RJ McHatton - Inventive Productions

Inventive Productions October Newsletter

2011-10-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

Our Inventive Productions October Newsletter is now available.

You can read it by CLICKING HERE

US Army General Julius Braun (retired)

2011-10-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

US Army Brigadier General Julius Braun (ret) with RJ McHatton

I enjoyed my interview with US Army Brigadier General Julius Braun who served in WW2, Korea, worked with Dr. Von Braun and German scientists on rockets, missiles and Space program.

Julius' father was a famous US General killed in WWII.
Like father like son, they both became Generals.

US Army General Gustav J. Braun.

US ARMY Brigadier General Gustav J. Braun, Jr. was the Assistant Division Commander of the 34th Division at the time of his death in 1945 in combat in Italy.
He was the highest ranking US soldier killed in action during WWII.

Dale Harlan, quiet American hero from WWII

2011-10-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Dale Harlan with RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed my interview today with Dale Harlan, a war hero from World War II. Dale served in the Army Air Corp in the Battle of Midway and then as a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) in Holland and Bastogne and th…e Battle of the Bulge. Dale was injured in battle and earned two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and other medals. After the war Dale served in the Oregon State Legislature twice and was a practicing attorney for 40 years. Dale is a typical quiet hero living next door.

Chuck Oxford, CEO of Lakeside Collision Center

2011-05-16T21:46:00.001-07:00

RJ McHatton with Chuck Oxford, owner of Lakeside Collision Center of Bellevue. It was great learning so much about how technology and relationships with customers for life has become the foundation of the new "body shop" business. I was very impressed with Chuck and his entire team. We were shooting a video about their company for the Bellevue Chamber Eastside Business Awards.

Brayden Olson, CEO of Novel, Inc

2011-05-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here is Brayden Olson and the amazing team at Novel, Inc. Unbelievable, incredible interview with Brayden Olson, CEO of Novel, Inc. He is one of the most inspiring CEOs I have met so far. Incredible energy, very articulate, and super focused on his vision for Novel.

Sunny Gupta, CEO of Apptio

2011-05-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

RJ with Sunny Gupta, CEO of Apptio, one of the fastest growing companies in America. I was very impressed with Sunny during my interview for the Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Business Awards video project.

Patrick Husting, CEO of Extended Results

2011-05-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

RJ with Patrick Husting, CEO of Extended Results, one of the top ten fastest growing companies in Washington. I interviewed Patrick for the Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Business Awards video project.

Sharath Dorbala, SVP of Vertafore

2011-05-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sharath Dorbala, Senior Vice President of Vertafore, a very impressive company located in Bothell, WA. I interviewed Sharath for the Bellevue Chamber Eastside Business Awards.

Tom Varga CEO of CFO Selections, Bill Palmer CEO of CFOS Foundation

2011-05-10T23:42:00.001-07:00

Tom Varga, RJ McHatton, and Bill Palmer.
I enjoyed my interview with Tom Varga CEO of CFO Selections and Bill Palmer CEO of CFO Selections Foundations for the Bellevue Chamber Eastside Business Awards video.

Steve Singh, CEO of Concur

2011-05-10T23:41:00.001-07:00

RJ McHatton and Steve Singh CEO of Concur.

It was a very inspiring and remarkable experience interviewing Steve Singh, CEO of Concur, for the Bellevue Chamber Eastside Business Awards video and my new documentary CEOs of AMERICA.

Ryan Wuerch, CEO of Motricity

2011-05-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

RJ McHatton with Ryan Wuerch, CEO of Motricity, one of America's fastest growing companies. This was shot as part of our video for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Eastside Business Awards.

Duke Moscrip of Duke's Chowder

2011-05-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

It was great meeting and interviewing Duke Moscrip, CEO of Duke's Chowder restaurants. Very inspiring story for my "CEOs of America" documentary project. Thanks goes to Producer David Ogle for putting this interview together, and for taking this photo.

Holly Halweg, Manager at Amen Clinics

2011-05-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

It was great really meeting Holly Halweg and the entire team at Amen Clinics in Bellevue, WA. I was very impressed with the entire team at Amen Clinics. They are so enthusiastic and great people. We shot some great video footage for the Bellevue Chamber Eastside Business Awards!

Chris Martin CEO of Cleanscapes

2011-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

It was great meeting and interviewing Chris Martin, CEO of Cleanscapes of Seattle, WA for our "CEOs of America" project. Chris is a great leader who started his business because he got mad that no one was taking responsibility for cleaning up the neighborhood in the Pioneer District of Seattle, so he and a couple friends just did it! Great example of a small business with great leadership who is thriving in this new economy.

Grandmothers are Wise

2011-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

I just love making video biographies about Grandmothers. They are wise and very funny! I have interviews hundreds of grandmothers over the years and I learn something new every time.

For information on how we can create a custom video biography for you, your family, or your organization, email RJ@inventiveproductions.com

Ronnie and Joseph Stabler Video Biography

2010-10-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

Video Biography of Ronnie & Joseph Stabler in Beverly Hills: I really enjoyed meeting Ronnie and Joe Stabler and their kids. I was very impressed with their total dedication to family and the important values they have instilled in their children and grandchildren. Here are links to the Video Biography of Ronnie & Joseph Stabler:

Part ONE Part TWO Part THREE Part FOUR

Guest Speaker at Lake Washington Technical College

2010-10-13T14:21:00.001-07:00

GUEST SPEAKER at LAKE WASHINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RJ was asked to be the guest speaker at the Final Cut Pro class at Lake Washington Technical College. The students had a lot of terrific questions and seemed very interested in learning about how to do video biographies. To learn more about the Lake Washington Technical College, go to http://www.lwtc.ctc.edu/

Happy Birthday, Luke Kim

2010-10-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUKE KIM

Our good friend Dr. Luke Kim just celebrated his 80th birthday with friends and family at his home in Seal Beach, California. Luke and Grace Kim are wonderful people who helped RJ McHatton with his documentary "Ship of Miracles." Here is a link to the movie trailer for "Ship of Miracles documentary" ( WATCH VIDEO) and here is a movie trailer to the video biography of Luke and Grace Kim. ( WATCH VIDEO). I will never forget the day I met Luke and Grace Kim. That moment changed my life forever. They have taught me that the meaning of life is to really help others.

Chuck Shelton - Motivational Speaker

2010-10-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

CHUCK SHELTON--AUTHOR, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DIVERSITY EXPERT, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER:

We are proud to be working with author and keynote speaker Chuck Shelton on several videos from speaches he has made all across the country. Here is a link to one of the videos we edited for Chuck Shelton: CLICK HERE

True Benefits client Testimonial Video

2010-10-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

TRUE BENEFITS CLIENT TESTIMONIAL VIDEO:

We had a great time and learned a lot during the making of the True Benefits client testimonial video. You can watch the video by CLICKING HERE. To learn more about True Benefits, go to www.truebenefits.net

Bombardier Business Jets Presents

2010-10-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Bombardier Business Jets Presents

Have you ever been inside a Lear Jet? While we were down in Southern California for the Legends of Aviation event, we were commissioned by Bombardier Lear Jet Business Jets to make two short videos. One video was about the terrific VIP Private Party that was held in some hangars near Clay Lacy Aviation in Van Nuys. The party was awesome. The hangars were full of incredible array of Lear Jets and lots of interesting people. I was totally amazed at the great library of cool photos of celebrities who have owned Lear Jets. Danny Kaye, Frank Sinatra. Some of the most cool people of all time!

Here is the link so you can watch the Bombardier Presents Clay Lacy PARTY VIDEO.

The second video Bombardier asked us to make was about the Legends of Aviation event itself.

Here you can see the Bombardier Presents Legends of Aviation EVENT RED CARPET VIDEO.

Thanks to Bombardier Business Jets and Clay Lacy Aviation for the opportunity to make these videos.

Haas Foundation Art Contest Celebration

2010-10-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Haas Foundation Art Contest Finalists at the Seattle Aquarium

We are proud to be working with the Haas Foundation to create a video which includes interviews with several attendees and the teenage finalists for their annual Art Contest. The theme for the Art Contest this year was "Parity." The annual fundraising breakfast was located at the Seattle Aquarium. What an awesome place to have a breakfast! Have some great food, donate to a great cause, recognize the achievements of several kids and teachers, and then go look at octopus' and fish and turtles. It was a terrifc experience. To learn more about the Haas Foundation go to www.haasfoundation.org

Lakeside Center for Autism

2010-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

RJ visits Lakeside Center for Autism

As a documentary filmmaker, I am very lucky to be able to meet some of the most interesting people in the world. This past week I went to the Lakeside Center for Autism to record documentary footage of their work for a short video. The Lakeside Center for Autism is a finalist for the Eastside Business Award recognized by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. I spent a couple hours at Lakeside and recorded some very cool kids having a terrific time while learning, too. I really bonded with those kids. They made me feel so special. To learn more about the Lakeside Center for Autism, go to http://lakesideautism.com/

To learn more about the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the Eastside Business Awards, go to www.bellevuechamber.org

Harbor Club 50th Anniversary video documentary

2010-10-13T13:58:00.001-07:00

Harbor Club 50th Anniversary Video Documentary

Inventive Productions is proud to have been commissioned to create and produce a documentary about the History of the Harbor Club in Seattle for the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration scheduled for June 18th. We are travelling to homes and offices of some of Seattle's most interesting people who are recalling their fond memories of the Harbor Club. Over the past 50 years some of the biggest business deals and small intimate family weddings have all happened at the Harbor Club. From the movers and shakers of Seattle's financial district to the Maritime Industry leaders, the Harbor Club has been host to some of the most important dignitaries ever to visit the great city of Seattle. From Danny Kaye to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's son Elliott, from Nelson Mandela to the Premier of China. We are very proud to be able to help capture the memories of this great institution. To learn more about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of The Harbor Club go to www.harborclub50.com

Easter Wedding in Seattle

2010-10-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Easter Wedding in Seattle

RJ McHatton and the Inventive Productions Team were commissioned by Stacy Kvam and SK Wedding and Event Design of Seattle to shoot and produce a unique documentary film about the wedding of two wonderful people from Moscow who were gettting married in Seattle on Easter Day. For the first time in many years Easter Sunday was landing on the same day for many different kinds of religions. That is why Elena and James chose to be married on Easter Sunday. Family and friends from all across the globe travelled to Seattle for this joyous event. Like a cinema verite movie or more like a classic Fellini movie with such interesting characters, our documentary of the wedding day experience turned out to be a real life magical moment. You can see the Dwyer Wedding Movie Trailer by CLICKING HERE.

Jennie Sun Family History project

2010-10-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Jennie Sun Family History Project

It's been a true pleasure working closely with Jennie Sun to create a video biography of her late husband's life. This historical video has been a great journey through Jennie's memories of her life with her husband, coming to America as immigrants from China, working their way through medical schools and residencies, raising a family, achieving success, and then dealing with the illness of her spouse until his death. Now Jennie is a enjoying her role as grandmother and hoping her video memories will help future generations understand their unique life.

Marne Mercer Video Biography

2010-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Marne and Maxine Mercer

It was a lot of fun meeting Marne Mercer at his home in Silverton, Oregon. His son Lee Mercer has been a long time friend of mine. Lee asked me to make a video biography of Marne for his upcoming birthday. Marne is a great guy and a man of true integrity, wit, wisdom, and character. Here is a short sample from the Video Biography of Marne Mercer CLICK HERE.

Biography of a Town--Bucoda, Washington

2010-10-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Bucoda, Washington Baseball Team

We are proud to be the producers of a new documentary film about the history of the town of Bucoda, Washington, located near Tenino. The film was produced for the exciting Centennial celebration which included a terrific parade. You can see a short sample of our film by CLICKING HERE. You can see a short video of the Centennial parade by CLICKING HERE. We are excited about this new idea of creating a Video Biography of a Town. We hope to make more of these kinds of projects in the future.

Storytellers Campfire

2010-10-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

Storytellers Campfire Live in Manson, WA

We had an awesome experience driving to Manson, WA to shoot a day and night live radio show for the Storytellers Campfire Radio Show, which promotes literacy. It reminded me of our very own Prairie Home Companion here in the Northwest. We met poets, musicians, and authors. It was a wonderful time and we really were impressed with the authors, and the guest hosts including Barbara Parsons. Produced by Lady Selah SuJuris. To learn more about Storytellers Campfire, go to www.storytellerscampfire.org

Steve Berman

2010-10-13T13:35:00.001-07:00

RJ McHatton with attorney Steve Berman

RJ was asked to interview Seattle attorney Steve Berman of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro for a new documentary being made by award-winning director Joan Sekler about the war crimes commited by coal mining companies in Bougainville, New Guinea. Its been said that James Cameron got the idea for his movie Avatar from the story of the people in Bougainville. To learn more about Joan Sekler go to http://www.unprecedented.org/UnprecedentedJoanSekler.htm

Pork in the Pines BBQ Competion and Music Festival 2010

2010-10-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

Chente Benevides & Winners of BBQ Competition at the 2010 Pork in the Pines Event in Cle Elum, WA

We were proud to be the official Videographer and Marketing Consultant for the first annual Pork in the Pines BBQ Competition and Music Festival. With nearly twenty bands and tons of vendors and BBQ competitors, this was a lot of fun. And the weather was awesome, too. You can see video clips of the event at www.pork-in-the-pines.com

Lynn Tilton - CEO of Patriarch Partners & MD Helicopters

2010-10-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed and was moved by my interview with Lynn Tilton, CEO of Patriarch Partners and MD Helicopters. Lynn has dedicated her life to helping others through social entrepreneurship. It was an amazing experience learning how this single mom could build an empire by saving classic American brands and keeping the jobs here in America. It was fun flying in her helicopter over Hoover Dam, too.

Seattle Rock icon and Legend Roger Fisher

2010-10-12T23:31:00.001-07:00

Drummer Mike McGinnis, Roger Fisher, and Producer Kisuri St. Claire

I really enjoyed shooting a great video biography interview with Seattle rock icon and legend Roger Fisher.

Safe Call Now for Washington State Criminal Justice Academy

2010-08-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Safe Call Now: Did you know that more police officers die from suicide than from getting hurt on the job? We shot and edited four short videos for Safe Call Now, a non-profit organization that helps public safety employees across America (EMTS, Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement) to deal with issues of suicide, financial problems, substance abuse, and relationship issues. To learn more about the Safe Call Now program, go to www.safecallnow.org
You can watch the Safe Call Now videos starring Gordon Graham right now here:
SAFE CALL NOW PART ONE (Introduction and Financial Problems)

SAFE CALL NOW PART TWO (Relationship problems)

SAFE CALL NOW PART THREE (Suicide)

SAFE CALL NOW PART FOUR (alcohol and substance abuse problems)

Chuck Shelton, Author, Keynote Speaker, Diversity Expert

2010-08-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

CHUCK SHELTON--AUTHOR, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DIVERSITY EXPERT, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER:

We are proud to be working with author and keynote speaker Chuck Shelton on several videos from speaches he has made all across the country.

TRUEbenefits Client Testimonial Video

2010-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

TRUE BENEFITS CLIENT TESTIMONIAL VIDEO:

We had a great time and learned a lot during the making of the True Benefits client testimonial video. To learn more about True Benefits, go to www.truebenefits.net

Bombardier Lear Jets Presents

2010-08-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Bombardier Business Jets Presents

Here is the link so you can watch the Bombardier Presents Clay Lacy PARTY VIDEO.

The second video Bombardier asked us to make was about the Legends of Aviation event itself.

Here you can see the Bombardier Presents Legends of Aviation EVENT RED CARPET VIDEO.

Thanks to Bombardier Business Jets and Clay Lacy Aviation for the opportunity to make these videos.

Guest Speaker at Lake Washington Technical College

2010-08-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

GUEST SPEAKER at LAKE WASHINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RJ McHatton of Inventive Productions was asked to be the guest speaker at the Final Cut Pro class at Lake Washington Technical College. The students had a lot of terrific questions and seemed very interested in learning about how to do video biographies. To learn more about the Lake Washington Technical College, go to http://www.lwtc.ctc.edu/

Haas Foundation Art Contest

2010-08-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Haas Foundation (InvestED) Art Contest Finalists at the Seattle Aquarium

We are proud to be working with the Haas Foundation to create a video which includes interviews with several attendees and the teenage finalists for their annual Art Contest. The theme for the Art Contest this year was "Parity." The annual fundraising breakfast was located at the Seattle Aquarium. What an awesome place to have a breakfast! Have some great food, donate to a great cause, recognize the achievements of several kids and teachers, and then go look at octopus' and fish and turtles. It was a terrifc experience. To learn more about the Haas Foundation go to www.haasfoundation.org

Harbor Club 50th Anniversary Documentary

2010-08-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Harbor Club 50th Anniversary Video Documentary

Inventive Productions is proud to have been commissioned to create and produce a documentary about the History of the Harbor Club in Seattle for the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration scheduled for June 18th. We are travelling to homes and offices of some of Seattle's most interesting people who are recalling their fond memories of the Harbor Club. Over the past 50 years some of the biggest business deals and small intimate family weddings have all happened at the Harbor Club. From the movers and shakers of Seattle's financial district to the Maritime Industry leaders, the Harbor Club has been host to some of the most important dignitaries ever to visit the great city of Seattle. From Danny Kaye to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's son Elliott, from Nelson Mandela to the Premier of China. We are very proud to be able to help capture the memories of this great institution. To learn more about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of The Harbor Club go to www.harborclub50.com

Beautiful Easter Wedding in Seattle

2010-08-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Easter Wedding in Seattle

RJ McHatton and the Inventive Productions Team were commissioned by Stacy Kvam and SK Wedding and Event Design of Seattle to shoot and produce a unique documentary film about the wedding of two wonderful people from Moscow who were gettting married in Seattle on Easter Day. For the first time in many years Easter Sunday was landing on the same day for many different kinds of religions. That is why Elena and James chose to be married on Easter Sunday. Family and friends from all across the globe travelled to Seattle for this joyous event. Like a cinema verite movie or more like a classic Fellini movie with such interesting characters, our documentary of the wedding day experience turned out to be a real life magical moment. You can see the Dwyer Wedding Movie Trailer here:

Tom Cruise - John Travolta - Living Legends of Aviation

2010-02-02T22:20:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures I took from the Living Legends of Aviation event in Beverly Hills.

Nice article in Puget Sound Business Journal

2010-02-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Nice Article in Puget Sound Business Journal about Inventive Productions

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2010/01/25/tidbits1.html

2010-02-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

Interview with Cliff Robertson

Academy Award winning actor and Legend of Aviation Cliff Robertson with RJ.

I really enjoyed meeting Cliff and he did a super job in the interview.
We talked for about two hours about his life and times. About his time as a Merchant marine and time in the Service during WWII and Korea. He talked about his early days as a journalist, a private detective, as an aviator, and then his career in Hollywood as a leading man. Cliff told about how President John Kennedy personally chose Cliff to play the Kennedy hero in the film "PT-109." Cliff talked about his winning the Oscar for a film he personally produced, "Charly." I really enjoyed my time with Cliff Robertson. It was a remarkable experience for me.

Living Legends of Aviation 2010

2010-02-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

Living Legends of Aviation 2010

By moviedream

We are proud to be the official Producer of the “Living Legends of Aviation” video project for the second year in a row. This is a very cool project because within a short thirty days we are charged to create seven to ten video biographies of some true American heroes. This year we travelled all over to capture the interviews. It was a true honor to make these videos.
Since we are going to be offering the Living Legends videos as a DVD set or possible new television series, we are not going to be showing the videos on Youtube or other internet video sites for now.
Since you are a special friend or family of Inventive Productions, we have put together special private links to these videos.
Introduction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir9yoe2l9U8

Kurt Russell
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=7fOKnQWZR3g&sharing_token=Z7xrjYozCuRi9w21eDgozQ

Buzz Aldrin
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=4l1xQSIEF6Y&sharing_token=99ynL0WHTNtRUmPzIv_4Ag

Elon Musk
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=lvWyoKqB78o&sharing_token=i8hI0iU6sJvHBdF31MkmFw

Joe Clark
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=SDnXfRmxjU8&sharing_token=lpxlNlzqIvX6VcM7QL_iCQ

Flown West
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=FADYxg-tlXI&sharing_token=b-8RWzz-YL9I6qyPK2fQjw

Kermit Weeks
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=Y5IqmQbKfxc&sharing_token=yhPxyZ1wBb9oQj0ixZQCgQ

Tom Cruise--Top Gun 25th Anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=b5o3Tp8S7Gw&sharing_token=UzjzQSM12LSic9gdhpTHpQ

Tom Hanks & Kurt Russell interview

2010-02-02T21:46:00.001-08:00

Tom Hanks stopped in during my interview with Kurt Russell

Here is Kurt Russell during our interview

Kurt Russell with RJ

I was there in Southern CA to interview Kurt Russell for the upcoming Living Legends of Aviation video project.

Kurt was being recognized for his role as mentor who inspired many people to get into aviation and flying.

We started the interview with Kurt at his hangar and he did a wonderful interview. Suddenly we had a visitor.

It was Tom Hanks. It was a lot of fun that day. Then Kurt offered to take us for a ride in his plane. We flew

all over the beaches of Malibu and above the Pacific Palisades. The sun was shining. It was a terrific day.

Here is a link to the video I made about Kurt Russell and his love of flying:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=7fOKnQWZR3g&sharing_token=Z7xrjYozCuRi9w21eDgozQ

Jack Huyler - Thacher School

2010-02-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Interview with Jack Huyler

RJ with Jack Huyler at Thacher School

We drove to Ojai, California to interview Jack Huyler at the Thacher School where
John Myers went to school as a child. John Myers and Howard Hughes graduated
in the same class at Thacher. Jack was a life long friend of John Myers. We interviewed
Jack for my new documentary "Flying Man: Life and Times of John Myers."

To learn more about this documentary, go to www.flyingmandocumentary.com

Kent Kresa - Chairman of GM, Northrop

2010-02-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Interview with Kent Kresa

Kent Kresa is the former Chairman of General Motors and Northrop Grumman.
I interviewed Kent about his memories of Johnny Myers for my documentary
"The Flying Man: Life and Times of John Myers." Kent is a great guy and he
is a real visionary about the future of aviation and space travel.
To learn more about this documentary, go towww.flyingmandocumentary.com

Bob Hoover Interview

2010-02-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Interview with Bob Hoover

Bob Hoover is considered one of the greatest living aviators. He did a super interview
talking about his good friend Johnny Myers and several of the other Legends of Aviation.

He talked about Sam Williams, Hank Beaird, and Dee Howard.

Buzz Aldrin - Astronaut

2010-02-02T21:12:00.001-08:00

Buzz Aldrin – Astronaut

By moviedream

Interview with Buzz Aldrin

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin with RJ McHatton

It was fantastic interviewing Buzz Aldrin about his life and times. He is a man

with determination and focus on the future. Buzz gave a terrific two hour interview

about his childhood, his school years, his time in the service as a fighter pilot,

his time in the service as a fighter pilot, his shooting down two MIGs in the Korean War,

his time as an astronaut, and a great deal of great stories about his life since Apollo.

Buzz totally focuses on inspiring us to not give up on Space Exploration.

He feels we should skip the moon and head straight to Mars. He is a great, enthusiastic inspiration.

Here is a link to the video I made about Buzz Aldrin for the Living Legends of Aviation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=4l1xQSIEF6Y&sharing_token=99ynL0WHTNtRUmPzIv_4Ag

Let me know what you think of my video.

Paul Hunsberger interned at Tahoma National Cemetery

2010-01-02T10:26:00.001-08:00

Paul Hunsberger served for over 27 years as a Chaplain in the US Army.

He served at D-Day in World War II, in the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War.

Year in the Life 2009

2010-01-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a short outline of a Year in the Life of a Video Biographer.

RJ’s Memories from 2009 :

January 2009

Bertheau 50th Anniversary video

VHP Frank Meyers interview

VHP Jon Koenig interview

VHP Gordon Perin interview

VHP Alfred Bentley interview

VHP William Neubauer interview

VHP Brian Sweet interview

VHP Greg Shaw interview

VHP James Taylor interview

Martie Johnson interview

Bob Hoover, aviator interview

Linden Blue interview

Wes & Lou Meyers interview

Tony Bill interview

Barron Hilton interview

Robert Moeller interview

Herb Blanchard interview

Fumiko Hayashida, interview 99 year old Japanese interned during WWII

Heather Trescares interview

Thomas Berhausen interview

Angie Lepley interview
Patti Payne Voice Over

Clay Lacy interview

Luke and Grace Kim interview

Entirenet shoot for Microsoft

Marilyn Fergusson 84^th Birthday interviews

Legends Red Carpet interview

June and John Kneepkens interview

Amy McIntosh on American Idol

February 2009

Eric Overton interview

Stan Selden interview

Eileen Mintz died

Eastside Heritage Center interviews

Bert Gregory interview

Rick Peterson interview

Barb and Bob Balkema interview

Chris Pappas interview

Christian Chabot interview

Kathryn Flynn interview

Linda Kay Porlier interview

Heather Fallon edit Leo the Liberator

Leo Hymas interview

Steve Gandara

American Cancer Society shoot

Paula Ortega interview

Mike O’Brien interview

McMahon edit

Pat Duffy edit

Magda died

Jason WWE

Nashville Project edit

Dataweb edit

Schneider National shoot in Green Bay

Dottie Simpson interview

Village Theater shoot

March 2009

Thomas Barghausen interview

Eastside Heritage Center event

Kelly Noonan interview

Michael O’Brien interview

Carolyn Schwager died

SeaSalt interview

Tom Varga interview

Doug Ikagami interview

Dave Johnson Elite interview

Dan Greenshields interview

Shari Marion Huff interview

Bob and Jackie Pappas interview

Robert Dal Colletto shoot

Gabe & Rick – Happy CPAs

Mark Dedomenico, PRO Sports Club interview

Dottie and Anne Simpson interview

Jason and Crissy meet birth aunt Carol

Carlos Veliz PCSI interview

David Zook, Tutoring Club interview

Rick Locke, Dataweb interview

Pedro Castro, Magellan Architects interview

Kevin Goodwin, Sonosite, interview

"At Work" interview

Nashville edit

April 2009

Tony Cheng, Netstar interview

Pathway Medical interview

Scott Fergusson, Barclay Dean interview

Eastside Baby Corner interview

General Jack Dailey, Smithsonian, interview

Chester Springs visit with Ron and Tom McHatton

Gettysburg with Jimy and uncle Tom

Smithsonian National Air &Space Museum, Dulles Airport, shoot planes

Arlington National Cemetery – Jimy White’s parents shoot

Iwo Jima Memorial shoot

Joe Denver VHP in Philadelphia interview

Schneider National in Bedford, PA interviews

Dara Khosowahai, Expedia interview

Intellius interview

Carla at Talyst interview

Long Creek visit with my Mom

Bob Gillespie Voice Over

Pat Duffy family videos

Village Theater interviews

Bob Cremin, Esterline interview

George Schaeffer, Puget Sound Security interview

FMSC conference shoot

Sonosite trip to Miami, Fairmont Turnball, 30+ interviews

Cuban food

Key Largo

RJ guest speaker at PVANPRO

Woodman Lodge shoot

Ben Wiener interview

Leo Hymas interview

Pat Bates interview

May 2009

Kate Taylor Non Profit Shoot for Bruce McCaw

Anne Kim interview

Mariners game with Virdenna and Jason

John and Dave O’Brien interview

Ben Wiener interview

Linda Kay Porlier interview

Ron Tate interview

Grace Ellworth video resume

Steve at Village Theater interview

Paula Ortega interview

Trip to San Francisco

Zoe Dell Nutter interview

Guy Townsend interview

Ron Gifts interview

Trip to Eagle Crest

Bud Hawk Birthday

Seabees Documentary

June 2009

Becky Taylor interview

Jun Young, Microsoft interview

Alice Tsuku interview

Andrea Heuston, Artitudes interview

Dennis Burback for Grace interview

Richard Locke interview

Patti Payne Voice Over

Oren Barker VHP interview

Sharon Mooers interview

Ed Leaf died

Ship of Miracles article front page Seoul Times

Vblog 1

Virdenna Friends of Youth

Relay for Life

Melinda Partin interview

Mike Nakamura interview

Cathy Crosslin interview

Steve for Grace interview

Charlie gets married

Leo the Liberator interview

GDR trailer

Nicole Gelpi interview

Virdenna’s birthday party

Tom James interview

Drive to Spokane

LeRoy Nosbaum, Itron interview

Pam and Dr. Forrest Bird interview

The Duke Room

July 2009

Cathy Crosslin workshop shoot

Vanna audition for movie shoot

Balkema shoot

Michelle Knudsen interview

Gordy Graham Transitions interview

Harold Knudsen interview

Janice Merriweather interview

Clay Lacy interview

Bill Tilley interview

Paul Thayer interview

J. Paul Getty Museum

Visit with Kenny Stein

Peter Allen interview

Eric Rhodes interview

Tom Jones interview

Carroll Shelby interview

Lissa Wolfe interview

Cathy Crosslin National Anthem

Bill Peare Golf Tourney

Artitudes shoot

Gordy Graham interview

Scott O’Brien interview

Jim’s Auto TV commercial

Drive to Long Creek

Family gathering and funeral

Patty McHatton “Longest Runway in the World” interview

Joe Cardiff Spanish Voice Over

August 2009

Dave Lockwood Memorial

Bob Frause interview

Patrick Tessier, Northwest Laboratories interview

Howard Chermak interview

BDA interview

Tricia, Commercial Brokers interview

Tom Varga, CFO interview

Bob Berntson interview

Rick Head, interview

Schuster Commercial interview

Marty Schillaci, The Resource Group interview

Charlie Liekweg, AAA interview

Brian Haner interview

Edgar Martinez interview

GVA Kidder Mathews interview

Moss Adams interview

Lane Powell interview

Joan Duffell Committee for Children interview

Dressler Columbia Bank interview

David Victor, Seneca Group interview

Foster Pepper interview

Casey Sheldon, Weber Shandrick interview

Patrick Young at Wells Fargo, interview

Curt Carlson, Propel Insurance interview

Group Health interviews

John Rubino interview

Cameron Green interview

John Hempelmann interview

Chuck Grouws interview

Jim Rogers & Tracy at Rogers Norman Insurance interview

Ben, Matt and Steve interview at

Dave Coffman Construction interview

Karl Hermanns,interview

Scott Luttinen, Washington Trust Bank interview

Brian Jackson, Two Degrees interview

Project Line interview

BNBuilders interview

Chameleon Technologies interview

Absher Construction interview

PSBJ event at Safeco Field

Steve Lettic, SAFECALL

Lymphnoma Interview Shoot

Trip to LA

Tad Devine interview

Peter Mullin interview

Roy Woolford interview

Doug and Mary Knoell visit

H. Russell Smith interview

September 2009

David Price interview

Jack Gavin interview

Warren Christopher interview

Chuck Shelton shoot

Stacy Kvam interview

Pharmacy OneSource interview

Brian Paulen, Madrona Solutions Group interview

John Oppenheimer, Columbia Hospitality interview

Jenny Sun interview

Pat and Roy Bates interview

Lemaster Daniels interview in Spokane

Drive to Vancouver

Salomon Stavchansky interview

Patti Payne Voice over for Camp Corey

Jim Sypher, Mass Mutual interview

Griff and Maria get Married interviews

Pacific Market International (PMI) interview

Heritage Bank interview

Jason gets learners permit

Lori and Doug Williams interview

Lee Mercer visit

Joe and Kay Regan interview

Costco Photographer

April Williams interview

Future Foundation shoot

Schwabe Williamson interview

October 2009

John Meisenbach

Gordon Graham interview

Maria and Griffs Wedding

Larry Lehmer APH

Las Vegas reunion with Katch, Bugsy, and Buck,

Fire 20/20 interview

Redmond Fire Chief interview

Delta Society edit

RJ Speaker at Seattle Genealogical Sociey

Uncle Kracker and Train concert

Police Academy Shoot for SAFECALL

Earl Overstreet BCC interview

Lori and Doug Williams testimonial for Stacy

Cathy Crosslin Shoot

Flying Man website

Seaside

November 2009

Larry Gildersleeve

Angie Lepley – PSBJ interview

Clint Poeschl interview

Virginia Lintott interview

Seaside

Jeff Dunham concert w Jason

Jan Warren photos

Scott Livingston interview

Jack Singer changes

Delphi changes

Rick Locke shoot

December 2009

Tricia Lipton interview

Jean Hughes interview for Lintott

Georgie interview

Carl and Dee interview

Jimy White snakes and Fiji videos

Shirley and Earl Knott interview

Stacy Kvam video for website

Teresa Moore Ink interview for PSBJ

Michele O’Hara BCC interview

Craig Foreman BCC interview

Nita Petry BCC interview

O’Brien Biography delivered

Gig Harbor—Katie’s parents interview

Lewis Horowitz PSBJ interview

Hunsberger Internment, Tahoma Nat Cemetery

Hunsberger Memorial, Bellevue

Trip to Long Creek for Christmas

My Kids meet birth mom and brother in Baker City, OR

Ron Tate

RJ guest on Storytellers Radio SHow

Eric Suh, MD BCC interview

Kristi Knott VHS to DVD

James Raisbeck Legends of Aviation interview

Moving Day

I wish you all a very Happy 2010.

Warm regards,

RJ McHatton
Inventive Productions LLC
27127 NE 23rd St
Redmond WA 98053
Studio (425) 284-1900
Email rj@inventiveproductions.com
Website www.inventiveproductions.com

Warren Christopher talks about Johnny Myers

2009-12-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed my interview with former Secretary of State Warren Christopher for my new documentary "Flying Man: Life and Times of Johnny Myers." http://www.flyingmandocumentary.com

The New Fighting Seabees Documentary - Movie Trailer

2009-12-14T20:15:00.001-08:00

The full length movie is coming soon.

Williams testimonial for Stacy Kvam

2009-12-07T16:26:00.001-08:00

It is so nice to see such happy people.

We are in the Costco Connections Magazine

2009-11-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

RJ McHatton and Inventive Productions were mentioned in a nice article in this month's "Costco Connection" magazine which has estimated 20 million readers. The article has RJ's photo in there, too!

You can read the article by CLICKING HERE

Hug a Veteran - Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T00:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Veterans Day!

Over the past four years we have been blessed to be able to interview many Veterans for our video biography projects and also for the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress.

Here are just a few great short clips from our interviews with Veterans.

I hope you like the videos and you take the time to thank a Veteran everyday.

A FEW INTERVIEWS WITH VETERANS or ABOUT VETERANS

New Fighting Seabees Documentary

John Kneepkens

Leo Hymas: Leo the Liberator

The New Fighting Seabees Documentary Movie Trailer

Oren Barker

Harold Knudsen

Harold Knudsen playing the piano

Bill and Dorothy Shaw

Ted Kilcup

Magda Newman

Ship of Miracles Movie Trailer

Thanks for all your support of our Video Biography work.

We really appreciate your friendship.

Warm regards,

RJ McHatton

Inventive Productions

www.inventiveproductions.com

(425) 284-1900

P.S. Remember we will travel anywhere in the world to do the interviews.

Video Shoot at WA State Criminal Justice Training Academy

2009-10-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with Law Enforcement expert Gordon Graham

We drove down to Burien to shoot four short films for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Academy. The four films are focused on the SAFE CALL NOW program. Safe Call Now is a non-profit that tries to help prevent suicide or substance abuse among public safety employees. You can learn more about Safe Call Now atwww.safecallnow.org We shot a great introduction by nationally recognized expert Gordon Graham, then used real life police officers, fire fighters, and EMTS in the scripted video production. I was particularly impressed with this Gordon Graham. I call him “this” Gordon Graham because I have known the “other” Gordon Graham for over 20 years. You can learn more about this Gordon Graham atwww.gordongraham.com

Here are some pictures of the volunteers who helped with our video production.

Thank you so much to the great volunteers who helped out with the production of these four videos. They came in during their day off. We are very grateful for their excellent commitment to helping others.

Fire 20/20 Director Larry Sagen with Gordon Graham

We also shot an interview with Gordon Graham for the non-profit Fire 20/20 about diversity in the Firefighting industry. You can learn more about Fire 20/20 at www.fire2020.org

Inventive Productions mentioned in Puget Sound Business Journal article

2009-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

RJ McHatton and Inventive Productions were mentioned in an article by writer Patti Payne in this week’s Puget Sound Business Journal.

Here is a link to the article:

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/10/26/tidbits1.html

Peter Allen talks about Johnny Myers - Part One

2009-10-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Peter Allen talks about Johnny Myers - Part Two

2009-10-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

A nice visit with author Larry Lehmer

2009-10-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

Author Larry Lehmer

I had a great meeting with author Larry Lehmer over at the Monaco Hotel in Seattle. Larry is a former journalist from Des Moines, Iowa who has helped numerous people write their memoirs. Larry is also a former member of the Association of Personal Historians and the author of the bestselling book “The Day the Music Died: The Last Tour of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens” (Schirmer Books). We talked about the current state of the Personal Historian business and some of the best ways to do an interview. It was great meeting Larry and I appreciate him taking the time to visit with me. You can learn more about Larry Lehmer athttp://www.google.com/profiles/larrylehmer

Carroll Shelby talks about John Myers ("Flying Man")

2009-10-07T16:19:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed meeting Carroll Shelby. He talked alot about his growing, his father, his heroes, and car racing. Here he talks about his friend John Myers aka "Flying Man."

Tom Jones remembers his friend Johnny Myers ("Flying man"

2009-10-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video from our interview with Tom Jones for my documentary film “Flying Man: Life and Times of John Myers.”

You can learn more about this film at www.flyingmandocumentary.com

Maria and Griff Get Married - The documentary

2009-10-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Maria and Griff enter the beautiful Wedding Reception where a lots wonderful surprises awaited them

Maria's Parents Doug & Lori Williams and Grandparents Bud & Dolores Anthony

Its been a journey of joy working on the documentary “Maria and Griff Get Married.” Part one of the documentary was shown at the great Wedding Reception last night at Herban Feast in the Sodo section of Seattle. Stacy Kvam and her team did a fantastic job in organizing the wedding. Over the past few weeks I have interviewed several members of both Maria’s and Griff’s family. Since Griff is from Texas, I interviewed his mom and brother over the phone, and then several of his friends and family at last night’s reception. The video has been a secret to the Bride and groom so I hadn’t met them until last night. Everything went perfect. It was great to also meet some of Maria’s cousins who flew in from Germany and a lot of Griff’s friends in from Austin, Texas. You can learn more about Stacy Kvam atwww.skweddingandeventdesign.com and Herban Feast atwww.herbanfeast.com You can learn about Maria and Griff athttp://www.mywedding.com/griffandmaria/

Bert Markovich - Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

2009-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Bert Markovich with Director RJ McHatton

It was great meeting Bert Markovich, senior partner with one of America’s leading law firms, Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. I was there to interview Bert for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Bert said that he had worked his entire career with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and that he was very proud of where he worked. He told me about how their firm is over 100 years old and they are focused on treating their clients and employees with respect. Bert talked about the importance of family and values and character.

Foundation for the Future - lecture - Donald Johanson

2009-09-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Donald C. Johanson, Ph.D

Tonight RJ shot a lecture with a HDV video camera for the Foundation for the Future at the Town Hall in Seattle. The guest lecturer was Donald C. Johanson, the paleoanthropologist who discovered “Lucy” the 3.2 million-year-old fossil hominid skeleton. Johanson’s lecture was focused on “Darwin and Human Evolution.” It has been thirty years since my last anthropology class, so I was spellbound by Johanson’s educational lecture about the history of evolution and how recent finds in fossil discoveries are proving Darwin right time and time again. Johanson talked about how the origins of man all point to Africa and how changes in diet and tools have helped effect the size of our teeth. I really enjoyed shooting the High Definition Video for the Foundation for the Future. You can learn more about their mission and other lectures at www.futurefoundation.org

Joe & Kay Regan - B-17 gunner shot down in WW2, married 65 years

2009-09-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Joe Regan with his wife Kay, and Director RJ McHatton

Joe Regan shows us the spoon he made from a tin can and shared with all the POWs

Joe Regan

It was a glorious day in the Northwest. I drove along the lake and the sky was perfect blue. I was there to pickup Joe and Kay Regan. My goal was to interview Joe for a video biography interview. Joe served as a B-17 belly gunner and his aircraft was shot down over Germany. Joe was captured by the Germans and became a POW of Stalag 7a with thousands of roommates. Joe told some incredible stories about his experiences over there. It was a very emotional time for both of us. Luckily Joe’s beautiful wife Kay was there to calm us down. Joe and Kay have been married 65 years. I feel blessed to have met Kay and Joe. They are most proud of raising five children and then another five foster kids, too. After the war Joe didn’t do much flying but he was able in recent years to fly in a B-17 a couple of times. Sometimes its real hard for Joe to think about those days as a POW. He remembers the hunger, the joy he realized when his POW camp was liberated, and the times he met Patton and Eisenhower. He also remembers the spoon he made out of a tin can, and how he shared that spoon with so many other POWs in the Stalag.

Brian Vance - CEO of Heritage Bank

2009-09-27T10:14:00.001-07:00

Brian Vance with Director RJ McHatton

I had never been to downtown Olympia before. It was a beautiful sunny day. We were there in Olympia to interview Brian Vance, the CEO of Heritage Bank, for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Brian did a great interview. Brian is originally from a farm and ranching family in Southern Idaho. He calls himself a cowboy because that is where his roots came from. Brian told me how he had started in the banking business as a teller and over the years he had worked almost every job in the bank. Now he is the CEO of one of the fastest growing community banks in the country. He was proud that his bank just became a “Billion Dollar” bank, which is a huge milestone in his industry. We talked about how his company has become a “Best Workplace.” Brian said it all came down to the values of integrity, listening to your people, and doing the right thing. He talked about the importance of keeping constant communication with the team and keeping to the fundamental vision. Brian talked about the 80 year history of the Heritage Bank and how proud he was to see it growing still, even in tough economic times. I could tell that Brian was very passionate about the importance of honesty and integrity and having fun with his team. Some of the Heritage team made sure I heard about Brian’s famous “Pancake” recipe. Brian talked about the company picnics and Pancake parties. Sounds like a great place to work.

Rob Harris, Pacific Market International (PMI)

2009-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Rob Harris with Director RJ McHatton

It was a fantastic morning in downtown Seattle as we headed over to the Pacific Market International headquarters. We were there to interview CEO and Founder Rob Harris for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. We were greeted by a very enthusiastic team including HR Manager Doreen Huether and Marketing Communications Coordinator Jenn Ottele. Rob Harris is a very nice guy. During our interview he talked about the history of his company and how he started it 26 years ago in his home. Now it is an international company with offices in several countries including China and England. We talked about the culture of his organization and how important it was to create a great place to work. Rob talked about the core values of his team and the fantastic character they have shown over the years. He said his proudest moments were when he saw his people grow as people. He talked about his joy in seeing people move up in his organization and he thinks the secret to success is listening to your people. I really enjoyed meeting Rob Harris and his team at PMI. They are very positive, nice people.

Jim Sypher - MassMutual Financial Group

2009-09-23T21:27:00.001-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with Jim Sypher of MassMutual

It is always very exciting to drive into downtown Seattle on a beautiful sunny morning. Today my son Jason and I could feel our ears pop as we rode the elevators up to higher floors of the big black Columbia Tower. We were there to interview Jim Sypher of MassMutual Financial Group. MassMutual was a finalist as one of the “Best Workplaces” as awarded by the Puget Sound Business Journal. We were interviewing all the top leaders of these companies for a video project. I really enjoyed meeting Jim and the MassMutual team. They are so enthusiastic and cheerful. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Jim did a super job in the interview. He talked about the unique “team” culture there at MassMutual and the important values that have been so profound during the recent financial crunches. He talked about the incredible dedication his team has focused on integrity and courage and character. Jim talked about how important attitude can be to the success of an organization. I learned a lot in my meeting with Jim. He has one of the best view offices I have ever seen. You can almost watch a Seahawks or Mariners game from his office. Jim explained to me how important the concept of “Mutual” is to his industry and how proud he was to work for MassMutual.

Voice Over for Camp Korey Video

2009-09-22T17:57:00.001-07:00

Filmmaker Julia Welbourne, RJ McHatton, with Camp Korey Marketing & Communications Coordinator Eva Dankanics

We are very proud and happy to help the Camp Korey team in any way we can. I first heard of Camp Korey about three years ago when I read an article about the actor Paul Newman being in the area. He was here to check out the property at the old Carnation Farm located near my Ames Lake area home in the Snoqualmie Valley. Camp Korey is associated with the “Hole in the Wall Camps” which offers supervised camps for very sick kids and their families. Recently I was contacted by the voice over artist Patti Payne to see if they could use our studio to record some voice overs for the Camp Korey team. We were happy to help in any way we can. I lost my Dad to cancer back in the early 1990s and I will never forget how devastating the experience was for my family. I think the Camp Korey project is a wonderful cause and I recommend you check out their great website and videos at www.campkorey.org

Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky

2009-09-22T17:29:00.001-07:00

Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky

I had a fantastic meeting with Ben Wiener & Salomon Stavchansky. We met in Vancouver to discuss the production of my new historical documentary on the “Impact of Generic Drugs on the Changing Health Care Environment.” Dr. Stavchansky is a Professor at the College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, and an internationally recognized expert on the generic drug industry. Ben Wiener was one of the early entrepreneurs in the Generic Drug industry, dating back to the 1940s. Both Ben and Sol are fantastic mentors to this documentary project. I am tremendously grateful for their influence and support.

Scott Dietzen - CEO of Lemaster Daniels CPA

2009-09-21T01:03:00.001-07:00

Scott Dietzen with Director RJ McHatton

My son Jason and I drove over to Spokane to interview Scott Dietzen, CEO of Lemaster Daniels CPA. We were interviewing Scott for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Scott did a super job in the interview. He talked about the very strong legacy and Core Values of the Original founders of the firm. Lemaster Daniels recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Scott talked about his experience as a basketball coach and how important it was that every member of the firm understand and grab onto the expectations of positive behaviors. I was very impressed by the leadership philosophies of Scott Dietzen.

Russell Steele - CEO Clearwater Casino & Resort

2009-09-21T00:53:00.001-07:00

Russell Steele with Director RJ McHatton

My son Jason and I took the fairy to Bainbridge Island. It was a fantastic day. Jason brought the binoculars. We were there to interview Russell Steele, the CEO of Clearwater Casino and Resort. Russell did a super job in the interview. He talked about the many programs that his company has put into place to help inspire a “Best Workplace” culture. He talked about the importance of offering educational opportunities for the team and providing a great environment for listening to the employees needs.

Brad Burkett - Kimpton Restaurants and Hotels

2009-09-21T00:43:00.003-07:00

Brad Burkett with Director RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed meeting Brad Burkett from Kimpton Restaurants & Hotels. I was there at the Alexis Hotel in Seattle to interview Brad for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Kimpton was a finalist for the Best Workplace of the year awards. Brad told me some of the fundamental values that helped create such a winning culture at Kimpton. He talked about the importance of his team overdelivering with clients and doing whatever it takes to make experiences special. He talked about the vision of the Founder and how their company has grown from one location to fifty. Brad talked about the empowerment that he and all Kimpton employees feel and how wonderful it was to work for such a friendly company.

Bob Oliver - Fire Chief

2009-09-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

Bob Oliver – Fire Chief

Larry Sagen, Fire Chief Bob Oliver, Carol Remz, and Director RJ McHatton

I am proud that we were able to help Larry Sagen and the non profit “Fire 20/20″ do an interview on High Definition video with Redmond Fire Chief Bob Oliver. It was great meeting Bob Oliver. He is an RJ too. The purpose of the interview was to talk about the importance of diversity in the Firefighting industry. To learn more about Fire 20/20 go to www.fire2020.org

Donn Harvey - CEO of Protingent Staffing

2009-09-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

Donn Harvey with Director RJ McHatton

It was a wonderful day as I drove over to the headquarters to Protingent Staffing in Redmond, WA. I was there to interview CEO Donn Harvey for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. I was immediately impressed because as I entered their front doors, I was met with a big sign that said, “Welcome RJ McHatton from Inventive Productions.” You always hear from leaders that its the little things that count, and I can testify that my attitude was definitely affected in a positive way by meeting that sign. Donn Harvey is a really nice guy. He had pictures everywhere with him and his motorcycles. As we began the interview I asked Donn about his childhood heroes and teenage ambitions. He told me that he was a musician from way back and that his heroes were all musicians. I later learned that Donn is a nationally recognized blues bass player. He told me about his background working in the Aerospace industry and how he became involved in the Staffing business. Donn told me about some of his philosophies of running a “Best Workplaces” business. He said it really comes down to the simple concept of respect. As soon as I got back to my office I googled Donn and found his Myspace page, where I proceeded to play several of his awesome songs. I enjoyed meeting Donn and I learned a lot about how to run a “Best Workplaces.”

Trina Westerlund - Children's Institute for Learning Differences

2009-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Trina Westerlund with Director RJ McHatton

It was a beautiful morning in Mercer Island. I was there to interview Trina Westerlund, the CEO and Founder of Children’s Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD) for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s video “Best Workplaces.” There was another film crew there because they are making a one year documentary of the life and times of this organization. Trina told me some great stories about how she started the non-profit 33 years ago with five children. Today the organization is a whole lot bigger, but the goals and focus have remained the same, on the children. To learn more about Trina and her team, go to www.childrensinstitute.com

John Oppenheimer - CEO of Columbia Hospitality

2009-09-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with John Oppenheimer

It was a gorgeous, sunny day in Seattle. The waterfront was full of tourists off the Cruise ships. I headed to the World Trade Center to interview John Oppenheimer, CEO of Columbia Hospitality for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” award video. Columbia Hospitality owns or manages 13 premier resort properties including the Salish Lodge & Spa. John was a great interview. He talked about how he started in the hospitality business as a bell hop and now he was the CEO! John talked about how important the team culture was for their success. He said that he really focuses on hiring the right people. He said that all employees go through a rigorous hiring process and that he personally interviews all the concierges of all resorts. He said he believes the first impression and the last impressions are the most important. I really enjoyed meeting John. I could tell that he is a world-class guy with a tremendous focus on the values of customer service and the goal of creating raving fans among his team and clients. John said that he is a big believer in nepotism, that he loves to have lots of family working for his organization.

Brian Paulen - CEO Madrona Solutions Group

2009-09-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with Brian Paulen

It was great meeting Brian Paulen, CEO of Madrona Solutions Group in downtown Seattle. I was there to interview Brian for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video project. Brian had a great sense of humor and it was exciting to learn about one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Brian proved to me that a positive attitude and a positive team culture has tremendous impact on the team success. He talked about the importance of being a great listener and being flexible to the needs of clients. He talked about the diversity of his team and the importance of having fun at work. I really liked how Brian said his greatest mentor was his father.

Tim Gibbons - CEO of Pharmacy OneSource

2009-09-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tim Gibbons, CEO of Pharmacy OneSource

I learned a lot in my interview with Tim Gibbons, CEO of Pharmacy OneSource. I interviewed Tim for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Best Workplaces” video. Tim talked about the great culture that his company has nurtured over the years. He told me that his greatest pride is seeing his team being happy, successful, and innovative. He said that his secret to success is hiring great people.

Chuck Shelton - Leadership 101 for White Men, Speaker, Author

2009-09-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Author and Speaker Chuck Shelton

I originally thought the title to the book was pretty provocative and not politically correct. ”Leadership 101 for White Men.” But then I looked closer and the tag line is “How to work successfully with Black Colleagues and Customers.” Author Chuck Shelton asked us to shoot some footage and do editing on a video for his new website (www.greatheartleaderlabs.com). I met with Chuck and I learned a lot about his philosophies concerning diversity in the workplace and those old time taboos. We talked about how things have changed so much in our lifetime and for the better. Chuck is a very interesting man with a strong background in management and leadership training for companies like Microsoft, Key Bank, Wal-Mart, and Safeco.

Jeffrey Lyon Interview - GVA Kidder Mathews

2009-09-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Lyon with Director RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed meeting Jeffrey Lyon of GVA Kidder Mathews. I drove down to the GVA Kidder Mathews headquarters to interview Jeffrey for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” Award. GVA Kidder Mathews is a very successful commercial real estate firm with 9 offices in Washington, California, and Oregon. They have over 400 employees. I sat down with Jeffrey Lyon to talk about why his company has been successful and why the employees voted them as one of the best workplaces. Jeffrey talked about how proud he was of his team. He talked about the unique culture of his organization, where everyone works hard and together to help clients be successful. He talked about the unique character of his team and how they have pulled together and succeeded even in turbulent times. He said that he is very proud to work for GVA Kidder Mathews and that he was very optimistic about the future. Recently Jeffrey Lyon was recognized by Ernst & Young at the “Entrepreneur of the Year” for 2009 in the Real Estate category. I enjoyed meeting Jeffrey and I learned a lot.

Chuck Riley interview - Lane Powell Attorneys

2009-09-06T18:20:00.001-07:00

Chuck Riley with Director RJ McHatton

I went down to the Lane Powell offices in Seattle to interview VP Chusk Riley for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” award. Chuck Riley did a super interview. He talked about the incredible culture at Lane Powell and how they really focus on core values with their clients and their employees. Lane Powell is one of the oldest and most successful law firms in the Northwest. It was started over 100 years ago. Today Lane Powell has over 300 staff and over 150 attorneys. Over the years many of the Northwest’s great judges once worked with Lane Powell. Chuck said that one of the secrets to success at Lane Powell is total committment to the local communities. The culture of the company is focused on coming up with new ideas about ways the firm can help people. He talked about how the employees dedicate time and money to helping the food banks and Habitat for Humanity and the United Way. I could tell that Chuck was very dedicated and proud of his team at Lane Powell. He also was very proud that his employees would have voted Lane Powell as one of the “Best Workplaces” in Washington.

Kurt Carlson, CEO of Propel Insurance

2009-09-06T18:06:00.001-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with Kurt Carlson

I could not stop thinking about my interview with Kurt Carlson of Propel Insurance. He really impressed me with his interview. I had driven down nto Tacoma to meet with Kurt as part of a video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” Award. Kurt’s company Propel Insurance was a finalist this year. Kurt told me how the company started many years ago and how they recently had changed their name. He told me how they nurtured the culture and about the incredible character of his team. Kurt started talking about all the many things that his company has created to help inspire a positive workplace. I was definitely impressed. In addition the normal medical benefits and 401ks, Propel had created several recognition awards and parties to inspire team mates to look for and find heroes among the team. Their goal is to recognize and focus on the positive things that people do everyday to help others. They try to catch people doing things right. I was inspired by the enthusiasm of Kurt Carlson and his huge goals for the future. Kurt talked about how he has learned a lot from his mentors including friends he has made at the YPO, Young Presidents Organization. Propel definitely seems like a great place to work and I can see why they were nominated by their employees for an award.

Matt, Steve, and Ben interview - Turnstyle Design

2009-09-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

Matt Diefenbach, Director RJ McHatton, Ben Graham and Steve Watson

I drove over to the Seattle offices of Turnstyle, a fast growing Graphic Design firm. I was there to interview the leadership team of Turnstyle because they were finalists for the annual Puget Sound Business Journal “Best Workplaces in Washington” award. I was immediately impressed with the Turnstyle team. The office had a great receptionist, but as I looked around it seems that I could see almost the entire staff in one big loop of view. The offices had lots of people but they weren’t in cubicles or offices. It was one big room, with the leaders and regular employees all working hard on their computers. There was a very positive buzz in the air. I set up my camera, lights, and sound equipment in a small office of someone who was out that day. I interviewed Matt, Steve, and Ben individually, and then all together. My goal was to find out why they were nominated as one of the Best Workplaces and to find out their secret to success in business. I quickly learned that these leaders were a great team. Each partner had specific skillsets that when put together equalled an unbeatable match. They told me how important their culture and values were to the fundamental success they had achieved. They talked about how every member on the team was like friends, so they valued taking time off together for an event or even just a drink. They thought it was worthwhile shutting down the entire office to go have a fun time together. They talked about how important relationships with clients and the employees meant to them. They told me how they believed in trust and integrity and diversity. Matt, Steve, and Ben were so enthusiastic that I felt enthusiastic and energized, too. These guys were very creative and fun, but I could tell they took their business very seriously and would go the extra mile to find creative solutions to a project.

Bob Berntson interview - Berntson Porter CPA

2009-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Director RJ McHatton with Bob Berntson

I first met Bob Berntson a few years ago when I interviewed him and his partner Greg Porter for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce “Eastside Business Awards.” Today I was interviewing Bob for the video we are making for the Puget Sound Business Journal on the “Best Workplaces in Washington.” Bob is a great person to interview because he has a subtle sense of humor. He reminds me of Harrison Ford because when I interviewed Harrison Ford he always did subtle jokes about himself, and Bob does the same thing. Bob talked about the unique culture they had at Berntson Porter CPA and the many ways they try to nurture that culture. He said that Values are extremely important and that his team had terrific character. He said that they have a “Fireside Chat” several times a year to help keep everyone in the team on the same page about where the firm was going and how they were going to get there. Bob said that he is very lucky because he has some terrific mentors who have helped him over the years. Bob said he loves his company and all the people on his team. Bob said that he felt like a very lucky man. He said that one of the key foundations of their focus is on community involvement and that his team really loves helping others. I really enjoyed my interview with Bob and feel I learned a lot.

Dave Coffman interview - Coffman Engineers

2009-09-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dave Coffman with Director RJ McHatton

I met Dave Coffman in downtown Seattle at the Coffman Engineers office. Dave Coffman is the CEO of Coffman Engineers. He is a real character. I was interviewing him for the Puget Sound Business Journal video about the “Best Workplaces” finalists. Coffman Engineers has been around for over 30 years now. Dave talked about how he started the company 30 years ago in Bellevue, then expanded to Alaska and now they have coverage all over the Western US and do work all over the world. Coffman Engineers has a great track record, with several large long-term clients including Nordstroms. Dave talked about his focus on integrity, honesty, and dependability. He talked about the culture he has tried to nurture over the years. He said that several of his people have gone off to start their own companies and he is proud that he has been a mentor to so many and that his team voted Coffman as one of the best workplaces in Washington. Dave told me he really cares for his people. He said the secret to their success has been their people and their belief in diversity. I really enjoyed meeting Dave Coffman.

Melanie Dressel interview - Columbia Banking System

2009-09-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

RJ with Melanie Dressel of Columbia Banking System

I drove down to Tacoma to meet the CEO of Columbia Banking Systems, Melanie Dressel, for a video we were making for the Puget Sound Business Journal. Columbia Banking was a finalist for the “Best Workplace” award. Melanie did a great interview. She talked about the reasons her company has been successful in such a challenging business climate. She said that the culture of the organization and the focus on the values of customer service and treating people right were paying off. She said that her philosophy is to hire good people and you will succeed. She said that every employee goes through a boot camp to make sure everyone understands the culture and values. Melanie proved to be a very strong leader and I learned a lot from our interview. Thanks, Melanie!