Ben Novak assumed ownership of Vern’s Cheese earlier this year, marking the beginning of a new era for the company, which was founded in Chilton in 1964.
Vern’s Cheese is a converter and distributor of hundreds of cheeses, as well as a variety of other Wisconsin food brands.
The Novak family’s cheese legacy began with Ben’s great-grandfather George, who was a cheesemaker in the Crandon area. Ben’s grandfather, William Sr., and father, William Jr., went on to work in cheesemaking until the family’s cheese factory in Denmark, Wisconsin, was sold to Errico Auricchio, who built what is now BelGioioso Cheese. The Novaks were consistently recognized for their contributions to the cheese industry, including winning awards at state fairs.
As a fourth-generation Novak to work in the cheese industry, Ben, who said his “bloodline is essentially milk and whey,” proudly holds a license as a Wisconsin Cheese Grader with the number 520, which was passed down from his grandfather.
“With my deep roots in the cheese industry, I plan to continue the legacy of distributing quality cheese and Wisconsin products with the great service that has defined Vern’s Cheese for generations,” Novak said.
Ben Novak and his wife, Lindsey have three daughters.
This article was updated Dec. 7 at 12:05 p.m. to correct the spelling of Errico Auricchio’s name.
