I grew up in Palo Alto and suppose the seeds for this business were planted as a kid on Guinda St. where I spent the majority of my youth outdoors; exploring the neighborhoods and introducing myself to everyone I came across. Like most kids, I rode a tricycle before learning to ride a bike.
1975
1991
2003
“My official start in business”
“Teaching kids how milk gets from the cow to the fridge”
“Christy is one of many long-time customers”
I’d have to say that the most visible image of my business is in my fleet of vintage milktrucks. These trucks are from the 40’s, 50‘s, and 60’s and most were in dire need of some TLC when I found them. I salvaged these trucks from fields, backyards, and old depots. Each truck has its own history and a wonderful, often exciting, story to tell. It’s been an on-going project that continues whenever I find that next truck that is just asking to be a part of my fleet. Please look around the website for the history, stories, and pictures of these mechanical jewels as well as more info about Michal the Milkman.
In 1995, as Peninsula Creamery ended their 70 years of milk production, I felt only one dairy could measure up as a new supplier, Clover-Stornetta Farms. Clover reflects my philosophy by providing a quality product, and by partnering with local businesses, dairy ranchers, and distributors like myself.
So, with a backpack, a motorcycle and 3 customers, I humbly started Michal the Milkman. Now it’s been 23 years, and I’ve been able to grow my business to over 250 customers, big & small, while maintaining the character I envisioned. Deliveries are still as much about chances to have quick chats with customers who've became friends as driving a truck to deliver milk.
Along came 1987; I was 20 years old, plenty green, and full of energy & enthusiasm. I approached Peninsula Creamery with my idea of becoming an independent distributer. The owner, John Santana, gave me the start I needed and I’m happy to say that the Santanas continue to be an integral part of my life and business. I also met Brian Mann, another distributor, who was very generous with tips, techniques, and suggestions.
So I learned about "community helpers", repairs & maintenance, working outdoors, and interacting with people… all things I enjoy to this day. When it came time to decide what I wanted to do with my life, I knew that starting my own business was the way to go… especially with a healthy dose of stubbornness and independence I had inherited and tortured my folks with. Looking back on my childhood, I noticed that the kinds of interactions I remembered with our mailman and milkman were far more common yesteryear than they are today. I suppose a bit of preservationist approach still guides my steps.
I also have fond memories of Wally, our milkman, who was another welcoming fixture in the neighborhood. Wally worked for Peninsula Creamery and, when he reached our house, would let me jump into his truck as he gathered our order. It was a treat to see the inside of his truck and help him carry our delivery to the front porch.
Well, I had a breakdown one day and was trying to figure out how to get back on the road… I was allowed to ride to the end of the block by then. Luckily, the mailman was making his rounds and I asked him if he could fix my trike. Sure enough, he quickly figured out what was loose, went to our garage to find a few wrenches, tightened a few nuts & bolts, and had me racing down the sidewalk in no time.
2009
“Bella… freshly painted after over
a year of renovation”