Hold Tight exists because some fine folks like those below were so happy with their videos, they almost brought me to tears. As an advertising writer and producer, I've created commercials and videos for decades. But nothing has been more rewarding than creating videos that bring comfort, joy, happiness, and healing to folks like Lynn, Jane, Gaylen, Lyn and Andrea. I thank you all for being willing to share, whether it's in your darkest days, like shortly after the death of a young husband, or in a great celebration, like a mother's 98th birthday or a daughter's wedding day. I'm grateful that the videos we create are meaningful and valuable to you. And I am humbled that you were willing to share your families and your experiences with us.

Joey from Minneapolis

We've had the privilege and the honor to work with Joey on two projects in as many years. One was a retrospective to celebrate the wedding of her son and daughter-in-law, whose in-person post-wedding bash was canceled due to Covid. And the second was for videos created to remember the extraordinary life of her brother Steve at his memorial service in Minneapolis.  While these were much different projects, Joey thought both were handled with sensitivity and creativity. In the post wedding video, guests reminisced about the small destination wedding held in Jamaica in Jan 2020 and offered the new couple their best wishes. And in Steve's memorial video, we actually had video of Steve, a popular Twin Cities musician, performing at his own service. As Joey put it, "Steve got to have his last earth-bound concert. And he got to take a bow." We thank Joey for trusting us to show how our videos can help bring people together and offer healing in challenging times.

Lynn from St. Paul

We've been fortunate to work with Lynn as Executive Director of Hopkins Center For the Arts, but delighted to spend some quality time with her now 98-year-old mother, telling stories about her life and the people that matter most to her. Lynn presented our video to her mother and her family at the holidays and some have called it the best gift they've ever received. In this video, Lynn shares her enthusiasm for the process and encourages others to capture those family stories now, while they still can.

Jane from St. Paul

Jane and her late husband, Rob, are the reason Hold Tight Video exists. After Rob died, Jane came to me, ostensibly, for help on a memorial slide show. Instead, I interviewed Jane about her partner and turned our heartfelt conversation about Rob into a video that would be her companion and solace during the long and solitary journey that is grieving. Thank you, Jane, for your bravery and honesty and kindness. You mean the world to Pam and me. 
MUSIC: "That Kid in Fourth Grade Who Really Liked the Denver Broncos" by Chris Zabriskie
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Gaylen from Minneapolis

We had a really fun and unique collaboration with Gaylen. His daughter was getting married and he wanted to give a Father of the Bride Toast that would be memorable and touching for her--and less stressful for him. So he opted to create a short "this is your life, Jackie" video, where he went out and captured clips from some of the highlights of her life and we edited together for him. "It was a hit!" he said.

Lyn from Brown & Greene Floral, Minneapolis

On the anniversary of her 15th year in business, Lyn threw a party at her flower shop. We were invited to capture the event for posterity. While there, we interviewed some of her supportive clients and loving friends. "It was an amazing, beautiful video," said Lyn, adding with a wink, "Everyone needs to hire Gary to follow them around for the next ten years and take video of their lives."

Andrea from Minneapolis

If they were asked, I'm pretty sure the members of Chumbawumba would admit that Andrea was the inspiration for their lyric, "I get knocked down, but I get up again." Despite the many sucker punches life's thrown her way, Andrea continues to be warm-hearted, funny and kind. And it was her kindness that inspired Andrea to record a "Modern Memoir". "Whether we're all watching (my video) at my surprise 50th birthday party or you're watching it a my memorial, I was able to tell my friends and family how much I loved them." We can all learn from you, Andrea. Thank you so much.