Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

On February 7, a community member spotted a sign in Ballard Industrial’s window: “Help your country… and yourself… REPORT ALL FOREIGN INVADERS,” with ICE’s hotline number below. And the marine part and equipment supplier has been feeling the effects of antifascism in Seattle— spreading awareness and leaving negative reviews.

A surge in Yelp activity began on February 6. Before that, the family-owned company’s most recent review was on May 22, 2024. It was a one-star rating for “Sub par customer service.”

The store first opened on April 5, 1952, by two brothers-in-law: Lyle Hartje and Jim Freyberg. Several years ago, descendants Greg Hartje and Doug Freyberg took over as co-CEOs. Although small and local, Seattle overarchingly doesn’t stand for fascism, and took to expressing their opinions on Yelp.

Looking to express yourself? Ballard Industrial can be contacted at (206)783-6626 or sales.help@ballardindustrial.com. The store is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday, and closed on the weekends.

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