Barb M. in Blaine, MN
Faces of the Twin Cities is a passion project, started by local Realtor, Jenna Martindale, that interviews individuals of all walks of life who currently live in the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
The intention is to learn about each other & strengthening our sense of community.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: I’m a leadership consultant and event speaker, and I LOVE bridging the gap between leaders and their employees to help elevate their team function and decrease turnover. At the end of the day, I make people feel better where they are stressed, and it’s very rewarding.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: Oliver’s in Blaine and Giuseppi’s in New Brighton
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: I’ve lived in Blaine since 2004, Ramsey before that. Most people move out further but we came in closer!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: My former neighbor (who has since moved out of state) contracted with the Feds on counterintelligence. He spoke Arabic and went on long trips, yet was a “regular guy” who wore plaid shorts and mowed his lawn. (He is also a hilarious prankster.)
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: Italy – it’s been on my list for years! I want to see the architecture and experience the sights.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: One favorite movie is “Miracle” and while I love a good TV binge, one of my all-time favorites was “The Americans” representing KGB spies in the ‘80s posing as Americans.
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
A: Your value does not come from how much you get done and who you serve.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: Elevate Fitness & Massage. It’s the only one of its kind, so if I ever moved I don’t know how I would replicate the owner’s focus on education + fitness.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: Bob Goff. I read his book “Love Does” many years ago and heard him speak once. I love how he breaks the rules of life and creates amazing experiences instead. And I’d cook lunch for him in my home so there would be no urgency to leave a busy restaurant!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
A: I love how Blaine has 70,000 people yet everyone I meet seems to have 3+ people in common. The circles cross over a lot. I would love if we had more event space in the area for conferences or retreats.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: Still consulting and speaking, deadlifting 200lbs, and traveling multiple times per year.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Hiking the national parks in Utah
And, what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: We recently went to the Grand Canyon for the first time. Highly recommend!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: Okay, I admit it. Taylor Swift.
Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?
A: My daughter’s mother-in-law, Candy Thompson. She is a caregiver for her brother, she travels to help rebuild whenever there is a hurricane or other devastation, and she drives regularly from Bloomington to Blaine to help with kids, pets, whatever her kids need.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: The Big Island of Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: July is my favorite month. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Best single day would be my wedding anniversary!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: Renovation Church. There’s a reason we outgrew our building only 2 years after opening it.
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: Sandra Bullock for sure! (She can pull off my awkwardness coupled with steely strength.)
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: Fresh cut limes, a roast cooking in the crockpot.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: My husband and best friend Pete.
Faces of the Twin Cities is a passion project, started by local Realtor, Jenna Martindale, that interviews individuals of all walks of life who currently live in the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
The intention is to learn about each other & strengthening our sense of community.
If you would like to participate in Faces of the Twin Cities, please email Jenna Martindale at [email protected]