When Jason Boudreau founded Drive509 truck driving school in 2016, he expected slow growth for the first few years. 'My business plan was: Hire one more instructor by year three and have one more truck,” Boudreau says.

Joe Gellatly has what he calls a 'heart for entrepreneurship.” 'The most rewarding part of my job is being part of the start-up community here in Spokane,” he says. 'I'm always excited to meet, interact with, and encourage people who

Rochelle Marsh's most vivid childhood memories of going into Multifab Inc., the company her father Tim Smith founded in the 1980s, involve hanging out at her favorite pop machine and riding forklifts around the warehouse.

'You always want to have that leader that you rally to in the center of a whirlwind,” says Brian Newberry of 38-year-old Toby Broemmeling, the executive director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

Elisabeth Hooker, marketing director for the Downtown Spokane Partnership and 39-year-old Rising Star, says she feels blessed to show up at work every day, doing what she loves in her hometown. 'I'm happy to be part of something larger

Joel Barbour, owner and creative director of The Great PNW Inc., spent his youth in Spokane skateboarding, riding dirt bikes, and surrounded by art. Combining those interests with his love for the Pacific Northwest led Barbour to create

Natasha Hill, sole practitioner of Natasha L. Hill PS, says she has a passion for helping families and enjoys litigation. 'I've done well with people at their worst,” says Hill, 38.

With just four employees, including owners Mark and Allison Esvelt, Millwood-based environmental engineering company Esvelt Environmental Engineering LLC is small - and the Esvelts intend to keep it that way. Allison Esvelt says the company, located

A Washington state Department of Commerce report released last month shows 17 utilities statewide exceeded their projected 2018 and 2019 energy efficiency targets. Spokane-based Avista Corp. reported reaching 111% of its conservation goal.

The Spokane Conservation District has broken ground on its planned new facility in Spokane Valley, says Vicki Carter, director of the district. The project will be a multiphase development, Carter says.