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"Scars N Cars" created to inspire others

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Forest Brown and his creative team meet to discuss "Scars N Cars," an ongoing YouTube video project. Front, Forest Brown; from left, Mark Whitmore and Dan Kuempel. (Photo submitted)

By Caroline Rosacker

Forest Brown, Director of Operations at Brown's Family of Dealerships, with locations in Guttenberg, Elkader, Dyersville and West Branch, has been an employee with the family car dealership since he was 14 years old. 

Brown grew up in Guttenberg and graduated from Clayton Ridge High School. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids and earned a business major. He and his wife, Tina, and their three children, Elliot, Reagan and Delaney, reside just outside of Guttenberg. 

Brown was recently inspired to give generously and created "Scars N Cars," an inspirational, ongoing YouTube video project featuring individuals who overcame great health challenges and the classic cars they love.

Brown shared his inspiration for the project. "Helping people was my number one goal with the show. I have had a bad accident and recovered physically, but it is the mental side of healing that takes some time to work through," said the young entrepreneur. "To me, talking about my injuries and what I went through helped me. But what I really found was a connection with other people who have dealt with an injury or illness. People seem to open up when they know you can relate to what they have gone through. I feel I had a Higher Power pushing me to do this. Cars are something I love and know about, and that's when it hit me about the format of combining Scars N Cars," said Brown.

The creative side of the show has required some planning. Brown commented, "Creating the show has taken some time in planning and lining up the guests and the cars. We are still learning as we go, and want to make a number of improvements for 'next season.'" 

Brown described the process. He explained, "When the guest agrees to an interview, we set up a date to film and inquire about their favorite car. We then try to find a car that they would like to cruise around in, and have some fun driving around and filming. Filming the second portion of the show is inside, and it is when we hear about their injury or illness." He added, "This year was tough setting everything up with COVID-19, and the Derecho putting our schedules on hold a few times."

"Mark Whitmore, and his company, Twisted Pair, from Anamosa, does the filming, editing, and all the production of the shows. Mark has been great to work with. I met him through Dan Kuempel, our advertising agent for Browns, who has also been a big help with 'Scars N Cars.' Dan has been part of the filming for every show and has done a lot of the legwork for me. He has also set up our website and Facebook pages. Without Dan and Mark, I don't think I could have put this all together. My wife, family and co-workers have also been a great support to get this started," he said with gratitude. 

"Scars N Cars" guests have ranged from people Brown has known for a long time, met through friends, or met because of the show.  "It really is interesting how I have come to know so many people who have interesting stories and have been a real inspiration. We also have had a couple of new people mentioned for next season. We are always interested in hearing people's stories and possibly sharing them," said Brown.

Brown's main goal is to help and inspire people.   "There are so many struggles people go through on a daily basis. I have to remind myself all the time, I am very blessed and my injuries could have been much worse. I hope this helps people who are dealing with an injury or illness and can give them hope and perspective." He further noted, "Another goal Dan Kuempel and I have talked about is showcasing the beauty of the area.  We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Maybe this can help give us a little exposure as well."

Brown has received many compliments. He shared, "We have had a lot of positive feedback so far. They tell me they love the guests' stories, the cars, and want to see more. It is great to hear people say they saw their house or business in the background."

An upcoming season of "Scars N Cars" is in the planning stages. Brown said, "At this point I plan to do another 'season' of shows next summer. Dan and I are lining up the guests and the cars now. If we have success we may continue for more seasons. If it gets to the point where YouTube will pay because of so many views, I plan to have the guest choose their favorite charity and donate 100 percent of the proceeds to that charity. So please, tell your friends and family to watch. I hope everyone likes them!" 

Scars N Cars can be found on their website at www.scarsncars.com or search YouTube for Scars'n Cars.

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