From Small Town Roots to Big Cheese Dreams: Our Wisconsin Family Story
There’s something special about growing up in a small town, especially when you’re surrounded by family businesses and the strong work ethic that comes with them. My story starts in a little town in Wisconsin, where generations of my family built their lives — and their livelihoods — around serving the local community.
My great-grandpa was a true entrepreneur. Not only did he run a grocery store and a hardware store with my grandpa, but he also owned a dynamite business (yes, you read that right — dynamite!). These weren’t just businesses, though. They were community staples. And for our family, they were a way of life.
My dad spent his early years working in those same stores before eventually taking over the hardware business. That’s also where I got my start — I was about 11 or 12 when I first started helping out. Whether I was stocking shelves, chatting with customers, or learning the ropes behind the counter, I was soaking up lessons in customer service, hard work, and — most importantly — people skills.
Working alongside my dad and grandpa taught me how to talk to anyone, how to listen, and how to help solve problems. That early exposure to business gave me a strong foundation and a love for connecting with people — something I carry into every sales interaction to this day.
But there’s another side to our story that’s just as important: food. My dad had a deep love for the food industry. While still working in the family business, he opened multiple restaurants — including pizza and sub shops, and even a local supper club. Food was more than just a job to him — it was his passion.
And then there’s cheese. If you’re from Wisconsin, you already know: cheese isn’t just a food, it’s a way of life. Growing up, cheese was always on the table. Every family gathering, every holiday, every Friday night — there it was, proudly part of our meals and memories.
That lifelong love for Wisconsin cheese and locally made products eventually sparked an idea: what if we could bring the best of Wisconsin — the flavors, the quality, the tradition — to places far beyond our hometown? So that’s exactly what we set out to do.
With my background in sales, our deep roots in food and business, and an unapologetic love for cheese, we launched this venture to share the incredible products we grew up with. Our goal is simple: to connect people on the coasts (and everywhere in between) with authentic, high-quality, Wisconsin-made goods — especially the cheese we’re so proud of.
It’s a journey that’s still unfolding, but it’s one we’re excited to be on. And we’re so glad to have you here with us. Thank you and God Bless! ~ Adam Maulick ~
Indulge in the tasty delights of Wisconsin, right here in sunny Pensacola, Florida or wherever you live across the United States. The Wisconsin Cheese Dudes have provided Renfroe Pecans with a curated selection representing Wisconsin’s cheese and sausage making excellence. Create a personalized Charcuterie with artisanal cheeses, select summer sausages and a variety of nuts from Renfroe Pecans. Whether you’re basking in the sun or enjoying a tranquil sunset, every bite is an exquisite experience. www.wicheesedudes.com