Hello! Thank you for the nomination.
My name is Brian Blackman and I am a proud Big Lake resident. I grew up in Crystal, MN with my parents and sister, Brenda. I attended Bemidji State where I played football for the Bemidji Beavers. I met my wife in 2000 and we started our family in 2005. We moved to Big Lake in 2012. We have enjoyed our beautiful lakes and the great friends we have made here.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wonderful wife, Wendy, manages EyeWest Vision Clinic in Rogers. We have two teenage sons, Jonah and Evan. They keep us highly entertained and very busy!
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
My family has lived in Big Lake for 10 years. We moved here in 2012 and have called Big Lake home ever since.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I have worked for Business Essentials for 16 years as a sales executive. We are a business to business supplier of furniture, janitorial supplies, office supplies, and branded promotional items.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
I was given the nickname Booker in high school. It stuck with me.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
My favorite show is Better Call Saul and my favorite movie is Unforgiven.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A good porterhouse and chocolate milk!
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
You will find me cheering on my sons at their various activities! I also officiate football, basketball, baseball and girls fast pitch. I have had the opportunity to coach both of my boys in their various sports. Most recently, I was the coach of my son, Evan’s, 8th grade football team. I also spent time coaching our older son, Jonah’s, baseball team when he was little.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
To golf the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would make sure our Big Lake schools and youth programs wanted for nothing. And I would travel the world.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
To let myself relax and enjoy the ride.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To be more sympathetic and less matter of fact.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My Dad, Craig “CSB” Blackman
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I was a Schwan’s man many years ago and I have been known to tear up during a good commercial.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
The Third Rail, Lupulin, Grind Nutrition and flowers for my wife at Big Lake Floral.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The small town feel while being close enough to go to Vikings and Twins games or the theater.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Be proud of your community and be kind.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Kim Bowen
