Popcorn Northwest

08/21/2026

☕ Coffee Conversation: Randy Berglund

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Randy Berglund of Dragon Storm Design at Ahava Coffee in Pasco. A cup of coffee turned into a really enjoyable conversation about careers, creativity, and taking a chance on yourself.

Randy’s path into graphic design wasn’t exactly a straight line. He originally went to Western Washington University to study marine biology, but along the way discovered that his real passion was graphic design.

Looking back, maybe the creative path was there all along. Randy remembers creating things with Lincoln Logs and LEGOs as a kid, and that interest eventually evolved into digital artwork, websites, and a career spanning more than 20 years in graphic design.

After working with companies and nonprofits in our area, Randy took another big step this past April and went out on his own with Dragon Storm Design.

Randy was genuinely enjoyable to talk with, and I’m glad prospecting gave me the opportunity to cross paths with him.

If you or someone you know needs help with graphic design, digital artwork, websites, or other creative projects, take a look at Randy’s work:

🐉 Dragon Storm Design
🌐 RandallBerglund.com

Thanks for the coffee and conversation, Randy!

08/08/2026

Hey Friends,

With everything happening in Spokane, I wanted to share a few ways to help for those who aren't sure where to start. These are organizations and resources I've been able to verify. There are bound to be others, so if you know of a legitimate donation site, please add it in the comments.

Unfortunately, tragedies also bring out scammers, so please know who you're donating to.

🔥 SPOKANE WILDFIRE RELIEF

📦 Tri-Cities Physical Donation Drop-Off:

Serengeti Care – Kennewick
8382 W. Gage Blvd., Suite K

Clothing, diapers, toiletries, pet supplies, and other necessities have been collected for Spokane-area fire victims. Please call ahead to verify current needs before dropping off.

💵 Verified Financial Donations:

❤️ American Red Cross – disaster shelter and relief
❤️ The Salvation Army – Spokane Fires Relief
❤️ City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund – 100% stays local
❤️ Innovia Foundation – Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund – 100% supports impacted individuals and families through nonprofit partners

🥫 Food:

Second Harvest Inland Northwest – food and financial donations; currently assisting with the regional wildfire response.

Needs are changing quickly, so please verify before dropping off large quantities of physical donations.

Every little bit can help a family trying to figure out what comes next. ❤️

Please share and help get the right resources to the right people.

07/29/2026

One of the things I've really enjoyed lately is getting out and meeting the people behind our local businesses.

Yesterday I spent some time wandering around The Uptown in Richland. If you haven't been there in a while, it's worth checking out. It's one of those places that still has some character—full of locally owned businesses and people who genuinely care about what they do. The Uptown has been a Richland landmark since 1949 and remains home to dozens of independent shops and restaurants.

While I was there, I stopped into Uptown Cleaners & Laundry and had the chance to meet Jimmy. We talked for a bit, and he was incredibly friendly. It's a family-run business, the prices seemed very reasonable, and after my visit, I've decided they'll be taking care of my dress shirts from now on.

I always appreciate businesses where you feel welcomed the moment you walk through the door.

So, if you're looking for a local place for dry cleaning or laundry services, I'd encourage you to give Uptown Cleaners & Laundry a try.

Supporting local businesses helps keep our community strong.

Who's another local business I should check out next?

07/27/2026

Thinking about the future—for yourself or someone you love?

Join us for a free Long-Term Care Forum where we'll discuss what long-term care is, common misconceptions, and the options available to help families prepare before a crisis happens.

No sales pressure—just practical information, helpful insights, and an opportunity to ask questions.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we can make sure we have enough seating and materials.

We'd love to see you there!

I'm excited to share that my office will be taking part in the Lifestyle & Longevity Forum on Friday, August 7!

One thing I've learned is that preparing for the future isn't just about money.

It's about making informed decisions across many areas of life—your finances, Medicare, long-term care planning, health, mobility, and even the support you may need to remain independent.

That's why I'm looking forward to joining an outstanding panel of local professionals, each bringing a different area of expertise to the conversation.

Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, helping aging parents, or simply want to be better prepared for the future, I think you'll find this event valuable.

✔️ Free to attend
✔️ Complimentary lunch provided
✔️ Questions are encouraged—this is meant to be a conversation, not a sales presentation.

I'd love to see some familiar faces there!

📅 Friday, August 7
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Hampton Inn – Richland

Please RSVP using the contact information on the flyer, as seating is limited.

07/24/2026

If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, investor, or simply someone who enjoys learning from successful people, this looks like an event worth checking out.

Yes, it's a real estate summit—but the networking, business strategies, and relationships you'll build can be valuable no matter what industry you're in.

If you're in or around the Tri-Cities, consider taking a look. Events like this have a way of connecting you with people and ideas that can impact your business long after the day is over.

Who knows... your next opportunity might start with a conversation.

📍 Eastern Washington Real Estate Summit 📅 July 30 📍 HAPO Center – Pasco

Easternwarealestatesummit.com

07/24/2026

☕ Coffee Conversation

One of my favorite parts of this series is getting to know the incredible people who make our community what it is.

Just yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Desiree, owner of Victory Fuel Co. Not only is she a small business owner, but she's also a fellow United States Marine Corps veteran. Naturally, we had plenty to talk about.

Desiree and her husband, Chris, call the Tri-Cities home, and hearing their story was inspiring. Like so many entrepreneurs, they've faced their share of obstacles, but they've met those challenges with determination, resilience, and a positive outlook. It was easy to see the strength of character that has helped them build both their business and their life together.

If you're looking to support a local business with great people behind it, I encourage you to check out Victory Fuel Co. and follow their journey.

Now... who's next? ☕

Let's have a cup of coffee together!

Whether you're a business owner, a community leader, a veteran, or simply someone with a story to tell, I'd enjoy getting to know you.

And if you'd rather our conversation stay between us, that's perfectly okay. Not every coffee conversation becomes a Facebook post. Some are simply two people sharing a cup of coffee and getting to know one another.

07/23/2026

💰 A financial windfall can change your life... but only if you have a plan.

Every year, people receive life-changing sums of money.

An inheritance.
A legal settlement.
The sale of a business.
A retirement payout.
Even the occasional lottery win.

Many people assume that once you receive a large amount of money, your financial worries are over.

Unfortunately, that's often not the case.

A windfall can disappear much faster than people expect—not because they're irresponsible, but because they suddenly have to make decisions they've never had to make before.

How much should I invest?
Should I pay off the house?
Can I retire?
How do I minimize taxes?
How do I make this money last for the rest of my life?
How do I help my kids without hurting my own future?

Those are big questions, and most people have never been taught how to answer them.

That's where having a plan matters.

If you or someone you know is expecting an inheritance, receiving a settlement, selling a business, or coming into a significant amount of money, I'd be happy to have a conversation before any major decisions are made.

There is no cost and no obligation—just an opportunity to make sure a once-in-a-lifetime financial event becomes a lasting source of security instead of a missed opportunity.

📅 If you'd like to talk, send me a message. I'd be honored to help.

07/23/2026

☕ Coffee Conversation

One of the things I've appreciated most about my life has been the opportunity to get to know so many incredible people. One of those people is David Fetto, and today I had the pleasure of sitting down with him over a cup of coffee.

I first met David years ago when he worked at the KeyBank across the street from my house. Since David served in the Navy and I served in the Marines, we just seemed to hit it off right away.

Over the years, David has become someone I genuinely respect. He's a well-respected member of our business community, currently with Sherwood Austin Mortgage, serving as President of the West Richland Chamber of Commerce, and, if that wasn't enough, serving the community as a West Richland City Councilman.

Today we had a great conversation about life, business, and what makes our community such a great place to live.

If you're in the market to buy a home or refinance, I highly recommend reaching out to David and the team at Sherwood Austin Mortgage. You can learn more at www.sherwoodaustin.com.

Now... who's next? ☕

I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee.

No agenda. No sales pitch. Just good coffee, great conversation, and a chance to get to know one another. I'd love to hear your story.

Drop a comment below or send me a message!

07/15/2026

I really liked this post!

You've spent decades climbing the mountain.

Working.
Saving.
Investing.
Preparing for retirement.

But once you get there...

What's your plan for coming back down?

For years, many people have relied on ideas like:
• The 4% Rule
• Living off investment withdrawals
• Hoping the market cooperates
• Cutting spending when markets decline

Those strategies can work for some people.

But they're not the only options anymore.

Today's retirement planning can include strategies designed to help create more predictable income, reduce certain risks, and give retirees greater confidence about the future.

The important question isn't "How much have I saved?"

It's...

"How do I turn my savings into the retirement I actually want?"

If you're within 10 years of retirement—or already retired—I'd be happy to sit down for a free, no-pressure conversation to explore your options.

☕ Coffee's on me.

07/13/2026

☕ I'm opening a few coffee appointments over the next couple of weeks.

I do enjoy good popcorn, and I loved my popcorn business, but I think the thing that I miss most is the opportunity to talk to people. I loved getting to know so many incredible people in our community. The popcorn was fun—but the conversations were even better.

These days I'm with New York Life, and I love being able to help people, but one thing hasn't changed: I still enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories.

So here's my invitation...

I'd like to buy you a cup of coffee.

Tell me about your family. Tell me about your business or your career. Tell me what brought you to the Tri-Cities. Tell me what you're passionate about. Tell me what you enjoy about living here. I genuinely enjoy meeting people and learning what makes them who they are.

If you'd like to get together, send me a Facebook message, give me a call, or send me a text. I'd love to meet you.