Red Vest by Day, Ninja by Night

Lowe’s employee uses his ninja skills to help customers and his community

Four years ago, Brian Beckstrand, a lumber associate for Lowe’s, received a special birthday request from his ten-year old son. He wanted to have a themed party based on his favorite show, American Ninja Warrior.

Brian didn’t want to disappoint but didn’t know exactly how to tackle his young son’s request.

“My wife said, ‘Well you do work at Lowe’s so you can build him some stuff’,” Beckstrand said. “We just came up with some things that we could build and we made him a small party.”

The obstacle course Beckstrand built for his son in their backyard was a big hit but little did he know, it would turn into something much bigger.  Extensive training, dedication to the sport and his own backyard course helped Beckstrand land an appearance on the hit show that inspired it all: American Ninja Warrior.

“Sometimes the people on TV make it look easy but most people don’t realize the work and dedication that go into it,” Beckstrand explained. “It takes a lot of hard work.”

After his appearance on the show, Beckstrand continued his love for the sport by opening a gym for the ninja warrior community near his home in St. George, Utah.  Juggling family life, the gym and his day job has been a challenge, but the 13-year Lowe’s employee enjoys every minute of it.

“It’s such positive energy and I’ve been able to translate that and bring it to Lowe’s and help the community that I’m in. It’s just about helping people and being there for them and being there for support on something positive.”