In a new series I am creatively calling, “Meet Team Tellwell”, I sit down with Tellwell’s brightest minds to chat about who they are, what makes them tick, and what gets them excited about coming to work every day.
In this article, I had the opportunity to chat with our newest Project Manager, Lucas Rutten. Hitting the ground running, Lucas has already become comfortable with our systems and projects and has dived right into communicating with clients, forecasting projects, and handing over deliverables. Let’s see what Lucas had to say…
Let’s say this is a very romantic yet slightly awkward first date… *throat clears* “So, um, Lucas… tell me about yourself!”
Well, I came to the Fargo/Moorhead area to attend MSUM as a music major. Growing up in Bismarck, I was heavily involved in music and theatre and continued to pursue both of these passions while in college. After graduating from MSUM in 2015, I began my career at the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT), where I worked as General Manager for seven years. Of course, the entire live theatre industry was forced to pivot in 2020, which led to many productions being produced digitally. During this time, I discovered my passion for film work and project management!
If a stranger were to walk up to you and ask you to describe yourself to them, what would you say?
I would probably describe myself in as few words as possible to get them talking. I love meeting new people and hearing the stories they have to share. I treasure the opportunity we have at Tellwell to do this on a regular basis. We are a lucky bunch!
You’re pretty new here to the Tellwell team. In the beginning of your time here, what’s your big goal?
My main goal at Tellwell is to tell amazing stories alongside people that I call friends – this includes both the members of Team Tellwell and the clients that we get to create alongside.
Alright, alright, enough about work. What are some things that make you happy outside of the office?
Well, I enjoy throwing friend-hangs, filling out Oscar ballots, flying drones, and watching basketball.
We’re big about the community here in Fargo, as you know. What do you do in the local community to be involved?
I am a singer and board member with Fargo-Moorhead Choral Artists! This is my second year with the organization and I love making music each week with such a talented and devoted group of singers.
I know it’s hard because everywhere in Fargo is so amazing… but if you had to pick your favorite place, where would that be?
Definitely the historic Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo. I love the history and the ambiance in the venue – it really brings me back.
It’s no secret that our team loves to eat. What’s been your most memorable food experience you’ve ever had?
Brunch at Greens in San Francisco. The fully vegetarian restaurant is a beautifully converted warehouse right on the bay with giant windows that look out on the Golden Gate Bridge. Watching the fog rolling off the bay as the sun came out was an unforgettable dining experience.
Everyone’s got a weird obsession. What’s yours?
Box office numbers for movies released in the 00’s 🙂
Top three albums – go!
Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
To round it off – our film team does a lot of traveling. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever travelled to?
My friends and I stayed at a super remote Airbnb way up in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado. The drive was treacherous, but the view from the top was unforgettable.
