SANDPOINT — Who (or what) is Finan McDonald?

The who? A Scottish trapper who launched a number of trading posts in the region. The what? One of the best place to find great clothes and apparel in the community.

The Sandpoint store and owners Ben and Rhonda Tate were honored as the May business of the month by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

A long-standing business in the heart of downtown Sandpoint, Finan McDonald Clothing Co. was started in 1987 by Ben Tate as a 900-square-foot men’s clothing store. Tate named the store after a colorful Scottish trapper and explorer who first came to the area in 1807 and started many trading posts.

Ben married Rhonda a few years later, and soon after they added women’s clothing and footwear to their inventory. After growing out of numerous locations downtown, Finan McDonald Clothing Co. now occupies almost 5,000 square feet on the corner of First Avenue and Main Street.

Most of their employees have worked there for years and are considered family, the Tates said. Sandy Hughes-Rose has worked at Finan McDonald for 22 years, office manager Susan Haynes has been there 16 years, Kim Walby has been there for over 14 years, Brittany Smith for nearly 10 years, and Leslie Wahlin for 5 years. They have recently welcomed Kay Reifsnyder and Charann Briot to their staff and feel very lucky to have each one as a part of the Finan McDonald family.

The Tates have been long-time supporters of the community and local non-profit organizations. Rhonda Tate is an 11-year volunteer CASA Advocate — Court Appointed Special Advocate — helping numerous children and their families as they navigate the court systems and giving these children a voice in court.

“I was tasked with developing partnerships in the Sandpoint area. Looking back at the history of event sponsors and donors, one was consistent year after year — Finan McDonald and the Tates,” Kristin Ludwig, CASA director of development, said.

Finan McDonald and the Tates are also generous supporters of Kinderhaven, Bonner Community Food Bank, PAFE, the Festival at Sandpoint, Bonner General Health, the Panhandle Animal Shelter, Community Cancer Services, Angels Over Sandpoint, and the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.

The Tates said they are proud to live in Sandpoint and to be part of this extraordinary community.

For more information about Finan McDonald visit them at 301 N. First Ave, find them on Facebook, Instagram or online at finanmcdonald.com.