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  • Writer's pictureNielsen Studios Inc
    • Mar 22, 2019
    • 1 min read

Serve #37 - Matt S.


Serve #37


A soldier named Matt S. is the subject of this Serve. He is a man who experienced life and combat in Iraq over a period of 24 continual months during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been active duty in the U.S. Army since 2000. Currently, he serves as a Staff Sergeant as an ammunitions specialist. He comes from a long line of men who have proudly served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. I can truly tell that Matt has so much respect for those who have sacrificed. I saw it in the tear in his eye as he shared why he chose the Fort Ripley Military Cemetery as the background for his photo; to him each burial site is a symbol of sacrifice. Matt's time in Iraq left an indelible mark on him, but it also forged him into the man he is today. I suppose one could say he was refined by what he endured while under fire in a country thousands of miles from home. I am continually brought to a place of awe and respect for people like Matt. Admiration wells up inside of me as I realize I am sitting next to someone who has lived out the very definition of what it means to “lay down his life for his fellow man”. I am so thankful for the sacrifice that people like Matt have made. A thousand thank yous could never repay your sacrifice.



Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

"Let's Tell Your Story"      

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  • Writer's pictureNielsen Studios Inc
    • Mar 12, 2019
    • 1 min read

Serve #36 - Olman E.





Serve No. 36


Pastor Olman Estrada has been a pastor in San Jerónimo Honduras for 18 years. He faithfully and passionately serves his community with his whole heart.    You see the love for people in his smile and you hear it in the compassionate tone of his voice.  He is a man who lives to love God, his wife and his children every day.  He is also a man who loves serving his community.  I asked him why it is so important to serve his community and he said, “Because I think we should make a difference by helping people.”  Pastor Olman went on to say; “May they know God by listening. to His word on my lips as I serve." He sees his service to the community as a pastor as a high privilege from God. As we closed I asked Pastor Olman how long he will serve.  He said;  "I will serve God and his people until I breathe my last on this earth” I am so often in awe when I hear people's answer to a question like how long will you serve.  An answer like Olman’s often causes me to dig deep into who I am and ask myself;  "What can I do to help humanity?" May we all be challenged to help change the lives of those around us by serving.


Best wishes,


Shawn Nielsen


Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

"Tell Your Story"      


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  • Writer's pictureNielsen Studios Inc
    • Mar 11, 2019
    • 1 min read

American Faces #25 - Matt Schnell



American Faces -  #25


Matt Schnell is a multi-faceted creative guy – one of those rare types who seems to be a master at everything he does. He's equally talented in graphic design as well in producing custom-made works of art for interior spaces. His graphic design business is Schnell Designs and his other business is Red Barn Creations. Over the years I have been amazed at Matt's ability to make magic with complex digital graphic design then transition effortlessly to hand-building a custom office desk, or converting an old motorcycle into a work of art to be displayed in a Cowboy Jack's restaurant. He's a good guy, with a bit good ol' boy in him. That wrought-iron personality shines through in his designs and his handmade works of art, and as he greets you with a firm handshake and a "howdy!" I know I've become a better photographer when Matt and I are on set together, and I have also become a more well-rounded creative through Matt's relentless pursuit of top-level creative content. This photo shows Matt in his element: the Red Barn Creations Shop, where "man glitter" (sawdust) is made . Thank you, Matt, for being one of my American Faces. You are part of what makes the American story great – a talented guy who creates dang cool stuff!


Best wishes,


Shawn Nielsen

Mobile. 612.750.2593

Studio. 763.498.7375

"Tell Your Story"      



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