Monthly Archives: February 2010

Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum lived in this Aberdeen house in the 1890

Famous childrens author, L. Frank Baum lived in Aberdeen from 1889 to 1891. He lived in this house for a time. While in Aberdeen he operated an import shop downtown selling goods to new residents who were experiencing Aberdeen’s boom years. He also started a weekly newspaper called, The Saturday Pioneer and operated it for 18 months. It was full of regional and local news and also took a satirical twist to city politics. After Baum left Aberdeen he headed to Chicago and wrote the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Author, Michael Patrick Hern has written a book about the Wizard of Oz and references nearly every sentence in the book to some possible connection in Baum’s life. Many attributes are made to Baum’s time in Dakota. — Troy McQuillen

The Aberdeen logo (designed by myself) is the perfect brand icon for a community rich with family values and family fun.

I suppose everyone would say their community is the best place to live. So maybe you won’t take my word for it. BUT, if you grew up here, and you’re living somewhere else, how’s your quality of life? And what does it really mean to be “the best place to live?” Compared to when I lived in Los Angeles, I have some pretty good, comparative notions of what constitutes “the best” versus, “not so good.”

First off, the best place to live is near family. Maybe you don’t get along with your siblings or your parents. So what; get over it, someone will get sick and die then you’ll feel bad.

The best place to live is safe! How many times do I hear stories from people who are surprised that most people in Aberdeen don’t lock their cars or their houses? Okay, that’s just stupid and you’re asking for trouble if you don’t lock things; no matter where you live. But, if you forget to put your bike in the garage one night, it will more than likely be where you left it in the front yard come morning.

The best place to live provides economic sustainability and personal growth. If you want to work and want a career, you will advance in Aberdeen. If you want to start your own business and don’t mind working 80 hour weeks to get it started, Aberdeen is the best place to live for that. Our cost of living does not choke you, allowing you to take risks, try new things and bring ideas to life.

I do not have kids. But if you look at our city logo, you’ll see it has a representation of a castle from our famed Storybook Land. Aberdeen is the best place to raise a family. I would highly recommend doing what I did. Go away for college, establish career skills, move back to Aberdeen (with a few coastal clients), buy a starter home then have some kids. You need the support of grandparents now days to help with day care, babysitting, day-to-day advice etc. Aberdeen is the best place for that. We are truly kid friendly. Take one look at our parks and school system and you’ll see why. — Troy McQuillen

When you grow up in a small town, people often dream of life in a bigger city. I was drawn to movie making during high school in Aberdeen and pursued film education in college. I considered, where else, but Los Angeles and New York. I ended up in LA in 1983. Many people ask if I experienced culture shock, and in some ways I did. But I remember telling myself that nothing would surprise me. I just went with the flow.

Oddly the one thing I never even thought about was being assigned a roommate with different color skin. While in line for campus housing I was surrounded by Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, etc. Culture shock? Absolutely. But that’s all it was, surprising shock, in a good way. Instantly my white-bread upbringing was face to face with a global culture. That was a pleasant surprise and I benefited from 4.5 years of college surrounded by all sorts of people nothing like me. And they thought I was equally unique being from a part of the US they’ve vaguely heard of.

When I moved back to Aberdeen years later, it became pretty obvious that a concentration of ethnicities does not exist here. And, I was hyper sensitive to those who took jabs at the few minorities that did live here. I had culturally matured, I suppose you could say. Aberdeen would like to be more diverse. Two colleges do help attract people from different parts of the world, which is awesome. And I don’t hear so much negativity these days pointed at others who aren’t white. Aberdeen is awakening to the benefits of a diverse population. And the small diverse population that we do have is experiencing a way of life that is rich with beauty, serenity, and opportunity here in Aberdeen. — Troy McQuillen

My teaching experience at Norther State University exposed me to art events as well as to brilliant students whom now work for me. (2006 Exhibit for Mark McGinnes – seated at right)

It’s kind of weird leaving a great hometown when you’re a teenager. I left when I was 18 to go to college. I came back 11 years later as an adult. I had a few friends from high school but they were long gone so I had no real connection to the business community here in Aberdeen. I had no one to vouch for my abilities or reputation. It was hard, but just meeting a few people at socials, mixers, etc., leads to meeting more people. Sitting at home feeling lonely would have never cut it.

Edging into the business community was difficult. I had a solid 5 years professional experience in my field yet when I came back to Aberdeen I had to work for peanuts to prove my worth. However, that’s because I started my own business. I did have job offers which would have allowed me to get to work day one, but I had some time to give my new business venture a shot. But every time I “proved myself” it always paid off. I still have many clients to day from way back in those days. There were some great job offers, with some of the best companies in Aberdeen, but I managed alright on my own. Persistent consistency is key.

And people remember you when you help them. Just today I was reunited with a client I’ve not worked for for 5 years. We’ve both grown in our abilities so we were a good fit for one another once again. And that’s another thing I love about Aberdeen. I can sit “from a distance” and see people, clients, come and go into new jobs, new companies, old companies; things turn over and become fresh again – and I’m still here. I am growing, but I’m also consistent in my core principles of being honest, accommodating, and easy to work with.

My life in Aberdeen is paying off, I’m thankful everyday that I moved back to a great hometown. And I have a lot of people and companies to be thankful for.

Companies like, Twin City Fan in Aberdeen, manufacture industrial fans for a variety of applications.

Wow, that’s a bold statement. I guess the best job is the one that you really, really love. My dad retired from a company after working there for 44 years. Must of have been the best place to work for him. In reality it was, and he still goes back off and on to hang out and catch up.

What industry is Aberdeen known for? Lots I suppose. Our hospital is the biggest employer in town. And we’re getting a second one. Subsequently we’ll be more known for healthcare. But that’s okay. If Aberdeen wanted to concentrate more on recruiting ancillary businesses associated with heathcare, we’d pick a brand identity that dealt with healthy lifestyle and longevity. I can see it. May be attracting to some.

Our industrial park is loaded with great jobs. Perhaps you don’t think sweating over a high-speed metal lathe machine is much fun, but that is a great job for someone with those skills. I once asked a supervisor at one of the manufacturing plants, “what attracts people to the jobs at this factory?” Without hesitation, he said that people love to work at his place so they make money to hunt and fish. In fact, their idea of vacation is hunting and fishing, right in our area. So the simple fact that the “nature’s backyard” that surrounds Aberdeen is highly attractive to the outdoors-person who wants to work hard to make as much money as he/she can to hunt and fish more. This is brilliant! So if Aberdeen wants to be known for our hunting and fishing opportunities, we’d probably attract a lot of industrial workers…but then we need more companies for them to work at. Oh well, it’s a direction at least.

I think it’s really cool that the Super 8 Motel franchise started in Aberdeen, years ago. It sort of defines our entrepreneurial spirit I think. But, that one motel chain has spawned a slew of motel development and supply companies all based out of Aberdeen. They employ developers, architects, interior designers, marketing specialists and more. I can think of at least four of these companies off the top of my head. They continually build motels all around the country and supply furniture, fixtures and equipment to other developers as well.

Banks. We have a lot of banks around here. Perfect for the financial career. In fact, since we have so many, our local college, Northern State University, started a major specifically for banking finance. If name brand big banks aren’t your thing, we have many credit unions and a whole bunch of insurance companies.

I can go on and on about the best jobs. Our city is probably the second biggest employer, then the college…the list keeps going. The point is, I believe there is something for everyone. Our pay may not be the same as in bigger cities, but you may be surprised to find it’s competitive. Afterall, we need to pay to attract people back to Aberdeen.

Aberdeen is known for its family-safe environment. And no better icon for that is the Storybook Land Castle, a family delight for all.

In my opinion, this is the best place to live. If you’re from Aberdeen, we’d love to hear from you. Why did you leave? Would you consider coming back? Do you have family here?

Whatever your reason for leaving, think about coming back. Why here? Why not? This is one of the best places to raise a family. We have some of the best jobs in South Dakota. It’s safe. The schools are outstanding and we have two colleges. People stop in for a short stint for a new job and end up staying. There’s a reason for that.

For great stories about people moving here, visit our Facebook Group.

If you’re passing through, take a look at what we have to offer. I’d be happy to show you around. Send me an email and I’ll mail you some info about this great hometown. Or, sign up for my free postcard subscription at the right.

I’ve included some details about my decision to move back to Aberdeen. Find them on the right under topics. For more specifics about living in Aberdeen, SD, visit our community portal. And please, contact me if I can answer any questions about living here.

Troy

troy@mcquillencreative.com

I designed this TV movie press kit for ABC. My client was in LA, the network was in NY and the producer of the movie was in Ireland. I was in Aberdeen, SD.

Most of the advertising work we do for Aberdeen and the surrounding region is done on an hourly fee basis. Given the fact I have some roots in the film business in Los Angeles, I occasionally get projects from the west coast. And since this is the digital age, I never have to go there for the work. Subsequently, there are occasions when I get jobs from California that are “budgeted prices” meaning, they tell me what the budget is and that’s what I get to do it. Often these types of projects are 3-4 times my local rate, and because I’ve been doing this for a while, I’m pretty quick with the work. Needless to say, these projects are very profitable for my company. By maintaining my ties with classmates, friends and business acquaintances, I’ve been able to keep a steady stream of LA work coming into Aberdeen.

Shortly after we moved back, I got a sizeable job from a TV Studio in New York. I was able to use the profits from that job to make a down payment on a house in Aberdeen. And so it began. Had I been on either coast, I would have had to put the profits towards a couple months rent. I honestly have the best of both worlds. Great contacts with profitable projects and a quality of life not imaginable by the metro cities of LA or NY.

Would this work for your line of work or skillset? I did lose one client who was uncomfortable with me not living in the area, but he had introduced me to others who were perfectly fine working 1,700 miles away.

In 2002 my wife and I were fortunate enough to have an opportunity to purchase a Main Street building from a family friend. I am a huge historic preservation advocate and had been trying for years to call attention to Aberdeen’s historic treasures. When ever possible I like to lead by example, not by crabbing in blogs. We were able to purchase a Main Street building on a Contract-For-Deed, meaning, the seller carried the loan for us. The interest rate was higher than it would be for a conventional commercial loan, however, we did not qualify for a loan of that size from our bank. Shortly after we bought the 1917 building I started removing wooden siding which had been put on the facade. Instead of revealing nice brick we uncovered cinder blocks. Apparently the original brick fell off years ago. Years passed.

This is how the building looked when built in 1917.

This was how the building looked in 2002 when we bought it.

Our downtown association was able to get a grant program going with the city and we were the proud recipient of facade grant in 2009. So my family and I ripped off all the cinder blocks and we hired a mason to rebrick the front exactly like it was when it was built. Believe it or not, I actually made all the cement cap stones my self in my garage over the summer. I made two molds and it took 3.5 bags of cement to make one stone cap. I needed 20! I did it.

This is the "after" shot of our building after replacing the brick facade.

Our next phase is replacing the front windows in the stores. Next will be colorful awnings. And you can do this sort of thing in Aberdeen. And after a 10 year relationship with our bank, they finally agreed to take over the building mortgage, allowing us to pay off the seller and get a much, much lower interest rate that saved us thousands. You’re not just a number in Aberdeen. Your a neighbor, a friend of a friend, the father of kids who play together, a committee member, or a coworker. Those kind of relationships can pay off.

I also cannot reiterate enough the importance of family. With my brother, father, uncle, wife, mother and a bunch of friends, this project would have cost double what it did. — Troy McQuillen

Director Bill Feitag blocks out a scene from "Jingle Hard" made during the 2010 Fischgaard Short Film Competition.

I’m serious! Deep in the heart of Aberdeen’s winter is a filmmaking competition that draws a bunch of movie-making nuts. Aside from the challenges of filming in winter, each movie of the Fischgaard Short Film Competition has to be made in 48 hours. This year, 20 teams entered (5 additional were turned away due to capacity) and gathered at downtown hotspot, RedRooster Coffee House. There they each drew two movies from “hats” and had to “mash” them together to make a short film no longer than 7 minutes. Fischgaard founder and producer Tom Black also revealed specific items which must appear in each film. The prop was a newspaper, the line of dialogue was, “I swear…” and the character was J.T., a former childhood actor. This photo is from Insomniarts’ film, “Jingle Hard” which is a mash of Christmas Vacation and Die Hard. Here writer director, Bill Freitag (left) works out a scene with actors. And I might add, it was blizzarding during this shot. Near white out conditions. Sure they were cold, but when you got to get a shot, you got to get it. Visit the official website of Fischgaard.

This film won best Film on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Take look at it on Facebook.

Marching Band in the Gypsy Day Parade on Main Street

My dad took a photo of this deer while out pheasant hunting.

What is a hometown? It’s were you’re from, obviously. But, I like to think of it as, “It’s were my home is currently.” A friend mine once said that he believed Aberdeen’s slogan should be “A great hometown” because it’s great to live here and great to be from here. And it has all the qualities evolked when thinking of a nostalgic place to be from. We have a historic main street (just like Disney Land and Disney World), we’re surrounded by rich farmland, everybody is relatively nice to one another, and the outdoor recreation is second to none. Believe it or not, many people around here hunt for food. Sure it’s a big sport, but people actually stock their freezers and prepare gourmet meals with locally harvested game. I think that’s cool!

We have a quaint (incredibly popular) county fair, historic houses and tree-lined streets. If you looked up “hometown” in a dictionary, I’d say we fit the definition…to be a bit corny. But it’s true. — Troy McQuillen