40 Under 40: Paulina Staab

The Station got a new life when Paulina Staab decided to reopen the restaurant, previously owned under another name by her mother-in-law who closed that business in January 2024.

Staab and her husband, Nathan, reopened the business a few months later in June 2024 and The Station was born with the goal of restoring jobs to our community. 

"While my background has never included food, I handle all of the marketing and community involvement for our business and leave the food to the experts, including my amazing husband, Nathan," she said.

While she attended college, Paulina Staab said it is her high school education that shaped who I is. 

"I love being able to own a business in the community that raised me," she said. "Being a part of my hometown's business leadership is a huge blessing and allows me to give back to the area youth and local business commerce."

She also credits her local community theater, The Pend Oreille Players Association, as being a huge influence.

"It's given me an outlet, throughout my whole life, to be creative and immerse myself in the community," she said. "It has given me the opportunity to get to know other local community members and leaders."

Staab said her heart for small business and non-profit organizations stems from the hardworking people in her life, including my husband and parents, former directors and high school teachers. 

"Theater has given me many life skills to apply in my daily life and I am excited to pay it forward by teaching these same skills to area youth by employing them at our business," she added.

Her goal as a business owner is to continue to grow the business to serve more of our community. Her goal as a community leader is to give back wherever she can.

"I see myself being a part of my local community for years to come," Staab said. "I was meant to give back to the community that raised me."

Advice to her younger self: "Explore yourself and dream big. Don't be afraid to settle down somewhere small. You can still dream big in a small town."