about Jim & Elaine…

In 2009, I purchased my first home in Saint Paul, a house built in 1953 that had only one previous owner—Jim and Elaine. Although I never met them, I felt their presence in every corner of the house: from the carefully chosen paint colors to the unique touches and small repairs they had made over the years. There was even a razor disposal slot behind the bathroom mirror, filled with Jim's old razors—something I learned was a quirky practice from their time.

In 2021, I decided to learn more about them, so I Googled their names. I discovered that Jim had passed in 2012, and Elaine in 2018. Their obituaries were brief—just one short paragraph each—and though they had both been veterans, their lives were summarized in a few lines that didn't come close to capturing the depth of their experiences.

In that moment, I realized that, in a way, I knew more about Jim and Elaine through the house they had built and lived in than I did from their own obituaries. And it made me think: What if their stories, their wisdom, their legacy could have been shared in a more meaningful way? That question became the inspiration for Each Chapter.

At Each Chapter, our mission is simple: to help people preserve the stories, lessons, and memories that make up their unique legacies. We believe that every person’s life is a story worth telling. Whether it's the defining moments of youth, the struggles and triumphs of adulthood, or the quiet, everyday choices that shaped who they became—every chapter of life holds value.

Our goal is to capture these stories in a way that honors your past and passes them on to future generations. We do this by guiding you through a process of reflection and storytelling—asking the questions that bring out the moments your loved ones will cherish, and that you may not have thought to share.

What were the pivotal decisions you made in your teens and twenties? What challenges did you overcome? What lessons did you learn from your parents, your friends, or your own experiences? These are the questions we’ll explore together as we craft a story that’s uniquely yours.

Through our work, we hope to create something lasting—an heirloom of memories and wisdom that will be treasured for years to come.

I look forward to connecting with you, hearing your story, and helping you preserve it for generations to enjoy.

-Reid Nelson

Founder | Each Chapter

contact: info@eachchapter.com or 612.385.8291

about me…

I grew up in a small town in West Central Minnesota, and have called the Twin Cities home since 2003. In my small town, community wasn’t just a word—it was a way of life. My grandfather was deeply involved in that community. After 41 years of farming, he bought a car wash—not because it was a business opportunity, but because he saw it as a way to serve others (and maybe to get a little peace and quiet away from Grandma!).

While my grandfather’s legacy may fade with time, the lessons I learned from him continue to shape who I am today. His stories of the farm, raising his son (my father), or growing up with his brother are things I wish I could hear again. They remind me of the importance of connection, service, and family.

This project is my way of carrying a piece of that legacy forward—a small part, but a meaningful one.