Dave Nelson | SecretPenguin Blog

My dad told me this again the other day. It’s something my Mom’s dad told him…

“Worrying doesn’t help anyone.
Never be worried… be concerned,
and then take action.”

I love that. I wish I could have gotten to know my Grandpa before he passed on.

On a side note, the other night, Sara Jean and I went skateboarding downtown.

We took the elevator up to the top of a parking garage.

Here’s Sara Jean ducking under as we go down.

When we got to the bottom, security was waiting to escort us out.
At least this guy was a little older. It’s always a bit awkward/funny when security guards younger than you kick you out for skateboarding.

I made a website directed towards the people that are voting for McCain because of the abortion issue, and why they should take a second look at Obama.

I feel kinda dorky talking on a video, but I thought it might get some people’s attention that know me through ministry.

There are so many reasons why I’m voting for Obama… I believe the way he runs his campaign is a testament to his character, I appreciate the way he thinks through each answer, his ability to inspire and unite people, and so much more.

If you are a person of faith and you’re not considering Obama, I urge you to take a look at this site.

WhyIAmVotingForObama.com

Thanks.

My Dad spoke at Mutual a few months ago to a select few, and I was honored enough to be able to attend. I’ve always admired my Dad and the way he handles business, but I think more importantly the way he handles life in general.

Here are some basic notes I took, and always try to incorporate into my business/life…

• Make doing business with you easy and fun.
• Don’t look at your weaknesses, focus on your strengths.
• Choose your priorities wisely.
• Learn to say no.
• Dismiss the people who don’t appreciate you… so you have time for those who do.
• Half-efforts don’t produce half-results, they don’t produce anything. Especially anything you would want to be known for.
• If you can’t put all your effort into it, don’t do it.
• When you go to work, REALLY go to work.
• You’re just one day away from getting your life on track.
• Balance your activity.
• Bring clarity to the chaos.
• Being successful is hard work, so work hard.
• Life isn’t fair, get over it.
• Don’t look at someone that is successful and wish you were them. You have no idea the struggles they went through to get to where they are today. Focus on your own struggles and be proud of who you are.

One of the things we focus on at SecretPenguin is making legit stuff for “youth culture”. I feel stupid even categorizing my friends and I like that. But there are too many Ad Execs that take skateboarding and our “lifestyle” and completely misrepresent it.

Even some of the larger companies that you think would do just a bit of research could get it right. But Cisco completely missed it, Target completely missed it, even Mountain Dew missed it, and just about every other company missed it.

If you’re not a skateboarder and you’re looking at the links above and don’t get why they are horrible representations of skateboarding, then it’s important to research it and hire a place that knows skateboarding and it’s culture before using it in advertising.

When I was a Freshman in high school, they used to let all the skateboarders out 5 minutes early to avoid fights, I’ve gotten jumped by a car full of guys because I was skateboarding, I’ve been handcuffed and thrown up against a building for skateboarding down the street heading somewhere, and I’ve had guns pulled on me because some guys didn’t like skateboarders. You have to understand, this is a tight group of people that were rejected for so long and recently over the past few years are being noticed.

And now that it is popular, people want to use it to promote their brand. And I’m fine with that, but at least have the decency and respect of doing a little research and getting it right.

A while back I agreed to do a skateboard photoshoot for some friends at Bozell for Alegent Health. The only reason I agreed to it was because I knew the people and I knew they would do it right… and most importantly, wanted to do it right.

I was able to choose what I wore, not wear full pads, and approve the photo.

I think they did a good job, and I’m really thankful that they were open and respectful to skateboarding.

Sara and I went to Atlanta to visit my newly-wedded brother and his wife Cara. It was super fun to hang out with them.
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I think Cody said it best, “We set up some blogs so that our Mom’s could see what we do from day to day.”

Hi Mom!