Chris and Julie Gentine

Chris and Julie Gentine established The Artisan Cheese Exchange in 2006 to combine their professional talents and experience with their shared passion for delicious cheese, wine and travel.

Cheese has been a part of Chris Gentine’s life for as long as he can remember. Chris’s first job, at age 15, was scraping and cleaning cheese at his grandfather’s cheese company, Sargento Foods. He worked at the company throughout college, learning all aspects of the production operations. After graduation, he joined Masters Gallery Foods, his father’s cheese packaging and distribution company, as a retail merchandiser and bulk cheese trader.

Chris worked his way through the company’s management training program, holding positions in sales, procurement, operations and logistics. He served as the company president for three years before leaving in the spring of 2006.

Julie Gentine brings a solid background in the retail industry to The Artisan Cheese Exchange. She earned her degree in advertising and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and worked for Wisconsin favorite Lands’ End during college.

After college, Julie was recruited by Neiman Marcus for its Executive Training Program. At Neiman Marcus, she was an assistant buyer for evening gowns, then transferred to Minneapolis to help Neiman Marcus open and run their new store. She later joined Kohl’s Department Store, where she was a buyer for electronics and seasonal home décor.

The Gentines live in Plymouth, Wis. Chris is an avid sports car enthusiast and Audi club member, while Julie loves cooking and traveling. They both enjoy spending time with family, and they are active volunteers in their community and parish school.

The Gentines are members of the American Cheese Society.