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American Faces #25 - Matt Schnell

Nielsen Studios Inc
Mar 11, 2019
1 min read

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

Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1

Web: http://nielsen-studios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/

"Tell Your Story"

Serve #35 - Sergeant Tim L.

Nielsen Studios Inc
Mar 10, 2019
2 min read

Serve #35

There are some people you can just tell were made to serve and protect others. Sergeant Tim L. is one of those people. With his football player-sized frame, calm demeanor and warm smile, Sergeant Tim creates an atmosphere of peace whenever you're around him. You just feel protected in his sphere. But this isn’t just about Tim being a good guy, or even a cop. It’s about a man who believes in making a difference. Tim's also a coach for the North Community High School Polars football team in North Minneapolis, where he coaches both the offensive and defensive lines of this highly successful football program. Along with his big frame, Tim has a big heart for positively impacting those around him. It's obvious as he talks about how much he cares for the boys on the football team. He knows being a positive role model for his players can influence them for years to come. When asked about his own influences, Tim spoke of men like his dad, his own high school and college football coaches, and many others who encouraged and helped form the man he is today. During our ride-along, Tim's great big heart for people shined even brighter as he talked about the unsheltered people of our Metro Area. He serves with the Homeless Action Team that helps people find housing and work towards a more secure future for themselves. His passion for serving was genuine and contagious. I could see it, and I could hear it in every word he spoke. I could see why he was recently recognized as Officer of the Year.

Sergeant Lawrence thank you for making the world a safer place, but more than that, thank you for making it a better place by being who you are – on the job, and on the field of life. Thanks again for letting me ride along.

Story edited by Scott Whitman

Best wishes,

Shawn Nielsen Mobile. 612.750.2593 Studio. 763.498.7375 Email: shawn@nielsen-studios.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsenstudios1 Web: http://nielsen-studios.com Blog: http://nielsenstudios.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsen.studios.inc/ "Tell Your Story"

Serve #34 - Cathy W.

Nielsen Studios Inc
Mar 9, 2019
2 min read

Serve #34

The backstory for this Serve begins in November, 2018 when I first met Cathy. I had approached her as the representative of Mobile Hope Dayton. Meeting with Cathy and a handful of other women who are residents of the mobile home park in Dayton, Minnesota, we discussed offering portrait sessions for the great residents of the trailer park. I saw upon first meeting with Cathy that the heart of a servant was evident as she spoke of her love for the people of the park and her opportunity to serve them. She helps with homework, personal issues, and getting resources of various kinds to the people who need it. Sometimes I saw a tear fall as she talked of the opportunity to be there for others as needed and how privileged she felt to be able to be a part of the residents' lives on a regular basis. Cathy, while she maybe would not say it of herself, is what I would call a “Jesus with Skin on”. Cathy told me she serving because of the song, "Here I am Lord" and to reach out to people. She is helping change lives on a regular basis. It's amazing to see. It's a real love for people that transcends what our human minds can understand.

I am a blessed man to have had the opportunity to serve alongside this woman and the organization she is a part of.

There are regular people like Cathy, like you and like me making an incredible impact in the communities all around us. Get out there and serve, you will change a life!