Growing Up Yakima

In this deeply personal episode of Growing Up Yakima, I share the passing of my dad and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. From surviving cancer at 18 to bravely battling pulmonary fibrosis later in life, he lived with quiet strength, steady faith, and a deep love for his family and community. I reflect on the adventures we had, the lessons he taught us, and the way he consistently pointed th...

In this episode of Growing Up Yakima, I kick things off by celebrating a huge Seahawks win and some wild Super Bowl stats, from record-setting field goals to a rare running back MVP. From grilling brats at halftime to talking about the Turning Point show and the emotions it stirred up, it's a fun mix of football, culture, and a little real-life perspective. We also get into the realities of today'...

In this episode of Growing Up Yakima, I take a trip back to the days of Uncle Jimmy and his famous Clubhouse, birthday shoutouts on live TV, and those little cups of orange and vanilla ice cream. I share memories of Saint Joe's Elementary, being labeled a little "hyperactive," and even a chiropractor story that still makes me laugh and cringe at the same time. We also talk about how those early ex...

In this episode of Growing Up Yakima, I reminisce about riding the Rotary bus to the Kingdome with my dad to watch the Seattle Seahawks, cheering on heroes like Jim Zorn and Steve Largent , and pretending to be them on the playground at Saint Joe's. From bike gangs inspired by CHiPs to safe neighborhoods that let kids be kids, it's all about the kind of community that shapes you. I also share how...

  In this episode of Growing Up Yakima , I take a walk down memory lane, from splitting giant burritos at Santiago's on Yakima Ave to hiding in the toilet paper aisles at Market Foods, now Scarborough Fair. I share stories about growing up with my three siblings, working at a local grocery store, surviving a cheese-cutting injury at my cousin's deli, and why Yakima has always felt like home. Those...

This Monday on Growing Up Yakima , I got nostalgic talking about the old Sears Christmas catalog—the wish lists, dog-eared pages, and toys we dreamed about as kids. We shared a few laughs about what we wanted, what we got, and how much simpler growing up felt back then. That conversation naturally led into why community matters and how the places we live help shape those "growing up" memories for...

This week on Growing Up Yakima , I'm kicking off 2026 talking about gratitude, family, and why experience really matters—both in life and in investing. We get into the joys (and chaos) of parenting, the special role grandparents play in our kids' lives, and how those same values of wisdom, trust, and long-term thinking show up in the way we invest. I also share how our team at Wilkinson approaches...

It's time for another episode of Growing Up Yakima ! This week I'm sharing stories about Christmas—from the ongoing debate between real and artificial trees to nostalgic memories of family traditions growing up in Yakima. I talk about picking out Noble firs at the Eisenhower tree lot, funny mishaps with oversized trees, and even a squirrel guest! I also share what's happening at Wilkinson, includi...

This week on Growing Up Yakima , I'm talking all things Thanksgiving—from turkey and stuffing to why the leftover sandwiches might actually be the real holiday MVP. I also share a meaningful tradition of welcoming young Marines into our Thanksgiving celebrations and how those moments of service and connection shape the way we think about building community at Wilkinson. Especially during the holid...

On this episode of Growing Up Yakima , I share some favorite Thanksgiving memories—from snowy childhood games and first cassette tapes to the traditions that made the holiday feel special. We talk about why gathering together still matters and how creating spaces that encourage connection, belonging, and community is central to what we do at Wilkinson. From Friendsgiving moments to building apartm...

This week on Growing Up Yakima , I reflect on simple fall memories—raking leaves, playing outside, and watching kids and dogs rediscover the joy of being outdoors. We talk about why those small-town moments still matter today and how creating spaces that encourage connection, play, and community is at the heart of what we do at Wilkinson. I also share how our approach to multifamily real estate—fr...

From early ski trips and Halloween shenanigans to building safe, fun, and connected communities in the Yakima Valley, this episode of Growing Up Yakima has it all! I share stories from my childhood, family adventures, and how we're creating vibrant apartment communities through Wilkinson. Plus, get the inside scoop on how passive real estate investing works—making your money grow without the heada...

In this episode of Growing Up Yakima , I share stories from growing up in the Yakima Valley, fun memories with Young Life, and the incredible community builders who shaped my early years. We also dive into how we create vibrant, connected communities through Wilkinson, making apartment living safer, more social, and more enjoyable for families.  If you're curious about real estate investing or jus...

From wild fall weather to Mariners memories, this episode brings together some of my favorite parts of life in the Northwest. I share stories about growing up with local sports, taking exchange students to their first baseball game, and watching my own kids dream about studying abroad. We also dive into why passive real estate investing continues to be such a smart path for building long-term weal...

In this episode of Growing Up Yakima , I talk about the changing seasons, the familiar scents that define our valley, and how smoke, harvest time, and local memories shape life here. I also share insight into rising property taxes, the differences between commercial and residential valuations, and how we approach multifamily real estate at Wilkinson. With more than 34 years of experience, I explai...

This episode I reflected back on a weekend full of Yakima experiences, from the Ellensburg Rodeo to family horseback events, sharing adventures with our Rotary youth exchange student, and celebrating the traditions that make our community special. These moments remind me of the value of family, connection, and exploring life beyond your hometown. I also share my journey back to Yakima, growing up...

This episode reminded me just how special our Yakima community truly is. From local fundraisers and youth sports celebrations, to a remarkable evening at the Yakima Valley Museum honoring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, it was a weekend that showcased both the strength and heart of our town. I share reflections on what it means to stay connected, to value where you come from, and to recog...

After an inspiring evening at the Lincoln Day Dinner hearning from and sharing a meal at home with James O'Keefe, I found myself reflecting on the importance of shared values, civic engagement, and the power of community. I also open up about my personal journey back to Yakima — how loss, reflection, and purpose shaped my path and ultimately led me to Wilkinson, where those same small-town values...

This week, I share highlights from our McKinney family reunion and for the first time from Seattle — from boating on Lake Washington during the Blue Angels show to cheering on the Mariners in an unforgettable walk-off win. We talk about family traditions, community, and how at Wilkinson, we bring those same values to our work — creating thriving multifamily communities that connect people and buil...

In this week's Growing Up Yakima segment, I share highlights from my family's recent trip to Japan — a long-awaited dream inspired by our years of hosting Rotary youth exchange students. My family and I have had the joy of welcoming students from around the world, and it was incredible to reconnect with our former Japanese exchange student while exploring Tokyo and Kyoto together. From tasting Jap...

Our twelve year old son has been begging to let him watch JAWS for years! We were cautious about allowing this for concern that he may hestiate to enjoy the water as much as we all do! On this 50th anniversary of the release of the movie he finally got his big chance.  I remember watching JAWS on the big screen at a drive in movie theatre with my friends when I was in high-school here in Yakima. A...

Our family loves the outdoors! We've had so many adventures throughout the state! As a kid, Boat camping at the Potholes Reservoir near was always a favorite for me and my siblings and cousins. The freeway lakes here in Yakima were also a great place to learn sail, appreciate the water, and sometimes cause great concern for my parents neighbors.  Wilkinson Multifamily Investing have been prodcuing...

I'm so proud of my hertiage and both of my parents. Each worked very hard and have developed a great reutation, that has helped to open doors for me and my siblings. This Father's Day, I honor my father and his name: McKinney. It has become a bran know for service, kindness and generosity. I work hard to uphold the values imparted by my him and continue his legacy into the next generation and beyo...

The Yakima River is a great place to enjoy the beauty of our valley! We have great memories from the being out on the water as a kid and now as an father with my own kids. The river can be gentle and relxing, and extremely dangerous too. Rafting as a kid has fueled my need for adventure throughout the west. And how about that fly fishing! Shannon Mahre has done a beautiful job bringing people to t...

Growing up our family swam a lot. Both of our kids swam with the Selah Dolphins, and both dreaded the early (8:00 am) summertime practices. Our family swam year round at the YMCA swimteam, including 6:00 am practices at the Y downtown before walking to St. Joe's for the day. The summertime swim meets throughout the Yakima Valley are always so much fun watching the kids, cheering on the teams, and...