Brian Stanchfield ʼ92 lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Anne, and two kids, Jane ʼ26 and Jack ʼ27, who both attend Blake. He enjoys working in the retail industry, watching his kids’ sports activities, volunteering for the local soccer organization and spending time with family and friends traveling, skiing, boating and playing board games.
Q: Name five things that make you happy
A: Watching my kids play sports and participate in activities
Boating with friends and family
Skiing in powder
Hearing people laugh
Watching someone trip and fall (and not get hurt of course). That never gets old.
Q: What are the three values you treasure most in a friendship?
A: Reliable
Real
It's so easy to have fun
Q: What is the best gift you have been given?
A: I received the Atari 2600 game console for Christmas when I was 7 years old. I was blown away by this crazy technology that allowed me to play a video game on my TV! I was also very shocked and surprised that I actually got something that I had asked for on my Christmas wish list. That did not happen much.
Q: What's your favorite family tradition?
A: Growing up my family didn’t have one specific tradition to point to, but I really value how much my family prioritized spending time being active outdoors together—the best memories I have are from our annual family trips to the Boundary Waters, skiing in the mountains and boating/sailing all summer. And my wife and I try to do these same activities as much as possible to create lasting memories with our kids today.
Q: Is there anything you wish would come back into fashion?
A: Croakies. I actually never stopped wearing Croakies. I like keeping my sunglasses looped comfortably around my neck when I am not wearing them on my face. I don’t see many people wearing Croakies anymore, and my friends and family often make fun of me about my Croakies. I think they are an essential part of my everyday attire, and more people should give them another chance.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Go backcountry skiing in the Canadian Rockies
Ski the Alps
Ski in Japan
Q: If you could take one prop from any movie set, what would it be?
A: This is a no-brainer—I would take a full Stormtrooper outfit from the original Star Wars set.
Q: In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
A: I like being around a lot of people.
I enjoy trying new things.
I am optimistic (for example, like a naive child, I still expect the Vikings to win the Super Bowl every year).
Q: When was the last time you were nervous?
A: This morning! I think it’s good to put yourself in situations that make you nervous. Getting nervous is a sign that you really care about something. If you aren’t still nervous about stuff, then you might not be challenging yourself enough or putting yourself in new and uncomfortable situations.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: I typically find inspiration by getting out in the public and watching people, walking around city streets, checking out stores/restaurants, etc. I like seeing what people are doing, eating, buying, reading, etc., and I love exploring new cities on foot.