September 30, 2011 [9]
www.redmond-reporter.com
WO M E N
in
BUSINESS
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
NO LONGER a BOYS’ CLUB Women who shine in male-dominated fields
Rosonke said. “She’s an inspiration.” West said when she was where Rosonke was, beginning her career, her age was Editor’s note: The Reporter visited with three local another obstacle she faced. At 28, not only women — Dr. Lauren West, Judy Jewell, president was she young, but she looked a lot youngof a Redmond concrete manufacturing company and er. However, just as she has been mentoring Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin Rosonke, West was mentored by a — who have thrived in traditionally malenumber of veteran doctors along dominated careers. Here are their stories. the way. auren West did not have it “I got a lot of wonderful teacheasy at the beginning of her ing,” the Woodinville resident said. career in emergency mediAnd while being a female doctor cine — but the obstacles she faced came with its challenges in her helped her thrive in a male-domiearly days, West said she also met Dr. Lauren West nated workplace. people who were “very enthused” Her first job was at a hospital in to see a woman in medicine. SomeYakima that served the surroundtimes being female also worked ing region and out of the roughly to her advantage as some patients 250 physicians, only four were were more comfortable having a women. woman treat them. “I was kind of lonely,” she admitted. “Even today, we have people who The 57-year-old said in the early really do, for cultural reasons, pre1980s when she was starting out, fer a female doctor,” West said. Judy Jewell women in medicine were still so She said in an emergency situarare some patients didn’t think she tion, people will usually agree to be was a doctor, but rather a nurse. cared for regardless of the gender of their West said one patient she treated even sent doctor, but they do try to honor a patient’s in a complaint because they claimed they request for a female doctor if one is available. never saw a doctor during their trip to the Another shift in demographics West emergency room — not realizing it had has seen in medicine is more male nurses been her. which she said is something else she and West is now an emergency medicine her colleagues must keep in mind if a physician at Evergreen Hospital Medical patient makes a similar gender-specific Center, where she has worked for about request in regard to their nurse. 14 years. There are about 30 doctors in the Something else that has changed for department — five of which are female — West is how she views her job and what she and they rotate between the Redmond and enjoys the most. When she was younger, Kirkland campuses. West said she really liked the drama of Diane Rosonke, who graduated from working in an emergency department, but medical school in 2006, is one of the remain- now she enjoys the smaller cases that allow ing four female physicians at Evergreen and her to interact with people since unlike a said West has taken an interest in her and family doctor, she does not see the same been particularly helpful in welcoming the patients on a regular basis. younger doctor into the profession. [ more WOMEN page 11 ] “(West) is a pleasure to work with,” SAMANTHA PAK
spak@redmond-reporter.com
L
Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin, who has nearly three decades of police work experience, enjoys interacting with community members. She said women in police work was rare when she first started. “It was kind of new territory for women in law enforcement,” Shovlin said. “People had a lot of reservations.” Courtesy of Redmond Police Department
Shalimar Backman
Dr. Aditi Agarwal
The Closet
Avondale Smiles 11523 Avondale Rd NE, Ste 115 • 425-29-TOOTH(86684)
www.theclosetredmond.net
527358
The Closet…a uniquely savvy women’s consignment shop in Redmond offers carefully chosen quality fashions, shoes, handbags and accessories at great prices. Whether you like couture fashions like St. John, designer jeans such as Seven’s and True Religion, Lululemon and other active wear, Anthropologie, evening wear, career wear, or just something new and exciting to wear, you’ll find it at The Closet. The store is well organized, clean and has a friendly and helpful owner to provide you with a pleasant shopping experience. Check out the most talked about hotspot in Redmond…The Closet.
What is a Smile? A Smile is the most overlooked and undervalued human asset. At Avondale Smiles, we strive to create/ restore/develop and maintain each “Smile” by getting to know our patients as individuals and addressing their needs, concerns and/ or fears. We try to achieve this by providing our Patients with flexible timings to accommodate our busy moms; various sedation options for those who have had unpleasant experiences and warm blankets and towels to show each Patient how much we care. Dr Agarwal has been in Practice for over 8 years and is well versed in all aspects of dentistry including dentures and implants. As an all woman dental team, we at Avondale Smiles are dedicated in providing the best treatment in the most gentle and caring environment. For more information on Avondale Smiles- go to www.avondalesmiles.com or call us at 425-298-6684.
526113
16150 NE 85th Street Redmond • (425) 558-0809
[10] September 30, 2011
www.redmond-reporter.com
BUSINESS
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
[ WOMEN from page 9] West said she also enjoys the smaller cases because many times, the cause of the injury or ailment is not straightforward and she has more of a chance to problem solve. “You have to figure it out,” she said. “You have to think.”
JUDY JEWELL Judy Jewell’s initial career plan was to go into human resources. After spending her early years around her family’s Redmondbased precast concrete manufacturing company, it wasn’t too much of a stretch when she bought it from a bankruptcy court in 1987. She and her husband Kevin Jewell renamed the company — which focused on architectural pieces and building components — to Olympian Precast, Inc. and it has remained in the family since then. Judy has been president since the beginning and runs the company with Kevin, who is the vice president of operations, and their son, who is in estimating
Judy Jewell has been president of Olympian Precast, Inc., a Redmond-based concrete manufacturing company, since 1987. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter and project management. “We’re a small business,” Judy said. “So we all wear different hats. We all do a lot of things.” She said although women in construction were rare when she started out, it wasn’t a problem for her. Judy said it was actually an advantage for her because as head of a construction company, she wasn’t what people expected and they remembered her for it. As president of Olympian, Judy
said she spends most of her time focusing on the management side of things such as employee benefits and human resources rather than the actual construction side of the company. She said she enjoys it that way because she is able to provide jobs for people, which she thinks is important. “I like to provide work,” she said. “That gives me my reason to get up in the morning.” However, after being in the
business for 23 years, Judy has picked up a few things about construction along the way. And it has been those two-plus decades of experience that has established Olympian in the industry. “You gain respect over the years with experience and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or man,” she said. “We’re still getting credit for all the knowledge we’ve gained.” Kevin said women are becoming more involved as owners or other leadership roles in all sorts of businesses. He said this is also reflected in the government, referring to the state’s female governor and two female U.S. senators. This shift can also be seen in construction, he said. “I think construction, while still male dominated, is certainly becoming more woman oriented,” Kevin said. “We constantly meet with women architects/engineers or contractor project managers today and don’t think there is anything out of the ordinary.” Kevin said he and his wife have different responsibilities in the company and while they do interact on some subjects, there is not
Ana Judeh
Robin Grannell
Owner of Ra Salon | Spa
Canine Behavior Center
16375 NE 85th St. Redmond • 425.284.0404
7551 205th Ave NE Redmond • 425-898-1341
While balancing her day with styling and running daily operations of the salon, Ana Judeh shows deep dedication to her industry. You see this through not only her business ethics, but her passion for the world of beauty. With an eye for detail and a hand for creativity, it was no surprise that Ana was immediately drawn to owning her own salon and spa. She knows that “this is not just a career, but a lifestyle”. It has now been just over 5 years since Ra’s doors have opened, and Ana and her team have been continuing to provide untouched, undisturbed, natural, organic beauty.
Robin Grannell, CEO of Canine Behavior Center, Inc., has 24 years experience as a Canine Behaviorist. She acquired Canine Behavior Center, Inc. in 1996, and runs the company as well as staying involved in the daily activities of the business such as private behavior modification and training, seminars, and training classes. We develop programs that take into consideration the dog’s history, age and temperament. The schedule and priorities of the dog’s owners, and the goals that they set for themselves and their dogs are of primary importance. Canine Behavior Center uses a positive approach to canine behavior problem solving. The emphasis is in making excellent handlers of the dog’s owners. We teach the dog’s family how to break the old patterns and how to create a new set of behaviors in the dog without punishment. 526094
www.rasalonspa.com
much overlap in their respective jobs. However, working in a small business with offices in close proximity, husband and wife usually have a good idea what the other is doing during the day, he said. “As a consequence, one of the first things we realized is that we didn’t have the normal dinnertime conversation with each other that we might have had before we started working together,” Kevin said. Although her gender didn’t present many challenges, Judy said, like most people in the construction world, they were hit by the economic recession in the last few years when many construction jobs were delayed or canceled. “It happened overnight for us,” she said. During this slow time, Olympian became WSDOT certified, meaning they can now bid on state projects concerning roadways and other transportationrelated jobs. “(The recession has) been awful, but we haven’t been lazy during this time,” Judy said. [ more WOMEN page 11 ]
www.caninebehaviorcenter.com
Cathy Villemure
Maggie Mitchell Wagner Mari Ann Lawler
CPA, Tax Manager • Falco | Sult
Gotta Dance Studio
16150 NE 85th St, Ste 203 Redmond • 425-883-3111
17945 NE 65th St, Ste 100 Redmond • (425) 861-5454 Gotta Dance is celebrating its 21st year serving this community. We provide a quality dance education while building self confidence and team work. Students learn jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, and pointe. There is a place for everyone at Gotta Dance, from the beginner to advanced dancers, ages 2 through adult. Our studio features an aspiring setting — a 12,000 square foot facility that includes four extra-large studios, a study, a party room and parent lobby. The staff helps dancers reach personal goals and potential while building strong and disciplined community members. We have over 700 students with 100 on a national-awarded performing team.
www.falcosult.com
www.gttadance.com
528911
I’m happy to be working for a firm who has been voted the “Best Financial Advisor in Redmond” for the last two years and owe this success to our longstanding and loyal client base and friends here in the greater Redmond community. Thank you all for the opportunity to work with you and serve your companies. Since 1991, our firm has been helping clients with their personal and business tax, accounting, planning and financial needs. Traditionally, we think of CPAs as boring compliance officers but at Falco Sult, we are problem solvers who go beyond the numbers. We serve clients in a variety of industries, helping them through each phase of the business life cycle – what we call Financial Success by Design. It’s what separates us from the bean counters in our industry. If this approach appeals to you, please meet with me and see if we are a fit for your needs.
530327
in
526787
WO M E N
September 30, 2011 [11]
www.redmond-reporter.com
BUSINESS
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SHARI SHOVLIN Shari Shovlin was 18 and a half years old when she joined the Police Reserve Academy at Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif. She attended the college after graduating from high school in 1982 and was taking criminal justice classes when she joined the academy and since then, the Redmond Police commander has “never looked back.” “I got addicted,” said Shovlin, now in her 27th year in law enforcement. Despite her love of the job, Shovlin said it wasn’t always easy. At the beginning of her career, she said the law enforcement field was only about five percent female and there was a fair amount of discontent and distrust about having women in a “man’s world.” “It was kind of new territory for women in law enforcement,” Shovlin said. “People had a lot of reservations.” Redmond Police Chief Ron Gibson has been in law enforcement for 32 years and said he remembers in 1979 being asked
Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin has earned the respect of her peers — and boss. “My favorite part of working with Shari is her willingness to call it like she sees it,” said Police Chief Ron Gibson. “I value leaders that are willing to speak up and be a part of the solution.” Courtesy of Redmond Police Department how he would feel about working with a female partner. “I don’t think you can even ask that question in an interview today,” he said. Shovlin, who lives in unincorporated King County just outside of Redmond, spent her first 11 years working in California and 16 with the Redmond Police De-
partment (RPD) — four of which have been as a commander, which is two positions below Gibson. Throughout her career, Shovlin has worked in various positions ranging from a D.A.R.E. officer, to a patrol supervisor. She has also been a detective and worked in the vice and narcotics divisions. Gibson said Shovlin’s varied
experience is an asset to the RPD and in addition to her commitment to the department, she is very involved in community activities. “My favorite part of working with Shari is her willingness to call it like she sees it,” he said. “I value leaders that are willing to speak up and be a part of the solution.” Shovlin said one of the biggest challenges she faced throughout her career, particularly when she was first starting out, has been working with officers who did not accept women in law enforcement. Because of this, she and other female police officers worked extra hard to prove themselves and fit into a maledominated field. “You couldn’t slack off,” Shovlin said. “That’s what we thought we had to do.” But all of the hard work has been worth it, she said. Shovlin said she has always admired those in law enforcement and considered it a noble profession. Police officers work to try and keep people safe, something she said she has always found ap-
pealing about the field. Shovlin said she has particularly enjoyed her time working for the RPD because it is a forwardthinking department with fantastic leadership. She said likes that the RPD works and collaborates with other city departments. “I love the sense of community that the police department has,” she said. After nearly three decades in her profession, Shovlin said law enforcement has definitely evolved since her early days. Gibson agreed, saying women are now very well established in the field and serving in all roles. “We have many examples of woman in leadership roles in our region such as our county sheriff (Sue Rahr) and many serving as police chiefs,” he said, referring to the cities of Bellevue, Woodinville and Spokane. Shovlin added that there is more education all around on diversity and police departments are putting the right people in leadership positions — regardless of gender. “The field is more diverse than it was years ago,” she said.
Margo Engberg
Denise Ensign
PinkaBella CupCakes
Kumon Math and Reading Center
16481 NE 74th Street, Redmond • (425) 861-0300
8133 161st Ave NE, Redmond • 425-869-3939 Kumon is a program designed to help children master math and reading, eventually studying above grade level. Children sharpen their academic skills by practicing them until they become second nature, just as they do in sports or the arts. What’s more, children discover - from the first day - they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible. Children become better, more confident students. They also learn how self-discipline, focus and practice can unleash their talents in school... and beyond. Kumon is the oldest supplemental education program in the world and Kumon of Redmond will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012.
www.pinkabellacupcakes.com
www.kumonofredmond.com
527866
The lifelong dream of a bake shop of some sort became a reality for Margo Engberg just 2 short years ago. It all started at the Redmond Town Center location which she calls “home” her beloved first “Pinkabella baby” Now 4 stores later Pinkabella is wildly successful. What started as a passion for baking and giving back has turned into a little planet of it’s own. (Margo Engberg)”If i didn’t have to make a living I would give it all away, that is truly my heart... my passion. Pinkabella is a family affair, Every one in our house is on board and the employees at our store generously agree to donate 100% of our tips to our childrens’ feeding program” I am so proud of my staff and feel grateful for their loyal commitment to Pinkabella, I could not do it without them!” She calls the communities she is in and her staff her extended family and it seems the feeling is mutual, Pinkabella has been well received.
Terri Gately
Debra Cobain
Dogs-a-Jammin’
Owner Marbella Day Spa & Boutique
Located in Woodinville near Redmond • (425) 788-WOOF (9663)
16122 NE 87th St. Redmond • 425-883-3000
Dogs-a-Jammin’ is a kennel free dog boarding and daycare facility - your dog’s home away from home! I’m honored to have created a setting where dogs can enjoy themselves in a safe, comfortable, caring, and fun environment. Our personalized attention and extensive knowledge of canine behavior combine to create an optimal environment for your furry friend. Each member of the Dogs-a-Jammin’ team is a certified professional, ensuring that all dogs receive the highest quality care in a safe and friendly environment. I’ve always known caring for animals is in my blood, and I’m truly honored to care for “the pack.” Your pooch is a part of our extended family and I love having the opportunity to make each dog’s experience here the best it can possibly be!
Cosmetologist, Permanent Make up artist Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Executive Board member Chair: Gala Fundraiser As I journey on through this life, I find myself always coming back to the same passions and desires. With over 20 years experience in the beauty industry, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I think anyone could find. I am blessed with meeting so many people as well as getting to exercise my creativity through hair styling and be exclusive with the art of permanent make up. The support of our community has changed my life, and I am thrilled to give back! 529114
www.dogs-a-jammin.com
527060
in
www.marbelladayspa.com/
526018
WO M E N
[12] September 30, 2011
WO M E N
www.redmond-reporter.com
in
BUSINESS
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Networking, charity event set for Oct. 6 at iPic Theaters aters, which will give tours of their updated facility. To RSVP for the event, call The Reporter at (425) 867-0353. For more information about the Working
Wardrobe program at the YWCA Family Village in Redmond, contact Brenda McCallon by e-mail at mccallon@ywcaworks.org or (425) 556-1354.
Irene Lam Sales Manager iPic Theater 16451 NE 74th St., Ste E200, Redmond • 425-636-5605 “At iPic Theaters, we have a passion for movies and provide you with the ultimate escape. We take the stress out of going to the movies: no rush to the concession stand, no skipping dessert and hustling to get a good seat, park once and let you night unfold the way you want it to. At iPic Theaters we are transforming your movie-going experience to a great evening out.”
www.ipictheaters.com
Victoria Holsclaw
Lisa Aliment
Owner of Koko FitClub
Bear Creek Florist 17186 Redmond Way, Redmond • 425-883-3770 The family business started in 1978. I graduated from the UW with a BA degree, then took over the family business in 1996 after working in the financial markets. Floral design has always been a passion, I started designing back in high school and on through college. I took additional floral design classes and got my master floral design certification through FTD. Through more recent years Bear Creek Florist has changed its scope to be more of a boutique florist. Carrying such items as scarves, handbags, jewelry, hats, gloves, and headbands. The giftware has increased to include such items as interior design pieces, unique holiday items, outdoor yard art, and as always many unusual vases and art glass. We still love our unique and artistic floral designs for weddings and special occasions, but we have ventured off to become much more than just flowers. I welcome you to stop off and say hello and receive a free hello flower from me.
redmond.kokofitclub.com
www.bearcreekflorist.com
527065
Victoria opened her first Koko FitClub in Woodinville in late 2010. Because of its overwhelming success and requests from her members, she’s now opened a second location in neighboring Redmond! As a former elementary school teacher (busy!), Victoria neglected her health and let her weight get out of control. Now, Victoria’s passion is to provide an effective, encouraging fitness solution that works for busy people who don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. Koko FitClub fuses exercise with technology to create the most time-effective, fun workout around! Victoria would love to meet you, so stop in to see her anytime!
Gail Kurpgeweit
Shannon de Jong
Taste of Amazing
de Jong Sawdust & Shavings 11807 Avondale RD NE • 425-885-1821
Gail Kurpgeweit started this business with a cupcake. A coconut creation that she made for her daughter’s wedding, it was so good people were begging for more! From small Cupcake Open House events out of her home in Issaquah, Washington, and many new cupcake flavors later, the menu expanded to meal delivery services and then into a full scale catering company where Gail was able to pursue her passion for creating delicious, beautiful food.
www.TasteOfAmazing.com
530181
In May of 2011, she purchased Savory Moment in Redmond, Washington. It was the perfect marriage. Today the menu continues to expand with delicious varieties of food – all packaged and ready for convenient heat-and-serve at home - and the catering services now include full-service, do-it-yourself and gluten-free options. Gail and her team passionately pursue exciting dishes that create the “OMG, That’s Amazing!” response from their customers, and find new ways to entertain with food.
Becoming the Queen of Sawdust but still just “The Girl”? I am Granddaughter of Cory de Jong II, daughter of Cory de Jong III, and mother of Cory de Jong IV. Where does that leave a third generation sawdust hauler? No place special if you’re not a man. It hasn’t been easy following or leading in the Corys’ footsteps. The title, “Sawdust Queen” wasn’t handed to me like some think. I started out as just “THE GIRL”. Even though I had my CDL that allowed me to drive trucks, my father wouldn’t give me a job. With CDL in hand, I managed to convince a company that I knew how to drive a truck and trailer to get the job. That wasn’t just the start of driving but the first time I realized I could sell anything. Eighteen, nervous and alone, I got into the fifty thousand pound rig and proceeded to teach myself to drive. A short time after I was finally hired on with the family business. Not knowing at the time that being the boss’s daughter was enough, I managed to learn to do it all. Drive and work on trucks, run loaders and dispatch and help customers. Computers came and I attacked them inside and out like I did everything else. As we grew so did I. I was born, work and still live on the same square block and am what I do. I sell anything to do with sawdust. You have to be able to do it all to earn respect and be able to lead by example not just who you’re the daughter of. Earning what I have and teaching myself what I know I am no longer just “THE GIRL” I am and always will be the “Sawdust Queen”. www.deJongss.com
526397
18005 NE 68th St., Ste. A-115, Redmond • 425.867.1516
529837
16510 Cleveland St., Suite R • 425-398-KOKO (5656)
530308
The Redmond Reporter will be recognizing “a chance to mingle and be inspired,” Southern local women business leaders at its upcoming said. second annual “Women in Business” networkThe event will feature a fashion show, showing event. casing clothing The free from several event will be Redmond busiheld Thursday, nesses, such Oct. 6 from as Trade Chic, 5-7:30 p.m. at The Closet and iPic Theaters in more. the Redmond The event Town Center will also have a at 16451 N.E. charity aspect 74th St. to it. The purpose The Reporter of the event is will be collectto provide an ing donations Christina Henning, senior marketing manager for the Redmond for Redmond’s opportunity Town Center, left, introduces some of the women business leaders for Redmond YWCA Family at last year’s “Women in Business” networking event. This year’s women busiVillage “Workevent will be Oct. 6 at iPic Theaters. File photo ness leaders ing Wardrobe” to network program, and socialize with each other, check out the which helps find job opportunities for people latest workplace fashions and give back to the displaced from their homes by financial hardcommunity, according to Reporter publisher ship or domestic violence. Women who attend Andrea Southern, who is in charge of organiz- the event are encouraged to bring gently-used ing the event. work attire to be donated to the program, Several business leaders will share their which also accepts men’s clothing. success stories at the event. Attendees will have Appetizers will be provided by iPic The-