Page 32 - Flathead Living Fall 2014

The Thronsons learned to divvy up the multi-faceted responsibilities of running several businesses. Debbie assumed the boss role, overseeing finances and daily management. Mike, who works for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, became the chief maintenance man, attending to projects when he had spare time away from his day job. The girls chipped in where they could, their duties growing as they grew.
Today, at least 15 employees work for the Thronsons during peak season, living in cabins behind the store and motel. Employees speak highly of the laid-back environment, fostered innately by the secluded geogra- phy and consciously by the congenial Thronsons, who like to see everybody enjoying themselves while get- ting work done.
“We’ve got our own little Thronsons’ community here,” Katrina says.
The family no longer lives year round in Babb, shut- ting down business for the coldest months, except for the unmanned 24-hour gas pump, and spending part of their time in the Flathead. But the responsibilities don’t go into hibernation, rearing their head in even more unpleasant ways when the temperatures dive below freezing.
Katrina and Cassy understand that frozen pipes and snowdrifts are part of the deal, requiring mid-winter trips on icy roads from Kalispell. They know that the logistics of operating businesses in a remote pocket of a rural state aren’t getting easier. For one, distribution
aboVe Andrew Tomsett, and
his son Markus Tomsett, 8, inspect bumper stickers and collectable spoons at the Thronson’s General Store counter in Babb. The family was about 3,000 miles into their summer road trip that originated in Salt Lake City, Utah.
leFt The original cash register is seen at Thronson’s General Store in Babb.
30 FLATHEAD LIVING | FALL 2014