Over the 24 years that Mike Flynn guided Puget Sound Business Journal as its president and publisher, it became one of the nation’s most respected local business newspapers, being named “best” among the publications owned by the largest chain of weekly business newspapers during his last year as publisher. In addition it was regarded by its peers as one of the five best business-news publications in the county in terms of editorial quality.
Prior to joining the business journal, Flynn spent 20 years with United Press International, as a reporter, bureau manager and eventually as executive in charge of business operations in the West, establishing media relationships that have continued to today.
In terms of his career with PSBJ, Flynn always said he was proudest of creating the numerous events, such as Women of Influence, Fastest-Growing Private Companies, 40 Under 40 and Emerging Business awards, which came to define his newspaper’s image and its role with of not merely informing, but being actively involved with its readers.
Following retirement, he moved to what he refers to as his “entrepreneurial encore” of consulting, counseling and advising businesses, business people and business organizations, in Washington State, Hawaii and Southern California, with particular focus on rural economic development and working with entrepreneurs. He refers to his role as “building business relationships.”
In 2007, Flynn received a special award from Gov. Christine Gregoire for lifetime contribution to economic development. In 2012 he was selected as Washingtonian of the Year and in 2013 he was selected as a laureate of the Puget Sound Business Hall of Fame.
For the past eight years, Flynn has written a weekly column called Flynn’s Harp, which is emailed to some 1,500 business leaders and elected officials, mostly in Washington State.
He and his wife, Betsy, have three children, Meagan, now an appellate court judge in Oregon, Michael and Eileen, s well as eight grandchildren.
In his spare time Mike competes in the 100 meter race in masters and senior games and last October he finished second in the 75-79 age group at the World Senior Games in St. George, UT.