Big news from Bainbridge Island yesterday! Eagle Harbor Book Company owner Morley Horder announced two new partners, current bookstore manager Tim Hunter and long-time NW bookseller (and NWBL contributor!) René Kirkpatrick. Horder says Hunter and Kirkpatrick will work as the managing partners, taking care of the day-to-day operations of the store and he’ll work on the business side and as an advisor.
Hunter and Kirkpatrick have a combined 40 years in the bookselling business. “They understand the role of technology in the ever- evolving retail world,” says Horder, “but they strongly believe that the heart of our business is the one-on-one personal relationship we have with our customers, with the goal of putting the right book in each customer’s hands.”
Hunter has been Eagle Harbor’s manager for almost a year and Horder says he “has clearly demonstrated he understands people, cares deeply about the welfare of employees, expresses a keen understanding of the needs of customers today, has a strong understanding of and facility with technologies of all kinds, and has a brilliant business mind.”
Kirkpatrick comes to Eagle Harbor from Mockingbird Books in Seattle and is well-known in the bookselling community for her work at several NW bookstores, including All For Kids Books & Music (now closed), Third Place Books and the University of Oregon Bookstore. She tells us she’ll begin at Eagle Harbor October 10.
“In the 15 years I’ve known René, she stands out as one of the most knowledgeable and passionate booksellers I have ever known,” says Horder. “She is a true hands-on leader, as well as a dedicated bookseller.”
Horder bought the 42-year-old store 15 years ago. “My goal for Eagle Harbor Book Company has always been to be one of the best independent bookstores in the country,” he says. “Tim and Rene’s passion, knowledge, and leadership will help ensure that Eagle Harbor Books will continue be a successful, vital, thriving part of the Bainbridge Island and Kitsap community for another 42 years.”