American Faces #40

American Faces - No.40

Sheryl Tegtmeier is passionate about making people feel welcome. When you walk into her store, Stony Hill Gifts and Home Decor in Rogers, MN, you’re greeted like family. Her warm smile and heartfelt conversation makes you feel like you’re shopping with a friend. Moving around the store, the colors, design and thoughtful approach to every display reflects the care and joy Sheryl and her staff put into selecting every item, and their desire to help you find something truly special.

Sheryl’s genuine care for people keeps them coming back. To her loyal customers, Sheryl’s their “gift guru” – one who knows just the right gift to lift someone’s spirits, or to say ‘thank-you’ or to express genuine affection for that special someone in their life (perhaps even a special Valentine). I can honestly say I walked into her store a stranger, and felt like I walked out a friend. Thank you, Sheryl, for reminding us what genuine care and customer service really looks like. You’re awesome!

American Faces #39

Derek De La Paz is the highly caffeinated man behind the handmade coffee mug. His dark brown eyes, infectious smile, and truly engaging personality welcomed me into his kitchen as he told me a bit about his life. I heard his zest for life, food, and all he senses in the world around him as we spoke. His life story has as many complex layers to it as the food dishes he once created as an award winning chef in California, and in the multifaceted taste profiles he creates through his masterful roasting at Mill City Roasters. Derek spoke of how he incorporates the world around him; sights, smells, and what he feels all in some way become fused into the beans and ultimately a great cup of coffee. Derek’s humor and wit were on par with that great cup of coffee as he spoke of his Dutch and Mexican family backgrounds. This part Dutch, part Mexican, and all-American guy is so thankful for his mom, sister, and grandma who poured into his life and encouraged him along the way. Those three women helped form his view on life and helped to influence his mark on the coffee world one roasted batch of beans at a time.

There is always much that can be read between the lines of every story written like this one. Is Derek perfect? No. No one is. But this 46 year old man is learning something new about himself every day. He strives to bring out the best in others, just like others have done for him.

Derek ended our conversation with a powerful statement; “Every moment is a moment to change things.”

Those eight words can change the world. May we all live out Derek’s words in the days ahead.

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.