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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jack Hatch Sells Firm To Ekstrom Co. Former Owner Wants To Spend More Time With Family

Sam Francis Staff writer

Jack Hatch, longtime owner of Valley-based Jack Hatch Company commercial real estate brokerage, recently sold his firm to Ekstrom Co.

“I wanted to work on a number of my own projects” Hatch said, noting that he’s also eager to spend more free time with his family.

Hatch sold his firm for an undisclosed amount. The deal included about $30 million in listings held by Hatch’s company.

Commercial real estate was Hatch’s niche, while Janek had specialized exclusively in luxury home sales.

While he won’t be the man in charge, Hatch will remain as an associate broker.

Hatch has done business in the Valley for 35 years. Before starting his real estate firm, he owned an advertising agency. That company, Gross Hatch, is now owned by his son.

“My favorite part of real estate is developing land,” said Hatch. “I wanted to remove myself from administration and get into strictly sales.”

Hatch considered selling his business to Ekstrom while they were working on a project together. They discovered a common real estate philosophy, and Hatch decided to sell.

The deal took effect in early June.

A member of Whitworth College’s board of trustees, Hatch hopes to continue serving young people.

“I’m not giving up anything I can do to help the community,” Hatch said. “I believe in young people and their ambitions.”

Another Jack in the Box popping up

Another Jack in the Box restaurant is popping up in the Valley.

The franchise at 1505 N. Pines, the third in the Valley, will open July 8, said Jeff Schroeder, area manager for Jack in the Box.

The 2,400-square foot Pines Road store doesn’t have a phone line or electricity yet, but that’s not keeping management from recruiting employees for the restaurant.

“We are still hiring,” said Schroeder. “We’re possibly looking at 35 to 40 employees.”

The franchise will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It will be the sixth Jack in the Box in the Spokane area.

Retirement complex opens

Evergreen Valley, a campus-style retirement community, opened June 23 in the Spokane Valley.

The development, located on 9.6 acres at 1309 N. Evergreen Road, is a 72-residence community housed in seven separate buildings.

Retirement America LCC, Evergreen’s developer, hopes to attract “active seniors” to its “stress-free living environment,” according to a company report.

Evergreen Valley features a 12,000-square foot community center with dining rooms, exercise facilities, a chapel, a library and a hair salon.

An indoor pool and spa will be included in another building.

Work has also begun on 48 Southwestern-styled retirement homes to be completed by late October.

, DataTimes