American Faces #38

American Faces No. 38

There are people and places that are icons in a community. Jim Merkl and the Champlin Sinclair station are just that. Set near the Mississippi River and just across the bridge from Anoka is the historic Champlin Sinclair station. Built in the 1950’s with the classic white and green Sinclair look, the station has been under Jim’s ownership since 1977. Jim began his journey working for other shops where he learned the art of working on cars, plus something about running a business and how to treat customers right. Jim saw that the older mechanics and service station owners were almost considered sages in their communities, sharing wisdom that went beyond just turning a wrench. Jim decided he wanted to be one of those grey-haired sages one day. Now sporting his fair share of grey, Jim has accumulated wisdom to share, along with an opinion or two about current affairs. But don’t let that dissuade you from stopping in to this full-service gas station and repair shop. He’s a great guy, and as much of a landmark as the Sinclair Dinosaur that stands guard over the street corner just outside the shop.

You’ll find a cup of hot coffee, and maybe a doughnut or two, plus a ready smile and the kind of customer service that makes you feel like you stepped back in time. If you take time to talk to Jim or his wife, Diana, you’ll leave feeling this busy world we live in has been set back on a proper course.

So stop in to the Champlin Sinclair, fill up your gas tank, have your oil checked, then share some black coffee and neighborly conversation with an American icon.

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