I am thrilled to introduce Jennifer Bennett, a wonderful member of our community who contributes to the Lake Country area in so many meaningful ways! She is a highly respected individual with many talents and wears many hats, but she does it with grace and confidence. Jennifer is a dedicated mom and wife, successful business owner, and is very involved in our local schools. Even more-so, she is the type of person who is so generous with her time and resources, and truly thrives on seeing others happy and successful.
Five years ago, Jennifer started The Polite Platter, a service that provides local families with healthy, home-cooked meals to their front door, saving her clients the time and work of preparing their own meals. She takes pride in utilizing glass containers instead of single-use plastics, and when there is the opportunity, she loves being able to donate meals to local families who are in need. Over the years, Jennifer’s business has expanded to include bakery items through her other business, Naked Lemon Bakery. She continues to grow and find ways to work with – and contribute to – the community through her business.
In addition to running and operating her businesses, Jennifer is also very involved in our local schools. She is the administrative assistant to the upper school headmaster at University Lake School and the chair of the Outdoor Education Committee. Previously, she worked at Lake Country School for 9 years in the Special Education Department, and now she serves as the Vice President on the Lake Country School Education Foundation. Her commitment to the education system is a testament to her passion for making a positive difference.
I had the honor of sitting down with Jennifer to hear more about her involvement in the community and her growth over the years. Not only is she impressive and inspiring, she is kind, generous, and full of so much light. Everything that she has created in her life and in our community is admirable and exemplary, and I truly hope you enjoy learning more about Jennifer Bennett and her contributions to Lake Country as much as I did! – Jessalyn Rich
About Jennifer Bennett
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family and I moved to the Lake Country area in 2008 from the Grand Rapids Michigan area. We have two children – both college grads and living in Milwaukee. We also have two pups, Luna and Blue, who tend to keep things very interesting.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Five years ago, I dreamt up the start of my business while on vacation with my family in the Upper Peninsula. After being an in-home meal prep chef for a few families for about a year, I found that there was a need for healthy, home-cooked meals within our community for families who might not have the time for the meal prep or planning. That’s where The Polite Platter was born. With our services, we are able to prepare nutritious meals for families in the lake country area. Our business takes pride in that we do not use single-use plastics, as we use glass containers. We have expanded to include bakery items through our other business, Naked Lemon Bakery, as well.
In addition to running and operating my business, I am working as the administrative assistant to the upper school headmaster at University Lake School, as well as the chair of the Outdoor Education Committee. I worked at Lake Country School for 9 years in the Special Education Department, and now serve as the Vice President on the Lake Country School Education Foundation.
Over the years, our family has also enjoyed hosting 13 international students in our home.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love the community that we serve. A large part of the business that I run is giving people the opportunity to be able to have access to nutritious food. In some cases, families might not be able to afford healthy foods, which gives us opportunity to be able to make donations to those families. We also are able to bring meals to families who are going through difficult circumstances.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I attended college in Michigan for three and a half years. The final semester my mother fell sick and I took off the semester to care for her. After helping with her and helping out with my family’s business we owned the the Rockford Golf Center in Rockford, Michigan, time passed and I had different priorities in my life and I was unable to get my degree. Being recognized for the work I do without a degree has been a lifelong hurdle. I do not regret my decision, however, I am often reminded of the extra challenges I have had to face without a degree. I have always had a desire to own and operate business. In some ways the hurdle has enabled me to work even harder to prove myself.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
I love meeting people in the community, because I get my energy from meeting and interacting with people.
Additionally, it’s truly been an honor to have our products available with other local businesses. You can find our bakery items at the Stone Bank Market, and recently, Belfre Kitchen included us in their Farm Fresh Features!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I’d like to continue to grow the business. I would love to be able to donate more healthy food, and continue to give more opportunities to the community. One day, I would love to own a bed and breakfast with a little hobby farm of my own.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
The same advice I give my children- if you have a dream or passion, give it 100% because you will never regret it. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Jennifer Bennett & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I adore all the parks, lakes and trails that the Lake Country area has to offer.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Since they have been open, Belfre Kitchen has always been a summer and winter go-to.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My daughter, Koryn, often has to check my grammar for me.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I’d be a solid pot of coffee. The ground to water ratio is stonier than the average coffee-consumer.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My mom, because she was, without a doubt, my biggest cheerleader. She was so full of love, insight, and positivity; and she always made me laugh. I would want to show her all that I have accomplished since she has been gone.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hiking in Alaska. I also have a dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast some day.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
A few things stand out: being outside in nature, spending time with family and friends, and seeing other people be successful and happy. I love watching people grow and be successful in their life.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Chase the things that make you happy. Catch a sunrise, make someone smile and do what you love.
Where to Find Jennifer Bennett
Jennifer Bennett
Email: thepoliteplatter@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 955-4738
www.thepoliteplatter.com
Facebook & Instagram: @thepoliteplatter
