American Faces #30

This story begins back in 1996. That’s when I first met Randy Hatanpa. At the time, Randy was the creative director at an agency in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and I was at a studio just down the road. We’ve worked on many projects together and have had countless conversations over the years since, and in that time found we share a common love for the outdoors. But more recently I discovered that Randy harbors a near fanatical passion for Muskie fishing, and making custom lures.

I also learned that Randy shares this obsession with his son, Corey, and together they make and sell artisan-quality muskie lures under the banner Gen1:20 Lures. When I visited their shop to shoot this photo, Corey broke into a big smile and told me about the careful work that goes into each lure, from the individual resin casting, to the detailed custom painting, and even the multiple layers of clear epoxy finish that make each one a work of art. Randy and Corey’s deep bond, and the love they have for their work and each other, is evident as they talk about their lures, and the elusive fish those lures are made to entice. Their eyes light up when they talk about their time together on the water and share photos of the monster fish they’ve caught. Those lures may be meant for muskies, but clearly they’ve also reeled father and son closer together.

So, twenty-plus years later, life’s taken some interesting turns, but Randy and I still do the occasional photo project together, and we still talk about the outdoors. But now we also talk about our kids, the memories we’re making and the legacies we want to leave them. It seems Randy can still find new and creative ways to inspire me.

American Faces #29

The wide-eyed wonderment of an almost 2 year old girl named Eden easily earned its place as an American Faces candidate. First, because I am her grandpa and second, because she is totally honest in her every reaction to the world around her and that soothes the soul. For me, these past months have not been easy ones. My dad passed away in August which leaves a huge hole to fill; maybe that hole really isn’t meant to be filled. I am okay with that. Maybe the wide-eyed joy as a little girl marvels at a tiny acorn that fell from a giant oak tree is what makes moving forward easier. I see unfettered smiles and an innocence in life that warms my heart. She hasn’t known heartbreak, struggle, or loss as you the reader has. She only knows love; the love of her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a myriad of others who are wonderfully woven into her life. That wonderment in her eyes is what fuels a grandparent to sit and play with beads in a bowl by the hour, or sit down beside her and touch the newly treasured acorns from the day’s adventure.

Live today with a bit more wide-eyed wonderment. We all need it!

American Faces #28

The world we live in can seem like a pretty bleak place when we turn on the T.V. or read random reports on our news feeds. But our world is made a whole lot more bearable by men like Lonny Evans. Lonny is the Director of Volunteers and Outreach for Loaves and Fishes in Minnesota. His eyes light up as he talks of the impact Loaves and Fishes is making in the lives of people all over our state. There is a passion for people in each careful word he speaks. You can hear it. He knows people are not just numbers to be fed and cared for, but people like you and me who sometimes need a bit of help. As we walked around he introduced me to several volunteers – the folks who provide needed groceries and supplies to the people at each site that Loaves and Fishes serves. Lonny's smile, and his heart for people, make you feel welcome the instant you shake his hand.

Outside of work, Lonny serves as Director of Operations for the Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey (MWBH) program. He sees his role at Loaves and Fishes, and MWBH, as the C.E.O.O. – the Chief Encourager of Others and Opportunities.

May we all strive to be a C.E.O.O. like Lonny Evans and make this world a better place.