdresser at Ulta Beauty and works hard to keep her customers feeling positive and beautiful. She is a lifelong Alaskan, and outside of Ulta works as a medical assistant to attend college. Memoree is very thoughtful and kind. Said of Memoree Henson, “She represents all that is good in all of us.”
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Rob Merchant Moore Heating Rob Merchant is an outstanding businessman. During hectic times for Moore Heating, such as the 2018 earthquake or the extremely hot summer of 2019, he is always the first one in and the last one out of the office. Always looking for solutions, whether it’s municipal codes, vendor dealings or making sure that a customer’s needs are taken care of - Rob makes it happen. Said of Rob Merchant: “He is fair and customers know they can trust him. He really is positive every single day!”
Justin Morgan Supreme Electric Justin Morgan is the owner of Supreme Electric, an electrical services department he created that has compiled more than 150 5-star reviews and won numerous awards over the past few years, including the Best of Alaska 2019 Platinum award. Supreme Electric has thrived under his leadership, and he has created a culture where his employees love where they work. Said of Justin Morgan: “He focuses on customer satisfaction, and ensures everyone is treated with utmost priority. No job is too small.”
Marcquis Pulliam Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Marcquis Pulliam is a key component in the Shipping & Receiving Department at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Environmental Health & Engineering Department. He believes in helping his team out on a daily basis and is fiercely dedicated to his job. On top of his already busy workload, Marcquis also likes seeing everyone happy, making everyone smile with jokes and his easy-going personality. Said of Marcquis Pulliam: “He’s a real go-getter. But he’s a go-getter every. single. Day.”
Anchorage Daily News | Sunday, March 22, 2020
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we will always bank on alaskans. We’re proud to recognize outstanding achievement in business. At Northrim, we never lose focus on serving the needs of Alaska and our neighbors who live here. We look beyond the numbers and seize opportunities to support our state, whether that be through employing Alaskans or delivering customized solutions to help finance the businesses that power the Last Frontier. We are forever proud to be Alaskan.
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