Todd Monohon Owner, Olympic Rental and Landlord Services (pictured)
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Kathryn Millhorn
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco
Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler
Shelbi Boyd
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN
Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
Todd Monohon. Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography, courtesy of Showcase Magazine.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Meet the Chamber's 2024 Boss of the Year Honorees
As we wrap up another year of growth, challenges, and accomplishments, the VOICE Magazine turns its spotlight on an inspiring tradition: celebrating exceptional leadership with our Boss of the Year Edition.
In these pages, we honor individuals whose leadership doesn’t just steer organizations but uplifts people, sparks innovation, and cultivates thriving workplaces. Our 2024 Boss of the Year Honorees—Taylor Armitage of Welch’s Appliances, Todd Monohon of Olympic Rental & Landlord Services, and Jen Reed of Sound Credit Union—stand as shining examples of what leadership looks like in action.
What makes this recognition special is its foundation: nominations come from the people who know these leaders best—their direct reports. It’s a testament to the impact of great bosses in fostering communication, trust, and excellence. Saint Martin’s University students lent their
perspectives, interviewing finalists and providing insights that helped shape the selection process.
We also applaud the Honorable Mentions—Jason Faust of Lloyd's Automotive, Greg Taylor of DoubleTree by Hilton, and Shelly Willis of Family Education and Support Services—for their contributions to our business community.
We invite you to join us at the December Chamber Forum: Boss of the Year Awards, presented by Express Employment Professionals, on Wednesday, December 11, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Join us to celebrate these incredible leaders and draw inspiration from their journeys.
A heartfelt thank you to our event partner, Express Employment Professionals, for making this celebration of leadership possible.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THURSTON COUNTY I Shellica Trevino, CEO
W hen Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) opened their doors in 2001, OlyFed was one of the organization’s early investors. From board leadership and volunteer support to financial assistance and program tools and resources, OlyFed has and continues to show up for the thousands of local kids served by the Clubs.
“When community partners support us, we want to support them, which is why we’ve chosen to work with OlyFed,” Shellica Trevino, BGCTC CEO said. “We love that they live out their values and put our needs first.” For Shellica, what sets OlyFed apart is the fact that they put real relationships above the bottom line.
December 2024
VOICE MAGAZINE
and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, Insert Coin Olympia at 3430 Pacific Ave SE D1, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host The Olympia Furniture Company at 2302 Harrison Ave Ste 101, Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, December 19 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5.
Join us for the Thurston Chamber's December Forum on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University at 4830 Pacific Ave SE Lacey, WA 98503, our annual "Boss of the Year" Recognition and Celebration. In partnership with Express Employment Professionals and Saint Martin's University, this award recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the workplace through innovation, communication, vision, and performance. Forum is sponsored by Three Girls Media, Saint Martin's University, and Heart Financial Group. Thank you to our Media Sponsor, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council.
The VOICE prints on FSC® Certified paper. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.
In
Boss of the Year Honorees, In Their Own Words p. 7
Congratulations, Boss of the Year Finalists and Honorees! We unveil visionary leaders celebrated for excellence, innovation, and fresh perspectives. Join the Chamber and attend the Boss of the Year Recognition and Celebration event December 11 to meet the honorees in person!
2024
BOTY HONOREES
Todd Monohon, Owner, Olympic Rental and Landlord Services p. 8
Taylor Armitage, Owner, Welch's Appliance p. 10
Jennifer Reed, VP for Public Relations, Sound Credit Union p. 12
Caught in the Lens p. 18
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!
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Unveiling the Trailblazers: Meet the 2024 Boss of the Year Honorees!
In a salute to visionary leadership, the Thurston Chamber is thrilled to announce the distinguished honorees for the 2024 Boss of the Year awards. This annual celebration, co-presented by Express Employment Professionals, spotlights leaders who embody excellence in guiding their teams toward innovation, open communication, and exceptional performance.
What sets this year apart is the infusion of fresh perspectives. A group of 25 students from Saint Martin's University delved into the workplaces of the finalists, contributing valuable insights that have played a pivotal role in shaping the selection process.
Let's give a resounding round of applause to our Boss of the Year Honorable Mentions:
Jason Faust – Lloyd's Automotive
Greg Taylor - DoubleTree by Hilton
Shelly Willis – Family Education and Support Services
And now, a standing ovation for the 2024 Boss of the Year Honorees:
Taylor Armitage – Welch’s Appliances
Todd Monohon – Olympic Rental & Landlord Services
Jennifer Reed – Sound Credit Union
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated recognition and awards ceremony will unfold at the Thurston Chamber's Forum on December 11, housed in the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University. The festivities commence with a delectable lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program kicking off at noon. Secure your spot now at www.thurstonchamber.com. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors – Our video sponsor is Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, and our Forum, Program and Media sponsors are Three Girls Media, Saint Martin’s University and Heart Financial Group.
Taylor Armitage, Todd Monohon and Jen Reed. Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography.
The Personal Journey of Todd Monohon, Founder, Owner and Managing Broker of Olympic Rental & Landlord Services
by Kathryn Millhorn •
The property world “is act two for me,” explains Monohon. Today he’s founder, owner, and managing broker of Olympic Rental & Landlord Services but spent more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector on behalf of educational and religious institutions.
“I figured that ‘wow, I’m not making much and don’t have much retirement,’ so looked for the next step,” says Monohon. “I had a rental in Olympia and later invested in a few more. I decided to manage my own properties but then a parish member asked if I’d manage their rentals too.”
Today, Olympic Rental & Landlord Services oversees nearly 1,000 units in Thurston County alone with additional in south Pierce County. They also help landlords lease up their units by finding renters for properties they don’t also maintain. A busy staff of 20 is split between two companies, one focusing on maintenance and the other on rental services.
A Passion for Leadership
Day-to-day work is “pretty intense,” says Monohon. They juggle thousands of tenants and hundreds of owners collecting rents with delegating tasks, studying new regulations, and performing maintenance.
Despite that, he says, it’s important for staff “to be both highly personable and technically competent. They have to care and know what they’re doing at the same time so we can be successful as a company. Our goal is to deal
Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography, Courtesy of Showcase Magazine
with the chaos of tenants, owners, and repairs while being personal, welcoming, generous, and human. That’s what makes us different.”
Monohon also works to share his experience with others. A former leadership consultant, he brings those skills and mindset to each new interaction. “New businesses have no safety net so should take advantage of resources from places like the Thurston County Chamber. When I first started the company, I was already a Chamber member from my nonprofit days. I was invited to join a networking group and am still in contact with some of those original members. That was something the Chamber gave back to me so our business has been a longtime supporter of the Chamber and its Foundation.”
Who Knew?
Olympic Rental oversees very few multifamily properties, instead sticking to smaller single-family units. These are typically anything up to a fourplex in size. Many clients have just one or two rental homes and “a ton are military,” explains Monohon. “They purchase a home and rather than sell when they’re reassigned to a different base, they rent it out.”
If families are interested in renting out their property, Monohon invites them to call 360.878.0051 and learn more. He stresses that calls and voicemails will be answered right away. All staff are trained in the full scope of company information so can provide guidance from the start. They are also local to the area and have a real-world knowledge of the region.
To keep up with the industry, Olympic’s property managers, accountants, office personnel, and maintenance team are involved in ongoing professional development. Their licensed property managers are all members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) and regularly attend regional events. Every property manager has been an officer either
in the Southwest Washington Chapter (with members from Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific, and Mason Counties), and or the Pierce County Chapter and have attended national and regional leadership training.
Self-Care
Starting a business has a lot in common with starting a family. “When you start a business,” admits Monohon, “sometimes your hobbies go away. My hobby became growing the business because I loved the challenge of finding people to help it work, sustain, and grow.”
Monohon says that when he finally retires, he’ll look to reengage with the activities he used to enjoy but also hopes to stay onboard in an advisory and educational role for years to come.
Who Knew?
Too many people act as if technology is disposable but that’s not true at Welch’s. They offer in-home repairs for items purchased from the shop and on-site diagnosis and repairs for items brought to their Martin Way location.
Other in-home repair companies will charge at least $150 just to show up, says Armitage. “Our diagnostic fee is very cheap, just $70 and we’re honest and tell people exactly what they’re looking at repair-wise.” The goal, he says, is to maintain the trifecta of honesty, affordability, and a solid reputation.
Business is currently booming but Armitage hopes to hire and train more staff and restart in-home repairs for all appliances in the near future.
Self-Care
An avid outdoorsy type, Armitage is a passionate fisherman. When he’s not kneedeep in an icy creek, he can also be found clam digging, hunting, hiking, and generally staying grounded in nature.
The shop also cares for their community. Welch’s offers free appliance recycling with a donation to the Thurston County Food Bank. Armitage says their team raises nearly a full barrel of nonperishable items each and every week. They also offer free repairs to appliances at downtown Olympia’s Union Gospel Mission. “It’s just our way of giving back,” he says.
Armitage admits he was “really humbled to be nominated and receive this Boss of the Year award. I thank my amazing wife and staff who blindsided me with their recommendation. It feels really good to be appreciated.”
The Personal Journey of Jennifer Reed, VP for Public Relations at Sound Credit Union
by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography
Jennifer Reed, today the VP for Public Relations at Sound Credit Union, has been in the financial industry for more than 20 years. She started her career working for a Tacomabased investment company dealing with mainly institutional clients but truly missed working with families…and seeing her own.
Eleven years ago, she gave up the hectic north/south commute and settled into a new position with Sound CU because “they were right in my backyard!” A forward-facing community relations position now allows her to connect with people on a daily basis.
Sound CU has branches up and down the I-5 corridor, all of which are full-service and can help with both personal and commercial needs. “All our employees are based in Puget Sound,” says Reed, “Even our call center is in Tacoma.”
A Passion for Leadership
Reed has evolved alongside Sound Credit Union, and like the institution, added new friends along the way. She’s gone from being a department of one to heading a thriving, bustling, up-and-about team. “We grew as the credit union grew,” says Reed. “I worked with our director of marketing through different scenarios and eventually opened up the public relations aspect. I’m good with people and having conversations and the opportunities all just came together to expand my wings. Today we’re out in the community and spreading the word.”
More than just personal and commercial banking, Sound CU provides outreach and financial education to small businesses, individuals, organizations, schools, and employee groups. “As I tell my team, our community and public relations hats are always on,” says Reed.
Who Knew?
In 2018, Reed had the opportunity to help rebrand
the credit union. “It was one of my favorite projects I’ve worked on. We sat down with staff, employees, stakeholders, and the public to develop our purpose statement. When people ask, I explain that our logo is a school of fish. We understand that people have ups and downs in life but we’re somebody to depend on and can help you through whatever the next wave is. The fish are diverse in size and color but moving forward and stronger together. It’s in our DNA as a credit union, and to us these aren’t just words.”
Sound CU has supported nearly 350 local organizations with more than $500,000 in donations and sponsorships. More than 400 employees logged 2,200 volunteer hours and the credit union has handed out over $75,000 in scholarships, food bank assistance, and matching donations.
They offer free financial education to students and groups “because it’s the right thing to do,” says Reed. Simply email communityrelations@soundcu.com to learn more.
Self-Care
When not working, Reed—who has been married for more than 20 years—is mom to a busy high school senior. Her son is an avid baseball player and the family travels widely to attend his games. This year they’re also adding college prep into the mix as he takes his next steps after graduation.
But let’s face it, when you love your job, it’s hardly work. Reed says people are constantly surprised by how genuine their team is. “We’re out there, listening to stories and finding new ways to help. During COVID-19, when so many people were stressed, Sound CU sent surveys to our members asking how we can help. Whether through skip-a-pay services or loan consolidation, we wanted to know what we could do. We received 1,200 replies and called each and every one to work things out. We’re currently starting outreach to the 2,200 people impacted by recent Boeing layoffs to help make their lives a little easier.”
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Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
