Hi I’m Nick Christenson and I was born and raised in Big Lake. My family has been here since the 60’s and I have always considered it home. I love living in this community with my wife and kids. I like to be involved in different things in Big Lake and support this community as much as possible. I am a member of the Big Lake Fire Department with my brothers and our dad was with the fire department as well. I am a local business owner and do my best to support other local businesses here. Living in Big Lake my entire life means there is a memory at every corner!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Kindra, for 6 years. We have 3 kids – Kyle 17, Peter 14, Seva 6. My dad still lives in the area also.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
We like Lake Cafe, Pizza Factory, Ember Coffee, Caribou Coffee, Big Lake Floral, Third Rail, and I also support the Big Lake Liquor Store.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
After high school, I worked as an electrician in the cities for 5 years. I was able to join the Union and mostly worked in Minneapolis. Since 2006, I have been the owner of Bob’s Towing & Recovery. We have 3 locations in Big Lake, Monticello and Elk River. I previously was on the Board of Directors of the MN Association of Towing. 14 years ago I joined the Big Lake Fire Department. I am a Captain of the department now. Being a part of the fire department runs in my blood! My father was a fireman and my bother, Bob, and I practically grew up there. It was very important for me to follow in my dad’s footsteps. My brother, Bob, has been with the department for 12 years and our youngest brother, Stephen, just joined last month. Additionally, I also served on the Big Lake City Council for 3 years. It has always been important to me to serve my community.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here my entire life – 39 years. My grandparents moved to Big Lake in the 60’s.
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?
There are so many I could list. Don Orrock in memoriam, Noel Krebs, PJ Fanberg, Dean Brennisen, Jack Merwin, Jeff Zierdt, Chuck Heitz, Seth Hanson, and Doug Hayes.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
Oh yes! We have 3 dogs – Rocky is a Springer, Tator is an English Bulldog, and Drake is a Black Lab. I found Drake 14 years ago sitting on the center line of a highway. I ended up bringing him home and he’s been with me ever since. We were surprised to find out he really is a full-bloodied Black Lab. We also have 3 cats. Rusty, Mountain, and a grey cat whose name I don’t know. We have 2 pigs and 2 goats too!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
Back Draft is a great movie. I also watch Coffee Walk with Dennis Collins, Gas Monkey Garage, and Vice Grip Garage
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
My favorite holiday is the 4th of July because I get to spend that one with my family every year. And my favorite season is Summer.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get involved, keep it positive, and support our local businesses.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d like to take my family out West for big game hunting. We all like to hunt and they would love it.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like how people do get involved in the community. I also really like Music in the Park – my company is a sponsor for this. And Spudfest. Because I grew up here, there is a story I can remember on every corner. I also like that this community has the ability to build something out of nothing – like The Wave Youth Center and our Senior Center. And Big Lake is just home.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be preparing for retirement and can pass the business along.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am pretty much an open book. Most people around here know me and my sarcastic wit.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Collecting cars! I have to keep them at the shop because Kindra does not want them all at the house. I only keep the Corvette at the house. Right now I own 9 but I have worked on and owned over 100. Two of my favorites are the 57′ Buick and my grandmother’s Blazer. They are family heirlooms.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and one drink the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be whiskey 7 and pizza or a good steak dinner.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
Yes, Francis. When I was an electrician I wouldn’t tell anyone my middle name so the guys made one up. And they called me that going forward. Now, some people who knew about the nickname, have started calling me Francis again.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would clone myself many times.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Meeting my wife. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
I wouldn’t change much in my life.. I’d still work on the Fire Department and keep my towing business. I would like to do random acts of kindness and support the community.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids, my customers, and my family.
