Bainbridge Island resident Ross Eide didn’t originally plan to start a salsa business. But after years of sharing a family recipe—and watching people light up at the first bite—he launched Ardell Salsa, named in honor of his mother, the salsa’s original creator.
Feature Stories
Fresh Beans, Deep Roots
For many coffee drinkers, the ritual of brewing a morning cup is a familiar comfort. But for Jacob Motola, co-founder and CEO of Wautauga Bay Roasters, coffee is more than routine—it’s a longstanding interest that’s become a second career rooted in relationships, respect for the process, and an appreciation for rare, small-lot beans.
Simplifying the Dock
When Tom and Yukie Huebner retired and moved to Kingston, they were excited to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and vibrant boating community. They looked forward to days spent crabbing, fishing, and exploring the waters around Puget Sound. But they quickly realized something that many new boaters do: docking isn’t easy.
Thought Leadership
Brand vs. Demand: Striking the Right Balance in Your Marketing Mix
When marketing budgets tighten, many businesses fall into an either/or mindset: Should we focus on building brand awareness or generating leads?
The answer isn’t one or the other — it’s both.
Think of brand marketing as laying the foundation of your house, while demand generation is turning on the open sign. One gives your business staying power. The other drives immediate action. Without a solid foundation, those quick wins don’t last. And without activity, your brand sits unnoticed.
The Mid-Year Money Check-In
It’s August in Kitsap County—aka the few glorious weeks when nobody asks about the weather and we all remember why we live here. But while you’re savoring those sunny weekends (or pretending to enjoy yardwork), it’s also a perfect time for a financial check-up. Think of it as your fiscal sunscreen: a little prevention now saves a lot of pain later.
10 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Kitsap County
Kitsap County remains a bustling market in mid-2025, with the median sale price near $600,000 and homes selling within 11–30 days. Buyers—especially first-timers—need strategic planning anchored in finance, market knowledge, and lender partnerships. Here are ten actionable tips to guide your dream-home journey.
Print Edition
Executive Q&A
Meet Captain John Hale, Commanding Officer Naval Base Kitsap
As Commanding Officer of one of the U.S. Navy’s most strategically significant installations, Captain John Hale brings a rare blend of operational expertise, long-term vision, and community-minded leadership to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK).
Changing Faces, Changing Places
The following announcements highlight promotions, new hires, retirements, and position changes within local organizations. To submit information about career moves and staff changes, email news@kitsapbusiness.com.
KPUD’s Dr. Tom Colby Earns Professional Hydrogeologist License to Support Regional Water Management
Dr. Tom Colby, water resources manager at Kitsap Public Utility District, has earned his license as a professional hydrogeologist.
Scentsy Consultant Denise Steele Celebrates 10 Years in Business with Award and Community Partnerships
Independent Scentsy consultant Denise Steele is celebrating a decade in business this year. Steele recently earned the Annual Sales of Excellence Award and continues to expand her reach in Kitsap County and beyond.
Kitsap Bank Honors Tonia Johnson as Employee of the First Quarter 2025
Kitsap Bank has named Tonia Johnson, Consumer Loan Underwriter/Collector, as its Employee of the First Quarter of 2025
Reliable Storage Names Kathleen Frazer District Manager for Kitsap County Operations
Reliable Storage has appointed Kathleen Frazer as District Manager, overseeing operations at its seven Kitsap County locations.
Admiral Theatre Foundation Elects New Board Officers to Lead Strategic Vision
The Admiral Theatre Foundation has elected Tim Lavin as President, Kevin Cure as Vice President, and Joan Hanten as Secretary, establishing a new leadership structure for its Board of Directors.
Admiral Theatre Foundation Expands Leadership Team with CFO and Finance Assistant Appointments
The Admiral Theatre Foundation has appointed Susan Veach as Chief Financial Officer and Jennifer Christine as Finance Assistant, strengthening the financial leadership team at the performing arts organization.
Business Briefs
St. Michael Medical Center honored for heart and stroke care excellence
St. Michael Medical Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to improving patient outcomes for heart disease and stroke through the Get With The Guidelines® initiative.
Live Well Kitsap to Host Free Community Celebration June 21 at Silverdale Waterfront Park
Live Well Kitsap will host KitsapFest, a free outdoor community event, on Saturday, June 21, at Silverdale Waterfront Park. The family-friendly celebration is designed to bring the community together for a day of music, food, and wellness resources.
Shekinah Christian Church Marks First Anniversary as Port Orchard’s Bilingual Faith Community
Iglesia Cristiana Shekinah/Shekinah Christian Church celebrated its first anniversary on May 4, as Port Orchard's premier bilingual Spanish-English congregation.
Reprospace Launches AI and Software Services to Power Kitsap’s Small Business Digital Transformation
Reprospace, LLC has unveiled a strategic expansion of its service portfolio, adding sophisticated software development and artificial intelligence integration capabilities to its established design and print offerings.
Kitsap Executive Association Grows to 24 Members with Unique Business Category Model
Kitsap Executive Association has built a membership of 24 business leaders since its 2024 launch, establishing a distinctive model where each participant represents a unique business category.
Peaks Financial Celebrates 15 Years of Guiding Financial Freedom with “Sail FORMula” Approach
Peaks Financial has reached the 15-year milestone in its journey of guiding individuals and families toward financial freedom through its distinctive "Sail FORMula" methodology.