Growing Up Yakima

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...

The eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980 is a vivid memory that will stay with me forever. We could see the mountain from our home and the plume of ash quickly rising and enveloping the valley as day turned to night, the sky so thick with ash that a streetlight could not be seen across the street. We don't face the same natural disaters found in other parts of the country, gratefully. When W...

My mother is one of 18 Gamache family kids growing up on a hop and apple farm east of Yakima in Moxee. Growing up a Gamache meant the we learned how to do just about anything. From yardwork, to sewing, to creative projects, my mom always taught us how to or encourgage us to jump in and get the hard work done. Family reunions and easter gatherings were an amazing time to connect with so many aunts...

We have all done it. Woke up early to catch the 5:00 am flight out of Yakima. It's dark and cold and hard to get going so earlyin the morning. I was rewarded for my effort as we took off at dawn. The reminders of how gorgeous our vallen and as we approached Seattle how incredible our state's landscape is. The Cascade and Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound, the rolling hills found in our own valley...

As kids we explored so many of the unique areas our state has to offer. From camping on the sand dunes at Potholes Reservoir, water skiing on chilly Hood Canal, to Skiing at White Pass, our summer and winter memories are filled with incredible adventures.  

My son is now a middle schooler at Marquette, the same middle school I attended, and the school my father attended high school. It's been great to recall the years I spent playing, studying and getting in trouble on the playground, while empathizing with my son in his new surrounidngs While our routine has changed, we are now exploring Yakima icons to pick up a sweet treat or two on the way home f...

In this episode I introduce my freind Chris who grew up in Los Angeles, California. While he may not have earned money shoveling snow from neighbors driveways like we did, he always hustled to find a way to scrape together a few extra bucks to pursue his passions in the city of angels. 

Family time in the 70's and 80's was different than it is now. TV was great! M*A*S*H* and Happy Days, Gilligan's Island and so many others, inspiring laughter and serious conversation. Family night was enjoying our favorite shows without the distractions of our iPhones. Cable TV changed the game, and new shows served as inspiration to DYI fixer uppers. Big payoffs in real estate could be found at...

From driving my family's delivery trucks with three on the tree, to vintiques, to family reunions and potato sheds, to developing deep lasting relationships though Young Life, we cover a lot of ground in this episode of Growing Up Yakima. Since high school, Young Life has played a huge role in my life, leading me develop a deeper relationship with Christ and to the team I work with now at Wilkinso...

The people of Yakima are remarkably generous. Giving back was a huge part of the values instilled in me and my siblings by our parents. Getting engaged and involved in our community is an incredible gift we teach our own kids today.  

From wacky hairstyles to a wide varity of music genres—growin' up Yakima in the 80's was a unique experience.

As a boy I relive marching up and down the yard in front of our home holding the candidate's sign knowing little about the nature of the issues or the candidate themselves. As my wife began pursuing her role in county leadership as Comissioner, I have learned much more about how layered and complicated most issues really are. 

For many years I spent four days each December living in a cardboard box to raise awareness for those among us on the verge of and experiencing homelessness. The efforts generated over $100,000 in gifts and countless tons of food, clothing and toys all benefitting the Yakima Union Gospel MIssion and the Salvation Army.

Gilbert Park was just across the street and we spent countless hours there. My Dad won auction that granted us a day to hang with the Mahres, olympic skiers, which reminded me of other local athletes who made it big.       Wilkinson's promotional ad does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Securities may be sold only to accredited investors and only t...

Featuring David McKinney as he recounts the tails of why Yakima, Washington is home after leaving briefly after high school and then returning with children to the Valley he loves.     Wilkinson's promotional ad does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Securities may be sold only to accredited investors and only through an offering memorandum. No pers...