MOORHEAD-David Hunstad's dad was a Lutheran pastor.
Hunstad himself worked in the ministry for many years.
So, it's little wonder the companies Hunstad operates have a Protestant flavor to them, particularly Old Lutheran, which Hunstad began in 1999.
"I have different things that are all kind of Luther based," said Hunstad, who could be describing his companies, or the walls, shelves and desk of his office in Moorhead, where Old Lutheran and related companies crank out Luther-themed products ranging from T-shirts and pens to beer steins and drinking cups.
Many items Hunstad surrounds himself with in his workspace reflect a less-than-serious approach to Martin Luther, the Renaissance theologian.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I grew up in a family where we loved to laugh," Hunstad said. "I use a lot of puns and humor like that, so a lot of the stuff we come up with has been kind of tongue-in-cheek," he added.
In addition to Old Lutheran, which is located on First Avenue North in Moorhead, Hunstad owns a nearby building that houses Junkyard Brewing Co.
Hunstad said he was chatting with the guys at Junkyard one day when he mentioned Martin Luther was a beer connoisseur whose wife was a brewer.
He also may have mentioned drinking glasses he markets that are emblazoned with the words, "Sin Boldly," a paraphrase of a quote ascribed to Luther: "Let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger."
Hunstad said Junkyard Brewing now markets a beer called Sin Boldly.
Humor aside, Hunstad sees his business as a form of ministry and he finds it gratifying to get notes from pastors who say his products help them in their mission.
"We do silly things, but a lot of it is we're hoping to engage in conversation," Hunstad said.
"On My Desk" is a regular feature in which we ask members of the local business community to tell the story behind the items on their desk. To submit an idea, email dolson@forumcomm.com .
ADVERTISEMENT
