What does it take to build a business in Whatcom County? Each month, host Leo Cohen sits down with the people behind your favorite Bellingham businesses to discover who they are, how they got started, what inspires them, and how they overcame the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Meet Guy Occhiogrosso. A professional with almost 20 years of Whatcom County Chamber experience who lives and breathes community. Having been with the Bellingham Chamber since 2014, and in the Chamber world itself since 2006, Guy has navigated a volley of changes of what business looks like through technological evolutions and the looming effects of business in a post-pandemic world. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to advocate for the business community to local government, Guy's hopes for abundant housing in Whatcom County, and the importance of in-person connections amongst members of the community. Enjoy! - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Co-Producers & Audio Editors | Tiffany Holden & Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ A huge thank you to our friends at Doc Swinson's for being this season's community partner.
1/17/25 • 56:24
Meet Mike Hammes. A titan in the construction space who believes in the power of connecting with those in your company and those in your community. With a background in both firefighting and construction, Mike founded RAM back in 1995, starting out with smaller construction jobs like digging out garages that eventually led to the company it is today that works on civil projects like the Padden Creek Fish Barrier Removal and building projects like Alderwood Elementary. In this episode, Mike talks about the importance of giving back to your staff, the balance of family and work when intertwined, and what social good means in the world of RAM Construction. - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Co-Producers & Audio Editors | Tiffany Holden & Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ A huge thank you to our friends at Doc Swinson's for being this season's community partner.
12/20/24 • 45:45
Meet Logan McQuaig. He's a down-to-earth, humble kind of guy who calls himself the "maintenance boy" around Redlight Kitchen & Bar, his popular establishment on Grand Ave. Logan grew up in hospitality, from delivering pizza all around Bellingham to serving up pints at Uisce. Today, he's the owner of one of Bellingham's hotspots, known for its extensive drink menu, Asian-fusion dishes, and a warm atmosphere. In this episode, he talks all things restaurant management, the importance of key leaders, and the future of their old space on State Street. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
11/22/24 • 44:18
Meet Andrea Evans. She's an avid knitter, a knows-her-numbers business woman, and has one of those warm souls that make you feel welcome the moment you meet her. Andrea developed her yarn sales and subscription box business through interpersonal connection at their storefront, nonprofit support projects, and online educational and community-building livestreams. Apple Yarns is a staunch supporter of several nonprofit organizations, including Knitted Knockers, which ships thousands of free handmade breast prosthetics nationally each month. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
10/18/24 • 46:18
Meet Brad Barron. Fourth generation Barron and current CEO, he's a community-minded leader dedicated to the development of trades in Whatcom County. In this episode, he talks about generational leadership and imposter syndrome, why to document systems in a growing company, and the importance of taking care of coworkers first and foremost. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
9/20/24 • 52:59
Join Leo (host) and Tiffany (producer) in the studio as we reflect on five seasons and 40 episodes of the Building Bellingham Podcast. We talk growth, failure, balancing our entrepreneurial and administrative energies, and our goals for this local business podcast. Thanks to all who've joined in along the way, and we'll see you all in Season 6! Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
6/7/24 • 21:55
Meet Chas Kubis. Serial entrepreneur and iconic Bellingham restaurateur, he's the driving force behind Black Sheep's fried chicken tacos and the guy that bar staff call on when an oven breaks at 7:30 on a Friday night. In this episode, he talks hard conversations, the incubation space of multiple restaurant concepts, the early days of breweries & food trucks in Bellingham, and the vibe of Restaurant Row on Holly St. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
5/10/24 • 49:12
Meet Jesse Parker, Master Blender at the award-winning Doc Swinson's American whiskey brand. In this episode, we hear how a 20-something kid won a national gin award, how a small business that began with ten casks has grown to an operation with thousands of casks, how a small distillery in Ferndale is ranking - and winning - in national and international industry competitions, and how imagination, commitment to quality, and a vision for American whiskey is driving everything that happens at Doc Swinson's. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
3/22/24 • 60:14
Meet Matt Mini, THE Funky of Funky's Hot Sauce; he's a master of creating artisanal hot sauces with a zing of garlic or a fruit-forward sweetness that still packs a lot of heat. In this episode, we hear about his years of developing recipes, how he moved from kitchen to kitchen (and how narrow the temperature range has to be for fermented foods), about the Carolina Reaper sauce that won the 2022 Screaming Mimi award and catapulted his hot sauces into national recognition, and how Stellar Fuzz made it onto Season 23 of Hot Ones. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
2/23/24 • 55:34
Meet Charmae Scheffer; she's a high-energy people lover with a passion for caring for dogs while their parents are at work or on vacation. In this episode, we hear how Charmae juggled raising seven kids while growing a fledgling business, how the Whatcom County zoning code changed due to the Scheffers' efforts, and how Charmae works to develop the next generation of hard workers who will be an asset anywhere they go. Follow the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbellingham6747
1/19/24 • 57:09
Meet Andi Vann; she's a high-energy dessert aficionado with a passion for giving joy to others through yummy treats. In this episode, we hear how she left a corporate consulting job to work as an independent baker, how she and Nick renovated their cafe on a shoestring budget, and how she approaches each day with a customer-first mindset. Follow the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbellingham6747
12/20/23 • 68:45
Meet Clarito Zapanta; he's a filmmaker, director and executive producer with an affinity for Air Jordans and a passion for creating TV and feature film productions right here in Bellingham. In this episode, we hear how he and Kristina grew IAJ Media from a marketing agency into a full-time film studio, how he dug deep into personal development, and about how he created an entire world for his film in progress: Egress. Learn more about the show: Website: https://www.livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbellingham6747
11/17/23 • 58:53
Meet Emile Diffley; he's the 28 year-old owner of Banter Hospitality, a counter-service restaurant known for its bright atmosphere and iconic breakfast burrito. In this episode, we learn about Emile's history working in different cities, his passion for quality food and smooth operations, and the challenges to providing a unique-yet-familiar food experience in Bellingham. Learn more about the show: Website: https://www.livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbellingham6747
10/18/23 • 72:41
Welcome to Season 5 of the Building Bellingham Podcast! We're joined in the studio by Brad Wilske, co-owner of Lost Giants Cider Co. In this episode, we learn about the difference between cider apples and culinary apples, the cost of installing a canning line, and weighing the cost and reach of distribution. Brad goes into the mindset of "we're all janitors" and how he sold his home to fund the endeavor. It's all right here in our Season 5 premiere. Learn more about the show: Website: https://www.livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbellingham6747
9/22/23 • 56:18
Executive Director Alice Clark and Program Director Lindsey Payne Johnstone joined us to tell about the role DBP plays in keeping our downtown core vibrant and thriving. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) is famous for is events - First Fridays, Wine Walk, and especially the iconic Downtown Sounds, a free-admission outdoor concert series which draws thousands of people and closes three city blocks over five Wednesdays in the summer. But the DBP crew is responsible for so much more: administrating micro grants for storefront improvements, public art efforts, graffiti cleanup, spring floral baskets, and safety patrols. Over the past three years, they've also seen their role expand further into business development support and advocacy, including networking with other downtown organizations down the I-5 corridor. We talked about the fentanyl crisis, how the empty office buildings mean less breakfast & lunchtime foot traffic for small businesses, and the emotional work of advocating for their constituents. About the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
4/21/23 • 59:42
In 2000, Krissy Moehl ran her first ultra - the Chuckanut 50k, which is one of the oldest and largest races of its type in North America. She set a course record, took over as race director in 2003, and began to pursue running professionally. She's the author of Running Your First Ultra and is a Patagonia® ambassador. In this episode, Krissy tells the story of a major decision that changed the trajectory of her career for the last decade. She digs into the challenges of monetizing running, the year she discovered her value, and the conviction to never lose her joy in the sport. So fill up your waterbottle, lace up those running shoes, fire up the Airpods and take in Episode 7 of Season 4. Learn more about the show: https://livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
3/24/23 • 50:49
Sweet As Waffles began as an idea back in 2015 and a grueling road trip in 2018. Nate and Graham wanted to bring waffles to downtown Bellingham's late-night scene in a new, funky, hole-in-the-wall type spot. Over the years, they've built a solid menu of complex sweet and savory waffles along with their rotating "Waffle of the Week-ish". Today, the duo is running the waffle shop while also building out their new brick-and-mortar location in downtown Bellingham, pivoting back to the original late-night vision.In this episode, we talk about high-deas and the unexpected result of buying a few plastic dinosaurs, the importance of keeping Bellingham weird, and how work ethic, a waffle maker that spewed batter, and semi-nude photos involving maple syrup all contributed to developing one of Bellingham's iconic grub spots. So pour a cup of coffee or a shot of whiskey, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 6 of Season 4. Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
2/17/23 • 59:51
Triple Wren Farms began in 2012 as a cut flower farm; Sarah and Steve grew florist favorites and trucked them up and down I-5 until the day of a certain King County wedding, brake lights, and a broken iPhone. Over the decade, they've pivoted, grown, shrunk and adjusted until reaching the current iteration: retail dahlia tuber sales. Today, the 20-acre farm ships thousands of tubers all across the US, grows & sells new strains of dahlias for renowned dahlia hybridizers working right here in Whatcom County, and hosts sold-out agritourism events. In this episode, the Pabodys dig into the importance of infrastructure and logistics, the balance (what is that again?) between their personal and professional partnerships, and the grit involved in taking risks, adjusting, and trying again.So pour a cup of coffee or a shot of your favorite bevvie, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 5 of Season 4. Learn more about the show: https://livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
1/20/23 • 66:19
Brothers Chay Tan and Lee Tan purchased Coconut Kenny's back in 2004. Chay tells the stories of the early days - purchasing on an owner contract, slinging real estate to pay the bills, and stretching every marketing dollar. Now, the family-owned chain has 7 stores in 3 counties and has opened up co-ownership opportunities to their employees and managers. In 2018, Chay partnered with a former employee to create Downtime Taps, which was the first self-serve tap room in Washington State. In this episode, Chay talks about the rule of 7, not taking a paycheck from the business for years, and the reward of developing leaders within his business. So pour a glass of whiskey or crack open a local beer, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 4 of Season 4. Follow the show at: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
12/16/22 • 46:07
Greg Klassen's woodworking journey began as a newlywed making furniture out of door scraps. Later he would design the original River® table - live edge wood with blue glass. Greg's distinctive style, his grit in going to show after show after show with little results, and his willingness to learn marketing and write an infinity of press releases and cold emails led to a turning point in 2014. After being published on a major contemporary art blog, Greg and his River® tables went viral. Since then, this one-man show has sold work to every corner of the globe, been featured by the Smithsonian, Sunset Magazine and the New York Times. In this episode, he and Leo talk about setting a foundation for solid marketing, the importance of passion and grit, and how he personally delivered a 12.5' sculpture to Idaho. So pour a shot of whiskey, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 3 of Season 4. Learn more about the show: https://livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
11/18/22 • 60:12
Stemma Brewing Co began as a business plan while owner Jason Harper was a student at WWU. He got an inside look at the industry while working for a local distribution company and completed multiple levels of the Cicerone certification. In this episode, he and Leo talk about the importance of both subject matter education and business savvy, how co-owners Kim and Jason Harper complement each other's skills, and one particular negative Google review. So crack open a Super Squeeze, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 2 of Season 4. Learn more about the show: https://livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
10/21/22 • 61:59
AB Crepes just celebrated its 10 year anniversary, and to kick off Season 4 we sat down with owner Bayly Peterson. We talk late-night party vibes, negative Yelp reviews, and the sheer grit and work it took to run a new business while a full-time student. This year, Bayly and his business partner opened Otherside Bagel Co. Taking the lessons of AB Crepes' success and Hodgepodge's failure, they introduced another go-to spot to the Bellingham food world with traditionally-made bagels (including a gluten-free option!) and breakfast sandwiches. So pour a glass of whiskey or crack open a local beer, kick off your shoes, fire up those Airpods and take in Episode 1 of Season 4. Learn more about the show: https://livebellinghamnow.com/building_bellingham Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
9/23/22 • 56:33
In this episode, we sat down with Ari and Paul to taste chocolate and talk about their journey: from squinting at chocolate bars in a grocery store, to landing 500 retail stores on the West Coast, to expanding into back-end manufacturing (and the ramifications of the new chocolate chip machine). Paul and Ari shared insights into the direct trade chocolate world, how they are challenged to grow beyond anything that they once imagined, and how decisions become simpler (but not easy) when you lead with mission first.
5/13/22 • 56:48
In this episode, Tony tells the story of his relentless desire to create. From scaling up (and back down again) Moceri Construction, to freelance writing for local publications, to promoting small yard games on social media, he brings energy and drive to a situation. Leo and Tony dig into real estate investing, mindset, and the importance of kindness - to all members and levels of an organization. Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
3/17/22 • 62:22
Widnor Farms offers beef, chicken, lamb and pork along with other farm goods. In this episode, Brianna tells us about the process of transforming a rundown farmhouse into a home, and arid land into pasture that feeds their rotating herds of cows, pigs, lambs and chickens. Throughout the story, she talks about the challenge farmers have finding processing plants in our area, the centralization of the US food system, and how carbon-neutral farms purchase carbon credits from places like Widnor Farms. She dug into how they made the decision to sell direct-to-consumer, how ROI can't be calculated on a short timeframe, and how she grew their Instagram platform to be both educational and a place of connection. Follow the show at https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
2/18/22 • 59:53
Bob Kramer forges some of the most sought-after kitchen knives in the world, and he has been featured in articles by the New York Times, Saveur, and Wall Street Journal. In this episode, Bob tells the story of a young man flying to six cities seeking the secret to knife sharpening, opening a storefront in the heart of Seattle, stacking up a two-year order waitlist, and the Ebay auction that showed him the value of his own work. Throughout the story, he shares nuggets of wisdom around craftsmanship, forging your own path, humility, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Follow the show at: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
1/20/22 • 81:58
Well friends, it's been 2.5 years, 19 feature-length episodes and 45 livestreams since the Building Bellingham Podcast began. And so for our 20th show, Leo and Tiffany take a deep-dive into the creation and growth of the show, and the challenges and mindset shifts they've had along the way. They talk branding, leaning down and livestreaming during Covid, building trust among the crew, and how it took about 3 months to finally finish the first custom Building Bellingham hat. Follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/
12/16/21 • 64:15
Storia Cucina means "kitchen history" in Italian. This popular downtown Bellingham restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Jonathan Cicotti, formerly a restauranteur in San Francisco. The restaurant opened in May 2020 and quickly became a Bellingham favorite, thanks to delicious recipes from Jonathan's Italian heritage and the his commitment to sourcing ingredients from local and organic farmers. Recently, Chef Jonathan opened a sister company just down the street in the Lightcatcher Building courtyard. Bar Cicotti serves light Italian fare along with wine & coffee. Follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham
11/18/21 • 54:38
Kelsey’s entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 11 with her Grandpa Paul, who taught her the secrets about connecting first, and selling second. Today, she’s built her business around that concept as a branding educator and photographer. Known for her big personality, bold colors, and wearing a jumpsuit to photoshoots, Kelsey is an unapologetic cheerleader for leaders in business. Recently, Kelsey launched The Connection Method, a book that “acts as a permission slip to be yourself and inspire genuine connection with others.” Purchase The Connection Method: https://www.kelseykurtis.com/theconnectionmethod Follow the show at: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham
10/21/21 • 53:02
When you think of Hardware Sales, you're probably thinking of the place you go when you need nuts and bolts, or to rent a power washer (and you'd be right). But did you know about the 56,000 sq ft warehouse in Indiana? Or the consulting work they do for Amazon sellers in their industry? Or how one idea from an employee saved 132 hours of labor per year? It's all right here. For exclusive content, follow the show at https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham
9/16/21 • 46:59
