Untitled Page

BAY CITY SUPPLY

While Bay City Supply is known to go the extra mile for its customers, the company’s biggest move in the past year may have been the half-mile it went for itself.
The Bellingham-based business recently changed locations – moving from two cramped buildings on Ohio Street (where it had been since 1989) to a spacious, three-acre facility on Iowa Street, just one block east of Interstate 5. Its future has never looked so good.
“This (new) location has really improved our visibility,” said Marty Jelinski, the company’s owner. The move assured that Bay City Supply, a distributor of janitorial equipment and products that serves Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties, would have plenty of room for growth in the future.
“I am very proud that we ended up with what I feel is the absolute best location for us,” Jelinski said. Among other things, the new location allowed the company to double its showroom space, build comfortable offices and a lunchroom for the staff and increase its warehouse space, which now includes a covered loading dock for Bay City’s truck fleet.
“We’ve got space to repair equipment and a conference room to hold seminars and train customers,” he said. “It is a very versatile building that I receive a lot of compliments for.”
In addition to its impressive new home, the company could be complimented for other things as well. Bay City Supply’s philosophy is to provide service to its customers as quickly and efficiently as possible – all while giving them the highest quality and most innovative products available. Couple good products with a friendly and knowledgeable staff and you have a successful business.
“We really hustle for our customers,” Jelinski said. “(Our) outside sales staff (is) very knowledgeable, all of them with over 15 years experience in this industry.”
The company, which has been operating in Bellingham for more than 20 years, not only offers quality products and services, but many different ones. Jelinski said many of his vendors have told him Bay City’s display of janitorial equipment and products is the largest in the state.
Bay City Supply also prides itself on caring for the community – and not just the bottom line. Recently, the business brought in a new line of environmentally friendly products, which continues its tradition of “green” product promotion. The company also did a massive clean-up of the Iowa Street property adjacent to Whatcom Creek – including the creation of a wetland used to treat stormwater and the dedication of more than 715 feet of creek shoreline to the city of Bellingham that may be used for a trail or salmon habitat enhancement.
Bay City Supply is also an active member of Sustainable Connections, a non-profit group in Whatcom County that advocates on behalf of the local economy.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to operate a business in such a beautiful location,” Jelinski said. “We have a vibrant economy in this great corner of the state.”

HILLTOP RESTAURANT

When Tom and Barb Kilpatrick purchased the Hilltop Café in 2001, they didn’t waste time in bringing the old-style diner into the 21st century.
The couple “kicked it up a notch” by moving into a new and larger facility in November 2004 and renaming their business the Hilltop Restaurant. The Kilpatricks also developed a catering division for business and social events, began actively marketing the restaurant and recently launched a website, www.hilltopcooking.com.
The results have been impressive. Sales have tripled and so has the staff to keep pace with the increased demand. But the response of customers is even more meaningful to the owners.
“The daily flow of unsolicited compliments on food and service fuels the enthusiasm of our dedicated kitchen and wait staff,” Tom Kilpatrick said.
The Hilltop has been centrally located on the Guide Meridian, between Smith and Axton roads, since 1959. When the Kilpatricks purchased it after gaining experience in five other Pacific Northwest restaurants, they knew the Washington State Department of Transportation had plans to widen the state highway and part of the resulting right-of-way would go through the restaurant.
The Kilpatricks began working on a new building just south of the original restaurant that is twice as large. They also developed a new business plan, which included implementation of a no-smoking policy three years ago – well before that became a state law for restaurants.
“We feel that a no-smoking policy in the restaurant is a good business decision and was long overdue,” Kilpatrick said. “We want diners to smell our wonderful food aromas, not smoke.”
While still attracting longtime customers for coffee, pie and conversation, the Hilltop Restaurant becomes a fine-dining establishment at night. A warm décor and subtle lighting is complemented by a menu featuring steaks, prime rib, pasta, salmon, appetizers and 15 dinner salads. Full bar service also is available.
The Hilltop also has quickly become known for its catering abilities. Whether providing partial or full service, handling business lunches or coordinating elegant wedding receptions, the Hilltop has shone brightly with the assistance of catering planner Teri Scheffer. It recently was selected to prepare meals for groups at this year’s Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden.
Although the Hilltop benefits from tourists and other travelers, the Kilpatricks recognize that local residents are the primary reason for their success. Consequently, they have been generous in their support of numerous organizations and school programs. The Hilltop participates in Maple Alley Inn’s annual “Dine Out Night” fundraiser and also assists in preparing its holiday dinners. The Hilltop also donates dining certificates for the auctions of more than 20 organizations and helps others through discounted catering services.
“We feel that helping nonprofit community groups is a way of giving back and spreads the idea that sharing is a plus,” Kilpatrick said.
Judging by its increased business, it seems that customers are sharing with many others that the Hilltop Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

NORTHWEST COMPUTER

John D’Onofrio does not bite the hand that feeds him, but instead gives it a manicure.
“As a local business owner, I have an obligation to support and contribute to the well-being of my community,” said D’Onofrio, owner of Northwest Computer.
That is why his company is such a big player when it comes to doing its part in helping Bellingham. Northwest Computer is a multi-faceted technology company specializing in providing technology solutions, producing computer hardware and distributing computer supplies, office products and information technology gear.
“We pride ourselves on a high level of awareness and responsiveness to our customers’ needs,” said D’Onofrio, who worked in his family-owned computer supplies company in Silicon Valley in the 1980s – when his parents taught him the importance of ethical behavior and maintaining quality relationships. “Many customers … have been with us for considerably more than a decade.”
The company’s Blue Mountain brand is well established and well respected: Northwest Computer has an installed base of more than 10,000 units across the western United States. It is also a member of the prestigious Intel Premier Provider program for the third year in a row.
While the company’s accomplishments are impressive, its community support is inspiring. Last fall, it was honored with the 2005 Leadership Award at the Whatcom County Business Expo after unveiling its plans to form the Northwest Computer Technical Alliance, a collaboration of local technology companies.
The business has also addressed the educational needs of the Bellingham business community by offering free technology seminars and providing internship opportunities for local students.
On the recycling front, the company began in 2004 remanufacturing toner cartridges comprised of recycled components for laser printers. By the end of 2005, D’Onofrio said Northwest Computer was selling more refurbished cartridges than name-brand products. The company also works with RE Lectronics, donating computer parts to that organization, which refurbishes and sells them at low prices to low-income computer users.
Northwest Computer is also an active member of Sustainable Connections, a nonprofit group in Whatcom County that advocates on behalf of the local economy. As part of that organization’s effort, Northwest Computer co-sponsors its “Think Local First” campaign. D’Onofrio also serves on the board of directors for the Bellingham Bay Foundation.

PIONEER FORD

A longtime Lynden auto dealership has been energized by new ownership – and many community organizations are among the beneficiaries.
Andy and Jim Clay, assisted by son Pete Wolkin, recently completed their second year as owners of Pioneer Ford. Their leadership and improvements already have led to impressive results.
Sales have increased by more than 100 percent over the year prior to the Clay family becoming owners. Customer-satisfaction ratings for the sales and service departments, as measured by a Ford survey, now are consistently among the highest in the region.
The service area has been expanded, enabling Pioneer Ford to add more certified technicians, as well as bigger lifts to work on heavier vehicles. The dealership now has the only certified Ford diesel technician in Whatcom County. New tools and software, plus additional training, enable personnel to effectively diagnose and repair hybrid and non-Ford vehicles.
Pioneer Ford also hired a bonded and certified finance advisor to make it easier for customers to buy their vehicle of their choice.
“We’re happy about all of that, of course, but feel that our most important accomplishment has been a ‘culture’ shift in how we approach our customers, our work and our fellow employees,” Andy Clay said. “Part of the shift is evident in the increase in certified Ford employees from 10 percent to 95 percent. Each employee knows he or she will have time at work for ongoing training. We also pay for courses at the local community college and other locations.”
The Clays aren’t newcomers to running a business. They also own Vacationland R.V. Sales in Bellingham, plus own and operate skilled nursing facilities and senior living centers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Hawaii, including Mt. Baker Care and Assisted Living Center in Bellingham.
“One of the foundations of our business philosophy is a book by Max Dupree, ‘The Art of Leadership,’” Clay said. “The book has many fine ideas about not only what makes a business successful, but how to keep work a fulfilling way to live one’s life. If I could sum up the book in a few words, it would be ‘Treat everyone – employees, customers and suppliers – the way you would treat your dearest friend or your mother.”
Pioneer Ford’s community contributions are numerous. A primary beneficiary is New Way Ministries, a transitional housing shelter in Lynden for women and children. The company supported the installation of a playground and sponsors a family each month. Many of its technicians routinely provided minor maintenance.
Pioneer Ford also provides significant support to the Whatcom Humane Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Lynden. Other recipients include the Lynden Pioneer Museum, Relay for Life and the athletic programs at Lynden, Ferndale and Blaine schools.
“Making the world a better place to live begins with each person taking responsibility to do what they can,” Clay said. “The more one is able to do, the more one is responsible to do it.”

VILLAGE BOOKS

To celebrate a 25th birthday, a business has to do certain things well. Village Books in Bellingham understands this concept and last year celebrated its silver anniversary. Until its next big birthday, the company will continue to do the things it does best: being a responsible and thriving business -– and giving back to the community.
“We believe that by being very involved in the community and providing friendly and professional customer service that our business continues to be well received,” said Chuck Robinson, co-owner of the bookstore along with his wife, Dee. The Robinsons also own Paper Dreams, a card and gift store located next to the bookstore.
So, how does a bookstore reach the silver status? For Robinson, it means creating an employee-friendly atmosphere that is encouraging, creative and challenging. It also means fostering a comfortable environment that encourages learning and provides quality merchandise for customers.
If you walk into the store’s relatively new, 10,000-square-foot building in Bellingham’s Fairhaven district, it would seem Robinson has done a pretty good job hitting those marks. However, like most companies, things didn’t become successful without starting from scratch.
In the beginning, Robinson and his wife were the only two employees and they were housed in a 1,500 square-foot space. But now times have changed. With 31 employees at the bookstore (and 12 at Paper Dreams), Village Books is recognized as one of the premiere independent bookstores in the country.
While its history is solid, the future is what matters and the bookstore is constantly evolving to meet changing markets. In the past year, the company introduced a twice-monthly e-mail newsletter sent out to approximately 5,000 recipients. Also, the store’s “Literature Live” program continues to be popular, featuring more than 250 events each year. Recently, the company added book discussion groups.
Village Books has also been a leader in the greater community as well.
Robinson currently serves on the boards of the North Cascades Institute and Sustainable Connections. In November, he was appointed by the governor to the Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees.
Both Dee and Chuck have been involved in numerous community organizations including Whatcom Women in Business, the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force and the Whatcom Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. In addition, the bookstore has actively supported and raised funds for many organizations, including the Whatcom Literacy Council, the Whatcom Land Trust, and the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. The company was highly involved in the public/private partnership that developed Fairhaven Village Green and each holiday season, the bookstore provides books to hundreds of underprivileged children in the county. All part of living in the community, Robinson said.
“We can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Robinson said. “We have had the opportunity to visit many other places throughout the country and continue to believe we made the perfect choice.”

BAY CITY SUPPLY While Bay City Supply is known to go the extra mile for its customers, the company’s biggest move in the past year may have been the half-mile it went for itself. The Bellingham-based business recently changed locations – moving from two cramped buildings on Ohio Street (where it had been since 1989) to a spacious, three-acre facility on Iowa Street, just one block east of Interstate 5. Its future has never looked so good. “This (new) location has really improved our visibility,” said Marty Jelinski, the company’s owner. The move assured that Bay City Supply, a distributor of janitorial equipment and products that serves Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties, would have plenty of room for growth in the future. “I am very proud that we ended up with what I feel is the absolute best location for us,” Jelinski said. Among other things, the new location allowed the company to double its showroom space, build comfortable offices and a lunchroom for the staff and increase its warehouse space, which now includes a covered loading dock for Bay City’s truck fleet. “We’ve got space to repair equipment and a conference room to hold seminars and train customers,” he said. “It is a very versatile building that I receive a lot of compliments for.” In addition to its impressive new home, the company could be complimented for other things as well. Bay City Supply’s philosophy is to provide service to its customers as quickly and efficiently as possible – all while giving them the highest quality and most innovative products available. Couple good products with a friendly and knowledgeable staff and you have a successful business. “We really hustle for our customers,” Jelinski said. “(Our) outside sales staff (is) very knowledgeable, all of them with over 15 years experience in this industry.” The company, which has been operating in Bellingham for more than 20 years, not only offers quality products and services, but many different ones. Jelinski said many of his vendors have told him Bay City’s display of janitorial equipment and products is the largest in the state. Bay City Supply also prides itself on caring for the community – and not just the bottom line. Recently, the business brought in a new line of environmentally friendly products, which continues its tradition of “green” product promotion. The company also did a massive clean-up of the Iowa Street property adjacent to Whatcom Creek – including the creation of a wetland used to treat stormwater and the dedication of more than 715 feet of creek shoreline to the city of Bellingham that may be used for a trail or salmon habitat enhancement. Bay City Supply is also an active member of Sustainable Connections, a non-profit group in Whatcom County that advocates on behalf of the local economy. “I feel very fortunate to be able to operate a business in such a beautiful location,” Jelinski said. “We have a vibrant economy in this great corner of the state.” HILLTOP RESTAURANT When Tom and Barb Kilpatrick purchased the Hilltop Café in 2001, they didn’t waste time in bringing the old-style diner into the 21st century. The couple “kicked it up a notch” by moving into a new and larger facility in November 2004 and renaming their business the Hilltop Restaurant. The Kilpatricks also developed a catering division for business and social events, began actively marketing the restaurant and recently launched a website, www.hilltopcooking.com. The results have been impressive. Sales have tripled and so has the staff to keep pace with the increased demand. But the response of customers is even more meaningful to the owners. “The daily flow of unsolicited compliments on food and service fuels the enthusiasm of our dedicated kitchen and wait staff,” Tom Kilpatrick said. The Hilltop has been centrally located on the Guide Meridian, between Smith and Axton roads, since 1959. When the Kilpatricks purchased it after gaining experience in five other Pacific Northwest restaurants, they knew the Washington State Department of Transportation had plans to widen the state highway and part of the resulting right-of-way would go through the restaurant. The Kilpatricks began working on a new building just south of the original restaurant that is twice as large. They also developed a new business plan, which included implementation of a no-smoking policy three years ago – well before that became a state law for restaurants. “We feel that a no-smoking policy in the restaurant is a good business decision and was long overdue,” Kilpatrick said. “We want diners to smell our wonderful food aromas, not smoke.” While still attracting longtime customers for coffee, pie and conversation, the Hilltop Restaurant becomes a fine-dining establishment at night. A warm décor and subtle lighting is complemented by a menu featuring steaks, prime rib, pasta, salmon, appetizers and 15 dinner salads. Full bar service also is available. The Hilltop also has quickly become known for its catering abilities. Whether providing partial or full service, handling business lunches or coordinating elegant wedding receptions, the Hilltop has shone brightly with the assistance of catering planner Teri Scheffer. It recently was selected to prepare meals for groups at this year’s Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. Although the Hilltop benefits from tourists and other travelers, the Kilpatricks recognize that local residents are the primary reason for their success. Consequently, they have been generous in their support of numerous organizations and school programs. The Hilltop participates in Maple Alley Inn’s annual “Dine Out Night” fundraiser and also assists in preparing its holiday dinners. The Hilltop also donates dining certificates for the auctions of more than 20 organizations and helps others through discounted catering services. “We feel that helping nonprofit community groups is a way of giving back and spreads the idea that sharing is a plus,” Kilpatrick said. Judging by its increased business, it seems that customers are sharing with many others that the Hilltop Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. NORTHWEST COMPUTER John D’Onofrio does not bite the hand that feeds him, but instead gives it a manicure. “As a local business owner, I have an obligation to support and contribute to the well-being of my community,” said D’Onofrio, owner of Northwest Computer. That is why his company is such a big player when it comes to doing its part in helping Bellingham. Northwest Computer is a multi-faceted technology company specializing in providing technology solutions, producing computer hardware and distributing computer supplies, office products and information technology gear. “We pride ourselves on a high level of awareness and responsiveness to our customers’ needs,” said D’Onofrio, who worked in his family-owned computer supplies company in Silicon Valley in the 1980s – when his parents taught him the importance of ethical behavior and maintaining quality relationships. “Many customers … have been with us for considerably more than a decade.” The company’s Blue Mountain brand is well established and well respected: Northwest Computer has an installed base of more than 10,000 units across the western United States. It is also a member of the prestigious Intel Premier Provider program for the third year in a row. While the company’s accomplishments are impressive, its community support is inspiring. Last fall, it was honored with the 2005 Leadership Award at the Whatcom County Business Expo after unveiling its plans to form the Northwest Computer Technical Alliance, a collaboration of local technology companies. The business has also addressed the educational needs of the Bellingham business community by offering free technology seminars and providing internship opportunities for local students. On the recycling front, the company began in 2004 remanufacturing toner cartridges comprised of recycled components for laser printers. By the end of 2005, D’Onofrio said Northwest Computer was selling more refurbished cartridges than name-brand products. The company also works with RE Lectronics, donating computer parts to that organization, which refurbishes and sells them at low prices to low-income computer users. Northwest Computer is also an active member of Sustainable Connections, a nonprofit group in Whatcom County that advocates on behalf of the local economy. As part of that organization’s effort, Northwest Computer co-sponsors its “Think Local First” campaign. D’Onofrio also serves on the board of directors for the Bellingham Bay Foundation. PIONEER FORD A longtime Lynden auto dealership has been energized by new ownership – and many community organizations are among the beneficiaries. Andy and Jim Clay, assisted by son Pete Wolkin, recently completed their second year as owners of Pioneer Ford. Their leadership and improvements already have led to impressive results. Sales have increased by more than 100 percent over the year prior to the Clay family becoming owners. Customer-satisfaction ratings for the sales and service departments, as measured by a Ford survey, now are consistently among the highest in the region. The service area has been expanded, enabling Pioneer Ford to add more certified technicians, as well as bigger lifts to work on heavier vehicles. The dealership now has the only certified Ford diesel technician in Whatcom County. New tools and software, plus additional training, enable personnel to effectively diagnose and repair hybrid and non-Ford vehicles. Pioneer Ford also hired a bonded and certified finance advisor to make it easier for customers to buy their vehicle of their choice. “We’re happy about all of that, of course, but feel that our most important accomplishment has been a ‘culture’ shift in how we approach our customers, our work and our fellow employees,” Andy Clay said. “Part of the shift is evident in the increase in certified Ford employees from 10 percent to 95 percent. Each employee knows he or she will have time at work for ongoing training. We also pay for courses at the local community college and other locations.” The Clays aren’t newcomers to running a business. They also own Vacationland R.V. Sales in Bellingham, plus own and operate skilled nursing facilities and senior living centers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Hawaii, including Mt. Baker Care and Assisted Living Center in Bellingham. “One of the foundations of our business philosophy is a book by Max Dupree, ‘The Art of Leadership,’” Clay said. “The book has many fine ideas about not only what makes a business successful, but how to keep work a fulfilling way to live one’s life. If I could sum up the book in a few words, it would be ‘Treat everyone – employees, customers and suppliers – the way you would treat your dearest friend or your mother.” Pioneer Ford’s community contributions are numerous. A primary beneficiary is New Way Ministries, a transitional housing shelter in Lynden for women and children. The company supported the installation of a playground and sponsors a family each month. Many of its technicians routinely provided minor maintenance. Pioneer Ford also provides significant support to the Whatcom Humane Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Lynden. Other recipients include the Lynden Pioneer Museum, Relay for Life and the athletic programs at Lynden, Ferndale and Blaine schools. “Making the world a better place to live begins with each person taking responsibility to do what they can,” Clay said. “The more one is able to do, the more one is responsible to do it.” VILLAGE BOOKS To celebrate a 25th birthday, a business has to do certain things well. Village Books in Bellingham understands this concept and last year celebrated its silver anniversary. Until its next big birthday, the company will continue to do the things it does best: being a responsible and thriving business -– and giving back to the community. “We believe that by being very involved in the community and providing friendly and professional customer service that our business continues to be well received,” said Chuck Robinson, co-owner of the bookstore along with his wife, Dee. The Robinsons also own Paper Dreams, a card and gift store located next to the bookstore. So, how does a bookstore reach the silver status? For Robinson, it means creating an employee-friendly atmosphere that is encouraging, creative and challenging. It also means fostering a comfortable environment that encourages learning and provides quality merchandise for customers. If you walk into the store’s relatively new, 10,000-square-foot building in Bellingham’s Fairhaven district, it would seem Robinson has done a pretty good job hitting those marks. However, like most companies, things didn’t become successful without starting from scratch. In the beginning, Robinson and his wife were the only two employees and they were housed in a 1,500 square-foot space. But now times have changed. With 31 employees at the bookstore (and 12 at Paper Dreams), Village Books is recognized as one of the premiere independent bookstores in the country. While its history is solid, the future is what matters and the bookstore is constantly evolving to meet changing markets. In the past year, the company introduced a twice-monthly e-mail newsletter sent out to approximately 5,000 recipients. Also, the store’s “Literature Live” program continues to be popular, featuring more than 250 events each year. Recently, the company added book discussion groups. Village Books has also been a leader in the greater community as well. Robinson currently serves on the boards of the North Cascades Institute and Sustainable Connections. In November, he was appointed by the governor to the Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees. Both Dee and Chuck have been involved in numerous community organizations including Whatcom Women in Business, the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force and the Whatcom Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. In addition, the bookstore has actively supported and raised funds for many organizations, including the Whatcom Literacy Council, the Whatcom Land Trust, and the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. The company was highly involved in the public/private partnership that developed Fairhaven Village Green and each holiday season, the bookstore provides books to hundreds of underprivileged children in the county. All part of living in the community, Robinson said. “We can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Robinson said. “We have had the opportunity to visit many other places throughout the country and continue to believe we made the perfect choice.”
Back to Content Page