My Story

I’m running for the Pierce County Council because I believe our local government should be built to serve the people, not the bureaucracy. Government works best when it listens, responds, and acts in the best interest of the community it represents.  I am committed to ensuring that my leadership reflects the values, needs, and vision of the people who live and work in our district and across the county. That means transparent decision-making, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and policies that strengthen families, support local businesses, and protect our quality of life.  This campaign is about putting people first today, and for the future we are building together.

For over 30 years, I’ve worked in commercial real estate, helping businesses, municipalities, and non-profits across Pierce County grow with purpose. I’m currently a Senior Vice President at Kidder Mathews, Inc. where I specialize in the acquisition, leasing, and sale of office, retail, and multifamily properties. I have worked across Washington and Idaho, successfully representing local, regional, and national clients including Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Washington State Fair, Cities of Sumner and Puyallup, Goodwill Industries, Heritage Bank, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, St. Francis House, and local food banks, as well as others in those markets. 

My career didn’t start in real estate — I began in the commercial construction industry, as an estimator and project manager for commercial and industrial projects in both the private and public sectors. That hands-on experience taught me how to navigate complex systems, build lasting structures, and collaborate with others on a timeline and within a budget. This required a collective effort to keep things moving forward for a common goal — lessons that translate directly into effective public service.

At the age of 19, I founded and operated my own business — a retail outlet for campers and canopies here in Pierce County called Canopy Land. I grew that business and sold it to one of my exclusive manufacturers. 

During my career in commercial real estate and development, I have been fortunate to work with diverse clients ranging from national brands to local organizations and family-run businesses, as well as local and state municipalities and non-profits. Through it all, I’ve stayed true to the objectives of my clients, while building consensus, maintaining a balanced approach, taking into account all relevant aspects and perspectives of a situation, and arriving at an outcome that is fair, effective, and sustainable.

My Commitment to Community

Pierce County isn’t just where I work — it’s where I live, raise my family, and serve. I’ve been proud to give back through several civic and advisory roles, including:

• Master Builders Association of Pierce County Board

• Pierce County Agricultural Advisory Committee Chair

• Pierce County Charter Review Commission

• Pierce County Conservation Futures Board

• Pierce County Planning Commission

• Pierce County Transportation Commission

• Puyallup Food Bank Board

• Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce Board

• St. Francis House Board

• Washington State Fair Rodeo Committee

• Rotary International, South Hill Puyallup (member for over 35 years and continue to serve. I‘ve held several offices including President, Vice President, Secretary and multi-term board member)

These roles have helped me stay connected to people in our community, to understand their needs and priorities, and to see the potential of our County.

Why This Matters

I’m running to bring a practical, business-minded, community-first approach to the Council. Our local government should work for the people it serves, efficiently, responsibly, and with real-world perspective. I will always advocate for a government that puts our community ahead of partisan agendas and keeps decision-making focused on what truly benefits the people who live and work here.

I believe leadership requires action, not just discussion. Our community doesn’t need more talk; it needs thoughtful decisions followed by meaningful results. I am committed to rolling up my sleeves, tackling challenges head-on, and delivering solutions that make a measurable difference.

I am not running to be a career politician. I’m running because it is my time to serve, and to bring the lived experience, professional insight, and steady leadership our community needs right now.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I would be honored to earn your vote, and to help build a Pierce County defined by action, accountability, and a government that works for everyone.

— Jerome