Shoreline resident honored by Center for Women and Democracy

Amy King, center, was honored at the 16th Annual Kicking Up Our Heels
 event of the Center for Women and Democracy

Amy King Honored at 16th Annual “Kicking Up Our Heels” Event

On Monday, March 5, 2018, Shoreline resident Amy King, co-owner of Square Peg Development, was honored at the 16th annual “Kicking Up Our Heels” event hosted by the Center for Women and Democracy in Bellevue.

The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties nominated King for her work in helping people who are released from jail with no place to go.

Four years ago, King and her husband Brady launched Square Peg Development, a Seattle-based collection of companies focused on building of quality products and productive people.

They began hiring previously incarcerated individuals and, as they learned more about the stories and struggles of these individuals, they wanted to further assist. The Kings founded WELD Seattle in 2016, a nonprofit corporation geared toward removing barriers to employment and housing that provides a supportive community for individuals actively engaged in re-entry.

“Amy King is a problem solver, change agent, and role model driving improvements in how we build inclusive communities, says Master Builders Association Executive Officer Kat Sims. “The Master Builders Association salutes Amy and her great work.”

Currently, Square Peg Development employs 60 individuals, 90 percent of which have a history of incarceration, addiction, and homelessness.

Managing both Square Peg Development and WELD Seattle fulfills the Kings’ dream of working for a company that is both people-focused and profitable.

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Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.