Legacy in Action
By Terry Ward | CEO & Publisher
Welcome to the June edition of Kitsap Business, where we spotlight the power of purposeful leadership, the courage of community builders, and the quiet strength of those who choose to lead with intention, compassion, and conviction.
In this issue, you’ll read about businesses and organizations whose success is measured not just in profits, but in the depth of their impact.
Start with the Marvin Williams Recreation Center in Bremerton, a place that stands as a living tribute to one man’s vision and a community’s resilience. What began as Bishop Lawrence Robertson’s mission to restore a much-needed gathering place on the city’s west side has become a beacon for health, youth programs, and cultural belonging. After his passing, Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson took up the mantle—not just preserving his legacy but expanding it in ways that continue to shape lives every day.
We also bring you the story of Jessica Young and The Red House Chronicles, where the idea of disagreeing without division is not just possible—it’s practiced. Through curated book clubs and dialogue-rich dinners, Young is helping foster the kind of community connection so often lost in today’s polarized world. She’s doing it one conversation, one meal, and one banned book at a time.
In Port Orchard, a pair of veterinary professionals saw a simple gap—pet owners unable to find the products their animals truly needed—and turned that into Willow Treats, a store grounded in wellness and trust. Their story is a reminder that great businesses often start with the question, “How can we help more people—(or in this case, pets)?”
And in Bremerton, the Kitsap History Museum continues to stretch every dollar—and every idea—to keep Kitsap’s stories alive. From digitizing photo archives to highlighting underrepresented histories, their work reminds us that small institutions can have powerful influence when guided by mission and fueled by passion.
Finally, we look to the future through the lens of succession at Watson Furniture Group in Poulsbo. Clif and CK McKenzie’s father-son transition story isn’t just about handing off a business—it’s about stewarding values, principles, and people. Their 5-4-3-2-1 strategy offers a rare model of humility and responsibility that many in business leadership would do well to study.
Each of these stories reveals something essential about the businesses that thrive here in Kitsap: they succeed because they are rooted in service. Service to neighbors, to culture, to history, and to the generations still to come.
Thank you for reading—and for being part of a business community that understands leadership isn’t just about looking forward. It’s also about honoring where we’ve been and choosing to leave something better behind.
Terry Ward
Publisher, Kitsap Business
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