I feel like I'm trying to herd cats

Illustration for article titled I feel like Im trying to herd cats

Currently dealing with fabricators, mechanics, hazardous chemical suppliers, parts manufacturers, designers, web developers, etc. And if I take my attention away from one of them for just a second... Whoops! They had to reschedule. Lost the shipment. Bid increased. Can’t find the right materials.

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More and more I’m seeing the value of

A) learning how to do everything yourself and then spreading that knowledge to others in the company so you can delagate, only jumping in yourself when there’s a problem or you need to learn another skill (starting the cycle over from the beginning), and

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B) putting together a quality list of reliable references and contacts for when you can’t rely on A).

Thought I’d share my contact list. Some of you might find it interesting I suppose. I’ve been building this up so if/when I eventually move on, whoever takes my place doesn’t have to start from nothing like I did. It’s on a Google doc and shared with everyone who might need access to it, and has already come in handy maaaaaany times. Anywhoo, here are the places I deal with on a regular basis. The best I’ve found in their particular areas of expertise, best meaning anything from best quality, to quickest turnaround time, to low prices, depending on what’s most important. Missing I few I think, and always growing.

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Contacts

Ben’s Cleaners - Lynn

(206) 622-4262

2221 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Cascade Columbia Distribution

(206) 282-6334

6900 Fox Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Chalet Screens

(425) 823-5757

14522 NE North Woodinville Way #105A, Woodinville, WA 98072

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Evergreen Mowers - Gary

(425) 742-1999

16514 Ash Way, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Ewing Irrigation - James, Kirkland Branch Manager

(425) 576-9540

815 8th St, Kirkland, WA 98033

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:00pm

Kargo Master - Big Van ladder rack

(800) 343-7486

Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

Les Schwab Tire Center - open weekends, will service medium duty vehicles

(425) 821-2743

12410 128th Ln NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

Monday 8:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Long’s Car Care Center - near HQ, quick turnaround

(425) 481-1739

19111 144th Ave NE

Woodinville, WA 98072

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

MAC’s Towing and Truck Repair - Mark, Service Manager

(425) 822-2800 (repair)

425-883-2800 (tow)

8515 152nd AVE NE

Redmond, WA 98052

Sherlock Self Storage - gate code: , storage unit #

(360) 529-3945

21601 W Bostian Rd, Woodinville,

WA 98072

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tractor Supply Company

(360) 794-0561

13650 Roosevelt Rd, Monroe, WA 98272

Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday 9:00am - 7:00pm

Windows 101 - Manny

(206) 624-1636

730 S Portland St, Seattle, WA 98108

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

425 Motorsports - Dan, CEO/owner

(425) 747-0777

Dan@425motorsports.com

14405 NE 20th St Bellevue, WA 98007

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm