Seattle City Makers

Episode 109: Jamie Munson

Seattle sports fans likely know Simply Seattle as the go-to spot for shirts, jerseys, hats and some of the city’s most iconic apparel. But owner Jamie Munson’s story is also one of entrepreneurship, brand building and betting on Seattle’s sports culture. Jon and Jamie talk about Jamie’s path from general manager to owner of Simply Seattle; the growth of the business since purchasing it in 2015; the impact of the Mariners and Seahawks post-season runs; the lasting passion for the Sonics and what renewed NBA expansion buzz means for Seattle; and Jamie’s newest venture, Out West Trading Company, with locations across the Northwest and another opening soon in Suncadia. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Jamie Munson.

Episode 108: Kevin Martinez

Kevin Martinez grew up in a baseball-loving family in New Jersey, and the love of the game propelled him to a career in the big leagues. An opportunity with the Seattle Mariners sent him across the country in his early 20s, and after a brief stint back east, a love of Seattle and its MLB franchise lured him back. After spending decades directing marketing with the Mariners, he became president of business operations in 2025. Jon and Kevin talk about how going to a Yankees game led him to Seattle; his experiences with Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro and others; the excitement for the 2026 season after last year’s post-season run; how technology is changing the game; the Mariners position in the community; how the team handled the Ichiro statue reveal and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Kevin Martinez. This episode is sponsored by MCNW Advisory Partners and DSA members Matt Van Beek and Chris Jay. Join them as they host their inaugural Seattle Summer Soirée on June 4. Request access here: https://partiful.com/e/C7TNvm4KLOL4w0HnllFi

Episode 107: Suzana Sakay

The odds are extremely slim that we will ever have a guest on Seattle City Makers with the same first job as Suzana Sakay. The president & CEO of the Washington Athletic Club, Suzana grew up in a Bosnian town across the Sava River from Croatia and her first job was born out of a brutal conflict. Jon and Suzana talk about her role as a NATO translator; her path from the Balkans to Seattle and the WAC; some interesting historical notes about the nearly 100-year-old club; the evolution of the WAC and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Suzana Sakay.

Episode 106: Katrina Egner

Katrina Egner began her career in behavioral health as an intern at Sound Behavioral Health in 1997. Today, she’s the president & CEO and leads a team of more than 700 clinicians and staff members. Jon and Katrina talk about the status of behavioral health in Seattle and King County today; how the sector has been playing catch-up for 40 years; a positive development that emerged from a global pandemic; involuntary treatment; social media and the impact on children and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Katrina Egner.

Episode 105: Erica Thrash-Sall

When thinking of senior living facilities, for many the mind wanders to the suburbs. Senior living in Seattle is a little different, with more housing options in and around downtown and Horizon House is a shining example. And they’ve broken ground on a 33-story tower that is already beyond 70% leased. Jon and Erica talk about the roots of her career in Detroit; Seattle as a bit of an outlier with urban senior communities; the importance of middle market senior living; downtown as an amenity for the community and the increase in demand for downtown senior housing. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Erica Thrash-Sall.