16 minute read
ANNUAL TOP 100
PRIVATE COMPANIES IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Based on 2020 sales.
$3.5 billion in sales and 22,000 local jobs
This year marks our most inspiring “Annual Top 100” yet. Every company on this list suffered through prolonged shutdowns that left workforces feeling isolated and often overwhelmed. The past year and a half also forced every business on this list to navigate an ever-changing array of public health regulations and restrictions, not to mention law and order challenges. Still, every company on this list thrived and, in the process, become a role model for the entire Whatcom County business community. Every business on this list also learned valuable lessons from the pandemic, such as the undeniable fact that companies that treat employees well during hard times will continue to attract talent — even when the war for talent heats up. With 97% of companies on this list saying they plan on hiring in the coming year, that battle for talent is about to get really, really warm.
One other lesson from this year’s Annual Top 100? Inspiration, like talent, can come from anywhere. It is a vast understatement to say that the companies on this list have helped inspire our community. Simply put, their tenacity has showed why the words “prosperity and community” go hand in hand. They will continue to inspire us as our economy returns to full strength.
The Annual Top 100 is not just a list celebrating the most profitable companies in Whatcom County. Much of the success these companies have is continuously reinvested back into our community. Because of that, the Top 100 is really a celebration of what makes Whatcom County special. The beauty, tenacity, innovation and resiliency on display throughout this list shows exactly what we are made of.
Hopefully, next year’s list will discuss the amazing prosperity Whatcom County is known for, without any mention of the pandemic. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the inspiration that makes prosperity (and our community) possible.
2021 RANK 2020 RANK COMPANY LOCATION FOUNDED EMPLOYEES
TOP EXECUTIVE(S)
REGION TOTAL SALES
1 3 Exxel Pacific Inc Bellingham 1989 100 210 Kevin DeVries $350M+
2 5 Grizzly Industrial Inc Bellingham 1983 300 Shiraz Balolia
3 4 Dawson Construction Inc Bellingham 1967 144 269 Pete Dawson
4 9 Hempler Foods Group LLC Ferndale 1934 140 140 Stephen Bates
5 8 Peoples Bank Bellingham 1921 280 452 Charles LeCocq
6 7 CHS Northwest Lynden 1941 150 260 Don Eucker, GM
7 13 Axiom Construction & Consulting LLC Lynden 2001 180 300+ Timothy Koetje
8 15 Dewey Griffin Subaru Bellingham 1967 81 81 Allen Meyer / Marlene Burke Meyer 9 18 IMCO General Construction Inc Ferndale 1978 50 160 Tyler Kimberley
10 - Kam-Way Transportation Inc. Blaine 2008 70 230 Kam Sihota 11 10 Samson Rope Technologies Inc Ferndale 1878 200 300 Christian Rheault 12 16 Smith Gardens Bellingham 1901 175 1100 Eric Smith
13 19 Trans-Ocean Products Bellingham 1985 243 250 Murry Park 14 21 Hardware Sales Inc Bellingham 1962 134 144 Jerry McClellan/ Tye McClellan 15 12 The Markets LLC Bellingham 2008 300 360 Kevin Weatherill
16 23 Alaskan Leader Fisheries Lynden 1991 140 140 Rob Wurm
$90 - $200M
$60 - $89M
17 93 Healthy Pet Ferndale 1985 71 146 August DeLuca
18 24 Roger Jobs Motors - Porsche Bellingham Bellingham 1985 58 58 Roger Jobs
19 51 Seeking Health Bellingham 2010 36 45 Dr. Ben Lynch
20 40 Scholten’s Equipment Inc Lynden 1980 33 52 Duane Scholten
21 41 Brooks Manufacturing Co Bellingham 1935 52 53 John Ferlin
22 36 Cowden Gravel & Ready Mix Bellingham 1945 135 140 Brent Cowden
23 35 WRS Ferndale 1990 200 225 Bill VanZanten
$40 - $59M
24 34 Farmers Equipment Company Lynden 1935 68 68 Kevin Pawlowski
DARITECH #40
With innovations
in technology,
such as the
equipment
Daritech
produces, farm
owners don’t
have to rely as
much on manual
labor anymore.
Daritech adds efficiency to the dairy world
Kyra Planetz
What started as a local dairy service company in the early 1990s has grown to serve not only the Whatcom County community but the rest of the United States and Canada as well. Founded by Dave DeWaard, Daritech Inc. is now run by his son, Ryan DeWaard. The family-owned company prides itself on tradition and innovation.
In the early days, Daritech began as a dealer for other companies’ equipment. But when the company expanded in 1999, building a larger facility in Lynden, it began to manufacture equipment for harvesting milk and handling manure. Now with two locations in Washington and one in Idaho, Daritech helps farmers throughout the country and beyond improve their efficiency.
“We’re giving the family farm new tools and capabilities to get a lot more work done,” Ryan said, “but doing it in such a way that allows them to have a different lifestyle because of technology.”
Ryan described how family farms used to operate, with all family members working from sunup to sundown. But with innovations in technology, such as the equipment Daritech produces, farm owners don’t have to rely as much on manual labor anymore. Inventions such as robotic milkers, for example, make operating a dairy farm more efficient.Though Daritech continued to stay in business during the onset of the pandemic, Ryan said the biggest challenge was finding new personnel. Now that Whatcom County has entered Phase Three, however, the company has added employees. The Lynden facility has been maximized to run as efficiently as possible.
Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Ryan said his greatest joy continues to be helping dairy farmers fulfill their dreams. For now, Daritech will continue the rewarding work of “allowing farmers to keep farming.”
2021 RANK 2020 RANK COMPANY LOCATION FOUNDED EMPLOYEES
REGION TOTAL TOP EXECUTIVE(S) SALES
25 27 Mills Electric Inc Bellingham 1911 95 150 John Huntley
26 99 ProPack Logistics US LLC Blaine 1991 60 220 Alex Snyder
27 33 Walton Beverage Co. Ferndale 1931 125 125 Les Blouin
28 38 Saturna Capital Corp Bellingham 1989 79 99 Jane Carten
$40 - $59M
29 37 Andgar Corporation Ferndale 1973 145 160 Todd Kunzman
30 94 Barlean’s Organic Oils Ferndale 1989 124 124 Bruce Barlean
31 32 Brim Tractor Company Inc Lynden 1966 20 70 Dan Brim
32 45 DeWaard and Bode Bellingham 1946 90 95 Jerry Roorda 33 67 Bellingham Ford Lincoln
(Formerly Diehl Ford) Bellingham 1908 53 53 Julian Greening 34 53 Mt. Baker Imaging/ Northwest Radiologists Bellingham 1965 160 160 Dr. David Cahalan 35 - Seafood Producers Cooperative Bellingham 1944 13 125 Norm Pillen 36 25 Tiger Construction Ltd Everson 1974 60 60 Scott Isenhart
37 47 Jansen Inc Bellingham 1952 7 70 Grant Jansen
38 39 Sanitary Service Company Inc Bellingham 1926 98 98 Paul Razore 39 28 Strider Construction Co Inc Bellingham 1988 75 92 James A. Gebhardt 40 46 Sound Beverage Distributors Inc Bellingham 1950 85 94 Dean Shintaffer
41 58 DariTech Inc
Lynden 1990 62 68 Ryan DeWaard 42 22 Hollander Hospitality, LLC (Formerly Hollander Investments Inc) Bellingham 1996 34 416 Mike and Mark Hollander
43 31 Blythe Plumbing & Heating Bellingham 1904 124 124 David C. Morse III
44 65 Louws Truss Ferndale 1952 12 12 B. J. Louws
45 64 Woodstock International Inc Bellingham 1989 30 30 Shiraz Balolia 46 53 Barron Heating & Air Conditioning Ferndale 1973 158 160 John Barron 47 100 Western Forest Products Bellingham 1981 20 32 Terry L Dawn 48 68 Infusion Solutions Inc Bellingham 2009 50 55 Rowena Birnel 49 50 Hoagland Pharmacy Bellingham 1981 70 70 Carson Huntoon 50 42 Bellingham Cold Storage Bellingham 1946 175 180 Doug Thomas
$30 - $39M
$20 - $29M
BELLINGHAM MILLWORK SUPPLY CO #62
Specializing in client satisfaction
Bellingham Millwork aims to please
Kyra Planetz
What sets Bellingham Millwork Supply Co. apart from other building suppliers is the company’s commitment to customer care. The family-owned business opened its doors in 1993 with one building and six employees. Nearly 30 years later, the company has expanded to four warehouses and sells “virtually everything in building products,” owner Dick Campbell said.
Bellingham Millwork offers everything from cabinetry to molding, for customers completing home improvement projects and contractors working on large-scale assignments. Campbell said a large portion of the business handles special orders, but what Bellingham Millwork truly specializes in is client satisfaction.
“Customer service is what we have to offer; it’s our biggest strong suit, along with the quality products that we sell,” Campbell said. “But we want to make sure that when the customer leaves here, they’re happy — they’ve got what they want and they feel like they’ve been treated properly.”
Though some obstacles — namely, the escalating price of lumber and a brief closure during the onset of the pandemic — could have deterred Bellingham Millwork, the business remains as busy as ever. Much of the retail public took up home improvement projects during quarantine, and though the company’s doors were closed, Bellingham Millwork continued to take pickup orders during the first two months of the pandemic.
“People aren’t traveling, flying or eating out,” Campbell said. “So, they have income set aside and they’re spending it on their houses.”
The most rewarding part of owning Bellingham Millwork, Campbell said, is working with his staff. The level of service they provide to customers always puts a smile on his face. Campbell invites the public to stop by and see what his company is all about.
As for future plans, Campbell said he’s happy with the way things are.
“I don’t want to be huge,” Campbell said. “I just want to be good at what we do.”
“Customer service is what we have to offer; it’s our biggest strong suit, along with the quality products that we sell.”
–Dick Campbell
2021 RANK 2020 RANK COMPANY LOCATION FOUNDED EMPLOYEES
REGION TOTAL TOP EXECUTIVE(S) SALES
51 55 MSNW Group, LLC Ferndale 1995 96 305 Terell Weg
52 52 Bramble Berry Bellingham 1998 100 110 Anne-Marie Faiola
53 49 Bellingham Yacht Sales Inc Bellingham 1984 15 16 Heather and Matt Ouilette
54 60 Allsop Inc Bellingham 1964 20 36 Ryan Allsop
55 57 Birch Equipment Rental & Sales Bellingham 1972 47 80
Sarah Rothenbuhler
$20 - $29M
56 74 Chuckanut Bay Foods Blaine 2008 155 155
Jim Gibson David Loeppky Matt Roth
57 69 Larson Gross CPAs & Consultants Bellingham 1949 98 116 Kelli Visser
58 75 Emergency Reporting Bellingham 2003 84 134 David Nokes
59 73 TriVan Truck Body Ferndale 2003 80 80 Marty VanDriel
60 76 Lister Chain & Forge Inc Blaine 1911 36 36 Michael Stobbart
61 59 Woods Coffee Lynden 2002 120 260 Wes Herman / Kelly Spiker
62 48 All American Marine Inc Bellingham 1987 63 68 Ron Wille
63 77 WesSpur Tree Equipment Inc. Bellingham 2004 19 19 Ryan Aarstol
64 71 Bellingham Millwork Supply Bellingham 1993 24 24 Dick Campbell
65 54 Wood Stone Corp Bellingham 1990 80 80 Chris Trout
66 -
Roosendaal-Honcoop Construction Inc Bellingham 1979 15 15 Gary Honcoop
67 70 A.L.R.T. Corporation Everson 1990 55 55
William Westergreen
68 78 Lynden Sheet Metal Inc Lynden 1940 67 67 Bobbi Kreider
69 - Northwest Health Care Linen Bellingham 1992 110 115 Kelsey Van Miert & Evan Hall
70 85 Credo Construction Bellingham 2001 40 40 Todd Lapinsky
71 83 Whatcom Land Title Bellingham 1982 85 85 Colleen C. Baldwin
72 82 The Comphy Co. Ferndale 2003 35 40 Mia Richardson
$15 - $19M
$10 - $14M
FAT-CAT FISH #73
Waste not, want not
Bellingham company turns seafood byproduct into community support
Kyra Planetz
In 2017, Andy Vitaljic, a Bellingham fishing industry entrepreneur, had a problem he needed to solve. Fish byproduct from the seafood processing plant he operated had to be hauled away at cost. He told his wife, Erin Vitaljic, about the issue, and they soon devised a solution: to convert the fish byproduct into a premium product for pet consumption.
“We took a problem and turned it into a win-win,” Erin Vitaljic said of the idea to transform waste into a profitable company.
Making their dream a reality, they founded Fat-Cat Fish, with Erin Vitaljic owning and operating the company. Fat-Cat Fish processes and sells pet food made from premium, sustainably sourced salmon and white fish products. The company, which sells throughout the United States, believes in feeding pets nothing but the best — both healthy and tasty food — as the owner’s biggest passion has always been to help animals.
Four years in, the company is growing, and business continues to boom despite the pandemic. At the Bellingham plant in 2020, Fat-Cat Fish produced 17 million pounds and is on track to produce 30 million pounds by the end of this year, according to Erin Vitaljic. The company has also begun to export internationally, to Thailand and Australia. She attributes the success, in part, to Fat-Cat Fish continuing to operate as an essential business and the increase in pet adoptions during quarantine.The most rewarding part of the company’s success, Erin Vitaljic said, is giving back to the Whatcom community. Fat-Cat Fish works closely with Christ the King Community Church and the Whatcom Humane Society, donating funds to support people and animals throughout the county.“The financial gains have enabled me to do a lot of philanthropic work,” Erin Vitaljic said. “Andy is the same way. That’s our biggest joy: to be successful so that we can be a blessing to others.”
Next year, Erin hopes to increase Fat-Cat Fish’s annual capacity to 45 million pounds in the Bellingham plant alone and continue to give back to the community she loves.
“We took a problem and turned it into a win-win.”
–Erin Vitaljic
2021 RANK 2020 RANK COMPANY LOCATION FOUNDED EMPLOYEES
REGION TOTAL TOP EXECUTIVE(S) SALES
73 81 Skeers Construction Bellingham 1985 15 15 Dick Skeers
74 66 Talbot Real Estate Bellingham 1990 14 14 Michael Bayless
75
- 20
77
Fat-Cat Fish Company Bellingham 2008 20 Erin Vitaljic
76 72 Totally Chocolate Inc Blaine 1993 50 50 Ken Strong
2020 Solutions Bellingham 2014 45 45 Joseph DiGiugno
78 84 Hytech Roofing Bellingham 1952 47 47 Dan Gross
79 87 Simple Box Storage Lynden 1997 5 30 Ross Black
80 86 Natural Way Chiropractic Bellingham 1995 29 50 Dr. Eddie Hansen
81 - American Canadian Fisheries Bellingham 1985 9 9 Andy Vitaljic
82 - Northwest Marine Industries Bellingham 2012 42 42 Ryan Binning
83 88 Signs Plus Bellingham 1992 34 34 Jim Sutterfield
84 -
VSH CPAs Bellingham 1997 34 39 Jessica Waggoner
85 89 Reichhardt & Ebe Engineering, Inc. Lynden 1993 23 23 Luis Ponce
86 -
Rollo Van Slyke Insurance Agency Inc Bellingham 1987 6 6 Rollo Van Slyke
87 - Signature Plastics LLC Custer 2001 30 30 Bob Guenser
88 - Innotech Process Equipmt Lynden 2012 16 16 Tim Kaptein
89 - Trico Office Interiors Bellingham 1951 7 7 J.R. Rawitzer
90 - Team Technology Bellingham 2005 8 8 Patty Seaman
91 - King Health Associates Bellingham 2015 21 25 Karen King
92 - Pacific Continental Realty Bellingham 1975 11 11 KC Coonc Ryan A Martin
$5 - $9M
$1 - $4M
We at Business Pulse magazine believe the following companies qualify for the list based on previous years but were unable to confirm their numbers as of press time:
Haggen Inc, Anvil Corporation, Haskell Corporation, Faithlife Corporation, Superfeet Worldwide Inc,
Faber Construction and Mt. Baker Products. Whatcom County also had several previously listed company headquarters relocate, which made them ineligible for the current Top 100 listing:
Alpha Technologies, Coleman Oil, Harris Pacific NW, LTI Inc, Specified Fittings and Walter E Nelson Co.
INNOTECH #86
What started
as an idea
transitioned
into a small-
business
venture and
has now
turned into
a largescale family
company.
Tim Kaptein grows company from garage to warehouse
Kyra Planetz
Tim Kaptein grew up in the metal industry, watching his father run a fabrication shop throughout his childhood. That upbringing shaped Kaptein, who started his own manufacturing company, Innotech Process Equipment, in 2012. The company began in his garage and has now grown to a large facility in Bellingham, with 17 employees.
For the most part, Innotech manufactures stainless steel and conveyor equipment for companies within the food processing sector. Though Innotech has shipped its equipment as far as Australia and the Netherlands, its biggest customers within Whatcom County are berry growers and other companies in the agriculture industry. Kaptein works closely with clients to develop the right equipment based on their needs. One of the most rewarding parts of his job, Kaptein said, is solving his customers’ problems.
“You see it conceptually, but then actually having it built and run like it’s supposed to is always satisfying,” Kaptein said.
As more industries are looking to eliminate human labor in production, Innotech has expanded to produce more automated and software-run equipment. Innotech also has added this equipment to its own manufacturing facility. Kaptein said this has been one of the biggest changes in terms of growth.
Despite the pandemic, it’s nearly business as usual at Innotech. The facility remained open due to its status as an essential business facilitating food production. One change to which the company had to adapt was rising costs and shortages of raw materials. Kaptein said he had to decide whether to stockpile as many materials as possible at a high price or wait until prices subsided. This juggling act has been a challenge, but Innotech remains prosperous.What started as an idea transitioned into a small-business venture and has now turned into a large-scale family company. Whatever the future may hold, Innotech continues to facilitate agriculture in Whatcom County and beyond.
CONGRAT ULATIONS
to all the companies for their contributions to our local community!
R E N T . B U Y . M O V E .
1 . 8 5 5 . 8 5 5 . 4 B O X
