Shawn Hosford established Alger & Riddle in 1988 to honor two very influential men who had a great impact on her. Jack Sewell Alger was the founder of the iconic Seattle restaurant, Spuds Fish and Chips. A long-time family friend and artist, Jack helped Shawn narrow her career paths while emotionally encouraging and financially supporting her enrollment at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This started her on a path of exploring the wild blue yonder. While attending Embry-Riddle, Shawn was fortunate to meet and befriend the school's cofounder, John Paul Riddle. He inspired Shawn and helped her to add tools to her growing toolbox. Riddle's great love of aviation inspired Shawn to push toward all things imagined and manufactured.