Women in Business 2016

2016

WIB

Celebrating

Women in Business

in Idaho County

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Wendy Kunkel is shown here at a table in her red, white and black decorated cafe. Read about Kunkel’s White Bird eatery, Red’s River Cafe, on page 8.

WIB SPotLIGHtS 2016 •Schlader Photography: Shelley Schlader: Cottonwood .................................................................................................... page 3 •Hewlett Packard, Inc., Heidi Lindsley: GranGevILLe .................................................................................................... page 4 •Hearthstone Bakery and tea House, Marjorie Schmaehl: KaMIaH: ..................................................................................... page 5 •Cottonwood vet Clinic, Helen rowland: Cottonwood .................................................................................................... page 6

A PREMIER PUBLICATION OF THE

•red’s river Cafe, wendy Kunkel: wHIte BIrd ...... page 8 •asker’s Harvest Foods, alicia asker: GranGevILLe ........................................................................................... page 9 •damsel in defense, Joni Shepherd: rIGGInS ........ page 10 •windshield Magic & designs by Holly, Holly Cox: GranGevILLe ............................................................................ page 11 •Superior events, Sheila arnzen: GranGevILLe ................................................................................................... page 12

AUGUST 2016

2016

WIB

Women in Business ■ 2016

Page 2

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Role models come in all ages, stages of life

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

When I think of strong female role models I am drawn to several women in my life who have helped shape me in one way or another.

My maternal grandmother, Faye Faurot, would be among the first of those women. Grandma Faye was born in Kansas in 1899. She became a cook and housekeeper for farm hands, and during World War I — while a teenager — she farmed 80 acres by herself. After the war, she returned to cooking and traveled in a covered wagon from farm to farm. In 1923 she married Sheriff Bill Dunnavan in Baca County, Colo. When he died she later moved to Sandpoint, where she worked at Farragut Naval Base.

Grandma Faye didn’t have much and to be honest she was pretty strict. Her only child was my mother who learned to tow the line or pay the price. Most of my life Grandma Faye lived next door to me in Custer, Wash. I would visit her frequently and the only time she made me go home was in the afternoon when “The Edge of Night” came on. “I want to watch my story now and your mom doesn’t want you to see it, so you better run on home,” she would say. It was years before I figured out why my mom didn’t want me watching a soap opera.

Although Grandma Faye often seemed harsh and regimented – she was a hard worker all her life – I also knew another side of her. I heard the stories about her and her own mother feeding the hoboes who walked by on their way to find work somewhere – anywhere – during the war when my mother was a child. They never left with an empty stomach, no matter how little my grandmothers had to share.

Grandma Faye was always a very good cook and after I had my oldest daughter, Avery, she taught me how to make her famous Christmas candies — peanut brittle, Martha Washingtons and mints – supervising while she adored baby Avery.

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Lifelong friends can prove to be role models during life’s hardships as well as the good times. Lifelong best friends Lorie Palmer Russell and Kimberly Calman McMurray are seen here in 1968 and again in 2015, showing a friendship that has spanned nearly 50 years. Although both say that cannot be true since they are each only 29 years old (and holding).

My mom, Arlene Palmer, was the next true role model. She didn’t work out of the home which was a blessing to me and my two older brothers. My dad was in the Air Force for 20 years, which meant they moved a lot, including living in Idaho, Washington, Missouri and Northern Canada. My dad volunteered for a tour of duty in Vietnam and it was my mom who took care of two boys and had me while my dad was away. She drove to church 15 miles away and did all the things at home that my dad would normally do. Many times our military veterans are recognized as being heroes, but the truth is, there are a host of heroes who keep the home fires burning and families intact, too.

When I was in school Mom had an in-home daycare with a few kids.

I had someone to play with every day and we always had a table full at dinner. My mom was there each morning to make my sack lunch for school and was there every day

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when I got off the school bus. Later, she also raised a granddaughter.

I grew up in a very tight-knit church family in the Nazarene church in Lynden, Wash. There, I had many caring female individuals who made an impact on me. One of those women was the mother of my lifelong best friend, Kimberly Calman McMurray. Jeanie Calman worked and she and her husband raised three daughters. (Kim and I always say we are “friends since the womb” because our parents knew each other before we were born).

Jeanie was also an instrumental person in my growing up years as she taught Sunday school and was a vacation Bible school teacher.

I became most impressed and inspired by Jeanie when a horrible tragedy struck the Calmans and our church family in 1984. They were at another church family’s home when a fuel can imploded at a bonfire. The family’s young teen, Kim and Kim’s boyfriend were all burned. Kim’s boyfriend died 11 days later. Kim and the other young man were in critical condition for months. While Kim’s life hanged in the balance at Harborview Medical Center’s burn unit in Seattle, Kim’s mom – who rented an apartment 80 miles from our home and stayed with Kim day and night, and was even mugged one night – showed incredible compassion to others and a resilience of spirit not often witnessed. I will never forget when someone asked

her how she could give the situation over to God so seemingly easy (though I know it wasn’t easy) and she said, “All my life I have been giving the little things to God. People would laugh about me praying for parking spaces or what to have for dinner, but all those little things have prepared me to give back to God the biggest thing ever – my daughter.”

Wow. Lessons learned.

I was fortunate enough following college to work for a woman named Josselyn Winslow. She founded the Alzheimer Society of Washington (ASW) in Bellingham, Wash., and I landed a position through the Job Corps for ASW where I learned a variety of office and computer proficiencies as well as a host of skills that cannot be learned any way but through the tutelage and encouragement of a person who wants to see you grow and be successful.

I learned the importance of being an advocate for those who do not have a voice or have not yet found their voice. I learned to write grants and plow my way through government red tape. I learned to listen to caregivers who just needed a few minutes of normalcy in their lives. I learned what was not appropriate to wear to work and that “good enough” on a custom brochure wasn’t good enough until it was perfect.

Varied and appreciated lessons that have served me well.

Perhaps one of the most important women in my life whom I al-

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ready mentioned above is my friend Kim, my longest time friend whom I love and appreciate for so many reasons. We grew up together and were college roommates.

Kim could have used being a burn survivor as an excuse for a lot of things. But she didn’t. She went for the gusto and not only did she forge out a career but she also became a wife and a mother. And along the way she taught me to never give up.

She has shown me that ability is more important than disability. Most importantly, she has taught me that sometimes people can be very cruel and thoughtless but we go on and assume best intentions anyway. She has shown me that we all have scars, some just show up on the outsides of our bodies while others are hidden from the world on the inside. My daughters, Avery and Hailey, love Kim, and it’s no wonder. She is truly one of the kindest, most loyal people I have ever met.

I am blessed to have such wonderful women role models. Take time to read about some other female mentors our readers talk about on page 6. And here’s a little advice to end this: Don’t just look for role models and mentors. Be one.

Lorie Palmer has worked for the Idaho County Free Press for 21 years. She has a bonus daughter and two daughters with her husband, Valor Russell.

Page 3

2016

Women in Business ■ 2016

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

WIB

Spotlight: Shelley Schlader, Schlader Photography

BY KRISTA GREEN SPECIAL TO THE IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

2016

Preserving memories one photo at a time WIB

Schlader Photography

COTTONWOOD — Her passion for family and community is evident in the skill and thoughtfulness with which she captures milestone events in the lives of her subjects. From her studio in CotShelley Schlader, owner tonwood, Shelley Schlader of Schlader Photography helps preserve memories 425 Main Street of weddings, engagements and anCottonwood, ID 83522 niversaries, and celebrates kids from T208-962-3249 ball athletes to high school seniors.

Although she had an interest in phoSChlaDerPhotograPhy@Cen tography from an early age, Shelley turylInk.net studied social work in college and worked for several years as a licensed httPS://www.faCebook.CoM/SChlaDer social worker in Boise and Lewiston.

PhotograPhy When she and her husband Scot started their family, however, she set that work aside to stay home with her chil- Camas Prairie to the Lewis-Clark Valley.

She’d planned to work the business dren.

When the Schladers moved back around her family, Schlader said, “But to her hometown, she heard that the within five years I was working my popular long-time area photographer, family around the business.” She hired Ladd Arnotti, was thinking about re- Leah Kaschmitter to manage the office tirement and wanted to sell his busi- details, enabling her to concentrate on Shelley Schlader gets comfortable ness. She wasn’t sure the timing was the photography itself and give her behind the camera as she takes a exactly right for her growing family, family top priority. Ten years later, couple’s photo. Schlader has been but Shelley recogLeah’s desire to working in her Cottonwood-based nized an opportunimove on to other photogrpahy business since 1996. ty to pursue her lifework coincided with She purchased her studio from long interest in phoLadd Arnotti. the last of the tography and step Schlader children FREE PRESS / KRISTA GREEN into a well-estabstarting school and lished business that Shelley is once again — Shelley Schlader managing all aspects and help them get the graduation phowould allow her the flexibility to work owner, Schlader Photography of the business on tos they want,” she said, “and they alaround her family her own. “I wear a ways want something different life. She bought lot of hats,” she said. something none of their friends Ladd Arnotti Studio Shelley and her husband Scot have have.”

Her willingness to accommodate in August of 1996. seven children: Beau, 23; Tanna, 21; Completely self-trained at that Rhett, 19; Tyson, 17; Cole, 13; Tara, her customers’ ideas for the perfect photo, her talent for capturing mopoint, Shelley received some mentor- 11; and Erica, 7 ments and her friendly personality ing from Arnotti as she began to learn With a large family of her own, as the business of photography and then well as extended family in the area, have certainly contributed to her sucsought out other opportunities to build Shelley is a people person. “My favorite cess.

“It has all been word of mouth,” her skills. She took classes, attended part of this business is meeting people,” conventions and graduated from Pacif- said Schlader. She enjoys getting to she admits of her thriving studio. ic Northwest School of Photography in know her customers and creating pho- “I’ve never had to chase business. I Seattle. tographs that reflect their personalities. believe in producing a good product She used both film and digital camHer favorite subjects are high school for a fair price, and I think people aperas in the beginning of her business, seniors. “It’s fun to get to know the kids preciate that.” which she re-named Schlader Photography, but she was completely digital by around 2005. Purchase of the studio included acquiring 50 years’ worth of film negatives, which have been used by some clients to create memorable SALON PUREFull Service Salon composite pieces and are available to others.

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2016

WIB

Page 4

Women in Business ■ 2016

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Spotlight: Heidi Lindsley, Hewlett Packard, Inc.

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

2016

Remote work allows for good life WIB

Hewlett Packard, Inc.

GRANGEVILLE — Heidi Lindsley knows the pressures of working for a large, Fortune 100 company. She has been employed by Hewlett Packard Heidi Lindsley for 17 years. But even with continual Market Analytics Manager stresses and deadlines, it’s an experiGrangeville, ID 83530 ence she said she would not trade.

Lindsley grew up in Boise where she graduated from Bishop Kelley bosses who lived in Boise. All others High School. She then attended Boise lived and worked remotely.

State University where she obtained Lindsley physically worked at the her Bachelor degree in Marketing Boise site for six years, but when and Economics. things changed with the Lindsley “I worked at a bank all through family in Grangeville, she already college — they were very flexible had the “work remotely” seed plantwith my schedule and great to work ed. for,” she said.

“Tom [Russ’s father] and [his Following her graduation from siter] Susan had both passed away BSU, she married, Russ Lindsley, and and there was just a need and a dethen moved to Moscow where she at- sire to be closer to his family, to be in tended University of Idaho and got Grangeville,” she explained. her Masters in Business Education.

She pitched the idea of virtual “I worked for a work to her boss chemical engineerand was given the ing firm in marketOK to move to ing while I was Grangeville. As there, and I had long as she had a thought that one phone, computer day I would go into and Internet acteaching business,” cess, she was in — Heidi Lindsley she said. However, business. on one thing she hopes to after a junior high When their oldpass on to her daughter est daughter, Paige, student teaching stint, she changed now 15, was a todher mind. dler, they made the “It wasn’t the junior high kids,” move. she laughed. “They were great, my Lindsley works in Corporate Stratteacher was wonderful. I just had my egy Market Analytics and Reporting mind set on working in a business for HP and manages a team of 13 profession.” people located in six different counHer own brother-in-law was em- tries. She travels all over the world ployed by Hewlett Packard and told for meetings and spends “hours a her about a job opening. She inter- day” on the phone, she said. viewed and was hired over the Although working virtually has phone. Her first manager resided in not allowed her to climb the corpoSan Diego, Calif., while she was rate ladder, so to speak, in the same based out of the Boise office. way as living in Boise and physically Throughout her 17 years and a va- working at the facility, she said she riety of roles, she has only had three doesn’t have any regrets.

“I

t’s OK to ask for help ... we don’t have to figure it all out ourselves.”

“I would not change it for anything,” she said. She has been able to be present and active with her family, attend the activities of her children — which also includes 13-year-old Jared and 11-year-old Sam — and raise her family in an environment she feels is suited to happy, healthy kids.

Lindsley grew up with a mom who worked out of her home as well.

“She was busy and she worked extremely hard, but she was there for us,” she said. She worked hard to ensure we all had a good education and more importantly that we were productive, hardworking, service minded people.

“I know not everyone is cut out for college, but that doesn’t mean you don’t go on and continue to learn after high school,” she said. “We all learn in different capacities and there are many ways to become educated.

I truly believe there are more opportunities for those people who are educated beyond high school.”

Lindsley admits the pressures for women in the workplace are different, but not impossible. “You have to learn to stand your ground, be confident and have a voice,” she said.

There is always a need and benefit of diversity in the workplace.

Lindsley admits she has not always been very good at saying “no” or at asking for help when it is needed. “My personality just does not allow for that,” she said.

That is just one of the lessons she hopes to teach her daughter, she said: How to say no. That it is OK to realize you have too much on your plate.

“Also, that it’s OK to ask for help – we don’t have to figure it all out ourselves,” she said.

Although she is enjoying her job and the freedom and flexibility it has offered her family, Lindsley does not know exactly what the future holds.

“I always say, ‘I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up,’” she laughed. “Who knows? I may like to

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Heidi Lindsley is a market analytics manager for Hewlett Packard, Inc.

try something completely different.”

One thing she knows for sure, she would rather be outside than inside.

“Yard work, biking, skiing, running, hiking – I love being outdoors,” she said.

Aside from her HP job, she also keeps the books for Green Acres.

Russ and Heidi own Green Acres Nursery and Feed store they pur-

chased in 2010.

“There are pressures in working for HP and in owning your own business that are just different. They both require a lot of work, and are fulfilling in unique ways,” she said.

“We have a great life and I feel very fortunate to raise my children here with great people and schools in a wonderful community,” she smiled.

Idaho’s wage gap reveals significant costs for the state’s women An analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data recently released shows that the gender-based wage gap is hurting women and families in every single state. Overall, women who are employed full time, year round in the United States are paid 79 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap in wages of $10,762.

If the gap were eliminated, on average, a working woman in this country would have enough money for 1.6 years’ worth of food, more than seven months of mortgage and utilities payments, more than 11 more months of rent, or 4,635 gallons of gas.

The analysis was conducted by the National Partnership for Women & Families and spans all 50 states and

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the District of Columbia.

In Idaho, median annual pay for a woman who holds a full-time, yearround job is $31,019, while median annual pay for a man who holds a full-time, year-round job is $42,624.

This means that women in Idaho are paid 73 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to an annual wage gap of $11,605.

The wage gap can be even larger for women of color. For example, among Idaho’s women who hold fulltime, year-round jobs, Latinas are paid 52 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

Idaho’s gender wage gap spans the state. In both of Idaho’s congressional districts, the median yearly pay for women who work full time,

year round is less than the median yearly pay for men who do.

On average, Idaho women who are employed full time lose a combined total of more than $2.2 billion every year due to the wage gap.

These women, their families, businesses and the economy suffer as a result. Lost wages mean families have less money to save for the fu-

ture or to spend on basic goods and services spending that helps drive the economy.

If the annual wage gap were eliminated, on average, a working woman in Idaho would have enough money for approximately: 84 more weeks of food for her family (nearly See Wage gap, Page 8

Page 5

2016

Women in Business ■ 2016

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

WIB

Spotlight: Marjorie Schmaehl, Hearthstone Bakery and Tea House

restoration, comfort key ingredients

BY LAURIE CHAPMAN IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

2016

KAMIAH — Three key words define Marjorie Schmaehl’s business approach – comfort, love and serving.

“People seek escapism from the stresses of life,” Schmaehl said.

Schmaehl, along with her husband, Harty, owns the Hearthstone Lodge and the Hearthstone Bakery and Tea House, both located in Kamiah. Her meticulous attention to detail and keen eye for interior design has allowed the pair to create an atmosphere of elegance in both facilities.

That refined touch, coupled with a desire to ensure pleasant accommodation, motivates Marjorie in the day -to-day operations of the business.

Prior to moving to Kamiah, the couple owned and managed one of the top ranked bed and breakfast in the country.

“A good business is well-defined,” she said. “We’re servants, serving our community, serving our employees, and for us, serving the Lord.”

The couple owns six businesses in Kamiah with 10 to 15 employees.

Marjorie said she went to great effort to research the finer points of a successful bakery and sought talented individuals to accomplish that goal. It was of the utmost importance to Marjorie to hire locally, in order to stimulate local economy.

Bakers at the restaurant specialize

WIB

Hearthstone Bakery and Tea House Marjorie Schmaehl, owner 502 Main Street Kamiah, ID 83536 208-935-1912 eaT@HearTHSToneBaKery.coM Hearthstone Lodge Highway 12, MP 64 208-935-1492 WWW.HEARTHSTONEBAKERY.COM HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HEAR THSTONE-RESTAURANT-BAKERY404927489554753/?FREF=TS WWW.HEARTHSTONELODGE.COM HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HEAR THSTONEELEGANTLODGE/?FREF=TS

in Old World artisan breads and pastries. Also served on the menu are gourmet breakfasts, crepes, lunches and salads, complemented by fine teas and coffees. The lunch special July 27, for instance, was lemon grilled tilapia served on a bed of rice.

And while the business is molded by its adherence to comfortable elegance, the couple has been defined by life events testing their tenacity.

Last year’s wildfires burned literally outside the lodge. The entrance to the rooms stands just feet from the tree line and blackened bark still mars the trees today.

“Adversarial moments shape us,” she said.

Harty told how the couple was asked to evacuate and packed important documents and necessary clothing and personal effects. They drove into town and settled in to contemplate the next step. The conversation evolved to a firm belief they needed to return to the site.

The Schmaehls drove back and met with the fire crew stationed at their property. Along with a staff member, Harty led efforts to keep the lodge, his home and the log chalet all hosed down with water until the fire was squelched.

This was not the first fire that creeped onto the doorstep of the lodge, nor is it the only struggle the couple has endured building their businesses. But with prayer and fortitude, the couple maintains course intent on their goal of creating a restorative force in the community.

The couple moved to Kamiah from Southern California in 1999 after purchasing the Bridwell Building in 1998. They began building the Hearthstone Lodge first, and after a year of construction, opened that business. Two years later, the couple began work on the Bridwell Building.

The Hearthstone Bakery and Tea House opened in 2002, exactly one year to the day after beginning the restoration process.

The Bridwell Building was built in 1905 by Dr. Bridwell, the founder of Kamiah. Originally, the couple was unaware of the building’s history.

Once they learned, however, it was clear to them they would be tasked with restoring the site with respect to the history.

Marjorie didn’t shy from the task.

She began searching antique stores, auctions and flea markets for the pieces that would acquire that comfort she longed to instill.

Her work history, which includes restoring and decorating properties, is evident in the many finer touches

FREE PRESS / LAURIE CHAPMAN

Marjorie Schmaehl and her husband, Harty, run the Hearthstone Bakery and Tea House and Hearthstone Lodge.

at both the lodge and the bakery. The bakery’s Victorian tin ceiling tiles were created after Marjorie purchased an original wood block from Canada. The high windows were restored after removing the wooden façade at the bakery.

A wood armoire handcrafted in 1838 stands in the entryway to the lodge, and each guest room is furnished with antique hand carved headboards. Modern amenities, including flat screen TVs, wood-burning stoves, Jacuzzi tubs and a bathrobe, complement the antiquities to offer guests every accommodation they could want.

Both the lodge and the bakery are open year round. And despite leaving family, friends and businesses behind

in South California, Marjorie believes strongly in her purpose in the community.

“We are here to help restore the economy. We feel we have a purpose here,” she said.

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2016

WIB

Women in Business ■ 2016

Page 6

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Spotlight: Helen Rowland, Cottonwood Vet Service

Tough work leads to dream career

BY ANDREW OTTOSON IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

2016

COTTONWOOD — “You always have your dreams,” Helen Rowland said. “I think everybody at one point in their life says they want to be a veterinarian. It’s something I feel fortunate and lucky to be able to do every day.”

Ten years ago, when Helen Rowland started her large animal veterinary business, Cottonwood Vet Service, it was a natural step many veterinarians pursue, but also because it’s a natural fit with the Cottonwood Livestock Auction business her husband, Dennis, owns and operates.

“I’d been a vet for 20 years,” she said. “I worked with Virgil Frei in Ferdinand for a while and out of

WIB

Cottonwood Vet Service Helen Rowland, co-owner 2151 Hwy 95 N Cottonwood, ID 83522 208-962-3450; 208-983-5622

Lewiston for six years. I met Dennis and got married up here. It’s kind of a family business. He owns and runs the sale yard with his two sons helping him.”

Rowland’s daughter helps every day. “She wants to be a veterinarian, so I guess I haven’t done too bad a job raising her,” she said.

Rowland grew up in Cottonwood, studied to be a vet and earned her doctorate — an eight-year degree — from Washington State University.

After following through on that major commitment to her studies, Rowland followed a path other vets tend to take: working for others and gaining the experience and confidence to start her own practice.

She made the leap in 2006.

“Luckily I have a good business partner, my husband, who had the sale yard business, so it was a fairly easy transition,” she said. “I didn’t know how busy I would be, but I knew doing the sales every week or every other week, I’d have some steady work to do. I couldn’t have imagined how busy I’d be.”

It can be tough work, physically, as large stock animals can be more than a handful for anyone — and for much of its history, the veterinary profession was a man’s world. Rowland has added features to her setup at the sale yard to make it easier for her to work with the animals, and when it’s busy, as it is especially dur-

FREE PRESS / ANDREW OTTOSON

Helen Rowland has been a vet for the past 20 years, 10 of those years at Cottonwood Vet Service.

ing fall calving, a day’s work can involve seeing hundreds of them.

“In the fall, I’ll preg four to five thousand cows, and wean that many calves,” she said. “It’s a busy, busy time. It’s a big rush…It depends on if I’m doing herd work at somebody’s ranch. I’ve got a portable hydraulic chute I take with me. I preg ‘em, see

when they’re going to calve and vaccinate them for pneumonia, worm ‘em, give ‘em vitamins and minerals.”

For herd work, Rowland checks a wide range of health issues – from ensuring reproductive health to treating diseases like blackleg – at a quick pace. She also works with

horses, providing routine services, such as pulling teeth and castrations, as well as basic health care, such as treating wire cuts and colics.

Business slows in July, “when everybody’s out haying,” she said. “It gives me a bit of a break, physically and mentally, to get recuperated for the fall.”

Who’s your role model?

Women describe their female mentors COMPILED BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

omen role models are an important factor in the lives of both men and women. When asked on Facebook recently who their female mentors were or are, several answered. Following are some of those responses:

W

•Frances Conklin of Cottonwood: “Other than my mother, a woman from Corvallis, Ore., has shaped my perspectives on life dedicated to the pursuit of good work (she was a scientist), the pursuit of long held interests, and what it means to age well ever since she first arrived at Dog Bark Park at the age of 88, now almost 10 years ago. We see each other nearly every year and correspond often. She’s the role model I never knew I sought. She’s a woman who lost love due to WWII, never married, pursued a career not much open to women and never has stopped learning and seeking meaningful experiences and thought.”

•Stacy Dunmire, Boise: “My mama!

[Kelly Thesan] She has not only been an amazing mother and now grandmother but she has worked hard at jobs not a lot of women could handle. She worked for the Forest Service for 16 years.

The last few years she did that she was an engine boss.

She worked on fires all over the Northwest. Since she quit doing that she has done painting and drywall.

Throughout all of this she KELLY has remained active in her THESAN church and helped out anyone who needs it. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. She is a great example of what a good mom should be. I am a better person because she is my mama! I hope to be half the mother she is.”

•Shauna Simonsen, Grangeville: “My Mom — she’s been my rock for my whole life. Because she’s always been there for me and [my son] Tyler , she never gave up on me when I wanted to. She’s shown me unconditional love and patience. She’s just the best mom ever.”

•Sonya Turner, Arizona: “Kathy Stefani because of her relentless, selfless pursuit of keeping music in the schools, her beautiful Christian attitude and her love of all people.”

•Reyna Phillips, Grangeville: “I was in the hospital for 31 days. Having surgery every two days. It was a tough year. On one particular day, I couldn’t take it anymore.

The leg pain was too much to bear. I was crying in a chair asking for euthanasia. The CNA making up my bed, turns to me and goes to lock the door to my hospital room. I think, ‘This is it. I’m going to die. She’s going to kill me.’ She walks up to me, slides up her sleeves and grabs her dentures. She whips out both dentures and tells me a story I’ll never forget. She tells me how her exhusband stabbed her and beat the living daylights out of her and her two kids. The stabbing was the last straw but she said for five years previously, she lived in fear for her life and her kids.

She then told me how my hub drives 150 miles daily with a fresh bouquet of roses for my room.

He brings me whatever meal I ask for. I had visitors every day full of love and hope. She then showed me the hole in her side of her head where the ex hit her daily. It humbled me beyond measure.

To this day, I do not let my leg define who I am. I have pity days, but you’ll never see me pity a situation in my favor because of my leg. Someone always has it worse who is just an arm’s length away. In addition, my mom. The woman worked while having lung cancer and chemo and all, and then she still worked 60 hours a week.

She was a machine. But machines die, too.”

KATHY STEFANI

•Kristi Bronson Kingma, Grangeville: “Nancy Kaschmitter fits all the criteria for hard working and influential.”

•Ann Clark, Newport, Ore.: “I grew up on the same little culdesac as Jody Miller, and from a very young age she always had an open house and an open heart. Even though I spent my days as I got older doing things that teenagers do and I was stupid, she offered kind words and love.

When I moved back to Grangeville after trying college, her bright and shining self always had a smile and asked how I was. I was very lucky when I got the opportunity to work with her at Irwin Drug, and that’s when I truly got to see how much she cared for people, remembering names and family members. She is an amazingly hard worker and very dependable and she puts her heart into everything she does. She is honest and brave, strong and beautiful. She loves her family and her friends. She taught me you can work hard and love your family even harder, to take care of JODY what you have because it MILLER may be all you’ve got. Also, you can change colors and decor as much as you like because it’s about what makes you happy and comfortable. But most importantly the most important things in life aren’t things but the people who surround you, so being a friendly face with kind words are important. Be proud of who you are because nobody has the right to tear you down. She may not know she taught me all these things and that I value her so much and even though I live miles and miles

away, something in my day almost every day reminds me of her and my life is greatly enriched.”

•Rebecca Warden, Grangeville: “Sharon Cox was an amazing elected official. She would never ask her employees to do anything that she would not do herself; she was always right there beside her employees. She taught us to treat all customers respectfully and equal no matter the circumstances. She also gives a lot to the community. She was on the Pine Tree Board of Directors for several years (at least 15 that I am positive about) and has been a longtime Eagles member plus the time she gives the Methodist SHARON Church. She also does the COX books for her husband’s trucking business. She was very well-respected statewide by all elected officials while she was the Idaho County Treasurer.

Susie Heckman has always been a person I looked up to. Growing up in 4-H she was always just a positive, kind, motivating role model. She gives so much to that program and I am glad to have been able to come back here as an adult and volunteer my time to help them when they need it.”

•Carrie Edwards Marek, White Bird: “I really thought of [my mother-in-law] Peg Marek. She is definitely an idol to many. She is still out there working from sunup to sundown every day as a rancher, working on cattle feeding, cattle raising, lambs, irrigating, ranch keep-up, fencing, etc.”

Women in Business ideas?

Do you know a woman who would make a good spotlight story for Women in Business?

Send ideas to Idaho County Free Press Community Editor Lorie Palmer at LPALMER@IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM or call 983-1200.

Page 7

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Women in Business ■ 2016

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Women operate more than 100 farms in Idaho County Information about women in agriculture comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, conducted in years ending in “2” and “7”. The most recent survey was in 2012, and the next survey will be in 2017.

WOMEN AS OPERATORS: In Idaho, in 2012, there were 12,538 farms with a woman operator, totaling 3,983,829 acres in farmland.

And there were 13,043 women operators.

In Idaho County, in 2012, there were 374 farms with a woman operator, totaling 296,834 acres in farmland.

Farms where women were operators made up 51 percent of the total 731 farms in Idaho County. There were 387 women operators in Idaho County, making up 34 percent of the 1,137 operators in Idaho County.

WOMEN AS PRINCIPAL OPERATORS: In Idaho, in 2012, there were 2,995 farms whose principal operator was a woman, totaling 694,379 acres in farmland. The market value of agricultural products sold

by those farms totaled $140,213,000.

In Idaho County, in 2012, there were 104 farms whose principal operator was a woman, totaling 31,503 acres in farmland. Women made up 14 percent of the total 731 principal operators in Idaho County. The market value of agricultural products sold by those farms totaled $936,000.

Of the 104 women who were principal operators of farms in Idaho County, 81 were full owners of the farm, while 19 were part owners and four were tenants leasing the farm.

— Information provided by Kathryn Tacke, Regional Economist Labor, Public Affairs Bureau, Idaho Department of Labor, 1158 Idaho Street, Lewiston, ID 83501-1960; 208-799-5000 ext. 3984; Fax: 208-799-5007; KATHRYN.TACKE@LABOR.IDAHO.GOV The chart on the right, provided by USDA, shows the number of women farmers in Idaho, among other statistics related to Idaho farming women.

3,983,829 Acres

$

13,043 Women Farmers in

140

million

Economic Impact

33% of Idaho Farmers are Women

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Idaho Forest Group is the largest private employer in Idaho County. We utilize the best technology available and our state-ofthe-art sawmill is one of the most safe, modern and efficient in North America.

We pride ourselves on having smart, innovative, top-notch employees who take great pride in their work, are involved in their communities, and care about the local quality of life.

We are delighted to have so many hardworking women on our team. Our employees go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. We thank you!

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2016

WIB

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Women in Business ■ 2016

IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Spotlight: Wendy Kunkel, Red’s River Café

Café timing right for woman who loves to cook, entertain es for people,” she laughed. “I did not know what went into owning a restaurant and everything it involved.”

She had the opportunity to take WHITE BIRD — For Wendy on a former eatery at the entrance to Kunkel, it came down to timthe town’s Main Street and she ing. grabbed onto it. She and Mike “Really – the timing was cleaned, remodeled and decorated – just right and everything fell and suddenly the restaurant was ready to open. together,” she said.

“It was Dec. 27 and I was terriKunkel, along with husband, Mike, opened Red’s River Café in fied,” she remembered.

However, with the help and tuteWhite Bird in December 2015. However, Kunkel’s love of cooking and en- lage of family, friends and food service providers, she has made her way. tertaining started years before.

“There have been some hiccups, of Wendy Noland Kunkel grew up in course, but we’ve had wonderful supGrangeville, and started working at the golf course when she was 12, port from the community and the moving to kitchen work there at age people who come from literally all over to eat here,” she said.

13.

Currently a new grill is being in“I learned to bake bread and make many other things – I loved to cook,” stalled in an addition the Kunkels built onto the she recalled. At age 15 business. The she cooked for a large area houses the tournament at the club pizza oven and and thus began her prep area as well “career” of providing as storage. The “big food.” plan is to start “I always make — Wendy Kunkel serving breakfood for big gatherings — I feed everyone,” owner, Red’s River Cafe fast sometime this fall, in addishe laughed. tion to Red’s She graduated from lunch and dinGrangeville High School, attended the University of ner menu.

Burgers, pizza, tater tots and Idaho and later, moved to Boise homemade meatloaf are among fawhere she worked for the Idaho Statesman. When she moved back to vorites on the varied menu as well as Grangeville in 2000 with young son, a variety of pasta, potato and green Freddy, in tow, she managed Monty’s salads.

With the Silver Dollar Bar across Motel — owned by her parents Fred and Lila Noland at the time — for six the street (Kunkel thanks owner Rick Alley for his use of cold space as well years.

In 2006, she and Mike married as ice) there are constant orders and she later went to work for the being called in as well as take-out pizza orders and dine-in customers.

Free Press for five years Kunkel said she often puts in 12 to “I had always dreamed of having a cute little café and making sandwich- 14-hour days, but, again, timing is

2016

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

WIB

Red’s River Cafe Wendy Kunkel, co-owner 105 River Street White Bird, ID 83554 208-839-9977 ReDSRIveRCafe@gmaIl.Com httpS://WWW.faCeBooK.Com/ReDS-RIveRCafe-1520987511535071/?fRef=tS

“I

had always dreamed of having a cute litte cafe....”

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Wendy Kunkel showcases her Red’s decor — all in red and white. The back of her shirt reads, “Many have eaten here, few have died.”

key: With son, Fred, in college, and husband, Mike, working two weeks at a stretch in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska,

she feels she has the time.

“Of course I never want to cook at home and my dogs don’t know me

Blasts From The Past: 1971

Wage gap: Continued from Page 4

These women are all a part of Idaho County’s history. At left (L-R) Kathy Parsells (2nd in 220-yard dash), Helen Chedsey (fourth in 75yard dash) and Dee Moody (second is discus) of Grangeville High School all participated in a track meet in Twin Falls; (middle) Carolyn Haning is shown in an advertisement for the Honeycomb Hair Salon; and (right) Sue Tackett, a sophomore at U of I and a member of Alpha Phi sorority, received a $400 scholarship from Union Pacific Railroad.

FREE PRESS ARCHIVES

anymore,” she laughed.

Red’s is closed Mondays and is otherwise open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

two years’ worth); 10 more months of mortgage and utilities payments; or more than 15 additional months of rent.

In the United States, mothers are primary or sole breadwinners in nearly 40 percent of families. Yet the wage gap for mothers is larger than for women overall. According to 2013 data, mothers employed full time, year round are paid 71 cents for every dollar paid to fathers. It is worse for single mothers with fulltime, year-round jobs, who are paid just 58 cents for every dollar paid to fathers.

In Idaho, more than 55,000 family households are headed by women.

About 31 percent of those families, or 16,979 family households, have incomes that fall below the poverty level.

For full details, log onto WWW.NATIONALPARTNERSHIP.ORG/GAP. Bob & Carolyn Haning, Owners

Lola n Christophersotant sis Administrative As

Sheila Simmons Office Manager

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Page 9

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Women in Business ■ 2016

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Spotlight: Alica Asker, Asker’s Harvest Foods

Homecoming brings new opportunities

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

2016

GRANGEVILLE — Although Alicia Asker may not have had control over the circumstances that took her out of her chosen career path, she did have control over whether or not to return to her hometown, and she chose Grangeville.

Born and raised in Grangeville, Asker spent her teen years working at the family grocery store, Asker’s Harvest Foods. The store was opened in 1932 by her great-grandfather.

“I stocked shelves and cleaned,” she said.

“At that time, if you would have told me I would come back here, I would have told you that you were crazy,” she laughed.

A 1999 graduate of Grangeville High School, Asker went on to Lewis-Clark State College where she majored in kinesiology.

“Wouldn’t you know it – I went where my experience was and during college worked at a grocery store,” she smiled. When she decided to go to massage school in Spokane, she also worked in the grocery industry.

After practicing massage therapy for eight and one-half years, her body began to betray her.

“I would come home and ice my hands at night and still feel numb for an hour,” she said. “I was facing bilateral carpal tunnel surgery when Dad and Mom talked to me about the store.”

WIB

Asker’s Harvest Foods Alicia M. Asker, vice-president 515 West Main Street Grangeville, ID 83530 208-983-0680 AlIcIA_ASker@HotMAIl.coM WWW.HArveStFooDSnW.coM WWW.FAcebook.coM/ASkerSHArveStFooDS/

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Alicia Asker is at home in Asker’s Harvest Foods: She grew up stocking shelves and cleaning the grocery store and now manages it.

As things often happen, all the pieces fell into place at the right time for Asker to consider moving home.

Her father, Kevin, was thinking ahead to retirement down the road and her two brothers had each opted out of the family business.

“My parents knew it would be easier in many ways to have a family member take over the store,” Asker explained.

She made the decision to move home and try out the vice-president/store managerial position and see how it went. That was in May 2013.

“I decided, with help from my dad of course, that I could be the fourth generation in the family to run the store,” she said.

Since that time, Asker has felt the importance of building a rapport with the store’s 40-plus employees.

“I cannot expect them to do a job without knowing how to do it myself,” she said. She has worked on the floor in every department, side-

grinned. “The number tracking sysby-side employees.

To be a good manager, and future tem is so much more sophisticated.”

This helps with inventory as well store owner, she said, she felt job shadowing and working hands-on in as cost control, she said.

“I think of the days when my each department would give her a great-grandfather and my grandpa feel for the entire business. were having to “I hope this has candle eggs thembuilt respect both selves before they ways,” she said. were able to sell Asker said she them and I think of has had to strike a how long a way we balance between have come,” she the father-daughter smiled. and trainer-trainee Asker’s added relationships, but — Alicia Asker the bakery and deli feels this has gone on the reason she has taken time in the early ’70s well.

“I do think I am to work in each store department and that has become a staple in able to offer a the store. Location unique, female perchanges and remodeling have taken spective,” she said.

When Asker was in high school place throughout the years, as well and not old enough to be a cashier as the closing of the pharmacy and yet, the scanning system was imple- clothing center in the past couple of decades. mented at Asker’s.

“There have been a lot of changes “Technology has definitely changed and upgraded,” she and in the end we hope to serve all

“I

cannot expect them [employees] to do a job without knowing how to do it myself.”

our customers better by the choices we have made,” she said.

Her father will probably not retire for a few more years, but in the meantime Asker is learning all she can and said she appreciates being able to bounce ideas off him. Her mother, Nancy, has been involved in the area of keeping the store decorated as well as being a presence in the community by being involved in the Grangeville Chamber of Commerce and the merchants committee.

In the future, Asker said she would like to expand the store’s organic produce section as well as offer a larger variety of gluten and allergyfree items.

In the meantime, she plans to continue learning.

“I want to build a working relationship with not only the employees and the Harvest Foods company, but also a good connection with the community of customers who support us,” she said.

Women's Expo to include keynote speaker Carrie Coen Coen is former Grangeville resident MOSCOW — The 2016 Palouse Women's Expo will provide women resources to flourish and succeed professionally and personally Sept. 9 and 10 at Best Western Plus University Inn, 1516 Pullman Road, Moscow.

The 2nd Annual Palouse Women's Expo is designed to make a significant difference in women's lives. The Expo gives presenters and attendees both the opportunity to focus on one

Hours:

w w w w

another – to inspire, educate, empower and have fun!

The event kicks off with Girl's Night Out 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at the Best Western Plus University Inn. The evening of fun features finger foods, VIP entry to all booths in the Expo and performances by two comedians, Debbie Praver and Mallory Wallace. Admission to Girl's Night Out is $25. Tickets are available at the Lewiston Tribune office, the Moscow-Pullman Daily News office or at Best Western. Limited tickets may be available at the door the night of.

The Women's Expo will be open to all 9 a.m.-

Monday – Friday 8 – 5

Saturday 9 – 1

110 North College l Grangeville, Idaho 83530 208-983-1332 l Fax 208-983-0825 e-mail: printshop@connectwireless.us Printing Business Cards Envelopes Letterheads

w w w w

Brochures Labels Rubber Stamps Fax Service

w w w w

B & W Copies Color Copies Lamination Office Supplies

w w w w

3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Best Western.

Entry to Saturday's event is free and features booths and presentations throughout the day.

Keynote speakers Carrie Coen and Megan Guido will present “The Color Code: A New Way to See Yourself, Your Relationships, and Life” at 1 p.m.

Saturday. Coen and Guido will explain the Hartman Color Code Personality Assessment. The presentation will help formulate underCARRIE standing of the unique gifts, COEN

Printer Cartridges Katy Wensman Computer Checks owner Computer to Print Computer Forms w Wedding Invitations

needs and strengths that each “color” brings to a relationship.

Vendors for the 2016 expo include Brenda Harless of Avon, Clearview Aesthetics, Carolyn Hicklin of Edward Jones, Gritman Medical Center, P1FCU, Pampered Chef, Rodan & Fields, Casting for Recovery, Kause Success Management, Pullman Regional Hospital, Ashley Alred of RE/MAX and The Women's Leadership Guild. To become a vendor, call (208) 8488201.

For information, TPC Holdings Marketing Director, Angela Kay, can be contacted at AKAY@LMTRIBUNE.COM.

2016

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Women in Business ■ 2016

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IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Spotlight: Joni Shepherd, Damsel in Defense

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS RIGGINS — “I believe in the right to bear arms,” stated Joni Shepherd.

That one statement in itself may help to explain why Shepherd is an independent representative for Idaho-based company Damsel in Defense. However, it goes deeper than that for Shepherd.

“I own and carry a handgun, but I feel there is an escalation of force, and my handgun is not and should not always be my first line of defense,” she explained.

Damsel in Defense offers a variety of self-protection products with lifetime warranties, including stun guns, pepper spray, emergency vehicle kits and alarms, flashlights, seatbelt cutters, window breakers and emergency beacons.

Shepherd said she personally carries a stun gun as her primary form of defense as well as a “sock-it-to-me” key chain kubaton as her secondary.

“If someone approached me from behind, I would not be able to use my handgun without damaging myself in the process,” she explained.

All of the Damsel tools are non-life threatening, made to help create a distance between the user and the assailant.

2016

Shepherd helps women find their best mode of defense WIB

Damsel in Defense Joni Shepherd, independent rep.

Riggins, ID 83549 208-859-4725 JonIDamSelPRo@yahoo.com httP://myDamSelPRo.net/JonI

https://www.facebook.com/JoniSh epherdDamselInDefenseIndepende ntRep/ “’Stun and run’ and ‘spray and get away’ are two of my favorite sayings,” Shepherd said.

What if the seemingly dangerous person is just a concerned husband or father looking for help? Shepherd said deciphering that is part of the process of being aware.

“Bad guys do not jump up and down from 30 feet away and announce to you they intend to do you harm,” she said. “They take you by surprise.”

Shepherd carriers her stun gun

and pepper spray not only for protection against people but four-legged aggressors, as well.

“I encourage women to find their weapon of defense and then practice, practice, practice,” she said, adding the thought process should always be “what if:” What if someone jumped out from behind that bush? What if I’m sitting on the couch and someone barges in through the front door?

She said women should always “put the phone away, keep your head on a swivel, stand tall and be aware of your surroundings.”

Damsel also offers Digital Defense (identity theft and credit protection, tech support and social media monitoring), conceal carry purses and a new line called “Safe Hearts.” These are books for children of various ages that can be paired with parent guides to help with conversations about body boundaries.

Move over Tupperware parties: Shepherd is available to host home or Facebook parties or “Empower Hours.” These consultations are available to individuals, organizations, church groups and businesses and consist of demonstrating and explaining products.

Shepherd has been with Damsel going on five years. She was born and raised in Riggins, the daughter of Donnie and Marty Clay, and married to Mike, son of Rep. Paul and Dawn Shepherd. She and her husband have three sons, ages 7, 12 and 14. The family owns Shepherd’s Sawmill and Log Home, Inc., where she works as secretary and bookkeeper as well as fill-in carpenter. She volunteers in many areas including as a youth basketball coach, with Idaho County Search and Rescue, as Riggins Rodeo secretary and with Salmon River Booster Club.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Joni Shepherd is an independent representative for Damsel in Defense.

Drug trends presentations available through CPD

“We wish to express our gratitude to all our female employees and clients for their continued dedication to our success.”

Todd Marek

Mike Fredrickson

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Groups and organizations interested in having a local presentation on current drug trends can contact the Cottonwood Police Department (CPD), 962-3231, for presenter Danielle Cochran.

Cochran has been providing presentations for about five years. She is currently employed full time with Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, and volunteers as a Drug and Alcohol Education Coordinator for CPD. As this is part of CPDs ongoing efforts, there is currently no charge for this service.

Cochran is a gradute of Prairie High School and served the community as a first reponder and in other various volunteer efforts through her high school years . She is the daughter of Cottonwood Police Chief Terry and Jennifer Cochran.

facebook.com/rigginstouristtrap

Proud Supporter of the Salmon River Canyon Community 103½ N. Main St. ★ Riggins ★ 628-4020

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Spotlight: Holly Cox, Windshield Magic & Designs by Holly

BY LORIE PALMER IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS GRANGEVILLE — If there’s one thing Holly Cox has learned to do since moving to Grangeville more than 20 years ago, it’s to diversify.

Cox is employed full time in the local Avista Utilities Office but she also has the businesses Windshield Magic and Designs by Holly, repairing windshields and making jewelry, respectively. She also practices Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing Cox was born in Jackson, Calif., and raised in Sacramento. She attended college at San Jose State and later at Cal State where she majored in art and minored in psychology.

“I did a lot of weaving, pottery, macramé and three-dimensional art as well as painting,” she said, and also sells Melaleuca products.

Macrame was an art form she learned in middle school and was kept busy throughout high school creating belts. She also crochets vests and was “always creative,” she said.

She grew up on a horse ranch in a rural area and in her youth showed horses. During college she took a job at an insurance office and ended up working in a title office for 22 years.

Cox and her husband were also skydivers who went on many jumps – Cox actually has nearly 600 under her belt – and aside from this passion, her life was grounded in California. However, her husband suffered a serious fall that left him with health issues and he later died from complications of surgery associated with his injuries.

“I had been married 18 years and after my husband’s death I kind of lost myself,” she explained.

She had made trips to Idaho previously to visit her sister and brotherin-law, Carolyn and Guy Parks, and decided to spend some time with them.

“I needed time and place to heal, and I ended up staying,” she smiled.

That was 1994 and she has been here since. She first worked at the Triangle Tavern and later at Inland Title, then as a mapper for Idaho County. She has been at Avista for 12 years.

She still remembers the day she

2016

Never time to get bored with jobs WIB

Windshield Magic Designs by Holly Holly Cox, owner Grangeville, ID 83530 208-983-3451 bHCox@q.CoM WWW.faCebook.CoM/DesIGNs-by-Holly WWW.faCebook.CoM/WINDsHIelD-

MaGIC

FREE PRESS / LORIE PALMER

Holly Cox works on some of her jewelry designs (left) and then shows some of her finished pieces.

met her current husband, Brian Cox. “It was Dec. 14, 1994, and my sister and I were at the Elks,” she recalled. “Brian was literally the first person to make me laugh since the death of my husband. He’s been making me laugh ever since.”

She said Brian told her, “God sent you here so I didn’t have to marry a cousin,” she laughed.

Cox has been designing jewelry for more than 25 years now, and her home studio is filled with beads and jump rings and wire and other accessories she utilizes to create custommade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Of course, with her full-time job and additional side jobs, carving out the time for jewelry making is more difficult now, but she said she likes to

keep busy.

“I don’t watch television, so this is what I do in my evenings and it’s very therapeutic,” she emphasized.

She also likes the fact she is able to do a variety of tasks.

“I never get bored,” she said.

Cox enjoys daily walks and yoga and she and Brian – who is employed at Advanced Welding and Steel – like

to camp.

With her windshield repair business, she said she has enjoyed traveling to places throughout the county where she has never been.

“I have met up with wonderful people in places I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to visit,” she said. “I truly enjoy that.”

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Our success is a direct result of your hard work.

Comprehensive Inpatient Physical, Occupational & Restorative Therapies 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Respite Care, Private Rehabilitation Suites e____________________________________f We are grateful for our community’s support.

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Grangeville, Idaho

983-1131

2016

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Women in Business ■ 2016

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IDAHOCOUNTYFREEPRESS.COM

Spotlight: Sheila Arnzen, Superior Events

food challenge became career passion GRANGEVILLE — Sheila Arnzen, with her partner Tyler Bransford, has whipped up a successful business catering to clients’ special menu needs with unique food items that have attracted a following through this region and beyond. How did Superior Events start? Literally, Arnzen was up to the challenge.

“It was a dare,” she smiled.

“Someone had dared us, “You can’t set up and sell food on the street and make money.’” Challenge accepted.

So that year, 2011, they borrowed a flat grill, worked up a steam table from and old Lewiston Sears cashier’s desk, and developed their now wellknown favorite, the Beef Big Game Sammich.

That year they debuted in Riggins for the annual Salmon River Jet Boat Races featuring a sandwich – modeled after a New Jersey style cheese steak — of shredded beef, cheddar cheese sauce, grilled bell peppers, onions and garlic, and jalapeno-infused bacon all served on a Tuscan roll.

“We needed something unique, something awesome, something yummy….”

“And everyone loved it,” Arnzen said.

Arnzen has been professionally catering for eight years, and it was five years ago when Superior Events started, as did the more publicly wellknown food truck side of the business, Shiznits. While the Shiznits (more on that name later) trailer goes to events throughout the state and region, the catering side stays closer to home in and around Idaho

“A

nd everyone loved it.”

— Sheila Arnzen on the food truck Shiznit’s food

County. Superior Events consults with clients on developing custom menus to fit their event’s themes and settings; serving the range of business gatherings, wedding receptions, class reunions to 80th birthday parties. Meals can range from a simple luncheon to an Italian pasta bar or smoked prime rib.

And their signature meal: garlic stuffed smoked prime rib and bacon green beans, Caesar salad, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, angels rolls with whipped honey butter, and white cake with berry compote.

“Our biggest event was 450 people, out in the middle of a horse pasture,” Arnzen said, with added challenges of no power and at night. “It was fabulous; went off without a

FREE PRESS / DAVID RAUZI

Sheila Arnzen stands in front of the popular food truck, Shiznits, which she and her partner, Tyler Bransford, run.

hitch.”

What helps this catering business?

Part is the partners knowing where each of them serves best: “He does the heavy lifting. I do the cooking,” Arnzen laughed. But seriously, Bransford is the pit master; cooks and smokes the meat “to perfection,” while she manages the kitchen, preparation work, organizing menus and setting up event presentation.

It is a family-run business, with her two children, ages 14 and 16, who spend much of their time helping from serving to washing dishes. As well, Arnzen and Bransford reach out to area organizations, such as the Grangeville High School wrestling program, high school rodeo and Triple Bar Drill Team and enlist their members in serving with the proceeds going back to benefit those groups.

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Megan Lorentz, of owner experience

“We like to give back to the community as much as we can,” Arnzen said, “especially to those organizations that involve kids.”

Arnzen calls the food truck the “fun side” of the business as they get to travel and see people in different states and at county fairs, festivals, concerns and food events that include Spokane’s Pig Out in the Park.

This last event is invite-only, limited to unique food items that go beyond your standard fair food.

“What we make is unique, which is why so many people like us,” she said, “but we also want to stay healthy,” which means no deep-frying and making meals from scratch, and offering gluten-free items.

Shiznits food is also supposed to be fun, hence the “sundae” they offer that is their signature beef sandwich

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atop mashed potatoes in a cup.

“It exploded with customers, more popular than the sandwich,” she said.

And another fun aspect is the Shiznits name – kind of a take on, ‘That’s the bomb” — Arnzen explained they wanted something unique, like their food, something edgy that stands out like the purple and green of their food trailer.

As stated before, Arnzen is up for the challenge. As a divorced woman with two children she put herself through college, bartending at night, to achieve a civil engineering degree.

She has also taken risks, learning the hard way from her experience as owner of the Halfway Club in Ferdinand several years ago that overextended her finances from the start and ended in going out of business.

She chalks that up to experience, but

even from that she gained a reputation in meat carving and cooking that led up to her current success.

For Arnzen, the hardest part as a woman is “the food industry is typically male-dominated; they are the best chefs, the best cooks.” It can be a challenge to be taken seriously, she said, and in her food preparation, especially meat carving, “I’ve surprised a lot of people.” Physically, she appreciates Bransford for being able to handle some of the heavy, cumbersome jobs, such as maneuvering around their large propane tank; and mechanically, he’s also there to fix any problems that arise: “I can mechanic,” she says, “but not as good as he can mechanic.”

But the main challenge is what all partners face in business: getting along and managing through the rough spots. Arnzen admits she has a harsh tongue and has to bite it on occasion, and that the times of conflict come from being plain tired after long weeks of 12-15-hour days serving food at events.

“So you take a big deep breath, center yourself, and follow the rule, ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,’” she said, “and then look at the bigger picture: There are 50 people waiting in line, so you have bigger things to worry about.” If a partnership is to fail, it will happen in the first two years, and here they are five years later, she said, “and we still like each other!”

Arnzen said it’s their partnership, along with the help and support of their family and friends, that provides their business with the quality and attentiveness “that makes sure our clients get the best service.”

2016

BY DAVID RAUZI, EDITOR IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

WIB

Superior Events Sheila Arnzen, co-owner Grangeville, ID 83530 208-983-8045 ShEArnzEn@GmAIl.com httpS://www.fAcEbook.com/SupErIor-

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