CAUTION: LOW FLYING FISH

#1 most fun place to work in the U.S:

Imagine a workplace where everyone chooses to bring energy, passion, and a positive attitude with them each day—an environment in which people are truly connected to their work, to their colleagues, and to their customers. Impossible? Not at all! The owner of Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market, John Yokoyama, realized that long-term business success requires an environment where employees are involved in creating and fulfilling an inspiring vision. Pike Place Fish employees have succeeded in creating a unique team environment and now travel the country as the Flying Fish Consulting Team, helping other organizations do the same.

You can find them in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, an historic, open-air market located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. People come from all over the world to see our world famous crew of fishmongers throwing fish and having fun with customers. They also come to buy some of the best seafood available anywhere in the world and have it shipped home.

John Yokoyama purchased Pike Place Fish in 1965. At that time, John was one of several employees of the quiet, unassuming little fish stand. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to sell the business, John’s employer offered him the opportunity to purchase Pike Place Fish. As a young man of 25, John was at first hesitant to buy the business. The monthly payments on his new 1965 Buick Riviera, however, were taking much of his $150.00 weekly pay. He decided he could do better on an owner’s salary. John purchased Pike Place Fish to help make his car payments—amazing how things turned out!

How They Became "World Famous"

Humble Pike Place Fish became "World Famous" Pike Place Fish, a dynamic, fast-paced place that’s fun for both customers and employees! The antics of the fish-flinging staff have become the highlight of the Pike Place Market, and have been featured in Spike Lee’s Levi commercial, on NBC’s Frasier, MTV’s Real World, and ABC’s Good Morning America. The "low-flying fish" have been captured on film and immortalized in print by filmmakers and journalists from all over the world.

They have had many requests from other businesses and organizations to coach and instruct them on the underlying principles that have given shape to our company.

Their Consulting Team

Their Consulting Team demonstrates the kind of performance that is unleashed when each member of an organization is empowered to be a leader and a creator for the whole company. Their services began with inspirational appearances by John Yokoyama and members of our Crew at special client events. Since then, they have developed a powerful consulting program for businesses, including special coaching segments on requested topics.