This film only exists because of the people who gave their time, talent, and trucks to it.
The Team
ProducerDavid Howell
David Howell is a Broadcast Producer who has worked in advertising and film production for over 35 years, with a long list of Fortune 500 clients including General Mills, Burger King, H&R Block, and others. David loves making things — that started in the sandbox with his brother, his friends, and a Mighty Tonka Front Loader and Dump Truck. He surrounds himself with talented people who love what they do. David loves his wife Shelly, his family and friends, songwriting, open mic nights, and making stuff.
Director / Director of PhotographyPatrick Bentz
As a small town kid I reminisce about a simple childhood playing in the sandbox and staying outside all day in the summer. My earliest Tonka memory was pulling the trucks out of the frozen sand as soon as they started the thaw in the spring. When I was approached about this project an entire world reopened and I was thrilled to dive in. I co-own a production company that specializes in human centered storytelling and whether we’re applying that approach to a commercial or a film the goal is always the same; tell incredible stories that urge people to think differently.
Todd Syring
Todd is a musician, composer, and sound engineer who has been writing music for commercials and content for 35 years.
Pixel Farm
An institution in the Minneapolis production/postproduction industry. Pixel Farm’s roster brings this footage to life - graphic design, editing, and graphics for the trailer, fundraising video, poster, and end tags.
Thomas Lemmer
Dave Sweet
With Gratitude
Patrick and David want to thank their friends and families for their love and understanding of our obsession with this project — and everyone below, who donated their time and talent to help this film happen.
Story & Access
Ron Pauly and his family — for inspiring us and giving us access to their lives and story
Micah James — Collector / Tonka Historian
The Westonka Historical Society — museum access and employee leads
Liz Vandam, George Buehl, Pam Myers, Debi Heitz, Wendy Williamson, Sue Cathers, Jeff Magnuson, Sharon Corl, Kandis Hanson, Eklof Docks
Production
Wise Friends Creative — cameras, camera support, grip and lighting equipment, audio equipment, studio and editing time
Dan Rippl, Rippl Creative — Camera Operator, Grip, Electric, Gaffer, Editing
Ezra Thormodsgaard — Camera Operator
Noah Zimmer — Camera Operator, PA, Associate Producer
Voice & On-Camera
Zaq Swank — Vocals
Moore Creative Talent — Voiceover Talent
Kate Baker — VO Casting
Toussaint Morrison — Voiceover Talent
Wehmann Talent — Lucia Stussi (Owner), Annie Ross (Agent)
Matteo Paulino — "Excited Tonka Boy"
Editing & Color
Mike Gonzalez — Editing
Chris Chibotti — Editing
Dave Sweet — Film Color Correct
Pixel Farm Team
Paul Sadeghi — Producer
Kathy Yerich — Producer
Paul Clark — Editor
Bob Medcraft — Producer/Photography
Jeff Stevens — Art Direction/Animation
Art, Writing & Consulting
Jim Strachan — Art Director
Dan Armstrong — Writer
Trevor Erickson — Writer
Tom Lieberman — Writer / Creative Consultant
Dominic Howes — Creative Consultant
Dave Belmont — Creative Consultant
Scott Sochay — Consultant
Dan Orozco — Consultant
Thomas Lemmer — Consultant
Justin Staggs — Consultant
Dean Grier — Research, Associate Producer
Laurie Fitz — Promotion
Bob Manella — Northland Toy Show
Our Cast
Employees
Ron Pauly: Meeting Ron was our inspiration for making this film. This story will be told through his eyes. Ron designed the Mighty Tonka Loader and many other Tonka toys. He still lives in Mound, Minnesota with this wife Clarice, his classic cars and, of course, plenty of toys in his basement!
Brenda Askland, Carol Hackbarth, Dale Heitz, Dorothy Hadden, Frank Whittaker, John Croes, John Profaizer, Judith Linquist, LeeAnn Hino, Steve Collins, Thomas Weinzierl
Collectors
Brad Sohns, David Wever, Dave Bujold, George Goff, Kurt, Jim Fischer, Jordan Meier, Kathy Yerich, Kerry Hoover, Koleson Hoover, Kevin Askland, Marv, Melanie Elvebak, Micah James, Michael Gunderson, Mike Wever, Mitchell Elvebak, Patsy James, Paul White, Stann Schultz, Tim Yonak, Tom Meier
Expert
Barry Kudrowitz
Also Appearing
Trevor Erickson, Kasey Erickson, Adalyn Erickson, Annika Erickson, Henrik Puchalski, Lennon Thormodsgaard, Royce Thormodsgaard
