American Faces #50

American Faces - No. 50

This American Faces is a big one. It is #50. Maybe because it is symbolic for 50 states, or maybe halfway to 100. I think more than that it is about a guy named Gerrit Van Bergen. I have known him since he was six because he is my wife’s youngest brother. I have watched this kid, who I swear was born with hockey skates on his feet, grow into an amazing husband and father, great high school hockey coach, and an all around excellent guy. This man with wavy hair (dubbed Dr. McDreamy by those viewing the Minnesota State High School All Hockey Hair Team broadcast) and a captivating smile has a heart of gold for people. Gerrit was born in Rockford, MN a small town about 30 miles west of Minneapolis, MN. There is a lot of small town heart in this man with a big world vision for hockey in Delano, MN. The passion he has for bringing out the best in those around him is infectious. When he spoke about the players on his team you would think he was talking about his own kids. Gerrit is so proud of how his players work as a team and not just as individuals. He is just as excited for the contributions of the team managers as he is for his high scoring players. His players, I believe, catch that vision and as a team, from the coaches to the players, approach each game with everything they’ve got. Hockey is a year-round passion for Gerrit; he has many integral roles including founder of Tiger Hockey STP hockey camp for hockey players of all ages from mites through high school. I guess when hockey runs in your blood you just can’t get enough. To check out all he does in bringing out the best in players go to his site:

https://tiger-hockey.square.site/

I am proud to call this man my brother-in-law. He impacts the world by being a great husband, dad, coach, and teacher.

Way to mold dreams for future generations Gerrit Van Bergen!

American Faces #49

American Faces No. 49

Scott Whitman is my friend, business partner in AgriLife Studios and now, the subject for American Faces #49. He’s an amazingly talented guy, from singer/performer to script writer, to photographer and sketch artist, to producer. He’s also a husband, and the father of two great kids. He’s called Minnesota home for more than 20 years, but began his journey in Texas and Wyoming, and made stops in the states of Missouri and Indiana along the way. I think this multifaceted guy has creativity woven into his very DNA. However, like most creatives, Scott says he’s been humbled by the talent of the collaborators he’s been blessed to work with through his career. Through his work on teams at Purdue University, Colle McVoy, in various creative collectives, and through his own business enterprises, he’s developed a humble, unassuming attitude and has learned to help his clients and creative teams find that sometimes elusive (but glorious!) balance where business goals and great creative ideas come together.

Scott is well-seasoned in the Agri-business communication world (a nice way of saying he’s over 50), but knows there is infinite room for growth to become an even better storyteller. He thrives on the collaboration process, as well as the comradery. He has an incredible heart for his fellow man. His heart for impacting people can be seen in his approach to his work, as well as in his personal life and what he does for his community through his church, NorthRidge Fellowship. He says he wants to live a life and leave a legacy “of eternal impact.”

When I asked Scott how he would encourage the next guy or gal like him, he responded by saying, “Don’t put boundaries on yourself. Don’t stop creating, don’t stop learning and exploring. Try things that push you, and don’t worry about failure. You never know what you are capable of until you try. You should also surround yourself with talented people who you respect, and be humble and ready to learn from someone else.”

American Faces #48

American Faces #48

Covid19 has caused so much upheaval in this world, maybe even to an unquantifiable amount for some people. My daughter Abigail's life and her senior year of college were not spared. Classes were suspended, musicals came to a halt, choir tour to Italy cancelled, commencement postponed until who-knows-when, and time spent with friends in the confines of her North Central University campus instantly ceased. I could see the tears of heartache for what she lost. Abigail however, had been cherishing every concert, every play acted out on stage by her and her fellow students, and each class as though it were her last. Through tears, she shared a profound quote from the show The Office, “Don’t you wish you knew you were living in the good ol’ days before the good ole days were over?” This twenty something daughter of mine was intentionally living-out that quote without knowing that the good ol’ days were abruptly coming to an end.

But in most stories of heartache there is also a story of redemption.

So, here's the redemption part of the story. My wife and I received a call from Abigail’s husband Landon asking if they could use the loft area of my studio as an apartment to ride out the shelter in place order instead of staying sequestered in their apartment in Minneapolis. Landon knew that being within the confines of an apartment in the city would not be good for her head and her heart. He knew that her childhood home with its

country living and herd of goats would be just the answer to help her endure these strange times. Abigail has always had a soft spot for the goats, especially the new kids that make spring so enjoyable.

Those little fuzzy babies gave her new life to play with, she might say they were salve for her heart that ached for all she has lost. In the midst of the fallout from Covid19, we have been given time to share meals, campfires, laughs, tears, hard work, and to just be family.

Life being put on hold has given way to deeper relationships as a family. There have been blessings beyond measure here at the Nielsen homestead.