Our Story
In the aftermath of the economic downturn caused by pandemic lockdowns, Pioneer Square emerged as a resilient symbol against adversity. Despite boarded-up storefronts and empty parks, we recognized an urgent need to revitalize our community. Artists and makers sought opportunities during these quiet times, while small businesses yearned for foot traffic.
With a dedicated focus on creating opportunities for vendors and performers, Lloyd embarked on a mission to activate public and private spaces, starting with Occidental Square through the Pioneer Square Summer Market & Music Festival. This inaugural event, inspired by The Golden Potlatch and Fat Tuesday celebrations, marked a significant return—an all-day festival featuring eight local bands and over 40 vendors ranging from florists, candle makers, jewelers, and pet clothiers to painters, printers, and photographers. It was a diverse gathering with an equally eclectic musical lineup.
Buoyed by its success and driven by a passion to infuse vitality into our neighborhood, Lloyd and his team established the Pioneer Square Market Network. Their goal: to revive Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic heart, one event at a time.
Our Mission – Revitalizing Pioneer Square
We’re dedicated to revitalizing Pioneer Square through our vibrant events injecting new energy into the area while championing local businesses. Our aim is to craft memorable experiences that elevate our partners’ brands and foster a thriving community united by art, music, and entrepreneurial passion.
Core Values
Fostering Innovation
We value innovation and creative exploration. Our events—whether markets, festivals, or networking gatherings—are vibrant hubs for fostering ideas, originality, and ingenuity. We actively encourage participants to think innovatively, experiment with new concepts, and showcase unique products and services to the community.
Sustaining Growth
We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs by offering a platform to learn about entrepreneurship and connect directly with their target audience. Recognizing that knowledge and visibility are crucial for a successful venture, we create spaces and opportunities to support this growth.
Building Community
Our mission is driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of connection. We are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration, aiming to build a unified network that supports growth and economic benefits for everyone involved. This collective solidarity not only strengthens our foundation but also enriches the fabric of our local economy, promoting vitality and resilience throughout the vibrant Pioneer Square community
Meet The Team
Lloyd Gregory
Founder & PresidentWith over 20 years in enterprise application development, Lloyd has honed his expertise in front-end web development, AI integration, and DevOps solutions across both startup and corporate landscapes. His journey brought him to Pioneer Square, where he was captivated by its rich history and recognized an opportunity to rejuvenate it following the challenges of COVID-19. As the founder of the Pioneer Square Market Network (PSMN), Lloyd leads the charge in hosting events that breathe new life into our community and ignite its vibrant spirit.
N’Vida Yotcho
Executive CoordinatorN’Vida Yotcho is a dynamic entrepreneur, best known as the driving force behind JayHelpClean, a leading cleaning service serving the Greater Seattle area since 2017. Beyond her successful business venture, she’s a self-taught app developer, constantly exploring new technologies and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Now, as a leading figure at the Pioneer Square Market Network, N’Vida is passionately dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering aspiring business owners.
Rein Laik
Booker, Media & Entertainment ManagerRein Laik is an audio/video professional and talent buyer in Seattle, WA. He specializes in videography and post-production at Hardcover Studios in Pioneer Square. Other skills include social media management and audio mixing/production. Rein became involved with the Market Network in 2024, where he currently serves as the Booking and Entertainment Manager for Pioneer Square Fest.
Ruby Romero
Booker & Market ManagerRuby Tuesday Romero is a lifelong Seattleite active throughout various communities, from music and markets, to policy. She helps with organizing events like the Punk Rock Flea Market and Pioneer Square Market & Music Fest, performs in the Seattle Parks Dept’s Busker Program and in music venues, or farmers markets, under the name Selfdoubt.