Meet Cassandra & Dorena

Cassandra Day

Career journey and accomplishments

Cassandra Day is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record in business management, real estate investment, and strategic growth. With experience spanning the automotive, real estate, and pet industries, she has successfully scaled multiple businesses while demonstrating exceptional leadership and financial acumen.

In 2000, Cassandra began working for her family’s business, All Transmissions & Automotive, where her leadership skills quickly became evident. Over time, she advanced to business manager, overseeing daily operations and managing a team of 20 employees, including service writers, administrative staff, sales representatives, and technicians.

While leading the business, Cassandra pursued business management, marketing, and accounting coursework at Pierce College, further strengthening her expertise in operations, financial management, and strategic growth.

In 2011, she transitioned her focus to raising her family while simultaneously building her own dog breeding business. What started as a small operation with four dogs generating $25,000 in annual sales quickly expanded into a thriving enterprise. Over time, Cassandra scaled the business to include 38 dogs, two full-time employees, and annual revenues of approximately $500,000, driven by puppy sales, stud fees, commissions, and dog food sales. She further expanded her business model by bringing on five co-breeders, increasing both her network and market reach.

Property management leadership and real estate success

In 2019, Cassandra returned to her family’s property management business, taking on a key leadership role in its growth and strategic direction. To enhance her expertise in real estate acquisitions and management, she obtained her Real Estate Broker’s license, allowing her to independently oversee property acquisitions and streamline operations.

Upon fully integrating into the business, Cassandra took charge of managing the property portfolio, overseeing daily operations, identifying high-potential acquisitions, and driving business expansion. Her business acumen and deep understanding of the real estate market have been instrumental in the company’s success. Under her leadership, the company has streamlined operations, expanded its asset base, and increased profitability.

Since stepping into this role, Cassandra has helped grow the company’s assets by over $10 million and secured more than $5 million in lease agreements, significantly enhancing its financial standing. Her strategic approach ensures that the company’s continued growth aligns with her father, Jim Sharbono’s, long-term vision for the business.

Further solidifying her expertise in the real estate industry, Cassandra obtained her Managing Broker’s License in 2025 and launched her own real estate brokerage, C & J Realty LLC. This new venture allows her to further expand her impact in the commercial and investment real estate market while maintaining her leadership role in the family’s property management business.

Cassandra’s career reflects her ability to lead and scale businesses across multiple industries, from managing operations in the automotive sector to launching a successful entrepreneurial venture and playing a pivotal role in expanding the family’s real estate investments. Balancing business leadership, entrepreneurship, and family, she continues to drive growth and success, demonstrating strategic vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to excellence in all her endeavors.

Dorena Johnson

Born and raised in Eatonville, WA, Dorena Johnson has always felt a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest, particularly its breathtaking natural beauty. From the forests to the ocean, the region’s tranquility and scenic landscapes have inspired her personal and professional journey. Growing up in this area has given her a strong sense of community, which she is proud to support and contribute to through her career in commercial real estate.

Dorena’s professional path began with over 12 years of business ownership. She independently ran two small businesses in the South Sound region—a housekeeping business and an auto mechanic shop. Both ventures demanded distinct skills, from managing client relationships and staff to understanding the intricacies of business operations and customer service. Dorena’s entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach taught her the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and building meaningful connections with clients and the community.

Though these experiences were highly rewarding, Dorena’s journey took a new direction when a lifelong friendship with Cassandra Day led her into commercial real estate. Starting as an administrative assistant to the COO and now serving as Director of Operations, Dorena found a fresh opportunity to apply her skills in a dynamic and growing industry. Specializing in commercial real estate, she plays an essential role in the daily operations of the business, helping Cassandra manage properties that contribute to the economic development of the area she holds dear.

Role

This position has given Dorena the unique opportunity to positively impact the region where she grew up. She takes great pride in being part of a team that enhances the commercial landscape, bringing value to businesses and the community. Her work allows her to support projects that improve local infrastructure, create jobs, and contribute to the vitality of the area. It’s a role that aligns perfectly with her love for Eatonville and the surrounding regions, allowing her to give back to the place she’s always called home.

Community and personal life

Outside of her career, Dorena is the proud mother of three wonderful children: Hayden, 18, who is thriving in high school and becoming a thoughtful, independent young adult; Gabe, a 7th grader with a passion for entrepreneurship and dreams of starting his own soda company; and Silas, a 6th grader who excels in both football and engineering. Dorena finds immense joy in supporting her children’s ambitions and watching them grow into confident individuals.

A vision for the future

At the heart of Dorena’s life is a desire to continually learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Whether she’s navigating the world of business, supporting her children, or enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Dorena approaches life with passion, dedication, and a strong connection to the community that shaped her. Through her work in commercial real estate, she continues to help improve the region she loves, making a meaningful difference while enjoying life’s adventures alongside her family.