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October 16th, 2011340f98d7-11de-46c0-a4c7-900b215f79ed
Loading ...Kenmore’s New Locksmith – A Welcome Addition to our Business Community
September 28th, 2009Wise Locksmith – Keys, Locks, Safes
7018 NE Bothell Way
Kenmore, WA 98028
425.877.1729
Jesus Giving Peter the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
Chris Weissman, the owner of Kenmore’s new locksmith shop, Wise Locksmith, made me want to fly down to the locksmith school in Texas and learn the trade! Who would have thought that keys and door locks could be so interesting? Chris told me, “Being a locksmith has as much to do with handling all sorts of difficult situations and people as it does simply changing a lock. When people are moving in or out of a home, they always schedule ALL the contractors to show up on the same day (the movers, the plumbers, the carpenters, etc.) and everyone goes through the door I’m changing the lock on!”
A Service We All Need
Let’s face it: everyone will need a key cut or a lock changed at one time or another. As a Realtor® I’ve had to employee the services of locksmiths many times: re-keying a home after a sale, opening a door that owners didn’t leave a key for, or simply obtaining a key so I could list a house. As a home owner I’ve had my share of changed locks and getting new keys made.
Everyone knows what this is!
Chris has been a locksmith for 20 years having cut his teeth in NYC with his father who has been in the business over 40 years. Chris takes his profession very seriously. As we discussed his business I could tell he is passionate about the service he provides and the level of professionalism he expects from the industry. I came away from our conversation with some important information:
1) The Locksmith industry, like so many services, has experienced a race to the bottom. There are a huge number of locksmiths in the business who will undercut the competition to get business. Because consumers don’t think a lot about “quality” when it comes to the trade, this can have negative consequences……
2) There are a lot of scam artists and “phony lock smiths” who, after arriving at your home will perform all sorts of repairs and part replacements that are tacked-on to your bill. These scammers may tell you what a job will cost on the phone, but beware once they show up. Chris indicated that there are huge rings of these pseudo-locksmiths who will try to up-sell consumers on hardwood floors, painting, etc. while they are fixing your lock.
40% of Chris’ Business is related to Cars! These are car keys.
I asked Chris to explain to the public what one should be aware of when dealing with a locksmith. He had several suggestions:
1) Ask the locksmith how long he/she has been in the business. Not all locksmiths are created equal and experience counts for a lot. It may be the difference between a locksmith being able to pick a lock or drilling into the lock which can cost you time, money and aggravation.
2) Is the locksmith licensed with the WA State L&I? Get their ID number to ensure this is the case.
3) Does the locksmith have a local store front? There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with a mobile locksmith; however, having a shop means you have somewhere to go if you have issues.
4) Ask if the locksmith is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America which is a national trade organization that reputable locksmiths join. They attend conferences and receive education/certification on the trade. Chris showed me a very sophisticated industrial lock that can be programmed to allow certain individuals to enter at certain times. He said it’s important that your locksmith is trained to properly install these devices:
5) Will the locksmith honor the quote they give you? Chris stated that a reputable locksmith will honor his/her quotes. After the job is done, the locksmith should warrant the parts and service for at least 30 day. Chris said this is a constant problem in the industry as many consumers complain that they feel they’re being “shaken down” when a locksmith lays a huge bill on them after quoting a much lower price.
Service and “Giving Something Extra”
What was really cool about Chris was his willingness to talk with me about what he does for a living. “I grew up working with my father as a locksmith. I was bred to be up in the middle of the night.” Even though working in the Northwest isn’t anything like NYC where being on the job all the time was common, he’s looking forward to growing his business here in Kenmore. He even took me in the back of the shop to show me how a lock works (I’ve always wondered how they work!):
As a resident and business owner here in Kenmore, WA I would encourage you to bring your business to the Wise Locksmith. Why go to Lowes or Home Depot? Support this enthusiastic, local businessman.
Crocodile Rocks in Kenmore, WA – Perfecting an Ancient Art!
September 27th, 2009I recently posted an article about one of Kenmore’s most interesting businesses, Crocodile Rocks, which is a premier provider of elegant stone such as granite, onyx, marble, etc. as well as the highest quality of stone fabrication and installation. I have reprinted part of this article here on this Merchant’s page to emphasize its importance in the Kenmore Business Community.
Nature’s Timeless Art for Your Home and More!
My first question for Michael Homchick, President and Owner of Crocodile Rocks was, “If you could choose any of the vast types of marble or granite for your own home, what would it be?” He didn’t skip a beat: “Calacatta Crystole!” He then took me back into his warehouse and picked-out a slab, picked it up with a specialized lift and said, “Simple, elegant, classic….this stone has it all!”
Indeed, this is the same marble used in the making of Michelangelo’s “David” and featured in temples and homes around the world for over two thousand years. It is also very expensive. To listen to Michael talk about this stone was inspiring. Indeed, you’re never going to meet a more passionate or knowledgeable business owner than Michael Homchick. With over 30 years of experience as a mason, stone worker, fabricator, merchant, manufacturer, traveler, trader and historian, he brings an almost encyclopedic depth of understanding to his industry. This is why his two Kenmore-based businesses, Crocodile Rocks and Michael Homchick Stonworks are THE places to go for the highest quality stone products and craftsmanship in the area.
From the Quarries to Your Home (or Yacht or Plane)
Crocodile Rocks has been operating in it’s current Kenmore location since the early 1990’s and in that time it has grown into a successful supplier and fabricator of natural stone such as marble, granite, onyx, travertine, limestone and much, much more.
Crocodile Rocks has a vast inventory of stone slabs to choose from. If you visit the company website, you can take a look at the wide range of products they carry. But there’s far more to Crocodile Rocks than the retail center. There’s also the “craftsman” side of the business which is absolutely fascinating:
The Fine Art of Stone Works and Fabrication
Crocodile Rocks not only furnishes homeowners with stone products, but they also fabricate some incredibly intricate (and expensive) specialty finishings for boating and airline clients. In the building housing the stoneworks, a lot of specialized manufacturing goes on:
Let’s go in to see what’s going on in there!!
An onyx shower floor for a yacht!
The shower floor above is composed of Iranian and Pakistani onyx that is wafer-thin. Much of the granite and marble used in boats in air planes goes through a special process that allows the stone to be sliced very thin (1/4 of an inch) for these applications. To work with such fragile stone requires special talent and techniques:
Reinforcing stone with fiberglass rods
Coating the back of a custom piece with resin as reinforcement
Click on the next picture to view a slide show of the exciting world of stone fabrication at Crocodile Rocks:
Click on the picture for a short slide show
Celebrating Another Premier Kenmore Merchant
Michael Homchick, Owner of Crocodile Rocks!
Michael employs 32 people who, for the most part, have been with him for many, many years. Both he and his employees have a firm commitment to producing the highest quality products available. Michael puts it this way: “We do the best quality work with stone.” We are truly fortunate that Michael is one of those generous people who likes to share his knowledge and who is really loves his craft. So, if you intend to add stone treatments to your home, boat or air plane (I wish) make sure you visit Crocodile Rocks!
6824 NE 175th Street
Kenmore, WA 98020
425.483.2053
James G. Murphy Inc., Auctioneers – Christie’s is for Wimps!
April 6th, 2009James G. Murphy Inc.
18226 68th Ave. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 486-1246 / 1 (800) 426-3008
James G. Murphy Inc., Auctions on Steriods!
Most of us have been to some sort of auction. It’s either been one of those silent auctions for charity or you’ve been on a cruise and watched people bid on cheesy oil paintings. Everyone has watched those fancy Christie’s of London-type events on TV or in movies where the uber-wealthy bid on everything from Cubist paintings by Pablo Picasso to French tulipwood floral marquetry bombe commodes.
Family Owned & Operated since 1970!
Well my dear readers, you’re about to discover that one of the 10 largest Auctioneer companies in the US operates right here in Kenmore, WA and they aren’t taking any prisoners. Nope. James C. Murphy Inc. is to Auction companies what Martha Stewart is to interior design: Larger than Life and capable of doing just about anything! This amazing company auctions everything from entire restaurants and retail stores to factories, saw mills and mining equipment. We’re talking serious “stuff” here!
Last week I was fortunate to receive a tour of this fascinating operation by General Manager, Bob Hensel, who gave me a real education about the world of commercial and Industrial auctions. I had absolutely no idea of the scale and scope of this business. Here are some quick facts about James C. Murphy Inc.:
- The company is ranked in the top 10 Auction companies in the US for total auction sales
- They conduct an average of 120 auctions around the country every year
- These auctions are always “no minimum, no reserve” which means there is no minimum bid, nor is there a price at which an item must sell (many auctions require an item be sold at no less than a certain price or the item is not sold at all)
- They service 30 States including Hawaii and Alaska
- James C. Murphy Inc. is one of the largest “car dealerships” in the State selling over 4000 titled vehicles per year
- The company offers its on-line bidding service MurphyLive which allows the buyer to participate in real-time live bidding from the comfort of your computer
- The company is located on a 6+ acre property with a huge warehouse, administrative offices and huge lot that holds some very interesting things
- The company hosts 8 large heavy equipment & vehicle auctions a year here in Kenmore
- James C. Murphy has 30 full-time employees and is one of the largest sources of business tax revenue for the City of Kenmore
Click on the picture for a larger view
So What Do They Sell at these Auctions?
Bob Hensel took me on a grand tour of the facilities and explained that they operate like most businesses. They have an extensive sales force, a highly experienced administrative staff and an operations division that, to me, functions like a veritable military invasion force. The logistics and planning that go into an auction is a Herculean task. For example, the day of my visit the warehouse contained property from a number of failed businesses and property seized by the government:
The Warehouse with a Huge Array of Items
This merchandise must be inventoried, categorized, put into lots and prepared for auction. In many cases property finds its way to James G. Murphy due to business failure, repossession, government seizure, etc. Then there is the task of appraising property. Many times they are off-site at a saw mill or factory liquidating property. At other times they must transport vehicles, machinery and other items to a central location in order to ensure exposure to buyers. You can tell Bob LOVES his job!
Government Seizure
Office furniture from a business failure
And, for you ladies…….
Yes, Clothing Retailers and Fabric Stores go out-of-business and James G. Murphy Inc. auctions off bolts of fabrics, designer clothes and even Wedding Dresses!
Fabrics
Wedding Dresses!!!!!!
Then There’s the BIG Stuff
Can you imagine liquidating a factory or saw mill? How about auctioning those huge earth moving trucks at open pit mines! This is exactly what James C. Murphy Inc. does. Check these things out:
Saw mill industrial equipment
Lab Equipment
And then there are the various truck, boats and other equipment at the Kenmore lot:
And then, there’s my favorite…………………..
Yes, An Armored Police Assault Vehicle
According to Bob, one of the most interesting facts about the auction business is that it is essentially recession-proof. There is always a need to move merchandise through our economic system in good times and bad. Often, auctioneers are the first to notice a shift in the economy, for example: they saw the decline of the DotCom’s long before the media picked-up on the trouble and, more recently, the decline in print media has been devistating to printing companies. Then there are all the wonderful stories Bob told about seziures of vintage cars from drug dealers and liquidating the designer clothes of a big-time embezzler.
As a Realtor I’ve seen a lot of personal property being sold at estate sales and, of course, there are foreclosures and sheriff sales of homes, but I was utterly blown away by this fascinating local company. I can’t wait to attend their next local auction on May 2nd. I hope to see you there.
For more information visit JGM at: www.murphyauction.com.
A Wonderful Addition to Kenmore – Bothell Ski and Bike
March 24th, 2009Bothell Ski & Bike Coming to Kenmore in May!
8020 Bothell Way NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
What could be more fitting than to have a premiere, independent bicycle shop here in Kenmore, WA? Better yet, when Bothell Ski & Bike opens its doors at 8020 Bothell Way NE toward the end of May, I believe this well-established retailer will be capitalizing on several of Kenmore’s greatest assets: our close proximity to Lake Washington waterfront, the Burke-Gilman Trail and Hwy 522, which will expose the shop to almost 50,000 motorists each day. The real challenge will be to get those people out of their cars and start bicycling! Well, if the new shop is as impressive as the current store, they may succeed. Let’s take a look at the current shop:
17816 Bothell Way NE, Bothell
John Ethen, the co-owner along with Greg Pergament, met with me yesterday and explained that they are incredibly excited about moving the shop to the new location. Although the current location has been successful since 1989, the building sits off the street so that it’s easy to miss while driving through Bothell. A lack of parking has been an issue as well. The new location has an excellent location on Hwy 522. Access will be much better and there is ample parking. Also, the new store is a one-story structure which will make their lives a lot easier.
It’s About Bikes, Service and Relationships
I’m not a stranger to bicycle shops. My wife and I are avid, experienced cyclists and we prefer independent shops for a simple reason: The neighborhood shops offer excellent customer service and a sense of belonging. You can count on them to help you purchase the right bike and service you and your bike long after the initial purchase. It’s all about building a long-term relationship, a concept lost on the large big-box retailers these days. John was adamant about the level of their service and he has customers all over the world to prove it.
The shop offers a wide range of high-end carbon frame road bikes including: Cervelo, Pinarello, Giant, Scott and Phelps. The customers who purchase these wonderfully high-tech machines are generally seasoned riders, who are making a relatively pricey investment. They also carry women’s bikes, triathlon bikes, cross and comfort bikes and kid’s bikes. For more information about Bothell Ski and Bike’s extensive inventory of frames, accessories, clothes, etc. visit their website at: www.bikesale.com.
More Than Just Selling Bikes
I’m impressed with the quality and quantity of the shop’s inventory, and it also has a seasoned service department and a system to help fit a cyclist to his/her bicycle. Bothell Ski and Cycle has invested in it’s staff to ensure top-notch service. The shop employs 5 full-time sales people and 10 mechanics! Check out the service department:
John and I talked a lot about the importance of helping clients select the right bike. In a sense, this is one of the most important aspects of the business. John is obviously passionate about getting things just right when it comes to fitting a rider (he was coach of the National Women’s Cup Ski Team from 1998 – 2004)! The shop sends select members of the staff to Saratoga, NY to be professionally trained at the Serotta Bike Fitting School. It costs the shop $2000 for each technician! At the new store they will have a seperate room just for fitting customers…….Wow!
Overall, it’s truly exciting that Bothell Ski and Bike is becoming a member of our community. I can’t wait until the end of May for this wonderful new bike shop! Just for fun, here’s a slide show of Bothell Ski and Bike. Just click on the picture!
Kenmore Camera – The REI of Camera Stores…..Someday!
March 18th, 2009Kenmore Camera – Since 1974
18031 67th Ave. NE, Kenmore WA 98028
425-485-7447 or toll free 1-888-485-7447
Open Monday-Friday 9:00-7:00, Saturday 9:00-5:00, Sunday 12:00-5:001 67th
Taking a pristine picture of Kenmore Camera without cars parked in front is almost impossible. You would have to get up really, really early. In fact, the first thing one notices about this highly successful, long-lived Kenmore merchant is that it’s always busy there…..Which is exactly the way Bob Donovan, Kenmore Camera’s owner, likes it! Bob has been working at Kenmore Camera since his father started the business back in 1974. “Things have changed a lot over the years,” says Bob, “I can remember when people rode their horses in front of the store.” He told me that the building itself used to be the Kenmore Fire Department complete with the original training tower! Today the 4500 square foot store offers an enormous inventory of photographic products from the most advanced, professional digital cameras to 35mm cameras for the old timers, plus a huge array of accessories.
According to Bob, the technology connected with cameras and photography has evolved to an incredible degree and competition between the various manufacturers to produce even better cameras is fierce. “The competition has created an environment where improvements between cameras are not incremental, they’re exponential,” he said. An interesting aspect of running the business is having a staff that can keep up with the newest products and developments, while at the same time understanding the old-style cameras. There’s an enormous amount of information his sales people must absorb.
As retailers go, Kenmore Camera has not seen a drop in sales due to the current economic slowdown. Bob explained that he has a huge customer base who are simply purchasing less expensive equipment right now. He also ships to a wide range of customers worldwide. It’s no wonder that he has twenty busy employees. The shop’s most current project is a free seminar featuring the world-renowned photographer Art Wolfe at the Lynnwood Convention Center on April 11th. For more information just click on the picture below:
Click on this picture for details!
Bob and I also talked about the future of Kenmore. Recently, we both attended a meeting of the Kenmore Economic Development Committee and I was curious to know his thought about all the plans to re-enliven Kenmore. Overall, Bob is optimistic about Kenmore’s potential as a premiere community. He feels that our close proximity to Lake Washington and easy access to the major highways place us at the crossroads of many possibilities. When I asked him about the future of Kenmore Camera, he said someday they need a larger building. He would like to have a shop like the downtown REI (his favorite store). “I’d like to be the REI of camera stores!” He’s certainly on his way. Check out the slide show below:
Click on this picture to view the slideshow
One thing is certain, Kenmore Camera is a jewel in the crown of home-grown Kenmore businesses. The staff is attentive, extremely knowledgable and friendly. Bob has a lot to be proud of and I’m looking forward to his next shop which, I hope, has a climbing wall just like REI. Think of how cool that would be!
Maser’s Grooming and Pet Boutique – 38 Years in Kenmore and Still Going Strong
March 14th, 2009Maser’s Grooming & Pet Boutique
6515 NE 181st – Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 485-1500
Far too many retailers in this country have turned into nothing more than enormous, generic warehouses stocked with the same old brand-name products, sold by employees who have little or no passion for the customers and whose profits end up in corporate headquarters located far away in some other state. Let’s face it, we all patronize these big stores because they are convenient and they do carry products we can use. Well, I have news for all you animal lovers out there. If you are committed to shopping locally and receiving the highest quality attention from a knowledgeable and friendly staff, then you should visit Maser’s Grooming and Pet Boutique in Kenmore, WA. If I were your dog or cat, I would DEMAND it!
Denise McDonald, the current owner, and her son Wesley were gracious enough to allow me to spend a couple of hours at their wonderful shop and my visit turned out to be a real education into the workings of this fascinating business. Maser’s has been in Kenmore for 38 years- a real institution. Denise’s parents owned the shop before her and you can see how proud she is that Wesley will continue on as a third-generation owner of the store. As I spoke with him it’s obvious that he has a real passion for the business.
When I asked Denise how business is going these days, she said the shop is doing well considering the difficulties with the economy. One interesting thing she mentioned is that when times are tough, people don’t travel or go out as much. As a result, they stay home with their pets. People are willing to invest in their pets rather than go out. Her parents told her that during the Great Depression, their pet shop did very well.
Two Businesses – Retail & Grooming
One of the first things you realize when you enter Maser’s is the inventory of every conceivable pet product out there: foods, toys and cages, beds, aquariums, leashes, bowls, scratching posts and a myriad of other things. It’s amazing:
Click on the picture below for a slide show of Maser’s:
Click on this picture to view a slide show of Maser's
It’s a Hairy Job, But Someone’s Got to Do It!
A large part of Maser’s business is pet grooming. This will blow you away: Maser’s grooms over 10,000 dogs and cats every year! It was amazing how many dogs were being processed when I was there:
Maser’s is also a Certified Grooming School that turns out about 12 graduates a year. It’s interesting to note that earning a certificate takes 670 hours over 85 days. The graduates usually end up working at other salons, pet shops, kennels and at veterinarian offices. All of the graduates know how to properly groom the various breeds. Now, if I could only get my cat over there for a trim!
ouDon’t these dogs look happy? I can’t begin to describe how utterly crazy it was standing in the middle of the grooming room. Hair flying, razors buzzing, dogs barking……it was amazing. The thing that impressed me was the love and dedication the stylists showed to the animals even though this is a difficult job.
I highly encourage you to visit Maser’s Grooming and Pet Boutique. It’s a great local merchant with a long history and a commitment to excellence.
For more information about Maser’s Grooming and Pet Boutique, just click on the picture below:
Snapdoodle Toys – Kenmore’s Incredibly Wonderful Toy Store
March 9th, 2009
The second you walk into Snapdoodle Toys in Kenmore, WA, you are overwhelmed with the sense that you’ve just entered a really, really, really fun place. It’s almost impossible to know where to start: cuddly stuffed animals, childrens’ books, board games, volcanoes and microscopes, big wheels and toy planes, dolls, puzzles, marbles, rockets, toy soldiers and the list goes on and on! There’s even a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex who greets you as you enter this wonderful toy store. How cool is that?
The owners of Snapdoodle, Rob and Cherry Pickering, have created a very special enterprise out of a simple concept: a community-based store that offers more educational toys, more science, more arts and crafts, more family games, more wooden toys, and products produced here in the Northwest. The store Manager, Caryn, told me that all of the shop’s 13 employees are local parents and students who are highly committed to making Snapdoodle the best toy store in the area. Judging from the enthusiasm of the staff (and customers) they are definitely accomplishing their goal.
Lions and tigers and bears....oh my!
As you might suspect, Snapdoodle offers more than just toys. “Doodle Zone” is a special room designed for highly interactive events such as birthday parties, Girl Scout meetings, art lessons and other fun activities. The shop hosts game nights where a surprisingly large number of 20-somethings come to play. And, for us adults, there is always complimentary tea or coffee. They also offer free gift wrapping!
Doodle Zone
Children create some beautiful things in the Doodle Zone!
Very nice art work!
Caryn also told me something very interesting about their customers: There has been a resurgence of toys and games that families are enjoying together. This is due, in large part, to the tightening of the economy and a natural tendency for people to stay closer to home during tough times. Snapdoodle sells a lot of board games these days and it seems that the Pickerings’s vision of a community-based enterprise has come true.
Snapdoodle is a really fun shop to visit. I found myself gravitating over to the microscopes and human anatomy models (cool!) and I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the stuffed animals and hot wheels. I don’t know where they’re hiding the Wizard, but he cast a powerful spell on me and I didn’t want to go. (Every time a parent would tell their kids it was time to go, the response was always NO! Can’t we stay longer!) So, do yourself a big favor and visit Snapdoodle. But, beware, you won’t want to leave. Just click on the picture below to view a slide show of this great Kenmore store:
Click on this picture to watch a slideshow of Snapdoodle
For more information about Snapdoodle, visit their website at: http://snapdoodletoys.com/index.htm
WineStyles Canyon Park – More Than Your Average Wine Store
February 28th, 2009WineStyles in Canyon Park
22833 Bothell-Everett Highway, #104, Bothell WA 98021
425.408.1031
I’ve been anticipating the opening of our newest, local wine store for several weeks. My wife and I are committed wine drinkers (she’s far more knowledgable about wines so I let her pick them out). Finally, WineStyles opened yesterday, so I took the opportunity to stop in today. I was pleasantly surprised.
nMeet Andrew Weiseth, Store Manager of Bothell’s new store, WineStyles which “officially” opened yesterday. Andrew and the owner, Monty “Lane” Scott were gracious enough to let me take some pictures of the shop and shared the philosophy of this growing franchise.
Monty thinks of the WineStyles store as more than just a wine shop. The ambiance of the the store is reminiscent of an old world wine cellar; yet, Monty wants his customers not only to come purchase wines, but to sit down, have some snacks and enjoy what he calls “the third place.” He believes our lives revolve around a number of huge events: First is home and family; second is work; and third is that sanctuary where we enjoy simple things (i.e. Third Place Books!). As you can see, WineStyles is a very nice place:
One of the things I like about WineStyles is the fact that the wines are not presented by country, but rather by the eight major characteristics of wine: crisp, silky, rich, bubbly, fruity, mellow, bold and nectar. WineStyles offers 100-150 world-class wines under $25. For more information about this wonderful addition to our area, just click on the picture below to visit their website:
