Three Dog Bakery
Three Dog Bakery opened its doors for business in February 1998 in downtown Seattle and hasn't slowed down yet. Four-legged customers are used to "ruffing" it on bakery goodies like Big Scary Kitties, Boxer Brownies, Bulldogs Bars, SnickerPoodles -- or even a specially prepared birthday cake --all designed for that special breed of family member. It is the only fully functioning dog bakery and retail outlet in the Northwest United States. Top Dog Randy Randolph describes the Three Dog Bakery owners as old-fashioned shopkeepers, and the judges were impressed by the company's commitment to giving customer service that's personal and fun, and for its support for dog rescue programs. The telephone number for Three Dog Bakery is 206-364-9999.
Girvin, Inc.
Girvin, Inc. is a 25 year-old resource for strategic branding and graphic design. Girvin is responsible for design programs that represent some of the most powerful brands on the planet, including Kraft, Disney, P&G, Nabisco, IBM, Nordstrom, and Microsoft. The firm has also benefited numerous community nonprofits with pro bono messaging and design. The judges were impressed with the company's dynamic marketing and business planning and community involvement. Owner Tim Girvin can be reached at 206-674-7808.
PhenoPath Laboratories
PhenoPath Laboratories is a specialized pathology reference laboratory, receiving biopsy specimens from physicians locally and nationwide. PhenoPath's work establishes complex diagnoses in cancer patients and enables physicians to determine the best course of medical treatment for their patients. The business has grown substantially over the past couple of years, diagnosing approximately 2,335 patients in 1998 to over 7,500 patients in 2001, serving 38 states across the nation. The company was selected as a winner on the basis of its leading edge technology, research development and dissemination, and on their quality of services. Owner and founder Dr. Allen Gown can be reached at 206-374-9000.
Curious Kidstuff
Two sisters-in-law transformed a neglected retail space into Curious Kidstuff, a highly interactive store made for frolicking, and for customer interaction with their products. They provide a great selection of high quality, non-violent, imaginative toys, art supplies, crafts, music and other playthings for children newborn to 12 years old. It's a place where families come to play and find toys their kids can play with safely and love. The store even provides a space for "Little Artists." The judges noted their creativity, passion, and their careful business planning. The business also contributes to schools and many other educational organizations. Owners Monica Joyce Walker and Ann Walker can be reached at 206-374-9000.
Seattle Chocolate
Seattle Chocolate is the "comeback kid" winner this year. The business has proven that it's possible to stay sweet even in the wake of rocking buildings and a rocky economy. The complexity of creating chocolate truffles is no trifling matter, especially when your building has been red-tagged because of an earthquake and the City has turned off the electricity for safety reasons and your chocolate is melting off the assembly line.
No other business has faced challenges like this chocolatier, including having to relocate their entire operation. Owner Terry Wakefield can be reached at 206-624-8989.
Glerup-Revere Company
This packaging company was originally established in Seattle in 1938 and has stayed in the family ever since. Today it is a fully integrated production facility serving flexible packaging and label clients throughout the USA. The key to the company's ongoing business plan is to maintain its niche by offering a balance of products and great customer services. The judges were also impressed by this company's approach to involving employees in the business plan and investing in them as its greatest resource. Owners Mark and Sally Revere can be reached at 206-545-1850.
Ridolfi Engineers
Ridolfi Engineers is committed to environmental protection and to developing sustainable resources, and provides consulting services to Federal Agencies and American Indian Tribes. Gross sales have increased from $50,000 in 1990 to $1.2 million in 2002, and the number of employees has grown from 1 to 17. Their commitment to meeting the needs of people impacted by mining, restoration, and waste management issues extends to employing interns from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Some have become employees. The judges were impressed with this company's commitment to its mission, its effectiveness as a liaison between federal agencies and Tribes, and with their investment in the community. Owner Callie Ridolfi can be reached at 206-682-7294.
Tom's Automotive Service
This winner does the impossible. It turns car repair into a happy experience. Their customers know that they and their domestic or foreign cars will be well taken care of at a fair price. Not only does their business thrive through the word of mouth of satisfied customers, their commitment to quality and service is shared by the team of 9 employees. Of those 9 employees, one has been with the business 25 years, another for 22 years, and another for 11, proving that the auto shop is a fun place to work and do business. Needless to say, the judges were revved up over this business. Owner Tom Smith can be reached at 206-224-3093.
Pioneer Organics
Pioneer Organics delivers premier organic groceries to your door and donates its surplus to food banks. In 1997 the business had 6 customers and one employee who delivered groceries from the back of his Suburu -- today it has 17 employees and makes 1,200 deliveries a week with its 5 delivery trucks. The first year the business generated about $45,000 in revenue -- this year's gross revenue is expected to be $1.6 million. The judges say this growth is due to the company's guiding vision and its supporting business management practices and strong employee involvement. The entire organization's commitment to the community and the environment can be served right to your table. Owner Ronny Bell can be reached at 206-632-3424.
Le Pichet
The owners of this business just couldn't get France out of their system. The only way to solve their problem was for them to replicate an authentic French café. They worked on their dream for over 3 years, laying out designs, making a business plan and arranging funding while they continued to work full time jobs until they open their doors in August 2000. They have kept those doors open and their tables overflowing, no easy feat in the restaurant business. So of course the judges said "Oui!" Owners James Drohman and Joanne Herron can be reached at 206-256-1499.
