A MAN'S MAN

We make a lot of virtual acquaintances through Facebook and all other social media platforms but we never really make real friends unless you boldly reach and say, “hey there I know your story but I want to get to know you better.” Well Kevin Reid can look so intimidating. A 6’3 bodybuilder, with ruggedly handsome good looks and a physique that seems to have been born out of greek or viking genetics, he was massive. While I as a photographer with experience on my back can appreciate photogenically advantaged subjects, there was more to this giant than meets the eye. As I open my FB page, it was heart warming to be welcomed by so much positivity on his posts that oddly showed up on my feeds. This man who builds his muscle mass by natural means, a certified personal fitness trainer for more than 30 years, and a mindful avid nutritionist has actually gone through many physical derailments that resulted in spinal surgery and awaiting knee replacement from a no fault car accident in 2016. Anyone who would’ve gone through what he went through would have given up but he forged on. Now that makes the mind and built of a superhero. Hero moment #1.

Then on his feeds is the images that he posts of him and his son Tyler. Born with mild intellectual disability and was bullied for most of his growing years. He retreated into his own quiet space and found safety in the love and support of his Dad and siblings. When Tyler was in elementary school, his younger brother Nicholas , pained by mean spirited children in their school who relentlessly taunted Tyler, wrote a letter for a school project about bullying. He read this in his class and his teacher was so moved that he was asked to read it in Tyler’s class. This brought the children to tears, including the bullies. This was a game changer for Tyler who started to come out of his shell.

This prompted the beginnings of a business that Tyler put up on his own at 17, Tyler’s Firewood Company. With the help of his Dad, Kevin, the business has grown providing warmth to many families in the local and surrounding areas of their community and giving back beyond the service. Together, they haul and split wood, bundle them and deliver them working side by side, father and son. Hero moment #2.

Then there is this big guy’s devotion to his very youthful and energetic looking mother who when she comes to visit would be pampered and dined and made to ride for a cruise in his Harley. Momma’s boy he is and honoring the mom who surely raised him well. Hero moment #3.

I am sure there are more and perhaps countless good deeds that I cannot account for but just reading his feeds and watching his video clips, hearing how he motivates his clients validates that within the mass of this body builder is a massive heart of gold. I am privileged to be indulged with a session to showcase these 2 big men all dressed up, beautiful inside and out.

Find him on: FB: Kevin Reid • FB: Physical Dynamics • IG: @kevinreid_physicaldynamics • FB Tyler’s Firewood Company