Adam Frey
Technical Director and IT Administrator
My story starts in Marshfield, Wisconsin. For those unfamiliar, Marshfield is a typical Midwestern town located smack-dab in the middle of Wisconsin’s wood country. Besides being the birthplace of Carolyn Haas and myself, it boasts having the world’s largest round barn and an artsy metal dinosaur park aptly named “Jurustic Park.” It’s a great place to raise a family, but not exactly the best place for a 20-something to discover his identity.
In 2006, I decided to put Marshfield in the rear-view and head for the bright lights of Minneapolis. I enrolled in Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and in 2009 graduated with a degree in Video and Digital Arts. While at school I started attending Substance on a regular basis. I knew Pastor Peter and Carolyn when they pastored in Wisconsin, so coming here felt like home. When the church started growing and needed help with their video venue setup, I was contracted to help get things started. Upon finishing that job I was asked to come on staff as a full time employee.
My formal title is the “Technical Director and IT Administrator” but most abbreviate it “Mr. Fix-it.” I assist the staff with everything “technology” and work a lot on the creation of the visual media you see at church every week. This position is perfect for me because it nurtures my love for technology and change; it is forever changing, stretching, and growing me in so many ways. Every day is a new challenge and opportunity for me put my overactive brain to good use.
It’s amazing to see how things have come together and how God has brought me to where I am today. Early last year I met my wife Melissa at one of the Swing Dancing Nights at the OC. We didn’t like each other at first, but I think I wore her down with my irresistible charm and silky smooth dance moves. On October 22, 2010 she made me the happiest man on earth when she agreed to be my dance partner for life. I enjoy every minute of living life with her.
When I’m not working or getting married I like to spend time playing games (computer, Xbox 360, PS3, iPad, strategy games, cards), building computers, networks, live video recording systems, troubleshooting, and pretty much anything else technology related. If any time is still left over after that then you may find me cooking, dancing, making music, drawing, hiking, swimming, or on the rare occasion, resting.
I’m always conjuring up new ideas and adventures to add to my bucket list. Someday I want to build my own multi-media production business, start playing the piano again, learn the violin, own my own island (in the ocean, not a lake), travel the world while following the sun, live in a place that never gets below 65 degrees, build a supercomputer, build a home underground or in a cave, make a feature film, stay a night in an underwater hotel, discover a new species, and learn to fly a plane. Simply, I just want to live!
I flee from the mundane and same old routine. My life needs challenge and new breath. I never want to stand pat, I want to be ever changing, adapting, exploring and conquering. I have been blessed beyond measure and I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for me next.