Fifteen years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to keeping our roads safe and well-maintained—that’s what Stacey Estey is celebrating as he reaches a remarkable milestone with the Flathead County Road and Bridge Department.
Originally from Washington state, Stacey made the move to Flathead County in 2006, drawn to the wide-open spaces, natural beauty, and opportunity for meaningful work. He started his career as an equipment operator with the City of Kalispell but soon transitioned to Flathead County, where better pay and the chance to work in the breathtaking rural areas cemented his decision.
For more than a decade, he has been a steady hand maintaining the roads in the Ashley Lake and Octavia area. Making sure residents and visitors alike can travel safely through some of the county’s most scenic routes is a priority for Stacey. “There’s a lot of integrity in getting the job done right. What we do keeps people safe,” he says. The job isn’t just about operating heavy equipment; it’s about taking care of a place he calls home.
Stacey’s role gives him a unique sense of autonomy, a responsibility he embraces with pride. As the primary equipment operator for his territory, he describes his work as being his “own boss,” taking ownership of road conditions and infrastructure in the Ashley Lake area. Yet, while he has his own space to manage, he’s never alone in his work. He credits his team—especially the truck drivers who assist him—for building a strong, trustworthy partnership. “You definitely have to trust your partners,” he says, “and I trust these guys to have my back with everything we have to get through.”
As he looks to the future, Stacey has his sights set on retirement in just a few more years. He and his wife are considering moving to Eureka, settling into a quiet life with a small ranch, a garden, and some chickens. But until then, he remains dedicated to the roads he maintains and the team he works alongside.
Flathead County is grateful for employees like Stacey Estey—men and women who take pride in their work, serve their communities with integrity, and keep the county moving forward, one well-maintained road at a time. Congratulations, Stacey, on 15 years of service, and thank you for your dedication to the roads and people of Flathead County!