Whitefish Credit Union is celebrating unsung heroes with people who have been nominated by members of the community for making a difference in the lives around them.
We spoke with a Flathead Lake couple who have been engaging with tourists and locals through their solar-powered cheese creamery — with no intention of stopping anytime soon.
“I’m probably the only woman who insists her husband cuts the cheese,” joked Wendi Arnold who owns Flathead Lake Cheese in Polson with her husband Joe.
Wendi and Joe have dedicated the last 14 years to producing thousands of pounds of artisanal cheese per year.
Kierra Sam/MTN News
“There are no preservatives. We want the cheese to be completely natural,” Wendi pointed out.
Most of their cheese-loving customers stumble upon the creamery window after following signs along the road.
“Half the fun of going on holiday is discovering these small niche businesses run by people dedicated to their craft,” Wendi said.
The couple changed careers and founded the company in 2002, and they have no regrets to this day.
Kierra Sam/MTN News
“There are many angry people out there, and I just wonder, ‘Is it because you have a terrible job’?” Wendi shared with MTN.
The pair was nominated for the Whitefish Credit Union Unsung Hero award for their thriving business and community engagement.
“It’s heartwarming to know that someone thinks highly of us,” Joe remarked.
The work may be cheesy, but they admit it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
“We’ve had a lot on our plates in recent years between my health challenges and her mother’s health issues,” Joe mentioned.
Kierra Sam/MTN News
Joe has been battling cancer for years, and Wendi recently dealt with the loss of her mother.
Through it all, having each other and connecting with customers keeps them upbeat.
“We are deeply grateful because right now everything is going well and everything is positive,” Joe stated. “It makes you appreciate life that much more.”
Visit https://flatheadlakecheese.com/ to discover more about Flathead Lake Cheese.
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