Adam Brietzke
Development and Marketing Director,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
How long have you lived in Columbia in total? 12 years. First from 2002-2004, and then 2016 – (almost) 2026.
When did you first move away, and how long were you gone?
I moved away from Columbia in 2004 and I was gone for 12 years.
What motivated you to leave Columbia?
I first moved here in 2002, when I was a junior in high school. My family moved from Bethesda, Maryland where I had a very tight knit circle of friends and was excelling in my school and my extracurriculars were fulfilling. Upon starting school in Columbia, the reception I received wasn’t the warmest. I missed where I had been and wanted to go back. I told myself that I’d just be in Columbia until I finished high school. The area I was most interested in studying for college was Acting and I specifically wanted a BFA. At the time I was looking, Missouri State University was changing their program to offer that, so it influenced my decision to move for college.
What brought you back? (Was there a specific moment or reason that made you decide to return?)
I went through a tough divorce in 2015 while I was living in Shreveport, Louisiana and found myself at a crossroads both personally and professionally. I needed a fresh start, and since my parents made such a good home in Columbia, I decided it was worth the effort to try it again.
What’s your favorite thing about Columbia now? (Could be a place, community event, people, or general characteristic of the city)
I love the vibrance of the arts scene here from the community theatres, specifically Talking Horse Productions, to the art galleries, Rag Tag to the Missouri Theatre. There is always a great event going on and a community to get involved in.
Working in a nonprofit field, I’ve also been uplifted by the community engagement with social causes. I see that in the support for United Way, ComoGives, and in the volunteers we get at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Columbia feels like a small-town where we all look out for one another, while it’s rapidly growing.
How has Columbia changed since you first lived here? When I first moved here, just north of Rock Bridge high school we had Nowell’s and Schnucks on Nifong. I remember returning from college one year and feeling impressed by all the construction done to create Grindstone.
I was glad to see many downtown favorites like Bluestem and Poppy were still around and I’ve enjoyed seeing new businesses flourish such as Skylark and Hexagon Alley.
How would you describe Columbia to someone thinking about moving here? I would describe Columbia as a community that prioritizes entrepreneurship and encourages small business growth. There are plenty of things to do and places to go, from walking the network of trails to attending downtown events, there’s something to appeal to most people. The best part about it all is that everything is only at most, a twenty-minute drive.
Compared to other places you’ve lived, what makes Columbia stand out? I feel connected to so much of the community here. Whether it’s shop or restaurant owners chatting with me when I visit or the number of times I bump into people I know while out grocery shopping, I feel that there are so many ways to meet people that I’ve developed a strong network.
What’s something you missed about Columbia while you were away? Family.
What’s your favorite “only in Columbia” experience or tradition? I love this holiday season. Every year, we always make an effort to get out to the magic tree for a family photo. That will forever feel like home.
