Passion and commitment are the cornerstones of a successful businessperson. Talk with Ann Knight of Bainbridge Island’s TimberGrass, and a strong sense of environmental concern is conveyed. Her firm makes and sells bamboo flooring and paneling. After a simple discussion, you will come away with a newfound knowledge of the benefits of renewal resources as compared to traditionally used resources (i.e. bamboo compared to wood).

Her knowledge base and manner of relaying it are self-assured and provide one with a new respect for helping the environment. For instance, did you know that bamboo renews itself every six years as compared to the 100 years for a tree? You will after talking with Knight. Her compassion for the environment stems from the fact that she is a native Washingtonian. Originally from Bellevue, she has made Bainbridge Island her home for the past 10 years.

Knight takes pride in the fact that TimberGrass was awarded the Distinguished Green Works Award, an award coveted upon businesses that engage in sustainable business practices (i.e. recycling, conserving, etc.). TimberGrass also is involved in the National Green Building Conference, a yearly trade show highlighting energy efficiency — among other areas. In addition, a yearly sustainable conference known as EnvironDesign will be in Seattle April 3 to 5, and TimberGrass will be represented. A wealth of information will be provided about the preciousness of our environment, ways to protect and help it, and companies involved.

Knight has a diversified business background, which includes working as an executive secretary at William Mercer, and eventually owning a medical/dental brokerage firm with her husband David (who is currently the co-owner with her at TimberGrass).

Having a strong administrative background has transitioned into expanding her horizons by becoming involved in the creative environment. Since acquiring TimberGrass, Knight has developed graphic designing skills to help her create the corporate identity logo (with the assistance of another graphic design company), develop brochures and marketing materials, and oversee the overall marketing of the business.

That includes scheduling and preparing them for trade shows. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills have her performing these duties with an ease others can only imagine. Being a smaller business has afforded her the opportunity to wear many hats, and strengthened her diversity even more. Both her marketing and graphic design skills were developed out of necessity for the business to grow.

When asked what she felt was her strongest asset and reason for success, Knight replied, “The wonderful people here (at TimberGrass) and the team environment.” Visit their website at www.timbergrass.com and be introduced to each team member. It is both interesting and instills a sense of pride within their small community.

In the limited ‘free time’ Knight has, she loves to ski and also spend time with her teenage boys. In addition, you may spot her and her husband David riding around town on his Harley motorcycle.

If the environmental issues are of concern to you, or you want to learn about what alternatives are available, or if you simply want to engage in a conversation with a knowledgeable women...look no further than Ann Knight. Contact her at (206) 842-9477.

(Editor’s Note: Marie E. Buckner is a freelance writer. Contact her at (360) 613-1085.).