Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 16 Trecie Wheat Hughes BROKER (406) 579-5416 treciewheathughes@gmail.com Jackie Wickens BROKER (406) 451-3485 jackiewickens@gmail.com kids through college. Who could ask for anything more—that's the American dream, after all. Through it all, it has remained a family business. The family's newest member is Tawnie, an adorable pooch who serves as both a greeter of customers and a maintainer of morale. All she asks by way of payment are frequent walks, belly rubs, and treats. She is firmly insistent on the last point. "She's been a wonderful addition to the shop," Garrett says. "She takes us out for walks to get a break from work." When Garrett went to college, the Carters looked at the price they were paying for his dorm and gawped. "That's a mortgage payment," Jeff said. After discussing their options, they decided that investing in a condo would be the wisest move. That way they'd have a place for Garrett to stay while in college, and then for his sister as well when she got older, while also gaining a smart real estate investment in the bargain. Well, great, but even world-class cobblers sometimes need a little help in real estate matters. Luckily, they had the perfect con- nection - in fact, she used to work for him! Jackie Wickens of Yellowstone Brokers worked in Carter's Boots in college before meeting Trecie Wheat-Hughes, embark- ing on a career in real estate, and becoming one of the Mountain Mamas on the HGTV program of the same name. "Jackie and Trecie understand what we do and how we oper- ate as a family and as a business. They helped us find the perfect spot," Jeff says. "Basically, we pay the mortgage for the place, and it's still the cheapest rent in town." Asked if they'd recommend Yellowstone Brokers to other fam- ilies in the same position, Jeff is unequivocal: "Absolutely. Work- ing with Jackie and Trecie was such as pleasure, and I'll definitely be getting my next home or shop through them." Until then, the Carter's will go on making and repairing boots— although even Jeff and Garrett have to take a day of, and when they do, they can be found riding dirt bikes, snowmobiling, or just relaxing with family in the great outdoors. Like so many of us, they seek peace and solace in the beauty of Montana. And, in another exciting development, they're expanding into a larger location at 1662 Bobcat Drive on Huffine Lane soon. "We will have twice the space for both repair and retail! We will start building it out this summer, and I'm thinking move in right at the end of the year. Maybe a little earlier, and then we'd have both places for a while." Above all, Jeff seems thankful. He is thankful that he's been able to make it doing what he loves, house and support his family, and put boots on the feet of folks worldwide—but especially in Montana. "I think the big thing that makes Montana such a great place to live and work is the people," Garrett says, sage beyond his years. "Without the people, Montana is just beautiful scenery." Or, to mix metaphors, Montana without the people, well, that's a little like a boot without a foot to wear it. "Working with jackie and trecie was such a pleasure, AND I'LL DEFINITELY BE GETTING MY NEXT HOME OR SHOP THROUGH THEM."

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