Q&A with Sam Gill - Collider Community Manager
Collider Foundation is so excited to welcome Sam Gill to the team as Community Manager! Check out this Q&A to learn more about him and his journey so far!
Q: What brought you to Rochester and what are a few things you love about it?
I first moved to Rochester back in 2017 to work at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce after my wife (then fiance) Chloe got a job at Mayo Clinic. What we both thought was going to be a temporary stay turned into a long-term commitment to this community thanks to wonderful colleagues, fulfilling careers, and an appreciation for the quality of life here. We did briefly move to Sioux Falls while Chloe pursued a Masters in Genetic Counseling, but now we are back to stay! The people, outdoor amenities, close proximity to fly fishing in the driftless region, and fun downtown are all things that I enjoy and appreciate about Rochester.
Q: What is your background (in work, education etc.)?
I studied Political Science, History, and Communications at the University of Minnesota, Morris, and translated these degrees into working for a variety of non-profit organizations throughout my 7 year career. These organizations included the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls, MN, the Rochester Area Chamber and, most recently, telemedicine-provider Avel eCare, and my public affairs work ranged from copywriting and message development, to social media marketing and event programming. The few constants in these various experiences were my passion for service, a desire to start my own business or initiative, and the sense of fulfillment that came with helping entrepreneurs and family-run businesses. That is why I recently enrolled at St. Thomas to pursue a MBA degree, because my ultimate goal is to support my family business and the eventual transition from my dad to me and my brother.
Q: What about being on the Collider team excites or inspires you?
I am motivated to help others, and I want to serve at organizations where I can act on this motivation. Collider fits the bill perfectly. The first interaction I ever had with the Collider team was at 1 Million Cups - a fun event where a community of supporters and stakeholders gathered to listen to an entrepreneur's business story and help them refine and evolve their idea, product, or service. This 'give before you get' mentality had a deep impact on me, and it is exciting to see this mentality continue to this day. From inclusive programming and capacity-building events, to offering collaborative coworking space where everyone from early stage entrepreneurs to remote workers for large companies can come together to achieve their goals in a supportive community, I truly believe that Collider is an essential hub for our local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Q: What are some of your hobbies, interests, and pastimes?
I think my hobby is to have hobbies! I am always tinkering and trying new things - from drone photography and fly fishing, to golfing and making my own wine. I get inspired by reading, and I have a great group of friends who indulge my various pastimes. Lately, I have been working on building a golf simulator in my garage for when those cold winter months inevitably descend on us. I am sure this freetime will become scarce once my classwork picks up, though!
Q: What is one unique or interesting fact about yourself?
This is a hard one! I'll have to go with the fact that I play the baritone saxophone and that I once played in a sax quartet called "The Sons of Sax." We played plenty of gigs around my hometown of Northfield, and I think we were the only sax quartet to ever be asked to play quieter because we were disrupting the visiting and 'conversational spirit' of a local VFW dinner event.
Photo by William Forsman.
