RE/MAX agent completes course
Issaquah-based RE/MAX agent Jeff Schwartz recently completed a specialized course in customer service referral-based business, a press release stated.
Conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of Realtors, the two-day course is one of a series that culminates in the Certified Residential Specialists designation.
“There are many new unique and compelling strategies for enhancing the customer experience,” said Jeff Schwartz, “and I have already begun to apply the strategies covered during this course in my work at RE/MAX Eastside Brokers, Inc.”
“With the market starting to become balanced, the tools necessary to assist homeowners need to be cutting edge is critical,” Schwartz said.
Issaquah company sells unit
Applied Precision LLC of Issaquah recently announced the sale of its Life Sciences business unit to a group led by Senior Management and Telegraph Hill Partners of San Francisco, according to its Web site. The resulting company, Applied Precision Inc., will be headquartered out of Issaquah.
Ron Seubert will continue as CEO and chairman, Joe Victor as president, and Steve Reichenbach as CFO of the new Applied Precision. Applied Precision LLC previously sold its Semiconductor division in December of 2007 to Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to lead Applied Precision in this next phase completely focused on our products in the Life Sciences and OEM markets,” said Seubert. “Our collaboration with Telegraph Hill Partners provides a breadth of experience in the life sciences industries that will be extremely beneficial as we expand our product lines and grow our business for the future.”
Applied Precision provides imaging, measurement and analysis systems for the life sciences industries and OEM markets. More information about Applied Precision is available at www.appliedprecision.com.
Telegraph Hill Partners invests in life science, medical device and healthcare companies with “meaningful commercial revenues, superior economic business models, outstanding management teams and a commitment to profitability,” the release said. For more information, visit www.thpartners.net.
Sammamish resident runs Oil Can Henry’s
After a 20-year career in radio and television advertising sales, Sammamish resident, Darrell Doepke, answered the entrepreneurial bug. Doepke was drawn to the customer-centered oil change business model developed by Oil Can Henry’s and opened a franchised location in the Renton Highlands in January 2005.
When Doepke isn’t at work, he enjoys time with his wife and their dogs. Doepke reflects, “I always wanted to be the owner of my own business. I didn’t appreciate the time commitment required until actually stepping into the role. Thankfully my wife is very supportive!” Part-time pursuits include singing the national anthem at Seahawks and Mariners games, and the occasional round of golf at Sahalee.
“A number of things distinguish Oil Can Henry’s from our competitors. For instance, we have flat-screen TV monitors allowing customers to watch our technicians performing all of the work underneath and above the vehicle. We offer a blend of old-fashioned service in a modern world,” Doepke explained. “I am especially proud that, for the second year in a row, we are one of three finalists for the Renton Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Best Customer Service’ Award.”
Rotary event earns thousands for food bank
Issaquah Rotary last month held its annual Spelling Bee event to benefit Issaquah Valley Community Services, and raised an estimated $5,500.
The “Rotary Big Wheels” team of David Helman, Shanna Tomko and Toph Whitmore took first place, the Issaquah School District’s “Killer Bees” team of Patti Banashak, Gayle Boyd and Becky Havekost took second and the Issaquah Reporter’s team of Wendy Giroux, Garth Lindelef and Lana Venera took third.
Each team paid a $500 entry fee, and donations of food and cash were collected from the audience. Rotary estimated that $5,500 plus food donations would go to Issaquah Valley Community Services.
For more information about Issaquah Rotary, visit http://issaquahrotary.org/.
