A Day In The Life: Torben Berndt

Where did you grow up? The first five years of my life were in Berlin, Germany, then Maple Grove, Minn.

Where do you live? South Minneapolis

Who do you live with? My two cats, Theodora and Leslie “Big Frost” Jordan

What is your occupation? I help people get the financing necessary for home purchases! (NMLS License #2154506)

When did you come out? When I was a junior in high school.

How’d that go? My mom said, “We all have a friend that we’re really close to like that … I had one in college …”

When do you wake up? Ideally, 6 a.m. Realistically, 6:45 a.m.

Phone alarm or old school alarm? Phone alarm

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Feed my cats and make coffee!

Breakfast? Usually

Coffee? Always

Cream or no? Oat milk and agave syrup 

How do you spend your commute? Music, news or podcasts

What do you nerd out for (gaming, music, history, etc.)? Music, small businesses

What music have you been digging lately? Lots of John Prine, Jaedyn James and Remi Wolf!

Is your workspace tidy or a hot mess? Let’s say it’s 75/25 tidy/hot mess!

What’s been your favorite job? Selling is fun when the product is great — I loved selling bread for my family’s business, Aki’s BreadHaus.

Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, takeout or cook in? I like cooking when I have the time.

On a usual weeknight, you are doing what? Watching a basketball game or working out

Bedtime? 11 p.m.

Favorite weekend activity? I love attending local farmers markets (NEFM is my favorite)!

What are you most proud of, and why? I am very proud of the risks I have taken professionally, inspired by the incredible women in my family like my mom, Nancy, and grandma, Judy.

Words of wisdom to share: I try to remind myself regularly that the things I am doing are for my younger self and that person would be so proud.