American Faces #37

Tom Sherman drives his big, white, double axle Snap-On Tools truck over the roads near Rogers, Minnesota, taking care of his clients the old-school kind of way – one stop and one person at a time. Tom’s spent his whole adult life (and a few teenage years as well) in the Snap-on Tool Company in one fashion or another. It was in the early 1990’s that a man named Paul Johnson first gave him a chance as a young salesman for Snap-on. Tom pledged not to let Paul down. To this day, his personal integrity, and an incredible work ethic, are what continue to drive Tom to go the extra mile – literally! But for Tom, the mechanics he calls on each day are more than customers...

While his wife, Katie, and daughter, Emma, are the center of this man’s life, Tom calls many of his customers dear friends. Over the years, and over many “extra” miles of delivering personal care, those friends and customers have found a genuine hero in Tom. If Snap-On gave capes to their guys I think Tom would certainly have earned it. He truly cares about his customers and wants to see them succeed. In return, those long-standing friends and loyal customers have helped Tom become one of the top three Snap-On franchises in sales. He said it means the world to him, and he’s so thankful, to have so many long-standing customers he can count as friends. A little misty-eyed he told me, “I don’t want to let them down.” You know, if we each lived out those words, like Tom, we could make a real impact in this world.

Best Wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

612.750.2593

American Faces #36

Jason Kraus has built a reputation as one of Minnesota’s best bladesmiths, but his road to getting there took a lot of twists and turns. Along the way to becoming a metalworking and blade-smithing artisan he’s been and done many other things: computer tech, coffee barista, sous chef, house painter. But, throughout that circuitous journey, he cultivated an interest in blades and swords – an obsession he credits to receiving a Swiss Army Knife when he was five years old. He’s now 39, so I guess it’s true – guys never really grow up!

The forging of a sword-maker

In 2011, Jason was physically and emotionally exhausted from expending his energy in all those vocational pursuits, while finding no real fulfillment. Friends and family began to ask, “what do you really love?” and “what do you see yourself doing every day?” His answer: making swords. Which is everyone's response, right? In truth, the idea of sword-making spoke to Jason’s heart. So with the encouragement of those around him, he signed up for a two-week intensive class at Bill Moran School of Blade Making in Arkansas, and then another week-long hands-on bladesmithing workshop. These two immersive experiences began to meld together Jason’s wonderment of steel and fire, and launched a journey of discovery and refining his art. Jason now crafts exceptional blades combining razor-sharp edges, rugged functionality and impeccable custom designs. In life, every person faces some kind of struggle. Jason’s personal struggle is dyslexia. But his battle with deciphering the written word could not dampen his passion for reading steel and pursuing his art. The glint in his eyes and the passion in his voice when Jason describes his work clearly says this Bladesmith has found his true calling.

Wisdom from the fire: don’t be afraid to step out and take some heat

As I ended my time with Jason of NorthStar Forge, I asked him to share what he would say to the next Jason out there. He had just two pieces of advice. He said, first, let people help you, and second, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and invite the critique of others who know your craft. He mentioned he was once tapped by premier clothier, Filson, as one of a handful of Minnesota artisans selected to demonstrate his craft for the launch of their new line of CCF workwear. Turning up the heat a bit higher, he competed on the reality TV shows Forged in Fire (season 3, episode 15) and Master of Arms. These two experiences brought him shoulder to shoulder with equally amazing bladesmiths, pushing his skills to the limit in front of countless viewers. Talk about being refined by the flame!

Echoing Jason’s advice, my encouragement to you is this: get out there and push yourself to do something new and amazing in 2020. Maybe you won’t make a sword (or, maybe you will!). But you can certainly do something to make a difference. And be sure to take time to encourage someone else who’s on the journey of discovering their own passion. Help them see their potential to shine and make a difference in their corner of the world. Who knows, you may just discover the next Jason Kraus!

Best Wishes,

Shawn Nielsen

612.750.2593

American Faces #35

I am often amazed at where the road of life leads each person. It’s never a straight line. It sometimes has straight-aways, but always throws you a few curves, hills, valleys. Andy’s life began in Korea where he was lovingly adopted by his parents Jeanne and Jim Schultz. Andy’s formative teen years were spent in his home in Plymouth, MN. It was at Vision of Glory Lutheran Church where he began to sense a calling to ministry, first as a worship band guitar player, then as an apprentice youth leader, and finally as a paid staff youth pastor. But the story doesn’t end there. As time marched on, Andy realized that being a youth pastor was not a permanent calling for him. For a time he stepped away from leadership in the local church. The next curve in the road for Andy was a paid position at Schmitt Music where he gave guitar lessons, and eventually managed a store in the Minneapolis Metro area. Throughout all the curves that Andy’s early life took, there remained a love for music – a love so apparent that if you were to see him singing and playing on any given Sunday at NorthRidge Fellowship, it would make you smile. Andy has had some amazing people in his life to encourage him: Connie in youth ministry, and Josh Skogerboe and Pastor Bob Halverson in worship and pastoral leadership. Shortly before Andy took his current role at NorthRidge Fellowship, Josh and Pastor Bob affirmed what Andy was feeling: a call to be a worship pastor and mentor of others. Andy’s been serving at NorthRidge for nearly a decade. He plays, sings and leads the church with passion and intention. His heartfelt words and approachability makes everyone feel welcome. The road of life is never easy, but the journey is always interesting, and always more rewarding when we take it together. I know I’m very thankful for the part of the journey I’ve shared with Andy. Take time to get to know others around you, and walk a little ways down the road of life together. You may just make friends with a fellow human who’s Korean by birth, with the last name of Schultz. Think on that!