Michael R Barrski

Michael Barrski is the pen name for Ryan Krajewski, a lifelong Minnesotan whose writing blends heart, humor, and the lessons found in everyday life. Lessons from Buster is his first published work and serves as the foundation for a forthcoming three-part series that will follow the many adventures and enduring wisdom of his yellow Labrador, Buster.

Barrski earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology and also an MBA, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. A licensed insurance producer, he works in commercial insurance, helping businesses and municipalities safeguard the people and assets that matter most. His career has spanned the nonprofit sector and the advertising industry, each shaping his people-first approach to life and storytelling.

A lifelong "sports guy," Barrski grew up in Proctor, Minnesota, playing hockey, baseball, golf, and football, and later spent many years coaching youth in football and hockey, and also officiating baseball, softball and hockey. Today, he remains actively involved as a volunteer administrator for the Minnesota Wild Blind and Deaf Hockey programs and also volunteers on the board for REA3D, the Proctor, Minnesota area education foundation.

Outside of work and volunteering, Barrski enjoys hiking and traveling with his wife, Odilia, golfing at Ridgeview Country Club, snowmobiling and chasing grouse through the Northwoods. He lives in northern Minnesota with his wife, Odilia, and their loyal yellow Labs, Buster and Bullet, all of whose companionship and adventures continue to inspire his writing and his outlook on life.