TULALIP — A Woodway real estate broker who owns several Windermere offices won an award Thursday for his success in business and leadership and community involvement in Snohomish County.
Greg Hoff received the John M. Fluke, Sr. Community Leader award at the annual Economic Alliance Snohomish County luncheon at the Tulalip Resort Casino.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson was given the Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year award for his efforts toward convincing Boeing to produce the 777X and composite wing in the city and attracting Washington State University to the community.
Sno-Isles Libraries was recognized for science-education advocacy by the Washington Leadership and Assistance for Science and Education Reform program.
Also honored at the luncheon were the owners of Himalayan Dog Chew, a Mukilteo company that makes dog treats that are sold in pet supply stores around the world. Two brothers — Suman and Sujan Shrestha — and their partner, Nishes Shrestha, all hail from Nepal.
They received entrepreneurs of the year award from The Herald Business Journal. Their company started at a booth at a dog park in 2008 and has grown to employ more than 40 people with projected sales of more than $6 million this year.
“Dear friends, we believe in America. We love America,” said Sujan Shrestha to the crowd of about 350 people at the luncheon. “There is no gratitude enough to acknowledge what we have been given — the opportunity to find success and the pursuit of happiness.”
Buzz Rodland, who could not attend, was awarded The Herald Business Journal’s executive of the year award for his success in guiding and growing his family’s business Rodland Toyota-Scion. He’s been a steady, consistent supporter of worthy causes in the community.
Rodland also travels with the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club once a year to Guatemala to build schools. He’s gone 11 times and worked on a total of 19 schools.
Hoff owns Windermere offices in Edmonds, Mukilteo, Alderwood, and Sun Valley, Idaho. He has used his business success to support the local community.
His franchises have sponsored Edmonds’ Fourth of July Children’s Parade for 20 years and contributed time and money to local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Edmonds Food Bank.
Hoff said he had seen the list of people who had won the award before and he said it was overwhelming. He said it made him think about people who have helped shape his life, including his parents, his wife and a business mentor.
At the luncheon, Hoff recalled a talk he and his mentor had 30 years ago.
“He took me aside and said, ‘What are you going to do for your community? I was 18 years old. Are you kidding me? What’s the community going to do for me?” Hoff joked.
He said that the people in the room should take the time to help others in business and the community.
“Who are we going to mentor? Who is going to replace us in this room? Who are we going to build up and see that they win this award in the future” Hoff asked. “That’s the challenge for the day.”
Stephanson said he was particularly honored, because of how much he admired Scoop Jackson.
He then praised all of the people who have helped strengthen the county’s economic future, including the Everett City Council and Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
“People like me will come and go, but the vision for Snohomish County, the vision for all us has to be a vision that really needs to stand the test of time,” Stephanson said.
The Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year, established in 1977, honors someone who demonstrates exemplary service to the community and is committed to the business interests of the region. This individual drives local, state, and regional initiatives for business, promotes civic, social, and cultural programs, and participates in programs that expand the potential and quality of life in Snohomish County.
The John M. Fluke, Sr. Community Leader, established in 1970, annually recognizes an individual who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, and business and community leadership coupled with significant community contribution and commitment.
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