Who We Are

Michi Suzuki
Partner and Principal

In my world, expectations are meant to be exceeded. Having spent more than two decades in the hospitality and public relations industries, I have learned that meticulous customer service is key to repeat business. So I strive to anticipate clients’ needs and I go out of my way to make certain those needs are met. Success requires hard work and taking leaps of faith, neither of which is unfamiliar territory. Failure doesn’t scare me, because I know I’m capable of picking myself up and starting over. I studied Japanese and international studies at Western Washington University and business at the University of Washington. I also received a certificate in public relations from the University of Washington.

I am happiest spending time with my partner, Jeanine, and pups, Ziggy and Gus, whose unconditional joy makes me want to live my next life as a dog.

Hsiao-Ching Chou
Partner and Social Media Director

I enjoy challenges that require creative solutions. These days, it seems, I spend more time on Twitter and sorting through links to posts on social media success than almost anything else. Before I became a partner at Suzuki + Chou, I was a food writer for a combined decade at The Denver Post and then at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. I grew up in my family’s Chinese restaurant business in the Midwest, which taught me that taking ownership of my actions, my life and my work is the only way to succeed. I received a bachelor’s degree from the revered University of Missouri School of Journalism. My career as an award-winning food writer has connected me to an international network of colleagues whose collective expertise is, by extension, available to clients.

I am happiest spending time with my husband and two children, whose every new discovery about inhabiting this wide world has been a privilege to observe.

Jamie Hinz
Account Manager

I like spreading the news about great clients, because it makes me feel like I'm sharing a secret. I studied communication at the University of Washington to build a broad background that would allow me to step into whatever role necessary to get the job done. Everyone has a story to tell. Mine involves a childhood spent outside of Chicago. For fun, my family would ride the train into the city to take advantage of the culture, the food and, of course, the Cubs. My dad always impressed upon me and my younger brother the importance of honesty, hard work and having fun. That's not a bad life philosophy.

I am happiest basking in the sun, because I believe in its restorative energy and its ability to inspire a collective sense of contentment.

Colin Baugh
Contract Account Manager

I live by my grandfather’s belief that to be successful in life you have to be smart, you have to work hard and you’ve gotta get a break. If you’re missing any one of these three, you’re sunk. With a tip of the cap to the old man, I have a few principles of my own that have held true. I believe you’ll never see the game if you’re always looking at the scoreboard; that understanding the tangible comes most easily with a mind open to the abstract; and that there is no substitute for genuine critical thought and no richer learning than that born of first-hand experience. To that end, my experience comprises ten years spent in public relations in Los Angeles and Phoenix, and in radio as an on-air personality in several markets. I have a degree in art history from the University of Arizona and I continue to study Italian language.

I’m happiest when I'm learning something new, whether it's the total number of drummers associated with Spinal Tap (24) or suggestions for taming a bengal tiger while the two of you are stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (Life of Pi).