SEATTLE, WA Thursday, March 22, 2007– PeoplePawn, a Seattle pre-revenue financial services and specialty retail startup, announced today that it has successfully appointed four outstanding candidates to its Board of Advisors. The members chosen are as follows:
Real Estate: Steve Lawson contributes extensive experience in corporate real estate, development and brokerage. In following that calling for over 25 years he has widely expanded the operations of several companies, including Schuck’s Auto Supply, Taco Bell and Extended Stay America. He pioneered a co-branded Chevron/McDonald’
Human Resources: Marcy Wood has vital expertise with human resources. This was the concentration of her Business Administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University, and she is currently Director of Human Resources for the Northwest Group—responsible for Quality Business Systems, Pinnell, Copytronix and Boise Office Equipment. She is accredited by the Society for Human Resource Management, has nearly 15 years of experience, and at one point oversaw HR for 12 companies, which employed up to 1,200 workers each.
Gemology: Jean Spidell is an invaluable and multifaceted resource. She is armed with a B.A. in Marketing and Geology, a Graduate Gemologist diploma, Six Sigma certification, and 15 years in the Seattle jewelry industry. She has focused the last 10 years on sales, marketing, training and organizational development, and gained repute and unique experience executing accounts for Fortune 500 clientele. Currently, Jean is a Corporate Manager and certified trainer at The WaMu (Washington Mutual) Leadership Center in Seattle.
Legal: Craig Elkins is a uniquely informative contributor. Able to draw on both his many years in the automotive industry and his 22 year practice as an attorney, he has also achieved entrepreneurial success of his own. With degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga University Law School, he now concentrates on the representation of franchise owners, contractors, manufacturers and retailers. His experience advising the legal structure and operation of these parties makes him an ideal addition to the board.
Patrick Lawrence Kane (Founder& CEO of PeoplePawn) stated that “Having a professional and experienced Board of Advisors with relevant industry expertise is a fundamental requirement for any business that is planning for fast growth and long-term success. PeoplePawn is fortunate to have captured the attention, expertise and commitment of four incredibly experienced professionals to support our execution strategy.”
PeoplePawn is a Seattle-based pre-revenue financial services and specialty retail start-up. Upon the successful receipt of initial funding, PeoplePawn plans to open and operate a chain of stores in the Pacific Northwest beginning in Seattle, where it has already secured a lucrative pawnbroker license from the city. PeoplePawn will launch the first store and e-tail campaign within the current $9.2B national market which currently experiences only 12% consolidation. PeoplePawn plans on opening a minimum of 10 store locations within the next 5 years, each with big, bright, beautiful storefronts and the systems and processes to hire, train and retain long-term personnel.
