Richard Symms Celebrates 40th Year with Rowley Properties
Date: 4/24/2008
Source: Eastside Business Journal
It is not often you hear of an employee staying with one company for more than a decade, let alone 40 years. Richard S. Symms has officially been an employee with Rowley Properties, Inc. since April Fools’ Day, 1968. No joke.
Richard recently reflected on his years at RPI and how Issaquah has changed from an agricultural area where few dared to venture, to a suburban city with high household incomes and many natural amenities.
While teaching school in the Issaquah District, Richard began working part-time with George Rowley, Sr. as a real estate agent selling houses on Squak Mountain. He liked being involved in real estate so much he left his career as an educator to be part of the action. Back then, real estate regulations were definitely less restrictive. When Richard had an open house, he would post his open house signs right on the side of I-90 (which was called Highway 10 at that time). Prospective home buyers traveling from Seattle who met Richard at Issaquah’s Mountain Park Estates considered Issaquah a long ways from civilization.
A trip to the local grocery store was anything but quick. You were always guaranteed to run into someone and find yourself socializing more than shopping. Today, many in the community still stop Richard in the store to chat or come personally to our office to pay their bills, just to find out what’s happening in the community.
Throughout his 40 years with Rowley Properties, Richard has been an active participant in Issaquah’s growth and change as it has become the city we all know and love today. Initially, George Rowley, Sr. and his wife, Pat, built over 300 homes that housed many of Issaquah’s early residents. But in the late 70’s, other than a few small businesses, a local resident had to drive to Bellevue and all over the Eastside for most of their personal needs.
Recognizing the town’s desire to attract businesses, Mr. Rowley began building commercial spaces with Richard's assistance. Richard fondly reflects on when business could be conducted based on a handshake and in working with elected such as AJ Culver and Rowan Hinds to help bring clean industry and jobs to the Issaquah community.
As Issaquah began attracting commercial businesses such as Microsoft, Costco , Siemens, Fred Meyer, and Home Depot, etc., these businesses not only provided high paying jobs and economic growth to the community but also filled the personal needs of local citizens. In fact, many of our neighboring city residents visit Issaquah to conduct their shopping which further strengthens our local economy.
Rowley Properties believes a strong community is a healthy community. Businesses, non-profits, civic organizations, government, and citizens must all work together to ensure Issaquah remains economically viable and a place where we all want to live, work and play. In the past, RPI has stepped up to work closely with the City and citizens to help save the Issaquah Fish Hatchery and build a community center.
Richard is proud of the involvement Rowley Properties offers to the community of Issaquah. He’s been an integral part in setting and upholding this corporate value. As he works with commercial tenants or businesses looking to locate here in Issaquah, he always takes time to connect them with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis and other service organizations. He understands the value of community and leads by example. Just last year, Richard won “Business Man of the Year” from the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.
After reflecting on his 40 years at Rowley Properties, and the community’s growth and change, Richard will tell you he thinks it has all been “Only Great!”