To celebrate his tenth year of taking the Polar Plunge in 2025, Nils Snyder is going big. He’s Plunging ten times, at ten different events, culminating at the Minneapolis Executive Challenge Polar Plunge on February 28.

Nils Snyder and Bill Fish at the 2025 White Bear Lake Polar Plunge

“Not only is Nils an overall great guy, but he’s an amazing advocate for our mission,” says Bill Fish, President & CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. “He would truly do anything for our organization and our athletes, and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

Nils is a commercial real estate broker with over $1 billion in real estate transactions. He first got connected with Special Olympics Minnesota through his commercial real estate work, but what began as a professional relationship quickly became personal. As a member of the Board of Directors, Nils brings the same passion and determination to Special Olympics Minnesota that have earned him accolades such as the NAIOP Developing Leaders Award and recognition as a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

His enthusiasm for the Polar Plunge is infectious. Each year he rallies his colleagues at Kenwood Commercial and challenges fellow board members to join in. He’s taken the Plunge in many different ways and in many different places. From braving the frigid waters of Lake Superior to jumping in wearing his best business attire at the Minneapolis Plunge, Nils Plunges with heart and energy at each and every event. Over ten years, Nils has raised $137,720 to support Special Olympics Minnesota’s mission of inclusion.

“Nils’s energy and excitement about the Polar Plunge is contagious,” says Mark Anderson, Vice President of Development Relations. “His dedication over the last ten years is inspiring. He encourages his company and every SOMN board member to Plunge, making a lasting impact on our community.”

For Nils, it’s about more than fundraising—it’s about fostering belonging. His commitment is proof that one person’s dedication can create ripples of change, even in the iciest waters.

“I Plunge because Special Olympics isn’t just about sports,” says Nils. “It’s about empowerment, inclusion and breaking barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes demonstrate perseverance, resilience and determination, inspiring people of all abilities to push beyond their limits. It’s building community, creating a healthy lifestyle with medical screenings and so much more.”

Nils has already reached his original goal of raising $10,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota via the Polar Plunge, but he wants to take his support to the next level. He’s feeling empowered to fundraise $15,000 or even $20,000 this season! Want to support Nils’s goal? Visit his Plunge page to make a donation

“Thank you, Nils, for making this incredible commitment to Special Olympics Minnesota,” says Bill. “Go get ‘em!”

Nils at the 2023 Executive Challenge in Minneapolis