By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
Along an active stretch of Marine Drive, where traffic flows steady and opportunity meets ambition, one Tulalip family’s vision continues to rise. One kernel at a time.
What originally began in 2020 as a small kettle corn stand ingrained with love, advocacy, and awareness has since evolved into something bigger. Today, Jared’s Corner stands as a shining example of Tulalip entrepreneurship and belief in community-driven dreams.
“I know it may sound silly, but I literally dreamed of running a popcorn stand,” admitted former Board of Director Jared Parks. “When I got unelected from the Board, I figured it was time to see if I could turn that dream into a reality. So, I cleared out my 401K and invested it into creating what became Jared’s Corner.”
Founded by Jared and his wife, Kristie Parks, Jared’s Corner was inspired by their son, Jared Jr., who is on the autism spectrum. From the beginning, the mission was clear, to create a platform to raise awareness and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, while embracing the entrepreneurial spirit to create something all their own.
Fueled by the business slogan ‘Not one kernel is the same!’, the modest kettle corn stand has grown into a vibrant and expanding operation that represents both purpose and possibility within the Tulalip community.
Painted in a bold shade of red and standing firmly built from a repurposed shipping container, Jared’s Corner stands out immediately to anyone passing by. Its most stand-out feature is a large portrait image on the side of the building, a photograph of Jared Jr. shaped like a corner puzzle piece. Often used to symbolize autism awareness, this particular puzzle piece serves as a striking reminder of the heart behind the Parks family business.
“Putting our son’s face on the business was a decision my wife and I made together. Seeing him on there is a daily reminder of what the purpose is. Why I get up every day and get to poppin’,” reflected Jared while prepping a fresh batch of honey BBQ flavored kettle.
Since its creation, Jared’s Corner has transformed in ways few could have predicted. What once started with a handful of kettle corn flavors has now grown to an impressive offering of 57 varieties. Each flavor reflects creativity and care, with several named by loyal customers who have become part of the journey. That sense of connection has helped turn first time visitors into regular supporters.
“Jared has done so much work putting this whole operation together. It’s an outstanding job, really,” shared Tulalip elder and Jared’s Corner regular, Dean Ledford, during a recent stop to pick up his favorite flavor of kettle corn, caramel. “It’s a business created from real hard work and a self-belief that is admirable, to say the least.
“He’s created something to be proud of, but more than that he’s made the community proud. I know I’m proud of him,” added the 89-year-old, Air Force veteran. “Having his business right here on the Rez, where so many tribal people drive by every day, I hope he inspires younger people to follow their dreams and create their own businesses, too.”
Today, the menu has expanded beyond just kettle corn. Customers now stop by for flavored Red Bull drinks, nachos, pretzel bites, and classic buttered popcorn. The expanded offerings at a reasonable price make Jared’s Corner a go to destination for snacks and refreshments.
Behind the business’s growth is a story defined by risk and belief. Jared made the bold decision to cash out his 401k and invest everything into building and expanding his dream. Ever since, it’s been a series of decisions requiring both courage and faith in what the future could hold.
“Every Tulalip tribal member, whether they are older than me or younger than me, has the same ancestors,” said Jared. “Our ancestors are the ones who sacrificed so much, who laid down and let people walk on them in order for the future generations, that’s us, here and now, to not be walked on.
“We are no longer oppressed like our ancestors were,” he continued. “We have the knowledge and means to create our own businesses and to be our own bosses. And, if for whatever reason, you think you don’t have the knowledge and are willing to learn, stop on by and I’ll share it with you. We’re meant to thrive, not to be complacent. I want to see every tribal member thrive.”
Armed with a growth mindset and desire to connect has led Jared to creating something far greater than a successful small business. Jared’s Corner has become a symbol of what is possible when vision meets determination. Within Tulalip, it serves as a real-life example of entrepreneurship in action. Hopefully, it sparks new ideas or plants the seed that starting something of your own is within reach for Tulalip’s ever-growing membership.
While the business continues to grow, its foundation remains unchanged. Autism awareness is still central to everything they do. Each customer interaction, each order served, and each visit to the bright red storefront carries that message forward.
And along Marine Drive, at Jared’s Corner, that message continues to grow one kernel at a time.