406 Magazine Business Vol. 8 No. 4

Page 110

Kalispell

is Rockin It’s not every day that the words “Kalispell” and

“edgy” are mentioned in the same sentence. Yet young, savvy entrepreneurs have opened more small businesses between 2014 and 2015 than ever before. In October this year, Kalispell was named the fastest growing city in Montana. In recognition of this, the state granted Kalispell a 10 million dollar Federal grant specifically tied to its downtown revitalization. For a small city that

w

has struggled with filling storefronts and keeping restaurants alive, suddenly, Kalispell is blossoming. 110 406

oman.com

Written by Karen Sanderson, Brix Bottleshop Photo by Cody Payne Below is a classic example of how one couple turned their dream into a reality in Kalispell:

still a double black diamond, I’m sure.) Soon after, the Steele’s were married.

The Desoto Grill at the Forge, 227 1st St. West The Flathead Beacon newspaper recently described this instantly popular new restaurant in Kalispell as a “Rockabilly BBQ” joint with “a personality; an amalgam of down-home Montana and a bit of that Portland edginess to keep it interesting.” Willie and Shawnna Steele are Flathead Valley natives who, like many of us, moved away to seek careers in the big cities. I have known Willie since high school and have fond memories of him and his posse of powder hounds guiding me through the “out of bounds” trails on Big Mountain. Willie was a risk taker by nature. And then he met Shawnna. On one cold powder day, Willie tells a story of recognizing the other side of risk. He looked down that steep rocky cliff and imagined Shawnna. In an instant, he decided to take the safer route. (Which was

Portland, Oregon was a happy home to Willie and Shawnna for almost two decades. They had always considered moving back to the Flathead, but never quite knew when the time was right. In April 2015, a ski buddy who once made the cover of Powder Magazine for his fearless ski stunts died in a mountain climbing accident. Willie’s best friend since grade school, Scott Sederstrom, was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was a kind soul who lived his dream and our entire class was grief stricken by his tragic loss. In May, Willie and Shawnna brought their Traeger Smoker to the Kalispell Memorial service. Friends were not only touched by Willie’s “live for today” speech, but also impressed with their generous BBQ spread. It comforted everyone in a time of sorrow and enlightened us with a great celebration of life. That’s just Willie’s way. “The Time is Now!”


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406 Magazine Business Vol. 8 No. 4 by 406 Woman - Issuu