Iconic local insurance agency seeing steady growth
Pickett Insurance, a trusted Vancouver firm for more than seventy years, set a modern vision under Paul Covey. With continued growth, the team partnered with Jim West to plan a relocation that fit brand goals and client experience.
highlights
- Challenge: Outgrew space; needed brand aligned, high visibility location with minimal disruption.
- Action: Reassessed needs; compared in building options; direct landlord outreach; rapid tours; focused LOI; early logistics.
- Result: Upgraded suite secured; lease signed 18 months early; prominent signage; smooth move before summer.
Brewer brings renewed vitality to downtown Washougal
Trap Door Brewing, founded in Vancouver in 2015, expanded its Northwest distribution and needed greater production capacity. When a former brewery property in Washougal became available, they partnered with Jim West to evaluate and acquire the site reviving a local landmark in the process.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed larger production space to support growing regional demand.
- Action: Engaged Jim West; evaluated 1834 Main; coordinated offer and feasibility; guided smooth closing.
- Result: Building purchased May 4, 2022; 15 barrel brewhouse reopened; production shifted to Washougal, energizing downtown.
Bursting at the seams: Emerge Jiu Jitsu relocates
Emerge Jiu Jitsu grew rapidly and needed a larger training and office environment. With tight vacancies across Clark County, they targeted a newer building with easy access, ample parking, and refined finishes to match their program quality.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Outgrew space; sought gym and office layout in a low vacancy market with easy access, parking, and upscale finishes.
- Action: Identified newly built property at 6406 NE 116th Avenue; partnered with the landlord to design a 5,147 square foot, highly functional lease space.
- Result: Customized 5,147 square foot build out delivered with robust infrastructure and refined finishes, meeting current needs and allowing flexible future growth.
DOWNTOWN WASHOUGAL TO SEE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT BY VHA
Red Paw Development sold three adjacent parcels in downtown Washougal with help from Jim West, paving the way for a new multi family project.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed a buyer for three parcels during pandemic market conditions; aging properties required investment.
Action: Created targeted campaign; engaged likely multi family developers; managed outreach and follow ups.- Result: Vancouver Housing Authority acquired parcels in May 2022; transaction closed June 29, 2022.
STOP LEASING; OWN YOUR BUSINESS PROPERTY
Western Medical Supply sought to stop leasing and invest in a long term facility near downtown Vancouver. With Jim West’s guidance, they identified and acquired a property that fit both operations and growth goals.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed 7,000–10,000 SF property close to downtown to replace leased warehouse
- Action: Evaluated multiple on and off market options; secured 7,877 SF F.O.E. Building; guided purchase and tenanting process.
- Result: Successful acquisition completed; 5 year lease terms with retail tenants; secured second tenant in June 2021.
NEW PURPOSE FOR A LONG TIME LANDMARK
After decades as a restaurant, an East Clark County property found new life through Jim West’s repositioning strategy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Outdated restaurant in an industrial zone; financing and shared wall limitations.
- Action: Marketed property as industrial use; engaged targeted buyer network; maintained visibility during uncertain market.
- Result: Sold in 2021 to Ambassador Trans Inc.; property adapted for trucking operations and community use.
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF FOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Ridgefield Physical Therapy partnered with Jim West to secure a new clinic site in a growing market after outgrowing its original facility.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed larger space to serve growing patient base amid tight Ridgefield market and long development timelines.
- Action: Partnered with YMCA and city to locate and lease 7,500 SF medical space; managed design, permitting, and negotiations.
- Result: Lease finalized late 2023; construction began early 2024; new clinic opening scheduled for summer 2024.
STOP LEASING; OWN YOUR BUSINESS PROPERTY
Western Medical Supply sought to stop leasing and invest in a long term facility near downtown Vancouver. With Jim West’s guidance, they identified and acquired a property that fit both operations and growth goals
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed 7,000–10,000 SF property close to downtown to replace leased warehouse.
- Action: Evaluated multiple on and off market options; secured 7,877 SF F.O.E. Building; guided purchase and tenanting process.
- Result: Successful acquisition completed; 5 year lease terms with retail tenants; secured second tenant in June 2021.
TWO YEARS ACCELERATED SUCCESS IN MIXED USE COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Return clients Kat and Noom expanded their business presence in downtown Vancouver by developing a mixed use building on Mill Plain Boulevard. Jim West guided them through acquisition, planning, and leasing helping achieve 100% occupancy within two years.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Needed a property suitable for restaurant and housing uses; sought quality site for mixed use development.
- Action: Guided acquisition and entitlement of 17,000 SF project; managed inspections, design, and lease up through pandemic conditions.
- Result: Achieved 97.5% occupancy; sourced qualified tenants; resolved construction issues; sustained strong investment performance.
ANOTHER FAMILY LEGACY IN THE BUILDING OF CLARK COUNTY
A 5 acre family property transitioned to a new chapter through Jim West’s strategic marketing and hands on guidance.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenge: Long held family land rezoned amid strict development rules and COVID era uncertainty.
- Action: Cleared site; marketed to qualified developers; guided due diligence and permitting process.
- Result: Multiple offers received; sale completed with Provisions LLC in 2024 through streamlined feasibility and quick closing.
