Why Do Business in Sumner and Puyallup?

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There is something special about the Puyallup/Sumner region – and local entrepreneurs are well aware. Not only is it a wonderful place for people to reside, thanks to its bustling downtowns, friendly residents and countless indoor and outdoor activities, but it has the community support and resources necessary for new businesses to thrive. To find out more, we went straight to the source. Learn from two entrepreneurs who love doing business in Sumner and Puyallup. 

Joe Meyer 

Main Street Tattoo, Sumner 

Tell us about your business and your decision to relocate to Sumner. 
We are a tattoo shop where everyone who walks through the door can feel comfortable. 

When I started tattooing, I moved around a bit, then found a shop in Federal Way, Washington, where I grew up. In 2015, I moved to Bonney Lake above Sumner, and that’s when I realized what a cute, quaint, nice town Sumner is. 

And then you dealt with a fire? 
Unfortunately, yes. A fire in the building next door shut down my shop for 2.5 months. Before, I had six stations all filled with artists and clients, and now, it’s just me and one other artist. Luckily, I’m good at saving money, and with my wife’s and the city’s help, I was able to apply for disaster relief grants that covered 98% of the damage. 

Despite the fire, was it the right choice to relocate to Sumner? 
It was 100% the right choice. Before Sumner, I had no sense of neighborhood, whereas here, there’s always something going on. 

What resources have you utilized and what community support have you received? 
Sumner Main Street Association has been a great help. There are many main streets throughout the country, and if your city chooses, you can apply to be part of the larger main street organization. My wife is on the board and helps coordinate community events with tons of volunteers. 

Why would you recommend other people start a business here?
Sumner used to be a sleepy town, and in the last five years, a younger crowd has moved in. When I moved my tattoo shop here a year ago, I got a mostly positive reception, but I did get a negative comment on our Facebook page. My wife responded very politely and invited the woman to the shop. She came in and by the time she left, she was inquiring about a tattoo, so the community is open to change, for sure.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? 
Make sure your insurance is good and that you have money in savings for a backup plan. But more general advice? Moving to Sumner might sound like a scary plan, but you’ll be welcomed, and it’s an awesome city to be involved in.

Corri Hastings 

Goldfish Swim School, Puyallup 

Tell us about how Goldfish Swim School started. 
Goldfish Swim School was created by parents for parents with the goal of helping children be safe in and around the water and giving them a platform to develop lifesaving skills and build confidence in life. 

Why did you choose to start your business in Puyallup? 
My husband and I and our 3-year-old daughter moved to the area from Wisconsin in 2020. Our daughter absolutely loves water and swimming, so once fall activities started opening up, we began looking for swim lessons. We saw two main issues in the Puyallup area – access to classes held at convenient times for working parents and availability of classes less than 45 minutes away – and knew that we could help. 

Why has Puyallup been the right choice for your business? 
I am passionate about swimming, and helping kids learn such an important life skill is incredibly rewarding. From a location perspective it has absolutely been the right decision because of the amazing community.

What makes the community so special? 
One of the best decisions we made was to be part of the phenomenal Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce. We have made so many great connections with other organizations and businesses throughout the community. There are amazing partnerships, and I know if I need something, I can look to a business that is part of the chamber. 

Why would you recommend other people start a business here?
It is a fast-growing community, and from everything I have seen, they love to support local businesses. There are so many events hosted by the chamber throughout the year to help local businesses get visibility in the community. 

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? 
Ask yourself a few questions: What am I going to provide that is different from what everyone else is doing? And if someone else is already doing it, how will I do it better? Who is my target audience, and where can I locate to ensure that I capture the people in the area and provide ease of access? Your differentiators and your location are two big things that can make or break you and help you gain traction in the community.