It is that time of year. No, I don’t mean Fall…too easy.
It is time to feature another “Simple Man”, and I decided to feature one of our favorite customers. Kurt is one that has supported us from the beginning and he totally gets what I had as a primary vision for this store – to create a space where you can just come and hang out. Kurt walks in, sits in the leather chair, and we can talk for hours.
And after reading his answers to the Simple Man Questionnaire, it has become abundantly clear why Kurt and I seemed to click right from the start.
When I asked him to describe himself he said:
Father of Nick and Luke, fiancé of Emily Bannick, owner of Maggie the wonder-mutt and Stella the wise wiener dog, salesperson, Valley Terrier, music lover, super-average guitar player, camper, builder of stuff, joker, smoker, midnight toker.
Do you see the commonalities between us? His love of music and the outdoors, a sweet lady named Emily, his humor with a bit of sarcasm mixed in.
Well, see for yourself why we dig him.
What are you currently watching?
Kurt: I don’t make much time for TV, but it’s documentaries when I do. Most recently Rolling Thunder Review, Martin Scorese’s film on Dylan’s ’76 tour. Bad Reputation, Joan Jett, starting with her years in The Runaways. The Pacific War in Color, which includes home movies from Gen. Curtis LeMay, who headed the SAC and the B-52 program into the cold war.
Kurt: The 60 cycle hum of a Stratocaster about to floor it. You’ll hear a hum when they turn up the guitar, but haven’t hit a note. It’s has to do with the electrical power and the guitar’s pickups, but it’s a heads up something’s about to happen. See Hendrix at Woodstock.
What sound do you hate?Kurt: Tear gas cannisters and defensive white people.
(or alternatively)
Z-92.
What profession, other than your own would you like to attempt?
Kurt: Aging Rockstar.
Kurt:
- Toots and the Maytals, RIP Toots Hibbert
- Tyler Childers - Long Violent History
- Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud
- PJ Harvey – Dry – Demos
- Land of Talk – Indistinct Conversations
- Orville Peck – Show Pony
Kurt: Building a fire pit and remodeling my ego.
What historical or sports figure (past or present) inspires you?Kurt: Unfortunately, John Prine is now historical. I go to his music for the observations, the details of life, the silliness, the love. Puts me back on track every time.
What’s your dream vacation destination?Kurt: Camp and hike Utah’s five national parks, which we plan to do for our honeymoon. If I had to dream though, returning to Iceland and go the rest of the way around the country.
What The Simple Man find can’t you live without?Kurt: Quiet-carry pocketknife from my boys, everything Schott and Howler Bros., the steady supply of Field Notes, and the welcome I get every time I walk in.
Tell us one thing about you that few may know (that is ‘safe’ for public knowledge).Kurt: I used to be a Republican! Sorry, I was young and impressionable, I guess.
As you can see from this glimpse into his world, he’s the kind of guy everyone wants to know.
Kind, supportive, never-ending knowledge about really cool sh*t.
You know, I’ve said before that the best part of being a shop keeper is the relationships that get forged over common interests. Dare I say Kurt has evolved from a customer…to a friend.
That is why we do this.
It’s simple.