Company Spotlight:Andy Acosta

Name:  Michael Andrew Acosta (aka-Andy)
Number of years with FILO?
Six years, seven months, and six days…but who’s counting?
First event with FILO?
The first event I ever worked was while I was still in college. The event was called Aim for the Cure which was a benefit geared toward families with children that have SMA. I can remember everything about the event including the weather, the time frame I arrived to the site (If you are on time you are late,
and if you are early you are on time, words of wisdom from my Dad) the shirt and shoes that I wore and random questions that I asked. I still receive grief from this event for asking if we ever eat lunch.  I now realize a Cliff Bar can always come in handy.
Most memorable event/moment with FILO?
The most memorable and rewarding event I have worked was the 2010 NBA Jam Fest in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event brought fans and spectators from countries throughout the Middle East and Europe to compete in the first 3-on-3 basketball initiative in the United Arab Emirates. Hearing the appreciation
and praise that the locals had for all the preparation and planning it took to make the event a success was the ultimate reward that I took from the experience. Oh, and waking up every morning in a hotel with a Formula 1 race track around it wasn’t so bad either! 
Your favorite place to eat on the road?
When I am traveling to a new city, I have to splurge on one meal during my time there while disregarding price and calorie intake. The past three years have brought me to a place called Steuben’s in Denver, CO for a dish made famous by Guy Fieri in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the Lobster Roll.  Please experience and report back to me. 
One thing that you cannot go without on the road?
My beard trimmer. For anyone that knows me, they understand that this is my identity and keeping a tightly trimmed beard at all times is a must. I often feel fortunate that my job is not truly white collar. 
If you had to play a professional sport what would it be?
Hands down golf. You can play until you are a hundred, someone carries your clubs around for five hours, no matter what you do everyone claps for you after every shot, you can be any shape or size and still make it (yes I am vertically challenged), and you get the opportunity to play all over the world.
Number one thing you like to do in each city?
If I haven’t already seen the famous landmarks the city offers, I enjoy finding local eats, people watching, working out, and catching up on sleep.
What is your favorite thing to do in MN?
I am biased, but I think I live in the best area in MN.  Home for me is in “Uptown” which is a popular commercial district in southwestern Minneapolis. Everything I need is within walking distance including a lake, sushi, gym, grocery store, Thai food, shopping, and countless rooftop bars.

FILO Answers Their Most Important Call

Everyone has heard about it by now. The devastating east coast storm known as Superstorm Sandy swept through coastal New York and New Jersey during the final days of October, 2012. It was a horrific event that left hundreds of thousands of people without power and caused more than an estimated $20 billion in damages. The catastrophe was one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

On Friday afternoon, November 2, FILO’s phone rang and Kevin Weinhandl, President of FILO Productions, received a call from a current client about an idea to help out the struggling people on the east coast. Before Kevin hung up the phone, FILO Directors Andy Acosta and Carrie Hagen began preparing for an experience they never expected to be a part of.  Kevin told Carrie and Andy to pack their bags, as they were headed out east later that day, for an unknown period of time to transport generators and other supplies to assist in the disaster.   
             
Within hours, Andy and Carrie had their bags packed and were driving the FILO truck and trailer out east. They didn’t know how long they would be there and what exactly they were going to do, but they, as well as Kevin, knew they had the responsibility to answer that clients call and were prepared to help out in any way they could.
             
Ten days later, Andy Acosta made his way back to Minnesota but not before spending countless hours, energy and assistance in the recovery process of the storm out east. In addition to the equipment and generators Andy and Carrie brought with them, they coordinated with FILO’s local transportation partner over the seven-plus days in New York, figuring out where and how they could use a generator on the clients 53’ semi-truck and trailer that had been standing idle at FILO’s warehouse in St. Paul, MN. Every day Carrie and Andy woke up, they had no idea where the day would take them, but were proud of the fact they were able to help, in some form or another.
             
FILO’s spontaneity and ability to handle any situation allowed for a quick, swift response. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people on the east coast, and the team at FILO, as well as Kevin, Andy and Carrie feel honored they could lend a hand, however so small, in the tragedy that affected millions of people. 

Let's go Bowling

On Saturday, November 17 the Highland Friendship Club hosted its sixth annual Lanes For Friendship with the Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer and other special guests at AMF Saxson Lanes in St. Paul, MN. FILO Productions, Inc. sent two managers to assist in the operations aspect of the event. The event takes place every year to help benefit a non-profit organization, the Highland Friendship Club, that was created in 2002 by two local St. Paul parents who wanted to give young adults with disabilities an opportunity to spend time with their friends and experience new, fun and entertaining activities. The organization has more than 200 young adults who actively participate in a plethora of activities like bowling. The MVP Sponsor of the event every year is granted the opportunity to bowl with at least one Highland Friendship member and MLB Superstar, Joe Mauer. The event also hosts a silent auction with sports memorabilia and other items. There are games, door prizes, refreshments and a VIP luncheon sponsored by DeGidio’s, a local Italian restaurant. FILO was responsible for setting up signage for the event, as well as coordinating and providing an audio system and speakers at the bowling alley. 2012 marks the third consecutive year FILO Productions, Inc. has worked on the event. The four hour event took place from 12pm-4pm and included other recognized names like Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, Minnesota Twins reliever Glenn Perkins, current Field Manager Rod Gardenhire, the Minnesota Golden Gophers Baseball Team and KFAN Sports Radio’s Meatsauce and H Lake. For more information on the Highland Friendship Club, please visithttp://www.highlandfriendshipclub.org.