Turning Your Business Idea into Reality
Every so often, someone will stop me at a community event, after a meeting or while I’m out around town and ask how I ended up owning a small business.
For those that don’t know, for the past 15 years, much of my professional life outside public service has been in the restaurant industry, focused on what I like to call the “healthy food groups.” I own five Ben & Jerry’s ice cream stores, a pizza restaurant and a coffee shop.
Often, there’s a reason behind their question: they have an idea of their own. Maybe it’s something they’ve been thinking about for years, or maybe they’re wondering what it would take to make the leap. They will ask how I got started and, knowing what I know now, what advice I would give someone starting a business today.
There’s no single formula for building a successful business, but my experience has taught me that there are a few important things every aspiring entrepreneur should consider.
For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Issaquah Highlands resident Eli Feduff and Troop 571 built a new ball and stick holder for the Rainier Trail Dog Park. Photo by City of Issaquah.
Start with an idea. I mentioned I started a few small businesses. None of those businesses succeeded simply because we opened the doors. Building a business takes motivation, long days, problem-solving and a willingness to keep learning. It also means researching what has worked for others and knowing how to balance what you need to do today, with how to achieve your goals in the future. During my years in the Washington State Senate, I spent January through April focused on legislative work. Come May, you could find me back at one of our businesses, scooping ice cream or delivering pizzas.
Know that you don’t have to figure everything out yourself. Motivation is essential, but so is recognizing when you need help. Successful entrepreneurs build relationships. They learn from employees, mentors, lenders, fellow business owners and community partners. One of the best things you can do with a new idea is start talking to people who can help you understand what it will take to turn that idea into a viable business.
Understand the process. As a business owner with locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish and Issaquah, I’ve experienced firsthand how local policies and processes can all be different and a challenge to navigate. Permits, regulations, finding a location and simply determining who to call can feel daunting, particularly if you’re doing it for the first time. Asking questions early can save time and help you understand the path ahead.
Find the resources that are available to you. This is where your city can be a partner. Issaquah’s Economic Development team works with businesses at different stages, helping entrepreneurs connect with information, resources and partners as they navigate starting, locating or growing a business. Part of our responsibility is to make that process as straightforward as possible while maintaining the values that make Issaquah a special place to live and do business.
So, when people ask what advice I would give someone thinking about taking the leap today, my checklist is simple: explore your idea, be ready to put in the work, ask questions and find people who can help.
A business doesn’t begin with a storefront, a business license or a grand opening. It begins when someone decides an idea is worth pursuing. If you have that idea, you don’t need to have every answer before you begin. Take the first step and know there is a community ready to help you figure out what comes next.
Learn more about the resources available through the city or connect with the Economic Development team at issaquahwa.gov/ED.
Mark is the mayor of Issaquah and a Harrison Drive resident.
As published in the fall 2026 issue of Community Connect magazine >>
