“You’re a hero if you just show up”: Joe Pettit on Polka Dot Dairy’s next chapter in Hastings, Minnesota

Polka Dot Dairy has been part of Hastings, Minnesota since 1956—and it’s entering a new chapter. In a candid interview, co-owner Joe Pettit explains why the company is pivoting beyond fluid milk delivery and doubling down on what built the brand: showing up, communicating clearly, and serving retailers with a differentiated mix of refrigerated, frozen, and shelf-stable products. For grocery and convenience stores across Minnesota and Wisconsin, this is what the next chapter looks like.