Meet Christian | Girl Dad & Founder of My Brother’s Pack — Turning Memory Into Meaning

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Westminster, Colorado – born and raised with four siblings in a big, busy household. My parents were (and still are) amazing. We grew up outside, riding bikes, making up games, and only coming home when it was time for dinner. That kind of freedom made every day feel like an adventure.

Holidays were especially magical. My parents made sure of it. Christmas Eve traditions like staying up late playing video games with my brother are still some of my favorite memories. We took road trips that made us all closer, and our home was always full of warmth and connection.

But what shaped me most was seeing how deeply my parents cared for others. My mom ran Meals on Wheels routes and even started a school program, Family Academy of Christian Education (FACE) to support homeschooled kids. My dad coached all of us in baseball and basketball, but what stood out was how he went out of his way to create special moments for every kid, especially those who might’ve been overlooked.

That stuck with me. I carried that sense of care through high school and into adulthood. And after my brother passed away earlier this year, it became even more important. Now, at 32, I’m finding new ways to advocate for others and carry that same spirit forward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I’m a Business Sales Manager at Verizon, and what I’m most proud of isn’t a number or a title. It’s the team I’ve built. From day one, I’ve believed it’s my responsibility to create a great employee experience. We spend more time with our coworkers than our families some weeks, and I’ve always taken that seriously. I want people to enjoy their work, feel valued, and care about each other. That’s what sets us apart. Leading with empathy isn’t always easy, especially in a results-driven environment, but I’ve learned there’s more than one right way to do things. You don’t have to sacrifice humanity to succeed.

Outside of Verizon, I started something deeply personal called My Brother’s Pack. It began with my brother and me opening Pokémon cards together. Not because we were obsessed with the game, but because it reminded us of being kids. In 2023, we picked it back up and set a goal to pull a specific rare card. We said we wouldn’t stop until we did.

Then my brother passed away.

After that, I kept going with My Brother’s Pack online. It started as a way to honor that promise, but it’s become something much bigger. At first, maybe a hundred people were following along. Now, nearly 30,000 people across Instagram and TikTok are part of it. I’ve realized it’s not just about Pokémon. It’s about grief, memory, connection, and healing.

I never expected people to message me saying that my videos were helping them deal with their own loss or giving them a reason to smile during hard times. That’s what I’m most proud of. I’ve somehow become a companion for others in their grief journeys just by being open about mine.

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that I give the cards away. Unless it’s the one specific card I’m chasing, I don’t keep them or sell them. I send them out to people who comment or share their stories. In a space where Pokémon cards can be pretty cutthroat, it’s my way of keeping this rooted in generosity and in the memory of my brother. He always went the extra mile to make others feel seen and special. This is my way of continuing that.

If there’s one thing I want people to take from my story, it’s that meaning can come from loss. You can carry someone with you, build something new, and find connection in places you never expected.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If someone’s coming to visit, I’m taking them to the places that mean the most to me. Spots that combine nostalgia, great food, and the kind of Colorado experiences you don’t forget.

We’d definitely start at Odell’s Bagels. They serve bagels in the morning, then transition into a full tasting menu at night, which is such a creative setup. I bake bagels myself, so I have a lot of appreciation for what they do. And the people there are just great.

Teocalli Cocina is always on the list. The entire menu is gluten-free, which is a big deal for our family since my two-year-old has celiac. Everything is solid, but the macha salsa is the standout. We bring all our out-of-town friends there.

Then there’s CD’s Wings, my childhood wing spot. It’s still the best wings in Colorado in my opinion. Order them extra crispy. And for dessert, Legacy Pie Company has a banana cream pie that absolutely slaps.

For activities, Coors Field is a must. It doesn’t matter how the Rockies are doing. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country, and it brings back a lot of good memories. If we’re leaning into childhood nostalgia, it’s a day at Water World, followed by dinner at Casa Bonita, cliff divers and all, and loading up on sopapillas until you regret it in the best possible way.

To balance it out, I always try to get outside. Beaver Ranch Disc Golf Course in Conifer is one of the best in the world. It’s a hike and a game rolled into one. Clear Creek in Golden is also a favorite. It’s perfect for floating, skipping rocks, or just hanging out by the water. And if we’re keeping it simple, walking around Sloan’s Lake or Wash Park with a coffee in hand is never a bad move.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is for my brother, Adrian. He was one of the most selfless people I’ve ever known. As an executive chef, he gave everything to his kitchen and the people around him. But more than that, he was an incredible brother, son, and uncle. Every gift he gave was thoughtful and full of meaning. He always added this extra bit of magic. Losing him changed me. He’s a big part of who I want to be.

My wife Sydney is the strongest person I know. She’s an incredible mom, and she’s supported me through grief while raising our two daughters with love and patience. I’m constantly in awe of her.

I also want to recognize my parents, who are steady, generous, and led by example. My sisters are my connection to childhood and some of the most caring people I know. Their husbands feel like my brothers too, and it means a lot to still have that kind of crew to do life with, especially after losing Adrian.

And finally, the My Brother’s Pack community has become something I never expected. I didn’t realize how much I needed that kind of connection until it was there. The messages, care packages, and support from complete strangers have meant more than I can explain. It’s helped me keep going.

Instagram: @mybrotherspack

Twitter: @mybrotherspack

Youtube: @mybrotherspack

Other: TikTok: @mybrotherspack