For more information about Lakeview Yoga, just click the calendar below:
Admit it, most of us would not associate pawn shops with a wholesome family image. In fact, I know what you’re thinking right now: Pawn Shop……a place where desperate and unhappy people go to haggle over an old guitar for money with an equally nasty fellow who barks profanities from behind bullet-proof glass! Right?
Meet Kathy and Eric, two of the most helpful and friendly people you’d ever want to meet. All the employees at Pawn X-Change, have a real commitment to treating every customer with respect and with a high level of customer service. The environment at Pawn X-Change is completely different from the stereotypical pawn shops of the past. In fact, Brad Shain, the owner of this growing corporation says: “We try to make it palatable for not only the customer, but for people who are there for loans. At the counter where you get the loan, we treat people with dignity and compassion.”
The first thing you notice when you enter any of the 32 Pawn X-Change stores is how well-organized and “normal” they seem. As you browse through the isles and display cases, you will find an amazing array of jewelry, power tools, electronic equipment, musical instruments, camera equipment, CD’s, DVD’s, video games and much, much more. The stores are so pleasant, in fact, that those old images of the tough and gritty shops of the past fade away!
The retail side of Pawn X-Change is stocked with merchandise (loan collateral) retained by the store if an individual does not pay off a pawn loan. Interestingly, this inventory only represents 15% – 25% of the merchandise pawned. Most people pay off their loans and come back for their property!
Shopping in Pawn X-Change is a lot of fun. It really is like a treasure hunt. In fact, there are definite advantages to shopping at Pawn X-change:
The Pawn business is a fascinating study in economics, human nature and misunderstanding. Here’s a basic fact in life: There are a huge number of people who simply cannot acquire loans or conventional credit. What does one do if he/she needs money and has no ability to take out a loan or charge on a credit card? Taking a collateralized loan at Pawn X-Change is a truly reasonable option. As mentioned above, many people (from all walks of life) can receive a 90-day loan to help in tough times. So here’s how it works:
In the interest of full-disclosure, Brad Shain, the owner of Pawn X-Change, and I have been friends since 1980 (we met in college). I have watched his business grow from one single pawn shop in Shoreline, WA into a successful enterprise. I went back to an October 1998 article in the Puget Sound Business Journal about Pawn X-Change and was amazed at how some of his dreams then have materialized today. What truly amazes me is that Brad has maintained a single-minded determination to transform the pawn business into a place that helps people who are often struggling financially and, yet, treats them with dignity. Nicely done!
To see a more detailed map for the Pawn X-Change in Kenmore, just click the map below!
7016 Bothell Way NE
Kenmore, Washington 98028
425-205-2200
I must confess, I haven’t been in for a meal at Uma Thai for a long time. Like so many other people, the construction along SR522 (Bothell Way) has altered my travel patterns and I haven’t been passing by it as much. Today, it was a beautiful, sunny day and I was in the mood for Thai food. I wasn’t disappointed:
My whole lunch experience was very nice. I had forgotten how large Uma Thai is. It has a bright, friendly feel and my waitress was professional and attentive. One of my favorite Thai dishes is Phad Thai so I went ahead and ordered it (4 stars out of 5!). One surprising offering was the pre-meal cup of soup. Often, Asian restaurants will bring the clients a simple soup composed of broth with some tofu and onions: usually over cooked and overly thickened with cornstarch. Uma Thai’s soup was a simple mildly-spicy broth with delicate noodles, onions, sesame seeds and little cubes of tofu. Yummy.
As for the Phad Thai: It was delicious. The chef did a nice job of blending the rice noodles with a slightly sweet yet piquant sauce. All the flavors were perfectly balanced. It was a nice-sized portion and I ate every nano-bit on my plate. I plan on returning to Uma Thai in the near future. If your in the mood for good service, well-prepared Thai food and a friendly staff, have your next lunch at Uma Thai Cuisine in Kenmore. Click this link for menus. Also, click the map below for directions:
6521 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 481-7020 info@lakeviewyoga.com
Yoga has been practiced for centuries and it is one of the most resilient and beneficial forms of physical training for us modern, stressed-out Americans. You probably know someone who has taken yoga classes or, as I did many years ago, you’ve taken classes yourself. Yoga can be challenging both physically and mentally, yet, it leaves one with a sense of balance that far too many of us forget about in our busy lives.
We are truly fortunate to have a wonderful new Yoga Studio here in Kenmore: Lakeview Yoga. As you enter the studio it hits you: “I can’t believe how wonderful this place is.” After all it is a Yoga studio, but no sooner do you walk into the lobby, you’re greeted by a beautiful carved glass fountain, the fragrance of incense and the smiling face of the owner, Vidal Bitton. Vidal is a renaissance man: Fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Tai Chi and also an accomplished Chef (voted “Best Chef on the Eastside Award” in 1996), and he brings a special passion and dedication to his classes.
Vidal transformed what was once a Kenmore landmark, Clifford’s Restaurant, into a surprisingly tranquil space right on SR522 where over 48,000 cars pass-by every day. It seems to be an unlikely spot for yoga but once you enter the studio, you’re in a whole different world of pleasant spaces and mindful activity:
The main-stay of Lakeview Yoga are the HOT YOGA and POWER YOGA classes. Both are held in a heated room to encourage and increased range of motion in muscles, joints and ligaments. Not only is the studio spacious, you also have a wonderful view of Lake Washington through a huge wall of windows:
Lakeview Yoga also offers Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Nutritional Counseling and Regular Counseling in the the Health Center downstairs. For more information regarding prices, class schedules or any other questions you have, just click on the pictures below:
Do yourself a favor and visit Lakeview Yoga. “Why not U, it’s Time! Just click on the map below for a convenient map, so you can make your way to the ultimate work-out!
Recently, I attended the Grand Opening of our new Keller Williams Greater Seattle office. The event was a success with over 400 visitors and they were all treated to the excellent quality service and coffee prepared by Espresso Elegance. As a Realtor I have used the services of a number of Espresso caterers at open houses for my clients. This sort of service adds huge value to your events.
Are you looking for an inexpensive and unique way to perk up your next event? Espresso Elegance now offers flat rate packages for espresso and baked goods. You save money and they take care of all the details!
Introducing our NEW
‘All Inclusive Service’
One flat rate includes:
* Two hours UNLIMITED Espresso
* Baked Goods and/or Fruit
* Taxes and Gratuity
$75 Coupon!
* Only for ‘All Inclusive Service’
* Valid one time only
(Expires: September 1, 2009)
Holly Patton
Espresso Elegance, Vice President
Direct: (206) 282-8155
Toll-Free: 1-877-281-8155
Cell: (425) 478-9474
E-mail: holly@espressoelegance.com
I know virtually NOTHING about oil changes, auto repair, engines, wheels, transmissions…….nothing. Other than checking the fluids, battery and changing a flat tire, I have always turned to professionals to handle my automobile “challenges.” Today I had yet another great experience at Earl’s Garage. It was time to put new tires on my car. Earlier this week I spoke with the owner, John Lemke, who recommended tires that fit both my driving needs at a price that fit my budget. I brought my car in this morning and, an hour later, I was enjoying the wonderful feeling of the new rubber gripping the road. Good times! Even though I live in Kenmore, it’s worth the short trip over to my former neighborhood to do business with people I trust.
CLICK ON THIS PICTURE TO SEE THE WEBSITE!
In 1989 I began bringing all my cars to Earl’s Garage in Shoreline, WA at the corner of 15th Avenue NE and 145th Street. Whenever I need service or if I had a question about cars, I always count on getting the help I need from the friendly staff. I’ve referred friends to Earl’s and everyone has had a positive experience. See the special offer below!
CLICK ON THE MAP FOR DIRECTIONS!
Earl’s Garage: 14515 15th Avenue NE, Seattle WA 98155 – (206) 364-7400
The owner of Earl’s Garage, John, would like to help you with all your automobile needs. Right now he is offering a great Service Special so stop on by:
Purchase the coupon and when you receive service, we punch the oil change. We keep your card on file. When you need any brake service or preventative maintenance services, we punch your coupon again.
Savings?
3 oil changes @ $36.95 = $110.85
$110.85-$69.95 = $40.90
$40.90 + $25.00 + 25.00 = $90.90
That’s a savings of over $90.00!!!!
We are committed to our customers. Taking advantage of this offer makes us familiar with you and your vehicle. We have flexible service times – one day turn around on almost any service. Coast to coast warranty. The bottom line: PEACE OF MIND!
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Len Griesel, owner of the Kenmore Square Shopping Center located prominently along Bothell Way. We met at the Starbucks in the Center, and had a long conversation about numerous topics related to Kenmore: it’s excellent location at the north end of Lake Washington; it’s strategic position at the epicenter of Seattle, S. Everett and Bellevue; it’s close access to major highways and it’s numerous businesses. As a long-time resident of Kenmore, Len had a lot to say about his vision for Kenmore’s economic and social development. We talked about the fact that 48,000 automobiles pass through Kenmore each day along Bothell Way (SR 522) and how the business community might better capture the attention of these potential clients. Len expressed some frustration with the construction along Bothell Way in front of the Shopping Center which has made business difficult for his tenants. In future posts I intend to address some “big picture” topics such as the yet-to-be-built Kenmore Village and the hibernating LakePointe Project. For now, I’d like to encourage my readers, Bothell Way commuters and Kenmore residents to support our local businesses.
Here is a short directory of the merchants in Kenmore Square Shopping Center. In the future I hope to write more about each of these businesses. If you click on the company names, you will be linked to their appropriate websites for more information:
STUPID PRICES – 7808 N.E. Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA
FABULOUS CLEANERS – 6830 Northeast Bothell Way, Kenmore 98028
Fabulous Cleaners is fabulous. That’s why I do all my dry cleaning there. Check out my blog post about the flamboyant owner by clicking on the picture below:
HERTZ – 7824 Bothell Way Northeast, Kenmore, WA 98028
This small Hertz rent-a-car office is in an excellent location for Kenmore residents. Actually, I only recently discovered this branch.
KUMON – 7807 Bothell Way Northeast, Kenmore WA 98028
KUMON is a unique educational organization. A snippet from the website is very interesting:
Kumon was started 50 years ago in Japan by Toru Kumon, a teacher and parent who wanted to help his son do better in school. The unique instructional method he created was so successful that his son was able to do calculus by the time he was in the sixth grade.
ON POINT INC – 7810 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
On Point Inc. is a full service vendor for telecommunication solutions. With over 20 years of experience, you can count on the expertise of On Point’s engineers, technicians and support personnel.
GOLDEN FLEECE BILLIARDS CLUB – 7804 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
UMA THAI CUISINE – 7828 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
I have eaten at Uma in the past. I have not stopped by in some time, so one of my New Year’s resolutions is to have a meal there. Stay tuned for the review!
WASHINGTON STATE SOCCER ASSOCIATION – 7802 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
The WSSA provides administrative support and facilitates playing opportunities for more than twenty adult amateur recreational and competitive soccer leagues in the state of Washington.
MAZATLAN RESTAURANT – 7826 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA
My wife and I have eaten numerous times at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant. We are always pleased with the food and service.
STARBUCKS – 7750 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
Kenmore’s Starbucks is a wonderful coffee house. It is spacious yet comfortable. In the winter there is a large fire where you can warm yourself. The staff is always friendly and professional.
ADAM & EVE – 7830 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA 98028
HIDDEN TREASURE THRIFT STORE – 7806 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore WA
Brennan Heating and Air Conditioning has been in business since 1987 and has met the needs of thousands of satisfied Puget Sound customers. Brennan recently won Puget Sound Energy’s Contractor Referral Service Platinum Award for sales, service and customer satisfaction for the 5th time. That means we’re ranked #1 out of the top 40 companies in the industry. Homeowners have trusted Brennan Heating to provide them with the best in “energy-smart” products. Our industry-trained and certified technicians are dedicated to helping our customers conserve energy and reduce their heating and cooling costs. We service all types of heating and cooling equipment and install the newest and most efficient equipment available including: Furnaces, Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Hydronic, Heating Systems, Indoor Air Quality Products, and Gas Water Heaters. 1-877-Brennan (toll-free 1-877-273-6626) or email: info@brennanheating.com
If you live in Kenmore and need a heating company, visit the Brennan Heating website (www.brennanheating.com) for a list of their services. You can give them a call at 1-877-Brennan. Whether you are looking for a new heating system, need heating maintenance, heating repair or service, Brennan Heating is available for any heating problem you may have. They are dedicated to great customer service and have built a great reputation throughout many years of service!
Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning is pleased to announce it has been awarded Puget Sound Energy’s 2007 Energy Efficiency Action Award. One of three contractors recognized for demonstrating to homeowners the options and advantages of energy-efficient products to heat their homes.
Find out about our energy-smart products and services that will help you conserve energy, reduce heating and cooling costs and keep your equipment running safely.
Click here for a no obligation, Free Energy Consultation
For a list of Brennan Heating testimonials around the Puget Sound area, please visit our interactive map for a testimonial in your neighborhood.
Realty Operating Control Services was originally founded as an alliance to raise the professional level and performance of real estate agents. We soon discovered that ALL small businesses are facing similar challenges, especially in the current market.
I’d like to highlight ROCS IT Services in this post. Today, businesses depend so much on technology that the proper functioning of their computer systems is essential. ROCS offers IT Support Services to meet your every need.
Our Director of Technical Services, Boyd Hatch, can analyse and solve most of your computer problems via Remote Access. If you have more complicated issues, ROCS IT Support can help with office systems, hardware and intranet challenges.
Our pricing is highly competitive: $80 per hour. We also offer a basic subscription at $30 per month for on-call help. You can reach Boyd at 206.861.2250 or email him at boyd@gorocs.com.
This article is a reprise of my story posted on July 18th. As you will see, small businesses often have a HUGE story behind them.
Her smile is infectious and her enthusiasm is inspiring. As a customer, you always leave her dry-cleaners feeling as if your day is only going to get better. Meet Ki Suk Lim, the Owner of Fabulous Cleaners in Kenmore, WA. I’ve been bringing my dry-cleaning to her shop even before she took over ownership of the business on August 24, 2006. She remembers that day well because she only had $57 of sales. Mrs. Lim is philosophical about owning her business: “Someone up there is looking out for me!”
As an immigrant from Seoul, S. Korea Mrs. Lim’s story is quintessentially American. Having arrived in America 40 years ago, she first lived in Kentucky and then moved to Oklahoma. As a city girl from Seoul, S. Korea moving to KY was a major transition. It was a totally different world: cows, farms, outhouses….. From Oklahoma her family moved to Los Angeles having heard about more opportunities there and the large Korean community. Unfortunately, they didn’t find LA to their liking. After only two weeks, they picked-up and headed for Utah because a friend told them it was a nice place to live. Fate had a different plan for them. They just happened to drive into a little place called Las Vegas and ended up purchasing a dry-cleaning business there. Knowing nothing about the business, they quickly discovered how difficult running a dry-cleaners can be: aging equipment, bills, employees, cash flow problems. Mrs. Lim said that one of the cleaning machines actually blew up and almost killed her husband: “It was in the papers it was so big!” Fortunately, they managed to become very successful in the dry-cleaning business. After her son came to the University of Washington, they decided to move to the Seattle area.
Today, Fabulous Cleaners is doing much better than that first day last August but Mrs. Lim says there are always challenges. Recently, the construction on SR522 has slowed traffic to her shop. It took a lot of hard work to rebuild a clientele after taking over the business last year. She now has many accounts with local schools cleaning their uniforms (Inglemoor HS, Bothell HS, etc.). She now has four employees and things are going well. Please support this great local business!
Kenmore Reporter News Weather by Cliff Mass, Atmospheric Scientist Puget Sound Business Journal