Meet The Owner – John’s Sporting Goods

Editor’s note: MyEverettNews.com is working to introduce our readers to more independent business owners here in Everett, Washington. We want to highlight their businesses, tell their stories and invite you to shop locally and help move Everett forward. If you know of a business we should feature, send us a suggestion via email: news@myeverettnews.com. Leland Dart – Publisher
 

One of my favorite conversations is when I get to talk with second and third-generation business owners.

Today I got to spend a few minutes with Conner Martinis. He’s been running John’s Sporting Goods in north Everett, Washington for the past four years following in the footsteps of his Grandpa John and Uncle John.

Conner actually started working in the store in 2012. “Fishing has been a passion of mine since I was a kid,” Conner told me. “I enjoy all of it; rivers, lakes, the Sound, kokanee, trout, sockeye, halibut, the time of year dictates where I go but I love it all.”

John’s Sporting Goods is an institution in Everett dating back to 1953. Not only is the store packed with gear for whatever type of fishing you may enjoy but there’s one secret, intangible ingredient inside. Knowledge.

“The four people who work with me fish every type of species in this State,” Conner said. “We have a lot of knowledge we’re happy to share.”

I asked Conner what’s the most important thing someone needs to know when they’re planning on going fishing?

“The rules,” he told me. “When is it open?” “When is it closed?” “What type of gear can you use?” “Can you keep it?” “What kind of license is needed?”

There are a lot of rules and they keep changing. Conner and his co-workers keep up with all of the rule books and can keep new (and experienced) anglers from getting into trouble.

Conner says salmon have been a favorite target for the customers at John’s Sporting Goods over the years. “You get a shot at them in the Sound and in the rivers.”

Salmon runs are ever-changing and sometimes there’s not the opportunity to fish for them as there has been in the past. Lingcod, Halibut and Kokanee are other species gaining popularity according to Conner. Uncle John still offers tips and updates via newsletters as well as a series of videos on YouTube.

You’ll find links and more information on the John’s Sporting Goods website. You can also find the latest Friday/Saturday deals and photos from fishing trips on their Instagram page.

If you need gear, licenses or advice, John’s Sporting Goods is located at 1913 Broadway in Everett, Washington and they’re open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Sundays they’re closed and likely, you know, gone fishin’). The phone number is 425-259-3056.

As far as a fourth generation taking over the business at some point…”I have two kids so maybe,” Conner said with a smile. “That would be great but we’ll just have to wait and see.”