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.

American Faces #47

American Faces #47

When I think about my son Isaac, I think of enthusiasm, I think of passionate-drive, I think of compassion for others, and I think of a love of adventure in the outdoors. Isaac is a hard working, ardent-about-life kind of guy. As he looks toward his future, he hopes to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2650 mile trek from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, and then he hopes to have a family and a career in law enforcement. When I asked him why he was interested in law enforcement, he said, “To serve and protect and also because my Papa Nielsen served as a patrolman and detective in Plymouth, MN.”

I watched Isaac serve his Papa Nielsen in the hours before his death. Isaac stayed by his papa’s side holding his hand as he breathed his last breath. He served his Papa well, and that is the way Isaac wants to serve others. Isaac’s heart to serve comes from his dedication to the freedoms we have been given and his desire to protect those around him.

When I asked Isaac what he wanted to share with others he said, “ Do what you need to do to live without regret.”