07/23/2026
Every year our Division Heads venture out on a retreat to bond, learn from other businesses, and talk some shop. This year they stayed local, starting and finishing at Pike Place Market.
First Stop - 𝑆𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑜’𝑠 𝐹𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 & 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒. Founded in 1984, Mike Sosio still runs what is considered the market’s oldest continuously operated produce stand. Mike shared not only his knowledge of fruits and veg, but also of what it means to run one of the Market’s essential businesses.
Next, onto 𝑂.𝐵. 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑠 in S**o to get an inside look at how their moldings are made. These guys have an extensive and incredibly talented cabinet shop. Beautiful woods and exceptional carpenters equal high-quality products that will last many years.
Then to Woodside/Braseth Gallery, Established 1961. John Braseth shared a fabulous new exhibition of some of the ‘Northwest Mystics’ including Mark Tobey, Kenneth Callahan, Guy Anderson, and Morris Graves.
Lunch Fuji Sushi in the International District, then onto our structural engineers at Swenson Say Faget. Blaze Bresko gave us a tour of the offices and talked about retrofitting, design, and problem-solving. He also shared his love of baseball.
Last stop was back at the market to visit Bite Society. Lendy and Katie explained how they pivoted during the pandemic when they decided to close 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, developing their new business model centered around high-end snacks and gift baskets. We recently built out their new market stall this past spring.
Finally, the team sat down for a lovely dinner at Place Pigalle Restaurant and Bar - a time to enjoy each other's company and reflect on the highlights of the day.
Team building isn’t just about business trips; it’s the food you share, the conversations you have, and the time spent in each other’s company– aspects of life that make our work better and more human.
Stay tuned to see more JAS outings and company events.
