Nielsen Studios Inc. - Minnesota

09/15/2026

I love telling stories and I love Park Rapids!

American Faces No. 115: A goodbye to summer.

Well, summer has officially come to an end. But before we bid it a complete farewell, I wanted to share my 115th American Faces story featuring Todd of Northern Cycle. Nestled wonderfully close to the heart of Minnesota lake country, Northern Cycle serves riders near the Heartland State Trail in Park Rapids as well at its other store in Bemidji, MN with Todd as business owner at both locations.

The Park Rapids shop, in particular, offers a warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated Northwoods atmosphere. This story was photographed in Park Rapids—a place near and dear to my heart, where I grew up hunting, fishing, and taking in the great outdoors. I’ve logged many miles pedaling the Paul Bunyan Trail myself, riding all the way from Walker to Park Rapids, often with a welcomed stop at a local ice cream shop in Dorset or a quaint coffee spot in Nevis. Along the trail, I’ve crossed paths with countless folks enjoying the ride: families out for an afternoon, cyclists training for a speedy group ride, and folks comfortably cruising the area on e-bikes.

At the very heart of bicycling is the relationship you build with your local shop. Whether you need wheels trued or the intricate mechanical operations of your trusty two-wheeled ride tuned, stepping into a local bike shop truly makes a difference in the community. You’re supporting a local shop owner, a skilled mechanic, and a hometown economy that counts on you. It might be fixing a broken chain, patching a flat tire, picking out a new bike, or investing in an e-bike—which now accounts for over 40% of the market share. The shop owner here is Todd. He brings decades of experience to running a business in an area defined by bustling lake country tourism in the summer and quiet, snowy winters. He spoke candidly about the stresses of owning a bike store, but his face lit up as he shared how much it means to see the genuine smiles on people’s faces after they pedal away on a bike they’ve bought, rented, or had repaired. That joy is what keeps him in the game. I watched his exceptional customer service shine as folks came through the door. Every single person was treated like an old friend—never looked down upon, even if all they needed was a quick pump of air for their tires. Todd was consistently courteous, welcoming, and genuinely caring. Todd is also incredibly thankful for and grateful to his dedicated, skilled staff. As he put it—"We wouldn't be able to be successful without them."

In fact, as I wrapped up my time with him, I asked what advice he would offer to the next person aspiring to own a bike shop. He put it simply: “Be honest, be friendly, and be courteous. Don’t talk down to others. Talk with them.”

So, how best to wrap this up? Perhaps by encouraging all of us, just as Todd suggested, to be honest, friendly, and courteous to one another. Oh, and go ride, buy, or fix up a bike—it just might put that classic, child-like grin back on your face!

07/14/2026

Adulting isn't always easy. From long work days and dentist appointments to kids' sports, vehicle repairs, moving, and vacations, managing the many layers of daily life just to make ends meet can quickly become overwhelming.

But what if we took a brief moment to pause? Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember your three-year-old self. Imagine looking at life once again through innocent, wonder-filled eyes, completely unfettered by adult burdens. Think back to running through a sprinkler on a hot summer day with watermelon juice dripping down your chin, a grape-flavored Icee melting in your grasp, or simply holding someone's hand with no strings attached.

There is still a child deep inside each of us. Let them out for a little while—I bet it will feel good. Smile, laugh, and maybe even flap your arms like a butterfly, because the world truly needs some childlike joy right now!


You’re it—now go do it!

06/25/2026

Paddling a kayak or canoe is one of my favorite things to do. Telling stories is a close second;-)!

American Faces No. 114: Paddlers are welcome here.

I think all of us can muster up a grand story of adventure that involves a canoe or some watercraft. Maybe one we formed while swirling our hand in the water, or having some faded orange “life” jacket pushing into our neck as we sat slumped in a 12 ft Alumacraft boat in our younger years. Well that was me for sure. I guess my memories are what fueled my curiosity to connect with Clear Waters Outfitting in Clearwater ,MN. More specifically; Sandra Meer, who now continues the legacy of the shop after her husband, Dan passed away in April of 2025. Sandra is not a tall person by any means but her warmth, love for paddlesports and a relentless care for the customer are evident from the moment you walk in the store. Clear Waters Outfitting is the only paddle sport specialty shop and outfitter on the banks of the Mississippi River in Central Minnesota and it is wonderfully filled with well fitting life jackets, canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, accessories and smiles that make you feel welcome.

You can tell wisdom has been hard earned when you talk to Sandra, who with her husband established Clear Waters Outfitting in 2009 and officially started selling boats and offering river trips in 2010. There have been many people who have been a part of the Clear Waters’ story through the years, both family and friends alike. Growth has been well thought out, from helping anglers discover kayak fishing on a “Wild and Scenic” stretch of the Mississippi to integrating a repair shop in 2018 when NorthWest Canoe was added to the mix. While Sandra and her team may not be a box store with price cutting discounts, they are a warm, knowledgeable, customer service driven place that loves to hear your story and likely share one of their own.

So here’s my thoughts in a nutshell. Let Amazon be Amazon. Shop small with someone like Sandra of Clear Waters Outfitting. You literally help their business thrive. You might just meet a new friend to help you with your adventurous life story.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

02/05/2026

Love telling stories. Especially about local American Farmers like Larry

This might well be the quintessential American Faces story so far. Not because of Larry K.’s face but due to the fact that he is an American Farmer who has continued to farm on the very land his family has been farming since the 1950’s. For many years he was a dairy farmer in the St. Michael, Minnesota area. Larry, his brother and their families raised Jersey dairy cows for milk production along with growing corn, soybeans and hay. In the not too distant past the farm transitioned to crops and raising Angus/Holstein steers that may someday find their way to markets near you. He continues to farm a couple hundred acres of ground slowly being enveloped by housing developments all around. Year in, year out his tractors continue to work the very ground on which he was raised.

The stresses of farming have always ebbed and flowed but in my ten plus years of knowing Larry I have always encountered a man who had a warm smile, a kind word for the day and a dry joke or seven to lighten the mood. I have had the privilege of Larry’s kind and cheerful nature as we loaded trailers full of hay for the goats my wife and I keep. Even when I haven’t seen him for a while and we greet each other with a handshake, it feels like he’s a friend I have known forever. I think that is the true measure of a good man.

When I asked Larry why farming means so much to him he said, “It’s what I have always done and I enjoy it”.

So as 2026 begins to move ahead, take a deep breath and remember life stresses will ebb and flow. First, enjoy your family. Second, smile…you and the others need it. Third, make a difference in the world around you. It definitely needs you.

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios
Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

01/08/2026

It was such an honor to do this story of Danielle Igbanugo who founded https://www.facebook.com/CoatedInLove

American Faces #112

01/08/2026

American Faces No. 111: To Bee or not to Bee
Ok that is definitely my most cheesy title. I am a bit sorry for that ...but I am not above a good “Dad Joke”. This story is about a man named John W. who raises bees near his townhome in Monticello, MN. John has a fair amount of silver and an amazing amount of passion when it comes to raising bees. He knows what the color of honey is all about. He knows all about the transformations bees make when the hives are filled with the buzzing bodies of these winged marvels and he understands the role of the queen.
Maybe even more amazing than his wisdom is John’s desire to share the sweet outcome of his diligent care for his bees. Honey! Sharing love in a little jar brings great joy to John. He has shared small jars to the far north with the people of Nett Lake Reservation as well as neighbors in North Minneapolis who receive resources at Beacon of Hope where Good in the ‘Hood does a foodshelf and footcare. John’s heart is a wonderfully giving one. He uses the honey and the bees to talk about Creation, his Christian walk and journey through life thus far. John’s life just like most of us has not been a straight linear path. He has had jobs in various fields, lived in different places and battled cancer. He remains a man with an engaging smile, calm demeanor (maybe the bees taught him to be calm;-) ) and stories of life that will keep you interested for hours.
I know I have not shared much about the inner workings of the hive, the flight patterns of worker bees or the palatable taste differences of seasonal honey. There is much to read at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab or Wikipedia. I know I have missed something that you might want to know to soothe your inner detective. Needless to say my attention was all over the place as I photographed John and his friendly bees. I stood in wonder at the bees; they are essential and make our world beautiful by pollinating flowers, trees and crops. But maybe even more impressive, they are a great example of what working together can do. They create something that positively impacts the world.
John shared something he heard at a retreat with his daughter years ago: “God’s grace and honey are both gifts from heaven. Can’t be earned, undeserved and free! And sticky! And sweet as well, honey”.
So here’s how I am ending this one. Talk to someone about something that you know nothing about. I mean really push yourself out of your comfort zone. You might just meet a “bee guy” and then get to see a bee hive and stand in awe and wonder at our world; especially tiny, flying ones that provide tasty honey that makes life sweeter. Don’t forget to share your story with the other person though. Other people need to hear that. Humanity needs one another!!!
Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios
Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

05/20/2025

My final Kite maker story for my American Faces series.

American Faces #108 - Go fly a kite - No.2

What do sailing, adventuring, quilting and sewing have in common? The answer is kites! Not just any kites, but kites designed, sewn and flown by Barb M. of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Barb is the second Go fly a kite subject in my American Faces series. She is an adventurous person with an inclination for travel. A love for sailing with her husband was a part of that adventurous attitude for Barb. From sailing, her love for adventure and creative outlets drew her to flying kites and to making kites as well as creating patterns for kite companies to use her intricate designs. During our time together I was able to see how her quilting and sewing background gave form to her airworthy creations through mathematical precision and an artistic eye. She has traveled the world flying kites, meeting other makers and making friends who have the same heart for all things kites.

Her kites are not just eye-catching. They fly with ease and brought an uncanny peace as I watched them dance gracefully, tail and all, through the air, high above the ground. While her kites might not have a Disney character on them they still bring out a child-like enjoyment for those watching from ground level. Bright colors, intricate designs and mid-air tricks entertain those planted to the earth.

Adult concerns can sometimes hold us to the ground, so-to-speak. So maybe if we would just go fly a kite we could lose those concerns for a while by watching a beautiful kite made by a maker like Barb. Or maybe even buy yourself a Spiderman or ladybug kite and try to fly it. I am confident it will make you squint as you gaze into the sky and smile as you pilot your own kite and maybe even bring a smile to another onlooker. Have some fun, go by a kite and maybe even take another person. Barb would say, “Pick a kite you truly love. If it means something to you you’re more likely to invest the time into it.”

So with that, “Go Fly a Kite” as my mom would say to me. It will make you smile, maybe even laugh. Oh and it will be good for you and others!

04/03/2025

Go Fly a kite - No.1

01/30/2025

Love to tell the stories about people making a difference.

Here is the meaning of compassion: To see the suffering of others and to choose to walk

alongside them.

I think woven into the very DNA of Rob Bergfalk is a gene for compassion. Ok maybe there isn’t a gene but I do think there is a deep soul-level drive that moves Rob to make a difference in the community he has been called to. That community is Anoka, MN where he first started Compassion Church in 2021. From that 2021 church launch, a small church has grown into a group of people who are making a tangible difference in their community. You can find them serving at Stepping Stone, Hope 4 Youth or with people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. Then, in 2024 Rob and Compassion Church opened Compassion Coffee; open daily Monday - Saturday serving amazing coffee along with pastries from its next door neighbor Krown Bakery. The vision for Compassion Coffee is to empower people affected by homelessness. They hope to provide employment, skill training and resources for those who are struggling. Rob isn’t just a guy that talks the good talk; he is a man who lives out the true meaning of compassion. He talks with kindness and dignity to his employees and patrons alike. He also shared a story of how the compassion mindset of the coffee shop was able to bring rest and warmth for those struggling in the community. It was very stirring for me to hear his heart for people.

As our time was ending, I asked him the question, “Why do people need compassion?” He shared, “Everyone struggles in some way, shape or form. Everyone needs someone to care, to see them, to remind them that they are loved.” It is through caring that true change is possible in people's lives.

My hope is that those who read this help reflect the definition of compassion in some way in 2025. The world will definitely be a better place because of our actions!

Compassion Coffee

12/19/2024

https://youtu.be/WvofxLvtd6A?si=Hj_0mirAGdaQARss

As I get ready to flip the proverbial calendar page to 2025, I wanted to share one of the most profound projects that I was a part of in 2024. This project is a story series called, “Will You See Me?” The series captures images of those experiencing homelessness in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul areas of Minnesota. This deeply moving project was an incredible opportunity for me to help tell the stories of 35+ people. I spent time alongside Reverend Shawn Morrison from Good in the 'Hood and Beth Korth who helped us with recordings and logistics during interviews. All images were captured on the streets where men, women and children dwell as they were experiencing homelessness.

Our main goal was to hear people’s stories and to photograph them holding their signs that often have a handful of words written with a fat-tip marker. Those words are often asking for help as well as a Thank you.

On the first photoshoot, I quickly realized that so many of these people have trauma written into their life stories. This trauma is the root cause for what has brought many to a place of homelessness. Struggling with the scars left by the trauma and the just plain difficult day-to-day circumstances are an everyday reality for these precious souls. During subsequent photoshoots, trauma and the resulting life-long struggles are a common thread for those dear people. I am challenged to remember that as I learn to love the hurting in a deeper way.

As we began to finish up the “Will You See Me?” series in the late summer, we had an opportunity to be interviewed by Alexis Rogers of KARE 11 near downtown Minneapolis and share the reason we did the series in the first place as well as to highlight what Good in the 'Hood does for people in difficult circumstances. The he link to that video by Alexis Rogers is in the comments.

When I think back to the impact this series has had on me, I think the name we came up with is what challenges me. The series title is “Will You See Me?”. That question is a call to action. It is a choice. It’s not “Can You See Me?”. That title implies ability. We all have the ability to see folks who are struggling. We have to choose to see them. In all honesty, I found myself, before this project was underway, not wanting to make eye contact with people who hold the signs. Maybe for me I had some guilt for not being able to help them, maybe it was doubt whether they actually needed it, or maybe it was not knowing if just a smile and a wave from me was OK. But what I learned was that so many of the wonderful souls just want to be smiled at, to be waved at; to be seen. A simple gesture like that can brighten their day and quite honestly brighten yours.

So, as I move into 2025 I hope that the impact these images I helped create will open up doors for people to change the world in different ways. I’m forever grateful to have been a part of this project. The video is a compilation of some of our subjects put to a deeply touching song. I would love to hear from you with regards to how these images have impacted you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!

P.S. We will be creating a book in 2025 with stories crafted from the interviews. I will share other updates that relate to the Will You See Me project as they come up.

An invitation to meet the brokenhearted where they are. The brokenhearted are everywhere around us. The photos in this video reflect the precious souls we ...