Seattle City Makers

Seattle’s public library system rivals any other in the nation, and even stands tall internationally, according to the system’s Executive Director and Chief Librarian, Tom Fay. Jon and Tom talk about how Seattle’s libraries compare to other markets; the technological evolution of what we experience via libraries; the upcoming Seattle library levy; the central library as an architectural gem; Tom’s favorite books and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Seattle’s Chief Librarian, Tom Fay.

Angela Dunleavy’s career in the Seattle food and hospitality sector has been marked by leadership with some really big local brands: Ethan Stowell Restaurants, FareStart and Gournando, to name a few. Her latest venture, Rally, is a creation of her own making building upon that deep food and beverage history. Jon and Angela talk about the founding of Rally; the importance of doing things in-person; the opening of her new restaurant Doris Social; bringing a 250-foot barge to Elliott Bay for the World Cup and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Angela Dunleavy.  

Learn more about the Seattle soccer barge: https://www.soundersfc.com/seattle-soccer-celebration/ 

Read about Doris Social: https://hoodline.com/2026/03/goodbye-salumi-hello-doris-social-in-pioneer-square-shakeup/

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Town Hall Seattle is a venue synonymous with conversations and performances that span a wide spectrum: lively and entertaining to deep, important and thought-provoking. Leading this historic venue is Kate Nagle-Caraluzzo. Jon and Kate discuss how a subscription started her on a path to leadership; how Town Hall secures talent; some of her favorite events and guests; Seattle’s Historic Theater District: her first job and her perfect Saturday in Seattle. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Kate Nagle-Caraluzzo.

We’re digging into downtown development on this Seattle City Makers episode. Skanska Executive Vice President & Regional Manager Charlie Foushee sits down with Jon to talk about the ecosystem that is urban development. Jon and Charlie discuss downtown’s residential boom and the need for family housing; the importance of the ground-floor space; return to the office; trends in Seattle and Bellevue and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Charlie Foushee.

It’s a return to the show for Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle. The District 7 (which includes downtown) councilmember is the chair of the Public Safety Committee, and public safety in Seattle takes up a lot of this conversation. Jon and Bob discuss the current downward trend for violent crime in downtown; Seattle’s public drug use ordinance; Community Court and King Country Drug Court; the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program and much more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Bob Kettle.