2016 Women in Business

Kittitas County 2016

Women in Business

A special publication of the Daily Record

Table of contents

2016 Women in Business Page 3 Amanda Heins The Roslyn Grocery, Red Bird Cafe Page 4 Daria Wheeler

Page 10 Kari Shelley

Ellensburg Pet Center

Knudson Lumber

Page 6

Page 14

Judi Hull

Margo Cordner

Fire and Smoke Restaurant and Catering

Lunchbox Cafe

AliciaThorn, Sales Assistant Melissa Bergren, Loan Officer NMLS ID: 931932 Tara Brown, Sr. Loan Officer/Sales Manager NMLS ID: 487445

Bringing Exceptional Service to Our Hometown

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OPEN M-F 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

509-925-1475 512 N. Pearl St. Ellensburg, WA

www.shawsfurnitureandappliance.com

(509) 925-5800 409 N. Water Street, Suite 102, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Over 40 years combined experience in the home furnishings industry

Branch NMLS: 1391360 © 2016 Evergreen Home Loans is a registered trade name of Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Company® NMLS ID 3182. Trade/service marks are the property of Evergreen Home Loans. All rights reserved. Licensed under: Washington Consumer Loan Company License CL-3182.

2 • 2016 Women in Business

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#showyourkeys

Amanda Meck Heins / The Roslyn Grocery, The Red Bird Cafe, Hope Gallery

Hiring well leads to a great team Q: How did you get started in your business?

Amanda Meck Heins

I started working in restaurants at a very young age. I’ve held every position in the food industry from dishwasher to manager. I even spent a bit of time in grocery distribution.

Age: 38 Community: Roslyn How many years in Kittitas County: Eight Business: The Roslyn Grocery, The Red Bird Cafe, Hope Gallery Title: Owner, Managing Member

Q: What have you learned from owning or running a business?

Q: Any new projects or initiatives coming up at your business that people should know about?

I’ve always said the thing I do best is hire well. My businesses and I are only as great as the people on my team.

Q: What challenges did you have to overcome?

The Red Bird will release our new menu in November, we are growing into our breakfast with a larger menu and a fresh juice bar.

We will be pairing with The Kitchen Sink to present a regional flavor diner series. The Roslyn Grocery will continue to grow the recent addition of our bulk food section and will soon be adding a grab and go deli with food prepared in the Red Bird Kitchen. And finally we are beginning the process to set up Hope Gallery as a nonprofit artist collective.

The biggest obstacle was probably geographical. Moving away from Missouri was my biggest accomplishment. It took a lot of guts to get on a bus with a one-way ticket, to a place I’d never been. I call it a leap of faith. I’ve taken three major ones in my life, and I always end up better off than where I began.

Q: What was your first job?

I got a job working as a dishwasher when I was 15, at the town diner. I grew up in Marshall, Missouri, a similar sized town as Ellensburg. Two weeks later a waitress didn’t show up for work.

They gave me a notebook and pen, and told me to have at it.

Q: What did you learn?

One of the best chefs I ever worked with told me he hired me because

Q: Anything else to add about running a business in Kittitas County?

Contributed

Amanda Meck Heins runs the Roslyn Grocery, The Red Bird Cafe and Hope Gallery. on my resume I said I had a Midwest work ethic and the ability and desire to get the job done. At a certain point several years ago I realized if you

don’t love what you do, you’re not going to do a good job. A huge part of being successful is putting yourself in the right environment to succeed.

3 • 2016 Women in Business

Business isn’t easy but there are some major rules you absolutely need to follow. The biggest one — post your hours and keep them.

Give it months before you decide you were wrong and change them.

Daily Record file photo

Buddy the parrot sits outside her cage at the Ellensburg Pet Center in 2014.

HealtHy teetH • Better living prehensive car

TOP ROW (L-R): Kathy Osborne, Janet Vaughan, Jordan Schneider, Anna Williams, Marla Williams

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www.amerititle.com

l to r: Jaclyn Johnson, tEri PhilliP, ViViana MEndoza, Kiann toMPKins

509-962-8299 210 E Mountain ViEw aVE • EllEnsburg, wa 98926

4 • 2016 Women in Business

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101 W. Fifth Ave. • Ellensburg, WA 98926 • ellensburg@amerititle.com Phone: (509) 925-1477 • Fax: (509) 962-3111

tions

Safe e

BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Haley Duke, Schiree Minor, Laura Woodiwiss, Sidney Martin, Kami Dashnea, Hannah Hall

Daria Wheeler / Ellensburg Pet Center

Prioritizing is a valuable skill have to overcome?

What career steps led you to your current position?

Finding a niche that best serves both us and the community.

I’ve worked in many different jobs over the years, almost all of them small businesses, so I was exposed to all aspects of running a business.

What have you learned from owning or running a business?

How did you get started in your business?

We bought this as an existing business in October 2004. It was started in 1983.

I’ve learned so many things over the years but I would have to say that one of the most valuable is how to prioritize.

What challenges did you

What advice would you give other women interested in starting or owning a business?

Make sure you have enough capital and that includes enough to be able to hire at least one parttime employee. Delegate. Know your audience!

What was your first job?

Working in the snack shop on the 12th hole of a golf course.

What did you learn?

The women of ~the Driver House~ home of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce and the Ellensburg Rodeo are proud to support Ellensburg and Kittitas County’s growth and vitality.

How to put up with a less than nice boss.

Any new projects or

Daria Wheeler Age: Over 50 Community: Ellensburg

initiatives coming up at your business that people should know about?

We are always open to exploring new avenues that allow us to improve and grow. Each opportunity must be evaluated as it comes along because while some things may sound like they hit all the bells and whistles, the timing for implementation might be all wrong.

Anything else to add about running a business in Kittitas County?

I cannot stress enough how important it is to know your core customer. The valley has a small and limited population so your product and/or service must appeal to the broadest range of our population as possible.

How many years in Kittitas County: Moved to Kittitas County in April 2004 Business: Ellensburg Pet Center Title: Owner

HELPING FAMILIES LIKE YOU PROTECT WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

609 N. Main Street Ellensburg, WA 98926

www.ellensburgrodeo.com 509-962-7831 • 800-637-2444

www.kittitascountychamber.com 509-925-2002 • 800-925-2204

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Erin Larsen

5 • 2016 Women in Business

Mandy Hamlin

Mandy is more than just an insurance agent to us. In fact, it is the first time in our lives that we feel like we have an agent that guides us in decisions in a respectful manner. Not only do we save money through Allstate we have gained an advocate by doing business with Mandy Hamlin.

- Simon B.

Allstate Insurance Company • 1320 S. Canyon Rd. Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone: 509-925-1700 / Fax: 509-925-1707

mandyhamlin@allstate.com www.allstate.com/mandyhamlin 24-Hour Customer Service

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Left to right: (Standing) Monica Cumiskey, Amy McGuffin, Amy Kaiser, Left to right: (sitting) Sarah Truglio, Megan Meeks

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Judi Hull poses behind the counter at Fire and Smoke BBQ in Ellensburg.

Grebb, Johnson, Reed & Wachsmith, L.L.P.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Meet the Women of Blue Ridge Shannon Stankiewicz, Lana Smith, Cindy Waters Back (L-R): Judy Roberts, Melanie Rosecrans, Kelsey Roseberry, Amy Bayne, Felicia Persson,TinaWall, Janet Riggin

209 E. 5th Ave. | PO Box 460 ELLENSBURG, WA 98926 (509) 925-9876

• Integrity • Commitment • Experience

Friendly Reliable Customer Service

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Front (L-R): Jacqueline O’Connor – Partner, Marie Riegel – Partner

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209 W. Tacoma Avenue P.O. Box 336 Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-925-6108 An Independent Agency Toll Free 1-800-727-3986 www.blueridgeinsurance.net 1529509

Judi Hull / Fire & Smoke Restaurant and Catering

Marketing makes a difference Q: How did you get started in your business?

Four years ago we bought a large smoker with kitchen and started catering and selling food, from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. from the Coldwell Banker parking lot, to those out enjoying downtown Ellensburg late at night.

(Today the restaurant is at 213 W. Fourth Ave. downtown).

Q: What career steps led you to your current position?

I like good food, and enjoy sharing what I create with others. I started cooking at a young age and learned to can, garden and raise animals for food from my mother, father and grandmothers. Further mentoring came from my mother-in-law, Dorothy, a true Southern belle and who was an incredible cook. She taught me about food presentation, combinations, and perfecting taste and how to change a recipe to my liking. I have a hard time following recipes … they often seem to be unbalanced, so I am forever changing them. I also had my own successful business as a birth doula (professional birth coach), but my husband needed my help in launching the restaurant part of this business, so I chose to let other capable doulas take over and dove into the restaurant

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Judi Hull at work behind the counter at Fire and Smoke BBQ in Ellensburg. business, a bit terrified and yet excited at the same time.

from owning or running a business?

Q: What have you learned

Marketing is the most important

part of owning a business. There is a lot to marketing and finding the right fit for your audience.

See Judi, Page 8 Umpqua Bank—providing opportunities and careers for women in the Northwest since 1953.

ELLENSBURG

118 West 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926 CALL 509-933-5450 Christina Behrens Universal Associate

Kay Crume Universal Associate

Jamie Canady Jamie Hayward Nicalee Smith Universal Associate Store Manager Area Manager

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

7 • 2016 Women in Business

SBA Preferred Lender

RBK16Q4.1108

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Judi’s husband Dave chats with a customer during lunch service at Fire and Smoke.

JUDI Continued from Page 7 Get help with this if it isn’t your “cup of tea.” You also must have someone to help you with your bookkeeping to be sure you are keeping within your budget, tax money kept separately so that you have it when it’s time to pay, and to know if you really can afford to hire help, buy that equipment you are hoping for, or expand.

Q: What challenges did you have to overcome?

I think our biggest challenge was finding the right space for our business and helping our regular customers find us.

Q: What advice would you give other women interested in starting or owning a business?

Take the Nxlevel Entrepreneurial class (https://ellens-

burgdowntown.org/nxlevel-classes/ ) that is taught by owners of local businesses/banks/library staff/law offices, etc. They will share all kinds of very important information with each student that will help you to build your business plan. You must have a business plan! Find a mentor, and get connected with people in the community that can and will help you.

Q: What was your first job?

I started working for pay for our neighbors when I was 9 years old so that I could buy fabric to make my clothes, and help my parents. I weeded gardens, raked leaves, cleaned their homes, babysat children and took care of their animals. At 15 I started working at a daycare center and State Farm Insurance (both part time), and by 16 I added another job working at the Red Lion Hotel. I worked hard at my schooling during this time too, so that I could graduate from high school, because neither of my parents did.

Q: What did you learn?

Be someone others can depend on. Work hard, and do an excellent job of whatever you are tasked with.

8 • 2016 Women in Business

Look for things that needed to be done, and look ahead.

Q: Any new projects or initiatives coming up at your business that people should know about?

We will be exploring vegan options, gumbo and various other items. Please ‘like’ and watch our Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/ FireSmokeBBQ

Q: Anything else to add about running a business in Kittitas County?

The local businesses here work hard to keep things as local as possible, and are wonderful resources.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Ellensburg Downtown Association are a huge help, and the Daily Record has helped with various things as well (like finding our new location). This isn’t just for Kittitas County, but be sure you get everything in writing when agreeing to services, rent, utilities, supply companies, etc. and keep copies.

Meet Our Women In Business At home, work or play turn to the Daily Record in print, on your mobile device or computer for all of your up-to-date news and information.

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Kari Shelley / Knudson Lumber

Continuing education can lead to success

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Kari Shelley at work at Knudson Lumber in Ellensburg.

10 • 2016 Women in Business

Kari Shelley Age: 44 Community: Ellensburg How many years in Kittitas County: 44 Business: Knudson Lumber Title: Inventory and operations controller

Q: How did you get started in your business?

I graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in industrial distribution and had planned to leave the area. However, I ended up getting married and started trying to figure out what careers I could find in my field and still stay in Ellensburg. My husband worked at Knudson Lumber and an employee left with no notice, so the owners asked me if I wanted to help them out until I figured out what I wanted to do. Apparently I never figured it out, because I have been with Knudson Lumber for over 22 years.

Q: What career steps led you to your current position?

Over the years I have taken continuing education classes to help me succeed in this business. I also read a lot of trade magazines and attend seminars that are applicable to this industry. I believe the steps that have led me to my current position mostly involve the desire to learn about things and a curiosity as to why things happen the way they do with

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Knudson Lumber, at 1791 Vantage Highway, has been in business for 76 years in Ellensburg. inventory movement. I have never just waited to be assigned a task, I always seek things out and in doing so, usually end up learning about things along the way. The more I know, the more valuable I become to the business.

anything for granted. Every day is a new day and I can’t let the little things bother me. I have learned that when I am respectful and courteous to my customers, they will usually treat me the same way. I have also learned that if I work hard and try to accomplish things in the most efficient manner, I can look back at the day and be proud of what I have accomplished.

Q: What have you learned from owning or running a business?

Q: What challenges did you have to overcome?

I have learned I cannot take

Your

See Kari, Page 13

We are very proud, and lucky, to have our pharmacy technicians Jody and Kelli. Together they have 37 years of experience in providing excellent customer service and keeping the pharmacy running smoothly. Now introducing Janet Kern our new technician team member!

ENJOY

DOWNTOWN Find...

One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome in the first few years of working at Knudson Lumber was proving myself to the contractors.

In the past, this industry was very male dominated, and suppliers and customers both didn’t really want to have the “girl” help them. When the suppliers realized they had no choice and I was serious and conscientious about my job, they gained an appreciation for my work ethic and abilities.

Left to Right: Molly, Carolyn, Faith

L to R: Kelli Kopczynski, Jody McClure, and Janet Kern

LOCAL SHOPPING, MUSEUMS & GALLERIES GREAT RESTAURANTS AND MORE AT 509-962-6246 info@ellensburgdowntown.org 1529504

414 N. PEARL, ELLENSBURG, WA | (509) 925-1514

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ELLENSBURGDOWNTOWN.ORG

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

A customer browses the aisles of Knudson Lumber in Ellensburg.

May all who dine at EPC receive a warm reception, an exceptional meal, and courteous, efficient service!

600 N Main St | Ellensburg, WA | 509-933-3330

ellensburgpasta.com

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L to R: Joann (co-owner), Aryn, Brie, Kelli, Valerie

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KARI Continued from Page 11

Q: What advice would you give other women interested in starting or owning or advancing in a business?

I think the best advice I could give, would be to never sit back and wait for someone else to tell you what to do. Take the initiative to figure it out yourself. The more knowledge you have, the more successful you will be. Also, work hard. To get things accomplished you need to dedicate yourself to what you are trying to do as the quicker you get it done, the quicker you can move on to the next thing.

Q: What was your first job?

Interestingly enough my first job was working for the Daily Record. My brother went away for the summer, so at 8 years old I took over his paper route and ended up delivering papers for several years. I also babysat a lot, and I guess my first real job was working as a courtesy clerk at Super 1.

Q: What did you learn?

As a paper carrier I learned I had to do the job right. If I didn’t deliver the papers correctly, someone was not going to get their daily news.

I figured out really quickly if my customers were not happy, I was not happy. I took pride in knowing that if I did things right, people would be able to enjoy their paper in the evenings.

Q: Any new projects or initiatives coming up at your business that people should know about?

We are always trying to stay relevant in this tough business environment, so we are planning to redesign the way our store is laid out and give things a facelift over the next few years.

Q: Anything else to add about running a business in Kittitas County?

I take great pride in being part of a business that has literally helped build our community over the last 75 years. I think having been here for so long is one our greatest assets, however I also think that whether you are a new business or one that has been here for a few generations, you need to remember you are part of a community and you need that community to help you succeed. We are very grateful for the customers who support us and so we show that thanks by trying to support as many local charities, fundraisers and events as we are able to. In a small community it is important to be a part of that community for a business to flourish and grow.

g n i v Gi

Left to Right: Kelly Carlson, Karen Galbraith, Pam Miller, Emily Wilson, Carrie Danielle, Genine Dratt, Julie Ridgway

you s n o s a re to

1400 Vantage Highway • Ellensburg, WA Ellensburg | 509-933-7200 • Cle Elum | 509-674-2790 • KittitasPUD.com

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No matter what, our customers come first.

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My customers also began to trust that even if I didn’t know the answer right away, I would do my best to try and figure it out and get them the help or product they needed and being a girl really didn’t matter anymore. It is interesting to note that today we usually have more girls than guys helping our customers.

e l i m S

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Right to Left Back Row : Tammy Olexsy, Kaycee Lowe, Jody Tucker, Jenny Arnold, Jody Thayer, Tonya Truhlicka, Tammy Brack, Ashley McIntosh.

Middle Row: Cindy Anderson, Cristina Bender, Shannon Simpson, Jenny Hart.

Front Row: Shannon Bland, Ashleigh Mellergaard, Jody Rice.

Not Pictured: Cara Thayer, Robin Cole, Sherri Williams, Kathy Dodge, Erin Haberman.

509.925.6553 www.pearlcaredental.com 2401 W. Dolarway Rd. Ellensburg

Margo Cordner / Lunchbox Cafe

A lot to learn when running a business

Brian Myrick / Daily Record

Margo Dallas Cordner, owner of the Lunchbox Cafe in Ellensburg, poses in the drive-up-window.

Banking

L to R: Danielle Hart, Diane Wharton, Michele Bucklin, Cindy DeWoody, Hayley Ebberts.

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(509) 925–9866 312 N Ruby St, Ellensburg WA

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with Heart

Margo Dallas Cordner Age: 44 Community: Ellensburg How many years in Kittitas County: 14 Business: Lunchbox Cafe Title: Owner

Q: How did you get started in your business?

I had been working at the Lunchbox with Roz Eldrige, the previous owner for more than three years. When she decided to move earlier this year I took over the business. I had wanted to have my own business since I was in my 20s and this seemed like an ideal situation for me. I definitely wanted the Lunchbox to stay open.

Q: What career steps led you to your current position?

Q: What have you learned from owning or running a business?

Q: What advice would you give other women interested in starting or owning a business?

If the opportunity arises, take it! It's an adventure!

Ask for help and advice when you need it.

Expect anything. Things will not always go as planned so you just need to roll with it. There are also times when it feels very rewarding.

Q: What challenges did you have to overcome?

Q: What was your first job?

When I was 16, I worked at Autumn's on Orcas Island. It was a women's clothing store.

Q: What did you learn?

Whether it's the challenges of working in a small space, staffing or weather related issues, there are always different logistical problems to solve. Since it's

HERBERT SNOWDEN INSURANCE

my first time running a business, there's a lot to learn.

I learned how to make change, fold T-shirts into perfect stacks and that $3.75 an hour didn't go very far when there were clothes to buy.

Our business relies on our Professional Women in Business!

Q: Anything else to add about running a business in Kittitas County?

This is a great community to have a small business in. People are so helpful.

Before opening All City Class, Suzie worked at two former glass companies. All City Glass has been in business for four years and is a full service glass shop located in Cle Elum, serving all of Kittitas County. They offer quality products and professional installation with fast turn around time and exceptional customer service.

Left to Right: Kimberly Fletcher, Agent & Manager Carrie Eveslage, CSR Lesley Snowden-Swan, Owner Vicki Holleman, Agent

Since 1923

In our 94th year serving Kittitas Valley, still family owned & operated.

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Now that the weather is getting colder we are making tons of soup. It's fun coming up with new recipes that are vegan and gluten free so that almost anyone can enjoy them. Look for more hot beverages and hopefully some vegan desserts. We're also going to start a punch card for our protein salads and sandwiches. If you buy 10 you get a free one.

Meet Suzie Snyder

Auto • Business Home • FArms

925-6174

426 North Pine www.snowdeninsurance.com

Q: Any new projects or initiatives coming up at your business that people should know about?

www.allcityglass.us 15 • 2016 Women in Business

415 East 1st St., Suite B, Cle Elum, WA 98922 509.674.6990

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I have worked in the food industry on and off since I was 18 years old. I started at the Deer Harbor Inn on Orcas Island as a baker, prep cook and server.

I also worked as a server at a restaurant in Seattle before moving to Ellensburg and working as a kitchen manager and cook at the Yellow Church Cafe for 10 years.

Thank you ladies for all your years of exceptional service.

Back Row L-R:

Amanda Zediker & Cheryl Salta Seated L-R:

Amanda a da Stark, Sta , Irene e e Weidert, e de t, Sarah Reid, Kelcie Russell

Free delivery in the heart of Washington Open 6 Days A Week

4th & Main, Downtown Ellensburg | 509-925-9828 • 800-992-9828 www.fitterersfurniture.com | 16 • 2016 Women in Business

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