Rob Smith
The Hidden Costs of Smoking
Washington smokers spend more on cigarettes than residents in most states
Cigarettes killed my father. He smoked two to three packs of cigarettes each day and died of emphysema at age 76. It’s a slow, painful way to go. I remember him buying cartons of cigarettes at a time, but as a child I never thought about the money he spent on such a vile habit….
Amazon Numbers Still Aren’t in, But Downtown is Again on the Upswing
The Downtown Seattle Association notes persistent gains in foot traffic
It’s still too early to weigh the ramifications of Amazon’s return-to-work mandate, but another report from the Downtown Seattle Association finds that more workers are returning to the city’s core on a daily basis. The organization’s Downtown Revitalization Dashboard shows a 5% increase in December compared to the same month in 2023. In fact, every…
Milken Institute Lauds Olympia for its Booming Tech Sector
The city ranks among the best in the U.S. for economic growth
You may not think of Olympia as a hub of innovative technology. You may not know that the city’s technology sector grew faster than that of any city in the United States from 2018 to 2023. You may also not be aware that the city is among the “most equal” in the country, meaning that…
Most Influential: Microsoft
Business, Equity
As Microsoft turns 50, it’s tempting to reflect on the software giant’s legacy. After all, this is a company that revolutionized personal computing, advanced productivity tools like Microsoft Office, and redefined gaming through Xbox. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith prefers to focus on what’s ahead. Think artificial intelligence that enhances productivity and creativity,…
Built on Trust
Company leaders reveal secrets to a buzzing, productive workplace. Hint: It’s more than perks.
At Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service, company leaders were pleasantly surprised when employees told them they enjoyed after-hours events with colleagues. At Fully Integrated Team HR — which has a remote workforce — employees often schedule in-person working sessions, sometimes with their children in tow. Salespeople who close a big deal ring a loud gong…
How Pierce County is Tackling Youth Homelessness
100-Day Challenge launches in February
Last year’s 2024 Homeless Point-in-Time Count found that about 500 youth and young adults in Pierce County were unhoused. Half of those were under the age of 18. Thanks to some help from the federal government, Pierce County officials hope to make that a thing of the past. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development…
Like Paris Baguette? You’re in Luck.
The French bakery is on a quest to open 1,000 locations in North America
Popular French neighborhood bakery Paris Baguette has only two locations in Washington state, in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall and in Tukwila. Expect many more. In December, the bakery announced the opening of its 200th location in North America as part of an ambitious plan to open 1,000 cafes across the United States. “This milestone sets the…
Seattle’s Shelf Discovery
Physical bookstores face challenges, but still provide plenty of ink-spiration
As a kid growing up in Portland, I couldn’t wait to go downtown. It had a large B. Dalton bookstore (the chain was liquidated and eventually bought by Barnes & Noble), and I would peruse every aisle, checking out as many books and magazines as time allowed. I absolutely loved bookstores, and even the book…
Editor’s Note: The Microsoft Way
The past matters. The future matters more.
Brad Smith first visited Microsoft’s Redmond campus as a young lawyer in 1990. The cab driver got lost on the way from Sea-Tac Airport. Imagine that happening today. The tech sector exploded shortly thereafter. Suddenly, everybody knew Microsoft. The region quickly became more cosmopolitan, more diverse, more affluent. It earned a global reputation, all because…
The Most Influential People
Meet 25 extraordinary individuals and one transformative company building community and advocating for equity
Seattle magazine’s annual list of Most Influential people includes those who inspire, guide and uplift others through their actions, leadership and dedication. Their far-reaching influence stems from their achievements, but equally important, their ability to foster connections across the community, advocate for positive change, and empower others to make a difference. Here are Seattle’s Most…
Seattle Doctor: Quit Drinking Now
Atossa Therapeutics founder Dr. Steven Quay praises the Surgeon General’s report warning of the dangers of alcohol
Dr. Steven Quay has a simple, direct message to those who drink alcohol: Stop. It’s bad for you, even in moderation. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., is the founder of Seattle’s Atossa Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the prevention of breast cancer. He has spent 30 years in medical research, founded half-a dozen startups, and…
Best Companies To Work For 2024
A positive company culture encourages collaboration, collegiality, and productivity
A strong company culture doesn’t just happen. It’s nurtured, intentional, and deliberate. It takes work. Seattle Business magazine has again partnered with Pennsylvania-based Best Companies Group to measure company culture in numerous categories, asking employees themselves to rate their organizational culture. These are the region’s Best Companies To Work For in 2025.
Fast Food and Fitness
Chipotle has done an excellent job of marketing itself as a healthy eating option. Now comes a month-long exercise challenge with the promise of free food for an entire city.
On TikTok, a guy named Dillon Wareham got lots of attention for documenting his journey while eating at Chipotle for 1,000 consecutive days. Others also began posting that they too ate at the fast-food chain on a daily basis. My 15-year-old is somehow under the illusion that Chipotle qualifies as “health food” and would do…
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