Rita Anne Payleitner

My high school sweetheart. My best friend. We fit so well together. Where my gifts fail, hers sharpen. Rita has made me a better father, better friend, better writer, and everything else. But I'm not there yet. So, I'm glad to know she will be – even when I get a little self-focused or sidetracked. You can quote me, “If it weren't for Rita, I'd be living in a van down by the river.” I love you.

Alec Jay Payleitner

My eldest son. He showed me how to go public with my faith. He modeled for me how to pray. He used his creative gifts for the sole purpose of drawing people to Jesus long before I did – as a writer, poet, musician, brother and friend. And, only God knows how Alec will use those gifts in the years to come. I can't wait to see it. I love you, Alec. (Check out his band at www.thebandages.com)

Randall Jay Payleitner

Better than anyone you will ever meet, Randy weaves real life into authentic Christianity. He puts faith in action. And action into his faith. Wherever he goes, people of grace, talent and high moral character are drawn to him. And those friends make him even stronger. Randy's caring heart, confident writing and wise insight have already touched the lives of thousands of people – including me. I love you, Randy.

Maximilian Jay Payleitner

Most people would think that Max's greatest achievements were on the gridiron, mat, and diamond. Sure, he was leading the Varsity team in touchdowns when he blew out his knee last fall. Sure he came back from surgery in record time and won his first 14 wrestling matches to make it downstate. And, yes, he had two home runs in one game last summer. But mostly, Max is a caring friend, a contemplative Christ follower, and a man of compassion to people in need. All with a wicked sense of humor. (Still, don't forget: fierce competitor.) He has taught me to keep any anger and frustration in check, because it all works out in the end. I love you, Max.

Isaac Jay Payleitner

People want to/need to/love to hang out with Isaac. (And I do too.) He is an artist, athlete, scholar, writer, reader, and humorist. He may have gotten his sense of humor from me, but he has polished it and recreated it into an art form of subtlety, quick wit, and impeccable timing. Best of all, he doesn't resort to sarcasm, like his old man. Isaac has given me the gift of connection to the future. He and all of his brothers have allowed their mother and me to be a part of their fast-paced young adult world. And, that continues to be nothing short of thrilling. For the record, Isaac's name means “God smiled.” I love you, Isaac.

Rae Anne Payleitner

Have you met my ray of sunshine? Don't expect to score when she's wearing her catcher's gear and there's a play at the plate. Don't mess with her stuffed dogs. And don't ask her to sing a song or tell a story, unless you really mean it. Rae Anne loves people. And people love Rae Anne. She's got all my gifts, and then some. Her passion has made me more passionate. Her confidence has made me more confident. Her love has made me more loving. I love hanging out with you, “Ster.” And, I love you.

Marguerite Payleitner

That's my mom. And, any word skills I have, I got from her. Puzzles. Poems. Jokes. Word games. All with a great sense of humor. That, of course, is in addition to the sacrifices she made for her family. She is amazingly generous -- if she has something wonderful or delicious or valuable, she'll always, always share it. The kids call her “Mimi.” And, they love her almost as much as I do. She's also a fabulous mother-in-law and that's not easy.

Kenneth Payleitner

That's my dad. But, the kids – and a lot of other people – call him “Papa.” He was an elementary school principal for 32 years, and I used to love to hear his stories. He taught me how to field a grounder, sand with the grain, and bait a hook. But most of all, he taught me how to be a loving husband and father. That's gold. Both my parents have a wonderful servant's heart and a faith that honors God.

Mary Kay Coleman

This is really a thank you to my older sister for watching out for me through high school. In the early 70's, I probably would have turned out geeky without Mary Kay. Whether she knew it or not, I sought her approval on the clothes I wore, my length of hair, the college I attended, and the girls I dated. I still value her opinion and see her as a role model. She's also a wonderful wife and mom. Ain't that right, Tim and Katie? (By the way, Mary Kay is also the most client-sensitive realtor in our area. So if you need some home buying or selling help in the far west suburbs of Chicago , let me know, I'll hook you up.)

Mark Payleitner

My brother, Mark, is just a year older than me, but he led the way for years – making my way a lot easier. Looking back, Mark probably has had as much influence as anyone on my life – other than my wife. Because he was bigger and taller and smarter, I always had to work a little harder, and that served me well. He would torment me from the top bunk, beat me in Monopoly, and always edge me out in home run derby. Yes, we did have a tandem bike growing up – and he even bought one for my family for Christmas several years ago, well before the book came to be. Mark's wife, Chris, and I have become good friends. Their beautiful daughters, Becky, Stephanie, and Alyssa, are gifted and delightful – each in their own way.

Sue Curran

Susie, once again, I apologize for any big brother tormenting that we did to you in the 60's. (Even if you did deserve it for breaking our record albums.) Having said that, I also want to say that I love you, I am proud of you, and I think the world of your family. Dwight is a gifted man with a wonderful blend of wisdom and street smarts. And, your girls, Emily and Mackenzie, are a blast. Sue, growing up and still today, you continue to teach me to embrace virtues like trust, faithfulness, joyfulness, respect, sacrifice, and hope.

Jo Wcislo

Rita's mom has emerged victorious over a few challenges over the years. Not the least of which was saying good-bye to her husband, Gordon, earlier this year. Her grace and welcoming spirit at the funeral was courageous. She was a great mom to my wife. She gets most of my jokes. She attends tons of grandkids' sporting events, concerts, performances, etc. And is a wonderful Grandmother to my five kids and sweet, sweet Samantha, too.

Chrys Howard

Chrys was the first person at Howard Publishing to see the potential of Once Upon a Tandem . I still have saved her voice on my answering machine that opened the door to the “Tandem project.” Meeting Chrys for the first time in Indianapolis , I knew that my book had found a home with people who shared my vision and my faith. Thanks so much.

John Howard

John has built a very successful publishing company on mutual love and respect, and that is no small feat. He is a wise and fair businessman who has his priorities in order. From the outside looking in, I'm guessing that the secret to his success is surrounding himself with caring Christians, treating them like family, and letting them each do what they do best. That's a pretty good formula for any endeavor or enterprise.

Denny Boultinghouse

The only thing that matches Denny's sense of humor is his sense of commitment to the people with whom he works. He represents the Howard Publishing name to authors and professionals across the country, and they all know that Denny is the real deal. Putting a book together – even a short fable with a few illustrations – is a huge undertaking. I credit Denny with making it happen.

Philis Boulthinghouse

If Denny made it happen, it was his wife, Philis, who actually did the work. It was her vision that took a simple Word document of about 1200 words and transformed it into a beautiful hardcover, 120-page work of art that has already touched hearts and lives in profound ways. It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. What's next?

LinDee Loveland

The look of the book is all LinDee. The small square illustrations broken up by the high impact larger, dimensional drawings. The color, font, and trim size. The whimsical type treatment. She does great work for lots of Howard books. But, I think she saved some of her best work for Tandem. And she was fun. And she was hardworking. And she kept us on deadline. Thanks, LinDee.

Rex Bohn

Rex has been a self-effacing, easy-going business colleague for a decade or so – a nationally known artist who worked right in my hometown. He was good, and so we hired him for occasional advertising jobs. With little direction, I asked him to do a sample tandem illustration to add interest to my book proposal. Philis and LinDee were wise enough to recognize a good thing when they saw it, and that sample illustration became the cover art for the book. I'm glad to say that in the process of developing those 39 illustrations, Rex has become a dear friend. He is dedicated, tenacious, creative and eager to exchange ideas. It was Rex's idea to include the golden retriever on page 26. He's a dog lover, and he couldn't resist after meeting my dog, Madison . Most of all, I'm still moved by Rex's spiritual depth that he brought to this project.

Mary Blanchflower

The month I launched my own business, I met Mary Blanchflower, a young designer, just starting her own one-woman agency. We have given each other a lot of work – and a lot of encouragement – over the last 13 years. Mary didn't work directly on this book, but she has done so many print projects with me over the years, that I have to confess, I heard her voice in my head making suggestions as we kicked around illustration ideas and tweaked the book layout.

Joe Durepos

I sent an early manuscript of Once Upon a Tandem to Joe, a successful book agent who specializes in books with significant spiritual content. He immediately saw the potential and gave me some excellent feedback and a kick in the pants to keep me on track. He's one of those guys who touches projects and they turn to gold. Thanks, Joe.

Paul Lowrie

Paul and his writing and business partner, Bret Nicholaus, who head up Questmarc Publishing, took a pass on producing the book. Instead Paul gave me the number of agent Joe Durepos and for that I will always be grateful. It's been amazing to see God's hand and his people come together to move this project along. Paul and Bret have become more than business acquaintances, and I even had the pleasure of producing an audio version of Bret's best-selling book, The Christmas Letters , that's available through Questmarc.

Angela Elwell Hunt

Have you read her book, The Tale of Three Trees ? It's ten times better than Once Upon a Tandem , and you don't want to miss it. It feels a little more like a children's book, but that doesn't dilute the message. On the cover it says, “Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt.” That simple phrase on that book gave me the courage to take a story that I had heard in passing, and retell it with my own twists and turns. Neither Angela nor I have ever tracked down the originators of our respective stories.

Paul Hewson

Paul is a man who has taken his devotion to Christ and blended it superbly with his passion for music. Sometimes his lyrics disguise his faith. And sometimes his lyrics are so clearly biblical, that it's ludicrous when people question his belief system. His work has touched the lives of all my children – oldest to youngest – and my wife and me as well. Plus, his music has given him audiences with kings, queens, presidents and preachers – all to help others in desperate need. I take him at his word when he sings, “When I go there, I go there with you, it's all I can do.”

Charles Edwards

Charles runs a magnificent poster company called InspirationArt and Scripture. I guarantee you've seen his work hanging someplace somewhere. I'm honored that he has turned some of my words into posters that are right now hanging in dorm rooms, dens, and bedrooms all over the country. Using about one-third the number of words of the book, he produced two versions of “Once Upon a Tandem.” He continues to challenge me creatively and spiritually.

Hildred Klungel

If I believed in that kind of stuff, Hildred might very well be considered my muse. She moved from Seattle to St. Charles to be our high school youth ministry assistant, exactly at the right time to influence all my kids with her dynamic presence, unconditional love, and servant's heart. She's on track for her PhD in Psychology from Wheaton College – and that means hurting families and confused kids will soon have a friend and confidant they can trust. She's just a good, good friend.

Jim Nicodem

My pastor and friend. Jim saw an early draft of Tandem and quickly pointed out that I needed to make sure that the road wasn't all smooth and the bike rider might still have to pedal, even after Jesus took over the front seat. And Jim is right. Grace is indeed free. But, with it comes responsibility. He is a gifted communicator and leader. Stop by Christ Community Church in St. Charles , Illinois some Sunday and join us as Jim lays out gauntlets of challenge to his needy suburban flock.

Dan Hermes

Father Dan is the most spiritually in tune man I have ever met. He loves people into a relationship with Jesus, and that's really the only way it can be done. Plus, he's an intelligent and reflective speaker who draws people in and sends them out with a purpose and mission. Dan was probably the first person to demonstrate to me what it's like to love Jesus with all your heart. The world could use a few more men like Father Dan.

Bernie Bosch

In 1992, I was the program director for a men's retreat and Bernie was the spiritual director. That's the first place I publicly shared the tandem story. Bernie, who may very well have the gift of prophecy, took me aside after my talk and let me know that something spiritually significant would grow out of that evening – something that would touch the lives of many people. I don't want to overstate Bernie's insight from a dozen years ago, but he may very well have been talking about Once Upon a Tandem . In any case, his words are still a challenge and an inspiration to me.

Frank Mercadante

Today, Frank is one of the country's most respected and influential trainers and consultants for Catholic youth ministries. But, back in the mid 1980's he was a young innovative youth pastor at my home parish and I was a young adult volunteer. We lifted together. We launched our young families together. And we talked about Jesus. Frank was the guy who helped me sort out many of the biblical truths that I had begun to take to heart, but did not fully understand. We've changed careers – our work extends far beyond the local community – and we go to different churches now, but we are true brothers in Christ.

Steve Musto

When my family joined the “big non-denominational church on the edge of town,” more than a decade ago, I was immediately drawn to Steve's creative energy as a tool for spreading the gospel. He challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and I have never gone back. He helped me see that excellence matters more, not less, when you're doing God's work.

Dan Anderson

He's an extraordinarily dedicated craftsman when it comes to audio production. As a studio engineer, his attention to detail has been making my work sound great for years. But beyond that, Dan has shown me how being dedicated to the gospel and standing on your convictions is not just an occasional choice. It's a way of life. (And he's a published author.)

Tim Hollinger

When you spend sixty hours together during any given week stuck in a tiny soundproof room finishing a radio special for the Bible League or Prison Fellowship, you learn a lot about who a guy is and what he stands for. Tim has taught me much about patience, persistence, priorities, and doing the right job for the right reasons. Tim is a man of his word, and a guy with whom I can be totally honest knowing he'll return the favor with integrity and Christ-centered wisdom.

Jim Draper

I appreciate Jim for many reasons. He gives me business. He plays a mean guitar. He's got a classic sense of humor. But, when it comes to Once Upon a Tandem , I will always be grateful to Jim because he's the one who introduced me to John and Chrys Howard and Howard Publishing. Jim hired me on their behalf to do some audio work to complement Howard's very successful Hugs book series. Thanks, Jim Bob.

Ed Elliott

For years, I had been working on multi-million dollar accounts at Michigan Avenue advertising agencies. When Ed took a chance and hired me to serve as Creative Director for his small Christian ad agency, it was a bit of a culture shock. But, the work was instantly rewarding and my new colleagues found a joy and purpose in their work that is not possible when you're promoting airlines, canned vegetables and beer. Thanks Ed.

Tim Burns

Tim and I shared duties as co-producers of “Josh McDowell Radio,” which recently ended its 13-year run. He worked inside the ministry and I worked as a freelancer. Radio production is fraught with deadlines, technical difficulties, and last minute tap dancing. I still don't know how he does it, but he can take care of the smallest details while holding on to a vision of the big picture. From Tim, I learned to trust God's plan. (Because it's a good one.)

Jann Saulsberry

For a while, Jann and I were both key creative forces for the Josh McDowell Ministry. She did video (and other things). And I did radio. A few years into the weekly grind, I hit a wall and started to coast – losing my creative edge. It was Jann and the outstanding work she did for the ministry that made me realize that God requires, not our leftovers, but our very best work. I've been working hard – and loving the challenge – ever since. Thanks Jann.

Julie Mills

Julie and I are both writers. That's a unique fraternity – with simple tools and high expectations. (And sometimes tears, sweat and blood left on the keyboard.) Just when you start feeling self-important, though, someone comes along and says, “No one reads the copy anyway.” Just like iron sharpens iron, writers sharpen writers. On occasion, I have found myself working a little harder on a piece because I knew Julie might eventually read it.

Tim Starling

Tim is one of those creative guys who makes everyone around him a little more creative as well. Plus, amazingly so, he's got a good business sense too. He's one of those rare right and left brained thinkers. Thanks Tim, for your patience with me, and for creating this website. (He can create one for you too. Go to starlingmanagement.com)

Wayne Shepherd

I live in my own little world sometimes. Conversely, Wayne breaks down walls and reaches into the lives of other people, because he cares genuinely, has a ceaseless curiosity, and expects to learn something from everyone he meets. Wayne has taught me that the Christian faith is not about following blindly. It's about seeking knowledge and sharing eternals truths that apply to our lives everyday. Plus, even though he's a national figure on Christian radio, he's still just a nice guy.

Phyllis Schlafly

She's one of the most influential women in America . She's mentioned in my kid's history book and roasted on liberal sitcoms. She brings strong convictions and attention to detail to everything she does. Unlike many national figures, she'll admit when she's made a mistake or doesn't have all the answers. She doesn't back down from a challenge. She's faithful to family, friends and God. And, when we get together every month to record her daily radio feature, you may be surprised to hear she cracks me up. Phyllis makes me laugh, and I love and respect her deeply.

Sandy Rios

Now, she's President of Concerned Women for America . But I knew her way back when. The good news is she's the same brilliant, tenacious, forward-thinking communicator that she has always been. The even better news is that everything Sandy does, she does for the glory of God. Years ago, one of the most important things that I learned from Sandy was that, if you call yourself a Christian, you better be ready to work hard and back it up with words and actions.

Chuck Swirsky

Before he was the radio voice of “Sports Spectrum,” Chuck was one of the most popular sports radio reporters in Chicago . He knew that wasn't enough, and he followed a call to use his gifts to spread the gospel. He talks about Jesus with the same passion he announces a basketball game. The excitement he has about his faith is contagious. Years ago, Chuck infected me – and I carry some of his passion to this day.

Brock Griffin

We've worked on thousands of scripts together for “Today's Father,” but – truth be told – Brock has done most of the work. His prolific writing ability has given dads everywhere a chance to be better husbands and fathers. And, watching his diligence and proficiency has challenged me to work harder and set my sights a little higher.

Ken Canfield

When someone has confidence in you, you become more confident. Ken trusted me to help launch the radio ministry of The National Center for Fathering, and the team we put together got the job done – and still is, after more than a decade on the air. But all of us, without hesitation, point to God as the power that drives us. The unexpected bonus for me was that the fathering principles we have helped bring to others over the years have made me a much, much better dad.

Dan Balow

Dan is too humble to admit it, but he is one of the wisest, most practical, and most influential men in the world of Christian publishing. He has the utmost respect of everyone who really gets to know him, and I am privileged to call him a dear friend. Over the years, Dan has given me hope, encouragement, direction, wise counsel, and more laughs than I can count. (That's not bad for a Packer fan.) Thanks Dan.

John Ficca

Dr. Ficca was the imposing, all-knowing head of the Theatre Department at Illinois Wesleyan University when I began my college career. I learned a lot about acting, playwrighting, and digging deep within myself in those years. But, the most important lesson I learned from Dr. Ficca was that creativity is hard work. You can't just show up. For years, I had gotten by with minimal effort. He helped me see the difference between settling for good enough and striving for greatness.

Rudy Perz

Rudy was my Creative Director at Campbell-Mithun on Michigan Avenue . His claim to fame was that the Pillsbury Doughboy was his idea. Rudy taught me that the first idea – probably the first 20 ideas – you have are most likely worthy of the wastebasket. He taught me to play by the rules, never settle, and reach for the stars.

Dave Lieberman

He was the veteran copywriter in the next office who took me under his wing at one of my first jobs in advertising. When Dave left the ad biz to pursue other literary greatness, I told him that I would dedicate a portion of all my future creative work to him. Dave, I haven't seen you for almost twenty years. Let me know what you're up to.

Josh McDowell

About twice a year for more than decade, I was essentially locked in a makeshift studio with Bob, Tim, Steve, Jeff, Dan, Wayne and Josh for three grueling days. The goal was to come up with the bulk of our weekly broadcasts for the next six months of “Josh McDowell Radio.” My job was to prep guests, direct content, and keep us on track. In that kind of high stress environment, you get to know what people are really like. Over the years, all of us lost our cool at least once, except Josh. He is a man following God's clear guidance, a leader of high integrity and sincere love, and a regular guy with a wonderful sense of humor. And, he taught me to think big for the kingdom because all things are possible with God.

Steve Brown

Many of the wisest theologically accurate thoughts that come out of my mouth, were actually lifted from a “Key Life” message by Steve Brown. But don't tell him that, he'll expect some kind of royalty. The truth is, I did a video project for Steve almost 15 years ago, and ever since he has been a friend and a favorite preacher of mine and my wife, Rita. We've followed him to Maryland , Rockford , upstate New York , and the Caribbean . Steve, you're one of my heroes.

Philip Aspegren

About the time Once Upon a Tandem was ready to go to press, I had lunch with an old friend who was back in the states after investing almost a decade of his life in children's mission work. I told Phil the title of my book, and he stopped me short, recalling that right around 1990, he was eagerly sharing a short allegory with everyone he knew. The story was about riding a tandem bike ride with Jesus and it was one of those word of mouth tales that gets passed from person to person, sometimes written down, sometimes just spoken. So, I credit Phil with sharing the initial story with me, and I hope he keeps sharing this new version with the same passion he had back then. Thanks, Phil. I'll get you some free copies of the book.

Jesus