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Polson man shows dedication to community

by Michelle Lovato? Lake County Leader
| June 23, 2016 11:17 AM

Michael Peterson of Polson celebrated his 20-year anniversary working for Safeway in Polson this year, an accomplishment that is something Peterson is proud to enjoy.

“Everybody loves him,” Dallas Peterson, Michael’s mother said.

Michael Peterson was raised in Polson, educated throughout his academic career in a variety of special education programs, and graduated from Polson High School. 

Peterson graduated in 1994 and began his career at Safeway as a courtesy clerk in 1996, he said.

Peterson said he started his grocery store career after growing tired of working at McDonalds and loves his job.

“I get to see nice people there,” Peterson said. “One time I got to go to Seattle because I won an award for service excellence.”

But working at Safeway is Peterson’s day job. He’s worked Friday nights at Pizza Hut in Polson for the past nine years as well.

Peterson said he works as a dishwasher at Pizza Hut to pay for taxes and at Safeway to pay his everyday bills.

Peterson lives with his mother in town and attends Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. 

“I think he’d be missed if he ever quit Safeway,” Dallas Peterson said. “Everybody goes in to see him. He’s had people tell him they go to Safeway because of him.”

For his service, Michael Peterson got a special pin to showcase on his work apron.

Chuck Peck, Safeway Assistant Director said that Peterson was an important part of the store’s success.

“In a small town like Polson, everybody knows everybody and everybody knows Michael,” Peck said. “Long-time employees go a long way with customer satisfaction. Michael’s is the last face people see when they walk out of the store.”

Peck said Peterson is one of a few long-time employees Safeway is blessed to employ.

“He is extremely friendly and not afraid to engage with the customer. He is always there to help,” he said.