American Faces #44

American Faces - No. 44

The story of Big Bore Barbecue and Chad Brink is one of those classic American dream kind of stories. The story begins with Chad Brink giving himself to the service of our country for 8 years as he was a part of the Army National Guard. Chad’s service forged a strength for logistics, process and drive. That drive is what helped Big Bore Barbecue rise out of the ashes (so to speak) in a space that was once the eyesore of the Hanover, Minnesota community.

Big Bore has an incredible warmth to it that you feel before you even come through the door with the glorious smoke rising from the smokers. The inviting atmosphere shines through as you see the carefully planned decor and are warmly greeted by the incredible staff. You’re invited to slow down, take it easy and soak in Minnesota’s version of Texas Barbecue. Maybe that’s a nod to the slow cooked meats that make you drool as you see the orders of others pass as you await others.

The welcoming atmosphere of Big Bore Barbecue

As I spoke to Chad, I lost count of the number of times that he mentioned how much community means to him as he was opening this Texas Style BBQ. He lives in the very community that Big Bore calls home and is so thankful for the friends and neighbors who are helping him live out this awesome American Dream with him. He knows without a loyal community of people, Big Bore could not be the success that it is.

Neon is Awesome!

Big Bore Barbecue is a reality because as Chad Brink said in closing “Don’t give up”.

Those last three words are something that we each need to hear from time to time.

Art directed by: Schnell Designs

American Faces - #43

American Faces No.43

Have you ever been blown away by someone when you first meet them? I was, by this wonderful teenager named Sani, as I sat across from her at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Maple Grove, MN. She has already endured much in her years on this earth. She was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 2015, just months after her mother Natasha was diagnosed with the same form of cancer. As I asked questions I saw a young lady with such incredible poise and care for her fellow human that my heart was truly stirred. Though she’s endured much hardship, she has a huge desire to give to others. Sani’s way of giving is through collecting and donating books to hospitals and various healthcare facilities so young patients like her might have something to read. She calls her organization Sani's Book Adventures.

Sani has spent many days in hospitals. Books gave her an escape, and helped take her to places she could only dream of going as she was fighting hard against thyroid Cancer. Those literary adventures gave her a place to go where cancer could not hold her back. She got to be princess, a mountaineer and maybe even the brave soldier fighting the battle that others were not strong enough to fight. Imagination and dreams are precious to Sani and her fellow fighters, and books can be a powerful window into that place where they find hope.

Sani’s Book Adventures has provided Sani’s family something to rally around as they’ve fought their Cancer battles together. Julian, Sani’s dad has been the man of great strength, supporting this adventure. He’s also the guy who gets to carry the boxes of books into each place the books find a home. Sani’s brother Jack helps select books. He’s especially drawn to classics that are wonderfully ornate and full of adventure. Aric, Jack’s twin brother, is also wonderfully in the mix as this family pushes on in their work to bless others.

I really wanted to keep writing more, but perhaps it’s best to close by leaving you with Sani’s own words. When I asked her why she started Sani’s Book Adventures, she simply said, “To help others find hope in the darkest of places.”

Every day, we bump into people who are going through something really hard. Let’s follow Sani’s example and do what we can to help them find hope in the darkness.

Click the link to learn how to help, donate or read more about Sani's Book Adventures:

Sani's Book Adventures

To see the recent Kare11 interview that was wonderfully done click here:

Kare11 Interview

American Faces - #42

American Faces No. 42

Tim Huttner is a complex guy, but he sees the world in a binary way – black and white, good and bad, ones and zeros. Tim admits he’s obsessive-compulsive, and maybe just a touch ADD. His hobbies range from smoking ribs to building high-performance firearms. He and his wife, Roxy, coordinate a weekly car show in the summer. He serves on the local economic development council. He has a sound studio in his basement. He’s eclectic. But Tim’s singular passion is automotive performance. He’s kind of an engine wizard, really.

Tim builds high-performance engines from the block up – precision machining, advanced fuel injection, custom exhaust, engine and transmission electronics. He has two U.S. Patents for automotive technology. It’s hard to keep track of everything Tim has going. But he has help. Roxy keeps the Huttner Enterprises auto repair business humming along, while their son, Norris, works in the shop and drives the tow truck (their other son, Tyler, a machinist, still helps on occasional projects).

While this self-professed car jockey is most at home under the hood of a hot-rod, Tim is all about community. He thinks of his “clients” as family, and goes to extremes to treat people right.

Though always a “straight shooter,” Tim admits he’s not a great communicator. “I’m a blunt-talking type-A, and my thought process, the way I want to do things, is sometimes hard to explain. I know it’s frustrating for others.” He relates his thought process to how he’s worked to overcome Dyslexia. “I’m not great with words. But I can look at a complex circuit board and I can tell you how it works.” He says what might at first seem a weakness is often a strength.

His experience in working to overcome his own challenges informs Tim’s advice to others: “learn from the struggle – whatever you’re dealing with, don’t let it discourage you. Just do what you love to do.”