The Mic Has Been Passed—But the Vibe’s Still Strong
Greetings All-
It’s been a remarkable ride sharing about good things happening in Everett for the last ten years. We’re proud of this community and the countless people who have helped contribute toward making Live in Everett what it is.
When we began this humble blog in 2015, we never thought we’d be sitting here in 2025, passing the torch on for the next generation. But we’re pleased to announce exactly that – we’ve found the perfect partner in Sean Straub to help us keep waving the Everett flag well into the future. More on Sean below…
Questions? Ideas? Comments? Sean’s asked me to stick around as often as I’m able and I’m committed to seeing the transition of Live in Everett be a positive one. As we transition, don’t hesitate to reach out at: contact@liveineverett.com
And thank you. This has been an incredible journey that would not have been possible without all of you!
With gratitude,
Garret Hunt // Co-Founder Emeritus
Live in Everett One Year Anniversary Photo Circa 2016
Hi, Live in Everett fam! I’m Sean Straub. 👋
Live in Everett has always stood for believing in the good in our city — and that’s a mission I’ve lived my whole life. I grew up here. I’ve built a life here. And now, I get to carry the torch for a platform that’s all about celebrating Everett’s people, places, and potential.
Sean Straub // New Publisher + CEO // Live In Everett
I’m incredibly honored to have been provided with the opportunity to carry the Live in Everett flag into the future.
As a longtime fan and friend of the site, stepping into this role feels surreal and deeply meaningful. I want to thank Garret, Tyler, and the whole Live in Everett team, for building something that truly matters — and for trusting me with its future.
Tyler Chism, one of the original co-founders, said it best:
“Live in Everett was more than just a media project — it was a love letter to the city that’s given me everything good in my life. I co-founded it with the belief that good things do happen in Everett, and that belief has only grown stronger with time. From our early days working on Experience Everett, Sean helped shape the vision that eventually became Live in Everett, and it’s poetic that he’s now taking the flag and carrying it forward. Today, I work at the City of Everett, still championing this community — because I believe Everett’s future depends on residents falling in love with where they live. Our reputation, our economy, and our potential all grow stronger when we roll up our sleeves and show Everett some love.”
I’m thrilled that Tyler & Garret will continue to play roles here as contributors-at-large. They helped create the heart and soul of this project and having them involved in shaping its next chapter means a lot.
So, who is Sean Straub?!
Gordon Ramsay at Prohibition Grille while filming Kitchen Nightmares Circa 2012
If we haven’t met, here’s a bit about me: I was born in Everett, attended Mukilteo schools (where my Horizon Elementary, OV, and KHS people at?!), and grew up in both South Everett (walking to Walter Hall to play golf with my buddies was a regular summer occurrence) and off the Boulevard. My roots here go back four generations – my great-grandmother emigrated to the PNW like so many others – seeking new opportunities. I’ve worked in real estate (mostly) and placemaking since 2005, which has connected me to all kinds of people and corners of this community.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of helping create some fun stuff around town — from Experience Everett with Tyler (yep, the proto–Live in Everett), to the Everett Craft Beer Festival (now Upper Left Beer Fest), Food Truck Festival, or hanging with Gordon Ramsay during the filming of his show Kitchen Nightmares. Everett has provided me with some really incredible experiences.
Ryan Crowther, Sean Straub, Steven Graham, and Kim Williams at Everett Music Initiative’s 1st Birthday Show at Everett Historic Theatre Circa 2013
After lamenting about the lack of touring bands coming through Everett, I helped my buddy RC launch Everett Music Initiative with our friend Steven Graham. EMI is now a powerhouse of musical entertainment, with spectacular offerings like Music at the Marina and the annual Fisherman’s Village Music Festival among other things.
Sean and his son building a school in the rural village of Yulatizu in Barillas, Guatemala with the Hands for Peacemaking Foundation.
I’ve been a member of the South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary Club for nearly 20 years, which has led to some amazing experiences — like spending 25 hours on the street with now-Mayor Cassie Franklin to help raise awareness for teen homelessness and traveling to Guatemala on humanitarian trips to build schools in rural and poverty stricken areas through a partnership with Everett-based Hands for Peacemaking Foundation.
I’m also a dad to a pretty awesome kid who was born right here in Everett. He’s a daily reminder of why this work matters — why building up our city isn’t just about the now, but about the future we’re leaving for the next generation.
I’ve always believed Everett is one of Washington’s best-kept secrets. There’s so much good happening here — and so many good people making it happen. That’s what Live in Everett is all about: shining a light on it all.
Here’s How You Can Be Part of the Next Chapter
Live in Everett has always been a community-driven project, and that’s not changing. In fact, I’m hoping to make it even more collaborative and inclusive. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved, now’s the perfect time.
You can support local events (like Sorticulture this weekend!), share cool things happening in your neighborhood, or even contribute stories, photos, or ideas. Reach out to us at contact@liveineverett.com. We’d love to connect with you!
And if you’re a business or organization that wants to support local storytelling, we’d love to chat about sponsorships and advertising opportunities. Please send us a note at contact@liveineverett.com.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being here. And thanks for believing in this city we all love.
Let’s keep showing the world that Good Things Happen in Everett.
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Live in Everett is your central hub for local delight. Restaurants, culture, events, and opportunities for civic engagement are just a few of our favorite things to share about. Learn more about us here, and join us as we proudly wave the Everett flag.
