Seattle Publishing | About
Company History
Beginnings
Seattle Publishing began in 1972 as Bicycle Paper, a publication created to support the widespread popularity of cycling in the Pacific Northwest. Then, in 1988, the company began aiding event organizers by handling the creation of event-related publications. With experience, patience and expertise, Bicycle Paper launched publishing campaigns that helped expand major events, such as the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.
By 1994, larger, more complicated projects inspired the small staff to focus on technology. The creation of a new system that built a bridge between a database and a page layout program resulted. With this new tool, Bicycle Paper quickly flowed formatted text for an extensive cycling events calendar into every issue of the newspaper.
Growth
The company began tackling publishing projects outside of the bicycle realm in 1994. A few years later, one such project further catalyzed the business’ growth. The Black Dollar Days Task Force wished to publish an African American Business Directory in a comprehensive yet cost-effective manner. Bicycle Paper offered to flow the Directory’s information utilizing the same technology as the newspaper’s calendar. The process proved rapid, economical and accurate.
That project signaled a monumental change for Bicycle Paper. The following year, in 1997, the company became Seattle Publishing in recognition of the decision to branch out from cycling-related publications and provide broader custom publishing services.
Innovation
Soon, another milestone was reached when Seattle Bike Supply, a national wholesale distributor, aspired to flow their annual catalog with formatted text and photos. Seattle Publishing accepted the challenge, ultimately creating what is now its flagship product, the Gutenberg Publishing System®.
Today, Seattle Publishing’s project list still includes these valuable building blocks that compile our history. The company has kept a firm hold on its roots, while actively planning for the future. Clients know that when they bring us a project, they can trust us to produce it with the expertise and integrity achieved from more than three decades of publishing experience.
Leadership
Jay Stilwell, President, joined the company in 1997 in a sales and marketing role, bringing extensive marketing experience from working with manufacturers and distributors. By 1998, he had become project director and was instrumental in streamlining the project process by implementing key customer service initiatives. In 2000, Jay became a minority partner in the company and leveraged his past company experience to actively promote and market the Gutenberg Publishing System®. Today, as president, Jay provides leadership and vision as the company moves to the next stage of development and growth.
Ryan Price, Vice President, joined the company in 2005. A Seattle University Alumnus, he brings a myriad of programming and production skills based on a strong foundation of digital design, math and computer science. As a student, he was instrumental in the I.T. department's transition from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X. In 2007, Ryan joined Jay as a partner in the company. As the technology visionary, he is key to the future technological development of Seattle Publishing’s products and services. Ryan plans to support the company’s continued growth by amplifying the relationship between technology and publishing.
The Crew
Claire Bonin joined Seattle Publishing in 2001. Involved in cycling for the past 23 years, she had previously worked for the Canadian Cycling Association before organizing national and international bike events, for which she bought advertisements in Bicycle Paper. She currently works as a Project Coordinator for Seattle Publishing, and is the Associate Publisher and Editor of Bicycle Paper. Claire holds a degree in Kinanthropology from the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec), is a certified level 3 cycling coach, and is a MTB and BMX national race official. She enjoys riding her bike, carpentry, and spending time with her three dogs (Lucy, Max, and Oscar).
Rick Peterson, Project Coordinator, joined Seattle Publishing in 1998 as a Graphic Intern. Rick was a Forestry major and worked for five years for the Forest Service at the Lake Chelan Ranger District. He then pursued a career in Graphic Design, attending Shoreline Community College. Rick owns and runs a small punk rock record label, which releases and distributes CDs and vinyl records. He also owns four bikes, and commutes to work by bike as much as possible.
Amy Ensign began working for Seattle Publishing in January 2007 as the Editorial Intern, and took her current position as Office Specialist in April 2007. With a dual degree in English Literature and Psychology, Amy not only takes care of administrative tasks, writing press releases, and editing proposals, she also copy edits and occasionally writes for Bicycle Paper. In college, she enjoyed working as a sailing instructor for Western Washington University, where she graduated in 2006. Amy now spends her free time reading, snowboarding, running, sailing, kayaking, camping, and hanging out with friends.
Contact Us
Seattle Publishing is located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square District in the same building that once housed the city's first printing company. We are one block west of Pioneer Square's main arterial, 1st Avenue, and one block south of the Coleman Ferry Dock on the waterfront. See the map below for details and directions.
Email Contact
Jay Stilwell, President
Ryan Price, Vice President
Seattle Publishing, Inc.
68 South Washington Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206.903.1333
Fax: 206.903.8565
Email: info@seattlepub.com
Business Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Bicycle Paper
Bicycle Paper is a publication owned by Seattle Publishing. Email can be addressed to editor@bicyclepaper.com. For all other contact information, please visit Bicycle Paper’s website at www.bicyclepaper.com.
To reach RLN & Company, go to www.rlnonline.com
Employment
Click here for Seattle Publishing employment and internship information.
Driving Directions
From the North
I-5 South to James St. exit
At the light, turn right onto James St.
Drive 5 blocks, merge onto Yesler from James St.
Go 1/2 block and turn left onto 1st Avenue.
Turn right at the next block onto S. Washington St.
Seattle Publishing is on the right at the west end of South Washington St.
From the South
I-5 North to James St. exit
At the light, turn left onto James St.
Drive 5 blocks, merge onto Yesler from James St.
Go 1/2 block and turn left onto 1st Avenue.
Turn right at the next block onto S. Washington St.
Seattle Publishing is on the right at the west end of South Washington St.
For specific driving directions to Seattle Publishing, please enter in your address below.