Ethan Hunger launched his career in a straightforward but effective way: mowing lawns as a teenager for a real estate agent.
“Next, I was creating mailer campaigns for him at 17 and developing marketing content by 18,” he says. “I got my real estate license at 19 and worked part-time as I completed my degree at UW. After graduating, I went full-time and have been full-time ever since.”
Hunger credits his work ethic and determination to his parents, who modeled how to stand up for what’s right with kindness.
“My parents have always had the biggest influence on both my personal and professional journeys,” he says. “They’ve both worked their entire careers in conservation and always instilled the importance of leaving the world in a better place than you found it. Through both my professional work as managing broker at Bellwether Real Estate and my fundraising work with Hunger vs Hunger, I can find countless ways in which they’ve encouraged me and allowed me to become the best version of myself.”
Ethan Hunger’s Achievements So Far
Hunger’s dedication to his community shines through in his ability to rally support for local causes.
“This year, my fundraiser, Hunger vs Hunger, brought in over $300,000 for the Bellingham Food Bank,” he says. “This was enough money to feed 375 Bellingham families for the next 12 months.”
His annual event, Hunger vs Hunger, blends commerce and compassion to combat food insecurity.
“My fundraiser is a beautiful embodiment of the type of leadership I am proud to have attached to my name,” he says. “There are over 40 businesses and thousands of donors who come together every year in a collaborative effort to better our community by raising money for the Bellingham Food Bank. I don’t bring these people and businesses together for any reason other than to help those in need.”
Hunger notes that food insecurity has continued to rise, especially over the past five years, making the cause even more urgent.
“I’ve prioritized campaign growth as much as possible in order to keep up with that increase in need,” he says. “This fundraiser is a passion project that takes hundreds of hours of time every year and is entirely community-funded. Every single dollar goes directly to the Bellingham Food Bank. In the five years I’ve been doing this, we’ve raised over $713,000.”
Ethan Hunger Outside of Work
Beyond his professional life and charitable efforts, Hunger finds balance in the outdoors and in his time with loved ones.
“I have an incredible support system of friends and family that I rely on heavily to break me out of the busyness of life,” he says. “I love dinner parties, long adventure days, and consistent exercise.”
Mountain biking tops his list of hobbies, though he has recently taken an interest in triathlons and endurance events.
“I really enjoy cooking and do my best to try new recipes as often as I can,” he says. “In the winters, I tend to tap into my creative side a bit more with time drawing and writing, but that seems to fall to the wayside when the nights are long and it’s warm outside.”
Ethan Hunger Looks Toward the Future
Hunger hopes to keep building on his community work, ideally at a broader scale.
“I want to continue to grow my fundraiser until it’s a sustainable entity by creating something that’s self-supported,” he says.
He also sees opportunities to advance housing solutions and make more strides in combating food insecurity in the community.
“I would love to see the real estate industry continue to prioritize middle housing,” he says. “I’d also love to see the City of Bellingham continue to prioritize housing and food issues for those in need.”
Ethan Hunger’s Advice for the Youth and Beyond
For young people who want to give back, Hunger recommends taking one step at a time and realizing the value you bring to the world around you.
“The best advice I can give is to start small and give it your all,” he says. “Even if you change just one person’s life, I promise you it will be well worth it. The appreciation you’ll have for your own life, your abilities, and your community will grow alongside whatever mission you’re on.”
Ultimately, Hunger follows his parents’ example when considering the legacy he hopes to leave.
“I want to be remembered as someone who did everything he possibly could to leave the world a better place,” he says.
Join Whatcom Young Professionals and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the 2025 Top 7 Under 40 on October 2, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton. Cocktail attire is encouraged, and registration is required by September 26. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
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