Women Business Leaders in the Flathead Valley
by Cassidy Mantor
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Western Home Journal prides itself in developing and enhancing the relationships that make up the luxury mountain home architecture, construction, and design community. In keeping with our own mission of helping people bring their dreams home, we wanted to celebrate female leadership and amplify women’s voices in what is traditionally viewed as a male-dominated industry. While altering communication styles and navigating impostor syndrome might come to mind as issues that professional women frequently navigate, the leaders we’ve selected show us that there is no set formula for being successful and inspiring. From architectural hardware to custom home building, interior design to real estate, their work speaks for itself.
In the spirit of truly honoring these women, we also wanted to explore the different identities they take on personally and professionally, and how they find personal satisfaction while balancing work with a multitude of other roles and responsibilities including being mothers, partners, and coaches. We are honored to have the opportunity to spotlight their accomplishments and share a little more about what makes them so special. Above all, their stories remind us that groundbreaking work in our industry is not reserved just for men.
Heidi Tate
Tate Interiors
Heidi Tate is the creative director and owner of Whitefish-based Tate Interiors, a full-service boutique interior design firm offering space planning, lighting design, and selection services for projects of all sizes including new constructions and remodels. The firm creates harmony between modern and rustic styles and prefers to source Made in Montana and Made in America materials whenever possible.
Heidi has a BFA in architecture and graphic design from MSU and is a registered member with ASID. When Heidi was in college, her parents bought a restaurant in Whitefish. She helped out during the busy summers and, in 2004, after earning her BFA in Bozeman, she moved northwest to practice interior design at a firm in Whitefish. It wasn’t long before Heidi wanted more creative control and to follow her own design passions, so in 2010 she established Tate Interiors. The Flathead Valley is home to Heidi and her husband Casey, who was born and raised in Whitefish, along with their sons Henry, 11, and Colter, 9.
whj: Who are your role models?
I was raised in an environment where I was supported and surrounded by strong, well-educated women, including my mother, my sisters, my grandmothers, and extended family members. My parents were self-employed for the majority of my childhood, and I think this broke down any reservations or “scariness” I might have had about starting my own business. I am extremely fortunate to be married to someone who encourages and believes in my dreams professionally and personally. Tate Interiors would not be the company it is today without the unwavering support of my husband, my family, and my in-laws.
“I’m certain the team we’ve created at Tate Interiors is one of the best in the nation. The women I work with every day are extremely smart, educated, creative, and committed to great design and client relationships.”
–Heidi Tate, Owner Tate Interiors
whj: How do you navigate the work/life balance?
I founded the company in 2010 when I was pregnant with my first son. This turned out to be a blessing as I was compelled to grow the company slowly in order to try and find my work/life balance, which I’ve discovered is a never-ending quest, but nonetheless, I am still searching. I am constantly reinventing my home life and my professional life as neither are static and both are constantly changing. Owning a business, especially as a mother, requires a tremendous amount of discipline, fluidity, and humor. Life’s secret weapon is absolutely having the ability to laugh and enjoy all the ups and downs as much as possible.
whj: How does your team factor into your professional success?
I’m certain the team we’ve created at Tate Interiors is one of the best in the nation. The women I work with every day are extremely smart, educated, creative, and committed to great design and client relationships. I consider them part of my extended family and treat them that way. I have a huge amount of respect for all of them. Over the years, the company has grown organically from a small studio, to a downtown space, and into a soon-to-be renovated auto garage where we will be able to have more retail, studio, and receiving space. At times it can be overwhelming, intimidating, and stressful, but those feelings are fleeting compared to all of the good times. It is a lot of restless nights, late nights in the office, early mornings, and long days but all worth the final outcome, which is clients who are thrilled with their new homes and the relationships built along the way. We survive as a company on word of mouth and our working relationships with other professionals in the community. It takes a whole team coming together and working together diligently to make a dream a reality, and we’re thankful to be one piece of the pie.
whj: How do you connect with your community outside of work?
Because I am at work so much, I make sure to commit myself to teams and organizations that my boys are involved in. For the past several winters, I have coached the Junior Jets Nordic Ski Team. I am able to ski with my kids and their peers twice a week. I hope these small gestures let them know that I’m available and have time for them during the week. When something is really important to you, you just have to put it on the calendar and say, “Sorry, I’m not available,” and block that time out.
As a business leader, I want my company to be able to support our community through donations and volunteer work with local nonprofits and companies that advocate and encourage women, children, open space, and the arts. It is important to remain balanced and connected to the community where you live and work. This promotes better building practices, development opportunities, and preservation of our open spaces.
Anna Durkin
Montana Build
Anna Durkin is the Director of Marketing & Sales of Whitefish-based Montana Build. She studied hospitality and tourism in college and found her skills directly transferred to custom home building. Montana Build emphasizes client relationships and clear and consistent communication that Anna leads. When she is not working, she can be found spending quality time with her two young children and husband, and also running long distances including 50k and 50-milers. She is planning to run the local Foy’s to Blacktail Trail Marathon this fall, and she loves trails because they connect people. This will be Anna’s first marathon since having her two children. She’s looking forward to getting dirty and feeling the deep breathing and lightness that comes from being on the trail.
whj: Who are your role models?
Overall, my mom is my ultimate role model. She exemplified the idea that you can make anything happen with an upbeat attitude and hard work. She had three kids and was a single working parent. She got it done at home and had a great career at the same time. My other role models have evolved too, based on where I am in life. Now, I value the importance of hearing stories about working moms. I listen to many inspiring podcasts and find their insights helpful and empowering.
whj: How do you find the work/life balance?
My son is two-and-a-half and my daughter is four months old. My husband is a true partner in parenting. My work schedule is 8am to 5pm and his work schedule is a little more flexible, so he really helps fill in the gaps! As far as finding a balance, I try to be really efficient at work and keep my work hours clear cut from my time at home. Not that I don’t continue to think about work, but I generally leave at 5pm and I don’t work weekends. As the company becomes more of my life and my kids get older, I’m sure it will blend, but for now I just make sure I’m as efficient as possible at work.
whj: What are your tricks for being efficient?
Staying grounded. Meditation has become key. If someone told me to meditate several years ago, I would’ve laughed at that suggestion. I’m new to meditation, but it continues to teach me to live in a state of mindfulness, provides mental clarity, and has enabled me to become more productive in all areas of my life. Meditation gives me a sense of ease as a new parent and helps me realize letting go and doing your best is ok. There are applications to work too. So much of custom home building is dealing with works in progress and staying grounded helps me manage the ever-evolving process.
whj: Is there a moment you’re most proud of in your career?
Taking a big leap of faith and moving into this role at Montana Build. I love it so much. There’s nothing else like a home in someone’s life and building someone’s home is really special. Because I studied hospitality, I have a sense of people’s desires, motives, and goals. With homebuilding, we don’t have to convince people how important their home is to their everyday life, but we are fortunate to accomplish the goal of taking care of their needs – that is hospitality.
“Here at Montana Build, we are valued for the work we produce. It is refreshing to work for a company that allows women to excel along with our male counterparts. At this time, we have some very special women on our team.”
–Anna Durkin, Director of Marketing & Sales, Montana Build
whj: How do you define Montana Build’s work culture?
Along with my marketing and sales role I also oversee human resources at Montana Build, and as an organization we try to empower our team to take charge on whatever they’re working on. Paul encourages us to bring ideas to the table and trust that our success will help guide the company’s growth. An example is with my maternity leave; I thought through how I could take care of myself and family in addition to what would be beneficial for the company. Paul was generous and granted me what I asked for. It allowed me to come back and be fully present at work.
whj: What does being abusiness leader mean to you in the male-dominated industry of building?
It’s often said that women have to work twice as hard to get the same appreciation that men get. What’s so lovely about living here in the Flathead Valley is everyone is welcoming and down-to-earth – it is very easy to connect with people in this tightly-knit community. Here at Montana Build, we are valued for the work we produce. It is refreshing to work for a company that allows women to excel along with our male counterparts. At this time, we have some very special women on our team. I’d go as far as to say that because we are women, we’re able to be highly successful. It is important to celebrate the unique qualities women bring to the table!
LeAnne Siderius & Meg Warren
NextHome Northwest Real Estate
As a mother, wife, investor, and developer, Megan Warren knows how important it is to have a partner at all stages of life. She has worked to develop a real estate business that values service over transactions and truly partners with clients. LeAnn Siderius is a veteran realtor with 20 years of experience. Megan and LeAnn partnered up to form the Siderius-Warren Team at NextHome Northwest Real Estate a locally-owned private firm established in 1995. Together, they bring their expertise to represent the most diverse and desirable properties in the Flathead Valley and to connect people with the Montana lifestyle.
whj: How did you get your professional start?
LeAnn: I was working at one of the first drive-thru espresso shops when I was approached by a friend about getting my real estate license. It was nerve-wracking in the beginning because I was a single mom of two small boys and had never worked in a commission-based business before. I learned very quickly that I would need to be responsible for my own success. I was disciplined and dedicated enough to go into the office every day and build a network from my sphere of influence. Back in the ‘90s, it was very much a “learn as you go” business. I had wonderful mentors who guided me through the contract work while instilling the values and ethics that continue to help me be successful today.
whj: How has having a mentor helped you grow professionally?
Megan: When I entered real estate, it was initially as an investor and owner of a rental property. My family guided me and I got hooked on it. Once I became a realtor, I was able to connect with LeAnn. Her integrity and approach to being lifelong friends with her clients and her two decades of experience made for a perfect fit. We have the same passion and core approach to serving people. She has truly been a mentor, partner, and best friend to me.
“Our team is forever growing as our clients become friends and our friends become part of our team.”
–LeAnne Siderius, Realtor, NextHome Northwest Real Estate
whj: What’s a defining moment in your career?
LeAnn: I teamed up with Megan about three years ago. She’s smart, approachable, and caring, and she brought a new energy and enthusiasm. We share the same values and desire to build lasting relationships with our clients. She continually brings new innovative marketing ideas and tools to our business that keep us current and visible in an ever-changing and competitive real estate industry, like with our social media campaigns. Last year, we were ranked among the top agents in Montana to have the highest presence on social media. Teaming up with Megan has been invaluable.
Megan: Once I had found a level of success with seasoned clients, I was able to understand where they started and what challenges they faced, since I had experienced similar struggles getting going early on in life. No matter how busy I get with big projects and multiple clients, I’ve created a model that allows me to spend time with those starting out on first houses or first investments. This is one of the most rewarding pieces of what I get to spend my time on.
“team is defined not by the brand on the business card or the sign, but by those whom I look to for guidance and advice.”
–Megan Warren, Realtor, NextHome Northwest Real Estate
whj: How did you get your professional start?
LeAnn: I was working at one of the first drive-thru espresso shops when I was approached by a friend about getting my real estate license. It was nerve-wracking in the beginning because I was a single mom of two small boys and had never worked in a commission-based business before. I learned very quickly that I would need to be responsible for my own success. I was disciplined and dedicated enough to go into the office every day and build a network from my sphere of influence. Back in the ‘90s, it was very much a “learn as you go” business. I had wonderful mentors who guided me through the contract work while instilling the values and ethics that continue to help me be successful today.
whj: How has having a mentor helped you grow professionally?
Megan: When I entered real estate, it was initially as an investor and owner of a rental property. My family guided me and I got hooked on it. Once I became a realtor, I was able to connect with LeAnn. Her integrity and approach to being lifelong friends with her clients and her two decades of experience made for a perfect fit. We have the same passion and core approach to serving people. She has truly been a mentor, partner, and best friend to me.
whj: What’s a defining moment in your career?
LeAnn: I teamed up with Megan about three years ago. She’s smart, approachable, and caring, and she brought a new energy and enthusiasm. We share the same values and desire to build lasting relationships with our clients. She continually brings new innovative marketing ideas and tools to our business that keep us current and visible in an ever-changing and competitive real estate industry, like with our social media campaigns. Last year, we were ranked among the top agents in Montana to have the highest presence on social media. Teaming up with Megan has been invaluable.
Megan: Once I had found a level of success with seasoned clients, I was able to understand where they started and what challenges they faced, since I had experienced similar struggles getting going early on in life. No matter how busy I get with big projects and multiple clients, I’ve created a model that allows me to spend time with those starting out on first houses or first investments. This is one of the most rewarding pieces of what I get to spend my time on.
Jennifer Zetooney & Shaina Hanson
ZH Interiors
Jennifer Zetooney and Shaina Hanson are the owners and principal designers of Zetooney Hanson Interiors, a full-service interior design company based in Whitefish. They specialize in residential, commercial, and resort design. Jennifer received her degree in interior design in 2002. She draws on elements from nature and uses neutral and subtle hues to create crisp, fresh, and comfortable spaces. Jennifer, her husband Vince, and their three children—Brooke, 15, Riley, 14, and Nathan, 13—have called Whitefish home since 2006.
Shaina received her degree in interior design in 2006. She enjoys layering textures and finishes and incorporating an element of surprise into her designs. Nature is also a huge influence for Shaina, and Montana is a constant source of inspiration in her daily work. Jennifer and Shaina have over 20 years of combined interior design experience and deliver a pleasant and seamless design experience for each project, small to large. The design process with ZH Interiors is enjoyable and effortless for clients because they can trust the experience, insight, and level of taste that Jennifer and Shaina bring to their work.
“I’m certain the team we’ve created at Tate Interiors is one of the best in the nation. The women I work with every day are extremely smart, educated, creative, and committed to great design and client relationships.”“Teamwork is especially important to us. We love our relationships with our clients, builders, and realtors.”
–Jennifer Zetooney, Co-Owner, ZH Interiors
whj: Do you have a mentor/role model?
Jennifer: YES! Janet Bussell-Erickson. She is the first interior designer I worked for right out of college. I was blessed to mentor under her for four years. I learned so much from Janet, not only on the design front, but also about how to run a successful business. Her attention to detail carried over into every aspect of the business. She instilled in me that communication and documentation are so important to keep yourself and everyone else on track through the design process. I have worked hard to recreate this in our business. Janet also taught me so much about the construction side of design. This has helped tremendously to bridge the gap between us and our contractors.
Shaina: My professors in college were all great role models and inspired me to want to give 100% and not take anything for granted. They all worked in the field of interior design, and you could tell they loved what they taught. Their passion came through in every lecture topic, no matter how exciting it was.
“Partnering up with Jenn was a key moment. It altered the course of my career and allowed me to grow as a designer and expand our business as a whole.”
–Shaina Hanson, Co-Owner, ZH Interiors
whj: Is there a key moment for milestone that you’re most proud of in your career?
Shaina: Partnering up with Jenn was a key moment. It altered the course of my career and allowed me to grow as a designer and expand our business as a whole. Having someone to collaborate and brainstorm with makes the process even more enjoyable.
whj: How does teamwork factor in?
Jennifer: Teamwork is especially important to us. We love our relationships with our clients, builders, and realtors. This year has brought a lot of growth in the Flathead Valley, and one way we’ve expanded our network has been partnering with local real estate agents. My husband, Vince, joined the PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate team in 2019. Since then, we have been working closely with clients who have purchased new homes and are looking to remodel or who need furniture. Our local builders have also provided a great source of referrals for clients building new homes.
whj: How do you handle the work/life balance as business owners?
Shaina: There is a fine line of balancing home with work. Sometimes our clients live in different time zones, so it’s not always a 9-to-5 career, but having good communication between us and the client is key.
Jennifer: This is always a challenge, particularly for me as a wife and mother. Our kids keep us busy with school activities and sports, so being there for them is a huge priority. What has helped the most is prioritizing that balance. When taking on new clients, we are careful to make sure our life schedules will fit in so that we handle each project with the proper care and attention that it deserves. This helps me be able to give 100% to clients and also to my family.
whj: What are you looking forward to most in the Flathead Valley this summer?
Jennifer: Summer in Montana is always my favorite season. Our kids got us into wakeboarding last summer, so I’m most excited to be back on the boat with the family. Also, we’re in the process of building a new home for ourselves, which is scheduled to be completed this summer. I am super excited to get moved in!
Joni Petro
Old Goats Hard Goods
Joni Petro has always loved the mountains. She and her husband, Ethan, along with their three girls, knew they wanted to live in an area where they could embrace the mountain lifestyle and have better access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. After moving from the East Coast to Seattle and then California (and back to Seattle!), they knew they wanted to leave city life. They visited friends in Kalispell several times a year and found themselves gravitating to the mountains.
Old Goats Hard Goods has been part of the Whitefish community for over 20 years providing bespoke architectural, door, and cabinetry hardware along with custom and semi-custom cabinetry. When the original owner was ready to sell, Joni bought the business and added a second location in Sun Valley, Idaho. They are one of the most trusted names in kitchen and bathroom design and focus on pushing the boundaries in terms of creative designs, practicality, and maximizing the use of space to embrace modern living.
whj: How did you get your start as a business owner?
I started doing some independent design work around the time our youngest daughter was entering kindergarten. I began taking more work on, and Ethan discovered that Old Goats was for sale. I wasn’t familiar with the idea of architectural hardware at the time – I thought hardware was nuts and bolts – so when we met with the original owners, I was blown away by the creativity and design involved in architectural hardware.
whj: How did you set goals for your first year in business?
Jackie, the previous owner, was here for 20 years. She taught me everything from how to take measurements to bringing me around town to meet with design studios and contractors. When I set my goals for my first year, I thought, “I don’t want to let anyone down.” I wanted to develop relationships, exceed what people expected when they heard that Old Goats was transitioning ownership, and not lose sales.
“Being a woman has never felt like it was an obstacle. As a former college athlete, a coach, and now a business leader, I have always wanted the outcomes of my endeavors to speak for themselves, not define me professionally. I’m a business owner, not a woman business owner. I want my results to speak, not my gender.”
–Joni Petro, Owner, Old Goats Hard Goods
whj: Is there a defining moment you are proud of in Old Goats’ growth trajectory?
I vividly remember the first day I was alone in the office, I felt that same realness like when you’ve just been dropped off at college. I wanted to honor the 20-year-long relationships that Old Goats had, but also make it my own. More recently, with COVID-19 and our town’s growth, I’ve had that same feeling of, “It’s time to get to work.”
We’re a passionate bunch. We really, really, really love custom cabinetry and hardware — working with a design team to choose a style or working with a builder to ensure a seamless installation process. It’s not just about the cabinets or hardware to us. It’s about all of it coming together in a way that exceeds our clients’ expectations.
whj: How does your leadership style involve teamwork?
I love and appreciate how everyone has come together with the building boom going on right now despite how busy life is with distance learning, odd schedules, etc. To that end, I lead Old Goats to take a different approach and be a design partner. We love the details and place great value in being a part of the build or remodel team, customizing cabinetry and hardware in a way that seamlessly integrates with a home and becomes an undeniably essential part of it. Our studios are designed to highlight both the products we carry and how people use and live with them. We like to sit down and fully understand your style and how you need your custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets to function. Our approach is an integrated one, working with you and your team from start to finish.
Community and relationships make work feel less like a sterile business transaction and more personal. Together, our overall goal at Old Goats is that people are first. We listen. Outside of work, I coach and am on the board for the NW Sharpshooters girls lacrosse program. Giving back to the community strengthens our overall team and broadens our perspective.
whj: What does leadership mean to you?
Being a woman has never felt like it was an obstacle. As a former college athlete, a coach, and now a business leader, I have always wanted the results of my endeavors to speak for themselves, not define me professionally. I’m a business owner, not a women business owner. I want my results to speak, not my gender. Having three daughters myself, I share the same message with them. You can do whatever you set your mind and heart to, and apply your gift sets. The goal is to not be just “good for a girl.”
Jennifer Shelley
PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate
Jennifer Shelley, an owner/agent with PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate, started her outdoor life early: dirt biking at age six, exploring in the woods, blazing trails, building forts, and learning to drive a WW2 Willys Jeep at ten years old. As a little girl growing up in rural New Jersey, Jennifer dreamed of living in the Rocky Mountains. Whenever her dad returned from his trips out West, Jennifer would pore over his photos, knowing it was just a matter of time until she ventured out there.
Finding Bigfork was predestined. A float trip on the Smith River ended up being canceled, so Jennifer and her dad came to Bigfork to visit friends. When they flew into the valley, Jennifer knew this was going to be her home, with the unmatched beauty of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Jennifer recalls turning to her dad as they stepped off the plane and saying, ‘This is it.’ As she recalls, “I knew I had found my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow… my OZ!” Two months later, she packed up her VW Rabbit and drove cross-country to Bigfork. That was 35 years ago.
Jennifer is the single parent of four children and is the Montana Women’s Sporting Clays Champion for 2010, 2011, and 2016. Originally working in software development and technology for many years, in 2009, Jennifer began her career as a real estate agent. In 2018, Jennifer joined the ownership team at PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate.
whj: How did you get your start in real estate?
Starting a real estate career in the midst of a major recession is not a task that most people would take on. Sales were hard to come by and it wasn’t easy. I worked multiple jobs to support my family while getting my new business off the ground, including cleaning the office for $50 per week so that I had money to put gas in my car to show property.
whj: What are you most proud of in your real estate career?
The way I’ve built my business over the years with commitment and dedication. By 2013, my sales ranked in the top five percent of agents in the Flathead Valley. By 2015, my sales placed me in the top one percent of agents in the Flathead Valley—a position I have maintained since.
whj: How does teamwork factor into your success?
The PureWest Real Estate motto—“Relationships for Life”—is an excellent fit for me because I create genuine, lasting partnerships with my clients and support network. My team consists of my assistant who knows my goals and works tirelessly with me, along with my marketing team members who creatively assist me to put out the message I want to convey. In addition, I see all the agents/brokers I work with throughout the industry as team members. The integrity with which we work through transactions, and how that is seen by our clients, helps define our profession.
“I consider it a privilege to walk these beautiful parcels of property and help clients find exactly what they are looking for.”
–Jennifer Shelley, OWNER / REALTOR®, PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate
whj: Where do you seek professional inspiration?
As a new agent, I watched and listened to many agents and brokers as I started to build a solid foundation; whether it was at an MLS meeting or working through a transaction, I gained valuable gems of knowledge that I incorporated into my business. I still do that every day; with every agent/broker I encounter, I am looking to learn.
whj: How do you achieve a work/life balance raising four children and building your business?
When that business income is your only source of income for your family, it is a continuous work in progress, as many parents know. I have always had the support of my children; we are very close, and that is key!
whj: How do you set goals for your growth?
I commit to partner with my clients at the highest level of service that I can perform—always working on improving that level of service. At the end of the day, if I can say to myself, “I did the best I possibly could,” and my clients are satisfied, that is my goal for growth—to keep improving on my level of service.
Alana Wright
Wright’s Furniture
Alana Wright is one of the store managers at Wright’s Furniture, a family-owned company specializing in home furnishings, accents, and design. She has a fine art degree, experience in retail management, and a love for her family and community. After graduating from the University of Montana in Missoula, she and her husband, Kyle, moved back to Whitefish with the knowledge that he would be involved in his family’s business. She soon found herself interested in also having a role in the business and began to explore areas that fit her personality, interest, and experience.
Alana and her husband worked together with the family and team to become Wright’s Furniture’s store managers, lead designers, product buyers, and more. With a solid foundation built and maintained for over 40 years by the two generations before them, it was an honor for Alana and Kyle to step up to the plate as the third generation of the Wright family to run the business and continue its growth. Wright’s focuses on building lasting and quality relationships with its customers, employees, manufacturers, and community. While most of their clients are located in the Flathead Valley, they have completed projects across the United States and Canada.
whj: How did you enter the family business?
I began shadowing both of Kyle’s parents, Pam Wright and Frank Wright, in different areas of the business that seemed to fit me. I worked with Pam on product selection, interior decorating for the showroom, space planning, and the many other hats she wore to gain knowledge of the full spectrum of a design job. At the same time, I also worked with Frank on marketing and the workings of managing a team. From there, things fell into place.
whj: How does teamwork factor into your professional growth?
My team is the source of my success. I attribute my professional growth to my team’s ability to stick together and get through changing times. Our overall resilience has helped us move forward and continue to evolve collectively. My relationship with Kyle is built on trust, respect, and inspiration. As a family business, we apply those same values to how we lead our entire team, with the addition of professionalism and hard work. We have a lot to accomplish and are a small company, so every person counts and is appreciated. Along with our team, we highly appreciate and support our community, customers, and manufacturers. We work continuously to maintain a strong connection and a high level of professionalism with our clients as well as our manufacturer representatives. Building and maintaining these business relationships is also key to our success as a team and business.
“My team is the source of my success. I attribute my professional growth to my team’s ability to stick together and get through changing times. Our overall resilience has helped us move forward and continue to evolve collectively.”
–Alana Wright, Store Manager, Wright’s Furniture
whj: Is there a key moment or milestone that you’re most proud of in your career?
I am immensely proud of the level of respect that has been achieved and maintained at Wright’s. With many things happening in the world outside of work, it is easy to let personal differences and an overall attitude of stress weaken a workplace. I intentionally focus on creating an environment with a high expectation for professionalism and respect. We have created a neutral atmosphere where everyone is welcomed, which allows us to focus on the jobs at hand, such as resetting the floor this time of year for outdoor living with all of our new patio furniture, and training our staff on the latest products and options to make the upcoming summer season that much more fun!
whj: What are some of your favorite ways that you are involved in the community outside of work?
I’m passionate about community involvement both personally and professionally. Without the continued support of the community, Wright’s wouldn’t be the store we are now. Dream Adaptive Recreation, Whitefish Bulldog Booster Club, and North Valley Music School are three organizations that Wright’s proudly supports. We also donate sports gear to our daughter’s youth softball team. On a personal level, Kyle and I proudly support other local businesses and love shopping locally. I have tons of fun as a classroom volunteer helping organize art lessons and helping on field trips. I remember my mom helping in my classrooms when I was in school, so I love having that opportunity to be involved in my kids’ experiences as well. Seeing our community thrive and grow into such a loved place for families and tourism just extends our appreciation for living in the Flathead Valley.
