Welcome to the July edition of Kitsap Business, where we spotlight enterprises and leaders who understand that the most powerful growth often begins with deep roots—in community, in culture, and in purpose.
Welcome to the July edition of Kitsap Business, where we spotlight enterprises and leaders who understand that the most powerful growth often begins with deep roots—in community, in culture, and in purpose.
This month, we begin with Port Madison Enterprises, the economic force behind the Suquamish Tribe. What started nearly four decades ago as a single store has expanded into a dynamic enterprise touching hospitality, retail, construction, cannabis, and culture. But PME’s greatest strength isn’t scale—it’s vision. CEO Rion Ramirez puts it plainly: “We’re the Department of Revenue for the Suquamish Tribe.” The work isn’t just about generating profit. It’s about sustaining sovereignty, investing in people, and protecting the land and legacy that has shaped this region since time immemorial.
You’ll also meet Mariah Mendez of Honeybee Horticulture, a Kitsap entrepreneur who transformed a nickname from her mother into a full-fledged brand of floral artistry, event planning, and now, mobile charcuterie. Leading with heart and intention, Mendez shows us that even side hustles can bloom into visionary ventures when rooted in care and connection.
From there, we head to Bainbridge Island, where Fire and Floe is redefining wellness. Through Scandinavian-inspired contrast therapy, founder Mikal Foushee is inviting people to gather, ground themselves, and heal—especially during the Pacific Northwest’s cold, gray months. “I never imagined I would start a sauna,” she says. “But I thought, well, it’s what I want to be doing—maybe other people want to do it, too.” It turns out, they do.
In downtown Bremerton, the Roxy Theater reminds us that a screen can be a stage for something much bigger. Under Executive Director Michael Goodnow, the historic venue is now a community hub for dialogue, discovery, and shared experience—where movies, music, and conversation bring neighbors together one screening at a time.
Finally, the Bremerton WestSound Symphony celebrates 80 years as a cornerstone of Kitsap’s cultural and educational landscape. With volunteer musicians, professional talent, and a mission steeped in access and equity, the Symphony continues to inspire generations—on stage, in schools, and throughout the region.
Taken together, these stories reveal what makes Kitsap unique. Businesses here don’t just look ahead—they look inward and outward. They honor the past while designing a better future. They grow not only because they innovate, but because they remember who they’re growing for.
Thank you for reading—and for being part of a business community that understands: true success is measured not only in profits, but in people.
Terry Ward
Publisher, Kitsap Business
