Kevin’s Puzzle Story: 

Kevin (he/him) lives in Michigan, where he is a Digital Services Librarian for a Public Library system. He has casually puzzled for as long as he can remember, and has puzzled competitively since mid-2023. In life, he enjoys seeing “little things come together to make something new”, and jigsaw puzzles are a perfect example of that! He says it is like a mystery novel, where you have different pieces and clues that will connect to reveal a clear solution.

Living in Michigan, Kevin shares that there is not a large competitive puzzling community in his area, so he is very thankful for the online competitions. Kevin recently joined as a year-round volunteer with the USAJPA as a member of the social media team, focusing on the yearly Speed Run puzzles and JPAR updates. He was especially interested in assisting with the Speed Run puzzle posts since he was one of the top Speed Run contenders for the 1st Speed Run - Intentional Kindness.

Kevin normally puzzles as a “solo act”, but looks forward to attending the 2025 USA Jigsaw Nationals, where he will also compete in Pairs with his fiance! Separately, he encourages everyone to check out their local public library, as they offer more than just books!

Q&A Time:

What is your best advice for someone who wants to improve their speed puzzling abilities?

“Just practice, and try a wide variety of pictures and piece cuts. You'll be prepared for most anything. Also, don't be afraid to try something different if you feel your times aren't where you want them to be. I flip and sort at the same time when I start, but I know that doesn't always work for every puzzle.”

Do you have a favorite brand, type, or style of puzzle?

“I'm partial towards Ravensburger, but my favorite puzzle images are bright and colorful. My eyes aren't great with dark shades, so those types of images really slow me down.”

Do you have a cherished or unforgettable puzzle-related memory?

“When I was a tween, my grandfather got me a "Most Difficult Puzzle." 1,000 pieces, 5 extra pieces, no edge pieces and a picture of golf tees everywhere. I never solved it, and as a disorganized kid, ended up losing a bunch of pieces. So for me, it's the puzzle that got away, that one I can never forget.”

Connect:

Although Kevin does not have a social media presence, you can follow along with his volunteer work through the USAJPA socials.