Joe Gates Construction is tops

Joe Gates Construction Inc. has been named one of the top 50 remodelers by the editors of NW Home and Garden, published by Seattle Magazine. The firm was also recognized in 2007 with the same distinction.

The top 50 remodelers are showcased in the September/October issue of Seattle Magazine and cover an area from Vancouver, B.C., to Portland, Ore.

The editors select the remodelers based on recommendations, awards and general body of work. “This is a very prestigious group of remodeling professionals and we are honored to have been chosen a second time” says Judy Granlee Gates, business and client relations manager for the firm.

The Gates have been in business since 1989, and along with turn-key remodeling projects they offer full service custom homebuilding. Info: (360)697-3284 or www.joegates.com.

Kingston Realtor earns professional designation

Sharon McNutt, a Realtor with Windermere/Kingston Realty Inc. has recently earned the seniors real estate specialist professional designation by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council, an official member of the National Association of Realtors.

“Earning the SRES designation allows me to better serve and counsel clients age 50 plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions. I can help my clients make wise decisions about selling the family home, financing, senior housing, buying rental property, or managing capital gains and tax implications of owning real estate, among other issues,” she said.

McNutt has been a Realtor for 17 years and also holds the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation.

She and her husband Mike have lived in Kingston for 20 years.

Bitterman joins Watson Furniture Group

Rich Bitterman was recently named Watson Furniture Group’s new plant manager.

With more than 25 years of manufacturing leadership in a variety of industries, Bitterman brings a wealth of experience and influence to Watson.

His most recent position was plant manager for Guardian Automotive of Upper Sandusky, Ohio,

Bitterman graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering; he began his professional career as a field engineer for the Signode Corporation of Glenview, Ill.

Located in Poulsbo, Watson operates a full manufacturing facility and has been nationally recognized by the U.S. government for its low-impact manufacturing, and sustainability measures.

Visit www.watsonfurniture.com for more information.