Tacoma Attorneys – Kimberly Rendish Launches New Bizport Website

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Biography-Criminal Attorney- Kimberly A. A. Rendish

I was born and raised in Pullman, Washington – one of three girls. My mother having grown up in The Great Depression stressed two things: 1) Life is not going to be easy despite your best efforts and hard work, and 2) it is fine to question authority. My father taught at Pullman High School and coached many successful football and basketball teams. Recognizing that his middle daughter was always ready to argue and was not exactly the demure type, my father encouraged me at a young age to think about being a lawyer. I am very thankful to my father who always whole heartedly supported me in becoming a lawyer.

I always enjoyed being around people from other cultures and wanted to experience life living abroad. Following my graduation from Pullman High School in 1980, I lived with a French family in southern France as an exchange student with the American Field Service for the summer. Returning home to Pullman, I attended Washington State University through the Honors Program majoring in French, minoring in German with my eye on attending law school. After receiving my bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in just 3 years I wanted to spend time both living and working abroad. I accepted a teaching position in Japan and spent two wonderful years living in Tokyo and on Shikoku Island teaching conversational Japanese and French to Japanese businessmen and engineers.

Returning from Japan, I attended Seattle University School of Law and received my Juris Doctorate in 1988. During law school I volunteered and interned in the criminal division for the City Attorney’s Office in Tacoma. There I passionately embraced trial work as a prosecuting attorney! After being admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1990 I was hired by Tacoma as an Assistant City Attorney in the prosecutor’s office. I loved the job because a prosecutor’s job is not necessarily to get convictions, but to do justice. I happily tried a lot of cases both to judges and juries but felt most satisfied when I spent extra time investigating certain cases charged by the office only to discover that 1) the defendant was innocent. 2) truth and justice warranted a dismissal or re-evaluation for charging, or 3) the original sentencing recommendation was just plain wrong.

Despite witnessing justice generally being administered, I saw the Tacoma City Attorney’s office administering injustice that I could not ignore. I saw certain supervisors taking files and making extraordinarily lenient plea bargains for attorneys and other city employees charged with criminal offenses. Such plea bargain terms would not be offered to other civilians similarly situated. A particular judge was making insensitive remarks to women victims on the record in domestic violence cases. A number of other incidents occurred that greatly bothered me. I spoke out questioning supervisor actions much to City Attorney William Barker’s dismay. Rather than my concerns being addressed, I was subjected to harassment on the job. I was denied pay increases, suspended without pay, and denied a promotion despite the recommendations by a City of Tacoma interview panel. In 1996, I filed a lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court against the Tacoma City Attorney Robin Jenkinson and other city officials along with former Municipal Court Judge Ralph Turco who wanted me disbarred for an interview I participated in with a reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune. After filing the lawsuit I was then fired by the City Attorney for filing a lawsuit. My attorney Paul Lindenmuth immediately filed another lawsuit and sought injunctive relief in Federal District Court. As I expected, the City Attorney’s office waged a long, expensive, and hard legal battle against me. Just before trial, defense counsel for the City succeeded in disqualifying Mr. Lindenmuth as my attorney because he was a potential witness in my case. However, not being one to give up I then retained attorney Jeffrey Needle who succeeding in getting my case to trial. Following a two-week trial in Federal District Court before a jury who heard my case examined the evidence, they found that City Attorney Robin Jenkinson violated my civil rights by firing me for filing a lawsuit. The jury awarded me damages for loss of income and Judge Robert Bryan awarded me attorney fees. See Rendish v. City of Tacoma et al #C965780 U.S. District Court for Western Washington in Tacoma.

Obtaining justice in a Federal District Court in Tacoma in my litigation both fueled and inspired me. I wanted to fight for other individuals who were working hard to contribute to the betterment of society only to have to suffer injustice in the workplace. I am most proud of my work representing a Hanford Whistleblower, and a Tacoma Community College teacher who experienced discrimination because of his ethnic origin. However, I also yearned to work once again in criminal prosecution for a government entity. I was told by a colleague that a former City of Tacoma attorney implied that I was foolish for filing a lawsuit against the City Attorney’s office and I would never work in government again. I really wanted to prove that this attorney was wrong!

In 2002 I was hired by Prosecutor Ed Holm and worked for over two years as a deputy prosecutor in the felony and District Court division for Thurston County. I really enjoyed my time there and appreciated working for Mr. Holm who let me do my job, was thankful for my work, and paid attention to ethical dilemmas faced by prosecutors in the course of their work. I was also grateful to have worked among talented prosecutors, diligent and professional personnel in the Thurston County Sheriff’s office, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Court administration, along with Thurston County judges and the local defense bar.

Now I am practicing law privately as a criminal attorney in courts around King, Pierce, and Thurston counties, I enjoy helping clients who are scared, frustrated and need help. If you want an attorney who can empathize with you and fight to obtain the best possible results given your individual situation, please call me to arrange a free initial consultation at (253) 973-7120.

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Linden Perk offering unique experience of deli, coffee house and market in one shop on the east side of Puyallup
Neil Pierson
Published: January 2nd, 2009 09:31 AM
What do you call a business that combines a sit-down coffeehouse with an on-site delicatessen, convenience store and a drive-through window?

Linden Perk owner John Merz and manager Mary Roden are hoping local residents call it a quirky but family-friendly place to do business.

Linden Perk, located at 2102 East Main Avenue in Puyallup, celebrated its grand opening last Friday. Merz, who opened Impressive Signs and Graphics next door just two months earlier, has a 26-year history in business and came up with the idea for the shop through his own personal experience.

“It’s kind of been in my head for many, many years,” Merz said. “I thought I would like to have a drive-through convenience store because many times if I travel with my grandchildren and they’re in their car seats, it’s challenging and sometimes burdensome to unstrap them and carry them into the store.”

To that end, Linden Perk is molded in the form of an old-fashioned mercantile store. Canned and boxed goods line the walls behind the counter and employees access the tallest shelves with a sliding library-style ladder.

The store’s atmosphere also draws upon its Northwest heritage. The seating area features a large fireplace framed in river rock and two large landscape portraits that aren’t painted, but printed on fabric by Merz’s graphics business. Baristas churn out the typical coffeehouse drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to herbal teas, fruit smoothies and Italian sodas.

Roden honed her culinary skills in several kitchens, working for Summit Trading Center, Pioneer Place senior living center in Tacoma and Camp Sealth, a Camp Fire USA-owned campground for school, church and non-profit use on Vashon Island.

“Mary and I have a 10-year history of working together,” Merz explained. “I know Mary and her capabilities as far as cooking and managing and running a culinary service department. She has very strong skills and the skill set to run this store for us.”

Roden has developed a particular penchant for homemade soups, something she wants Linden Perk to be well known for. The store will offer a variety of heart-healthy soups — low in fat and sodium — including minestrone, beef barley, chicken noodle, split pea and navy bean.

“Growing up, my mom made everything homemade and I just picked up from her on how to make things,” Roden said. “I believe people want to have the feeling of home as soups go, something that doesn’t come out of the can or out of the bag.”

Fresh meats, including corned beef, pastrami and Genoa salami, will be featured in Linden Perk’s deli case on a daily basis. Patrons can also find “grab and go” items like salads and yogurt parfait cups, or purchase a boxed lunch complete with a made-to-order sandwich, chips, cookies and juice.

Linden Perk’s drive-through opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Saturday, so early birds can check out another of Roden’s specialties — cinnamon rolls with apple chunks.

“It tastes very similar to an apple fritter, without all the grease and the oil,” she explained.

Merz believes Linden Perk’s location near several apartment complexes lends itself to a family-friendly approach. He’s also looking to draw in business and social gatherings.

“If there are book clubs that like to meeting in the evening…we’ll stay open late and accommodate groups like that,” Merz said.

“I believe we do want to be open for the families, somewhere safe that you can bring your kids and just feel like it’s at home,” Roden added.

Does Merz think he can handle the operation of two businesses at once?

“That’s why I hired Mary, to let me have some sanity,” he said, chuckling. “Mary’s hired a staff — some very good, qualified people with experience in the coffee-deli business before. We were very fortunate to hire some really experienced staff.”

The store has its own eclectic style and the management plans to emphasize that fact.

“We’re maybe three stores in one,” Merz said. “And we want to do all three very well.”

Reach Reporter Neil Pierson at 253-841-2481 ext. 313 or by e-mail at neil.pierson@puyallupherald.com

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Puyallup,Wa 98372
Phone: 253-445-5146
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Email: john@ecoisg.com

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Puyallup Coffee – Linden Perk Launches Their New Bizport Website

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Linden Perk offering unique experience of deli, coffee house and market in one shop on the east side of Puyallup
Neil Pierson
Published: January 2nd, 2009 09:31 AM
What do you call a business that combines a sit-down coffeehouse with an on-site delicatessen, convenience store and a drive-through window?

Linden Perk owner John Merz and manager Mary Roden are hoping local residents call it a quirky but family-friendly place to do business.

Linden Perk, located at 2102 East Main Avenue in Puyallup, celebrated its grand opening last Friday. Merz, who opened Impressive Signs and Graphics next door just two months earlier, has a 26-year history in business and came up with the idea for the shop through his own personal experience.

“It’s kind of been in my head for many, many years,” Merz said. “I thought I would like to have a drive-through convenience store because many times if I travel with my grandchildren and they’re in their car seats, it’s challenging and sometimes burdensome to unstrap them and carry them into the store.”

To that end, Linden Perk is molded in the form of an old-fashioned mercantile store. Canned and boxed goods line the walls behind the counter and employees access the tallest shelves with a sliding library-style ladder.

The store’s atmosphere also draws upon its Northwest heritage. The seating area features a large fireplace framed in river rock and two large landscape portraits that aren’t painted, but printed on fabric by Merz’s graphics business. Baristas churn out the typical coffeehouse drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to herbal teas, fruit smoothies and Italian sodas.

Roden honed her culinary skills in several kitchens, working for Summit Trading Center, Pioneer Place senior living center in Tacoma and Camp Sealth, a Camp Fire USA-owned campground for school, church and non-profit use on Vashon Island.

“Mary and I have a 10-year history of working together,” Merz explained. “I know Mary and her capabilities as far as cooking and managing and running a culinary service department. She has very strong skills and the skill set to run this store for us.”

Roden has developed a particular penchant for homemade soups, something she wants Linden Perk to be well known for. The store will offer a variety of heart-healthy soups — low in fat and sodium — including minestrone, beef barley, chicken noodle, split pea and navy bean.

“Growing up, my mom made everything homemade and I just picked up from her on how to make things,” Roden said. “I believe people want to have the feeling of home as soups go, something that doesn’t come out of the can or out of the bag.”

Fresh meats, including corned beef, pastrami and Genoa salami, will be featured in Linden Perk’s deli case on a daily basis. Patrons can also find “grab and go” items like salads and yogurt parfait cups, or purchase a boxed lunch complete with a made-to-order sandwich, chips, cookies and juice.

Linden Perk’s drive-through opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Saturday, so early birds can check out another of Roden’s specialties — cinnamon rolls with apple chunks.

“It tastes very similar to an apple fritter, without all the grease and the oil,” she explained.

Merz believes Linden Perk’s location near several apartment complexes lends itself to a family-friendly approach. He’s also looking to draw in business and social gatherings.

“If there are book clubs that like to meeting in the evening…we’ll stay open late and accommodate groups like that,” Merz said.

“I believe we do want to be open for the families, somewhere safe that you can bring your kids and just feel like it’s at home,” Roden added.

Does Merz think he can handle the operation of two businesses at once?

“That’s why I hired Mary, to let me have some sanity,” he said, chuckling. “Mary’s hired a staff — some very good, qualified people with experience in the coffee-deli business before. We were very fortunate to hire some really experienced staff.”

The store has its own eclectic style and the management plans to emphasize that fact.

“We’re maybe three stores in one,” Merz said. “And we want to do all three very well.”

Reach Reporter Neil Pierson at 253-841-2481 ext. 313 or by e-mail at neil.pierson@puyallupherald.com

Puyallup Signs – Impressive Signs Launches New Bizport Website

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Businessman makes ‘impressive’ statement with sign shop
Open since October, Impressive Signs and Graphics is a hands-on business partner

Neil Pierson – Puyallup Herald
Published: December 26th, 2008 07:57 AM

John Merz has been a businessman for 26 years, but he knew he would need help when he opened Impressive Signs and Graphics in October.

Merz has been associated with the senior housing market for most of the 32 years he has lived in Puyallup. But in order to spend more time with his wife, Marcia, he decided to start a more convenient and time-saving venture.

“The sign business gives us a chance to be closed on evenings and weekends and provide a service to businesses,” he said.

Without any background knowledge in how to produce signs, however, Merz needed help. Enter Donald DeBriae Jr., a sign business veteran of nine years who is assisting with production and sales, and Joanne Campbell, a graphic artist in the trade show sign field for 10 years.

“I’m new to this business but I’m smart enough to hire two veterans,” Merz quipped.

Impressive Signs and Graphics opened Oct. 24 at the Linden Park business complex along East Main Avenue. Merz and his staff haven’t exactly been swamped, he said, but they’re doing well based on what he feels is a unique marketing approach.

“The economy is slow and we’re a little concerned about that,” he said. “It means we have to work harder and do things other companies aren’t willing to do. So instead of waiting for people to come into our store we’re out and about and being very active in the community, letting people know who we are and what we do.”

The East Main location seems to be a positive spot because it’s helping draw customers from Puyallup and Sumner. Merz is also trying to capitalize on the wide variety of uses for signs, banners and graphics.

“A world without signs would be a challenge for us,” he said. “If we think about it, signs are a very intrical part of our community and our society.”

Perhaps one of the most unique facets of the business is its use of environmentally friendly products. Merz and his staff can use vegetable-based inks for letters and durable, biodegradable materials to put them on.

“We’re very eco-friendly and want to pursue that as much as the technology is available,” Merz said.

Depending on what the customers wants or needs, a sign can be constructed from various colors of plywood, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylics. The business also out-sources projects like sand-blasted signs and brick monuments.

“We want to make sure we can meet all the customers’ needs and be the one-stop source for all their signage and communication needs,” Merz said.

Along with inks and vinyl letters from a Graphtec cutter, Campbell can put a vision to life on the store’s 52-inch Roland printer. The machine can produce large, high-quality photos for use as wallpaper or murals.

Merz also noted a point-of-sale computer that he and his colleagues can use to answer questions and tailor results. Customers ordering signs for a building or vehicle can receive before and after photos of what the finished product will look like.

“The point-of-sale computer is a good interview point where we can give them pricing before they leave the store,” he added. “We can say, ‘Your sign will cost X amount of dollars.’”

The back of the store includes a small garage where small vehicle displays can be installed, and Merz plans to add wraparound vinyl vehicle graphics to the company’s arsenal soon.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Puyallup and the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce, Merz wants Impressive Signs and Graphics to stay true to the idea of a community-oriented business.

“We want to be very reliable and dependable in the sign business for our customers,” he added. “Customers need things quickly a lot of times and we’ll be able to accomplish that for them.”