Nov 08, 2001

Steelhead Capital

Steelhead Capital, a commercial real estate finance company out of San Francisco, opened a Seattle office, run by Rob Marshall. "In addition to permanent debt financing, we regularly structure transactions using high-leverage bridge loans, mezzanine debt, construction loans and straight equity," says the company, headed by principal Peter Slaugh. Marshall has worked for GE Capital, Pinnacle, GMAC Commercial Mortgage and, most recently, as vice president with American Property Financing. "We've seen a dramatic increase in market share (in the Seattle area) over the last two years, so adding a local office is a natural step for us to take," Slaugh said.

Apartment Association of Seattle

Wes Uhlman, former Seattle mayor, became a member of the board of the Apartment Association of Seattle and King County. Also elected to two-year board terms with Uhlman: Christopher Benis, John Downing, Peggy Ganson, Karyn Kuever, Vincent Mullaly, Lou Novak and Cindy Ripplinger. The association claims 2,700 members, two-thirds of whom own fewer than 10 rental units.

Windermere Real Estate

Kim O. Dales became a sales associate in Windermere's Sand Point office. Dales previously worked as a registered nurse at Children's Hospital. Jim Dickinson and Monte Johnson, previously with competitor John L. Scott Real Estate, joined Windermere's Eastlake office as sales associates. Sandy Blodgett, also a former registered nurse, joined the Eastlake office, too. Laura Miller became a sales associate in the Commercial Metro office. Miller comes from 12 years in restaurant management.

Housing Finance Commission

Heyward Watson, director of Fannie Mae's Washington State Partnership Office, received one of this year's Friend of Housing awards from the state Housing Finance Commission. The awards commend people in the state who work to improve affordable housing. David Cheal, counsel to the state Senate's Labor, Commerce and Financial Institutions Committee, also received the honor. Cheal was recognized for helping get legislation passed to benefit nursing homes and non-profits and to protect tenants.

Interim Community Development Association development director Ken Katahira was named a friend for the association's rehab of an International District building that provides low-income housing. Seattle Mortgage Co. loan officer Jose Hidalgo was honored for finding new ways to serve minorities, such as providing translated material. State Sen. Lisa Brown received the award for pushing legislation to promote affordable housing. Lastly, the South King County Multi-Service Center was named for innovations in emergency, transitional and rental housing.

Nov 01, 2001

Two new MAIs

Laurel Grant and Randall Gilliam gained the Appraisal Institute's highly regarded MAI designation for valuing commercial properties. Grant works as an associate with Shorett KMS Valuation in Seattle, specializing in investment properties. She has 10 years of experience and holds a B.A. in political science from Whitman College. Gilliam is a principal of Cornerstone Consulting Group in Kirkland, specializing in industrial, retail and office properties. He has eight years of experience in commercial appraising and 12 years in development.

Lelan Consulting Group

Chappell

Theddi Chappell became a principal of Leland Consulting Group, a Portland development consultant for public and private projects. Chappell, an MAI, previously was a principal at Pension Consulting Alliance. Before that she opened the Sydney, Australia, office of Landauer Associates.

John L. Scott

Maple

Chung

Dierst

Owners Joe Bauman, Derek Eyring and Jim Kriens opened John L. Scott Real Estate's newest residential office, in Auburn. Bauman, a two-year John L. Scott agent, is the new office's designated broker. He grew up in Auburn. The office starts with 15 agents and Bauman said he wants to see it grow to 40 or 50. The office is at 914 D. St. N.E.

The ERA Metropolitan office in Everett, meanwhile, converted into a John L. Scott office, owned by Bob Maple. Maple has lived in Snohomish County for 40 years and worked in real estate for 20, the past 10 as broker and owner of the ERA office.

Rob Holstrom became an agent in John L. Scott's Laurelhurst office. Holstrom is new to the field.

Howard Chung joined John L. Scott's Bellevue office. Chung has more than six years of experience in real estate. He holds a degree in international studies and German area studies from the University of Washington and speaks German and Korean.

Jim Dierst became manager of John L. Scott's Belltown office. Dierst started with Century 21 and most recently worked with Prudential Real Estate in Kent. He won a high-producer award at Prudential. Before real estate, he worked in publishing and as a political campaign manager.

Distinction Marketing

Marketing executive Elizabeth Best, most recently with Tarragon Properties, has started her own firm called Distinction Marketing. "Knowledge is power and we will infuse our marketing, consulting, public relations and promotional services (with) our strong business, real estate and retail background to optimize your assets," Best says. "Distinction Marketing will infuse addictive enthusiasm, powerful energy, spirited passion and a winning attitude to accomplish the desired goals for our clients."

Windermere

Megan Waltz became a sales associate in Windermere Real Estate's Eastlake office. Waltz previously worked in sales at Magnolia Hi-Fi in Bellevue. Dave Hagen joined Windermere Property Management's Seattle office as a property manager. Hagen previously worked as foreman and property manager for the Hagen Corp. and as a technical director with John Mohan Skiing and Boarding.