Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1020296
When Gary Potter speaks, people hear him. In his case, however—and that too goes for his company, Potter Construction—his dialogue is more often delivered via action than words Though he does have a flair for the camera, Gary doesn't have much time for makeup and cue cards; that's because most days he's busy improving our communities Gary seems to be at home out and about, whether racking up REX awards, contributing to Rampathon or any number of other stewardship organizations, or maintaining his full-service, almost 40-year-old West Seattle business And so we thought we'd pass the mic to some of the folks he's worked with over the years Josh Sutton of the Bellevue Family YMCA is one of those folks Josh has known Gary for many years through their shared participation on the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA board and in the Rotary Club of West Seattle "I have a lot to say about this guy," begins Josh Now, this intro can be cause for concern, but not in Gary's case Nope; this preamble to full disclosure is all good Josh continues, "In addition to formal leadership positions, Gary often takes a positive, strong role in making sure things happen, especially for kids " It's no secret Gary is set on making our region a better place for future generations Josh provides an example of how Gary gives: "Years ago at a Rotary meeting, a coach from Cleveland High School came for a presentation (The coach) was talking about how the football team's uniforms had been stolen " "In addition to formal leadership positions, Gary often takes a positive, strong role in making sure things happen, especially for kids." —Josh Sutton, Bellevue Family YMCA Bad news, right? Not when Gary's around. "The club said we'd probably do something to help (we'd have to think about it) But then Gary stood up to personally pledge $1,000 to the team " It turns out one of his sons went to Cleveland "This prompted a number of other Rotarians to join in personally," Josh recalls, "and we raised enough that day to get the order started in time for the upcoming season " Gary Potter is everybody's All-American. John Enger, another fellow Rotarian, calls Gary "The most generous I've ever seen in the club (spanning 43 years), and not just monetarily He is always willing to dedicate his home or office (for meetings), as well as his time," John says "He's just always willing to give and help And the people in his office are the same way " "It's so nice to use our skills in a way to give back; so nice to see such an immediate impact." —Gary Potter, on Rampathon 33 FALL 2018 master builder