Every Brand has a Beginning: Here’s Ours

Every Brand has a Beginning: Here's Ours

I’m often asked about where the idea for the store came from and how we got here. It’s fun sharing the story of how things began from an idea and how we got to today. There were many decisions and course corrections along the way.

One constant reminder throughout the process was an ancient passage that was a steady encouragement to keep going. It says “who despises the day of small beginnings?”. Another version states “Don’t despise the day of small beginnings”. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and valuing small efforts and steps in the journey of faith or in achieving a larger goal. It encourages people to not underestimate the significance of small actions and to be encouraged by even the smallest beginnings. 

In my case, I was in my early 50’s, had zero experience in retail and very little experience in business. Of course there were voices that said I should choose something I knew more about. I chose to keep on my path to make the vision a reality. I learned the importance of simply taking one step at a time and when I hit an obstacle, to never stop, but look for another route. We had so many wonderful people help us answer questions and get things in place. I found that most people are very happy to help when you have the courage to ask.

This summer may be a good time for you to take on a new direction, hobby, business idea, side hustle or personal health goal. There are plenty of great books or podcasts to offer wonderful strategies to organize the journey. However, I’d like to remind you to not overlook the importance of embracing each small step forward – whether its a cold call email, registering for a class, or purchasing some new gear. Each step provides the critical motion and momentum to move you forward. It’s said “you can’t steer a parked car”. At some point, you will need to simply start. Action is required.

I would like to wish you a wonderful Summer 2025. I hope you find something worth pursuing. 

Here is our Summer Blessing…

Wishing you a summer of purpose and peace,

The Lord’s Hand guiding as your steps increase.

May you flourish with joy, steady and true,

All our best from Wingman Gifts to you.

All my best,

Steve Nelson

Owner – Wingman Gifts & Supply

Wingman Treasure Box: Grandma’s Legacy

Wingman Treasure Box: Grandma's Legacy

This week, I’d like to continue the Mother’s Day celebration with a story that is inspirational and meaningful to me and share how it fits in with the Wingman vision.

I have a strong line of teachers in my family. My sister is a teacher, my mom taught in MPS for 30 yrs and my grandma taught in the small town of Washburn, Wisconsin for decades.

Grandma Haugen was a first grade teacher that most everyone in town had as their teacher. Side note – Two of my high school teachers in Brown Deer (suburb of Milwaukee) had my grandma as their 1st grade teacher. Small world, right?

Grandma was a very giving, kind and gentle woman. She always had a little something for the children in the neighborhood. While visiting elderly family members in the nursing home, she’d have a bag of special items for people that she’d systematically distribute with a smile as we made our way down the hallways. As a kid, it was not my idea of a fun time; How I’d give anything to trail in her mighty wake of kindness once again.

Grandma Haugen passed away in 1999. We gathered in her memory-filled home with my cousins, Aunt and Uncle. The night before her funeral, as we sat in her living room sharing stories and bonding over decades of memories. While we reflected on what an amazing woman Grandma Haugen was, my mom and uncle entered the room with clear plastic boxes loaded with a ton of items. What happened next forever made a mark on me.

Each of us grandkids received a small box with some of grandma’s personal items that she intentionally set aside to give to us after she passed. I remember it like it was yesterday as we all held our boxes in amazement. As the special items were taken out of each box, the laughter and stories began to flow. How did she even remember that these items were special to each of us? This woman, who was my definition of a Giver, was able to continue her generosity even after she had left this earth! The forethought! The kindness! The generosity! And, I have to imagine… The Joy!

Needless to say, Grandma Haugen made a big impact on all of us grandkids. We each express that in different ways. One small way I’ve tried to honor my grandma’s giving spirit is in our Wingman Treasure Box. If you’ve ever been in the store when small children have visited for the first time, you will have seen their joy in being invited to pick out something special from the box. It is one of my all time favorite things I enjoy at the store. The smiles. The meticulous selection process. And the touching “thank you’s” are always a highlight of my day. Another way I honor her is that we offer a Teacher Discount. We love teachers and want to make them feel special.

So this week, I hope you will remember the givers in your life. And be on the lookout for opportunities to honor them by sharing some kindness to someone when the opportunity comes along.

All my best,

Steve Nelson

Owner – Wingman Gifts & Supply

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