We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephen Kaarbo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephen below.
Stephen, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
From an early age, being a hard worker has just come naturally for me. I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t have something to do or a list of things to accomplish. I believe this came from my parents and their example for me. Even as early as elementary school, I can remember having the drive to complete my homework and not leave things unfinished. Through my junior and senior high school years, and into college, I continued to have a focus on getting my work done. I was employed through college and paid my own way through with scholarships and savings. It seems to be an ingrained value that has been passed down from previous generations, and one which I see passed down to my children. When I work with children and families in my work as a therapist, I promote a strong work ethic and role model this in all I do.
In my new role as president of MNSWCA.org/Excalibur Con, I hope to bring the same work ethic and example to others. I believe in a hands-on approach to leadership, with leading by example as a cornerstone of a strong organization. I want others to see that hard work and perseverance can pay off and bring about amazing things.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
MNSWCA.org was launched less than 2 years ago, but we have already put on amazing events in the Northland, including the annual Frozen Force Artist Showcase in 2024 and 2025, Teeb Con in 2024, and the inaugural Excalibur Con will be held in August 2025. In the short time we have been active, we have raised more than $16,000 for our charity partners- the Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders, Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, and the MNSWCA.org Mental Wellness Scholarship. As president of the MNSWCA.org, I have had the incredible pleasure of working with local gamers, businesses, creators, artists, authors, and celebrities to bring fantastic activities to the Northland nerd communities.
As a non-profit, charity-focused organization, we are committed to building community over profits. We believe the flagship event of Excalibur Con will be the destination event of its kind in the upper Midwest. By bringing together the fandoms across a wide variety of genres, Excalibur Con will have something for everyone, of any age, and of any interest. 2025 will feature guests from Star Wars, Power Rangers, Demon Slayer, video gaming, Magic the Gathering, and many other fandoms. In addition to these great opportunities, there will be high-end gaming tournaments for Warhammer 40k, Kings of War, and Magic the Gathering.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In building MNSWCA.org and Excalibur Con, it has been essential to show collaboration, integrity, and humbleness throughout the process. There are literally dozens of other conventions in Minnesota every year, and it is easy to get lost in the sea of noise. Our group and our events are built on a foundation of working together as a community. From local gaming stores to area businesses, our focus has been on building and fostering community. Having integrity, from finances to a handshake agreement, my word is honest and even when there is conflict or disagreement, others know where I stand and how I will do everything in my power to make it right. And finally, having a humble heart is key with working with a wide variety of people. I am not above the rest of the planning group, nor do I think that I am always correct. I am open to feedback and learning from challenges and mistakes along the way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a group that is committed to building community and fostering bonds in the nerd community, we are looking to collaborate with local creatives, businesses, gaming groups, and organizations that promote family and mental wellness. We strongly believe that a healthy and thriving community can bridge the negative forces at play in our world today, as well as help build resilience and promote mental wellness for everyone. There are many ways to connect and build this community including involvement in our events like Frozen Force and Excalibur Con, donations to build the organization, and cross collaboration to promote local partnerships. Connect with us through MNSWCA.org or email info@mnswca.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MNSWCA.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excaliburcon_mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557433440010
Image Credits
Matthew Johnson- The Northshore Hippie Productions
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
