Growing up, Brian Lee Gambill’s parents, both teachers, taught him that education is everything and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. He’s continued to follow their advice throughout his life, receiving several degrees and following the paths his interests have led him down.

Gambill has done a bit of everything. He played tennis while growing up in St. Cloud, continuing the sport while enrolled at St. Cloud State University, where he received a degree in anthropology. Studying humanity in pursuit of the degree expanded his interest in people everywhere, as he learned how linguistics, culture, biology, and history shape human diversity. 

After graduating college, Gambill joined the Air Force, serving eight years and seven months of active duty; he was in Albania during the Kosovo crisis. His time in the service allowed him to meet and speak with people from all over the world. He discovered that no matter where they come from, people are basically the same, with the same types of hopes and dreams people in the U.S. have.

Deployed to over 30 countries, he’s picked up languages and is fluent in Spanish. He estimates he can speak around 60% of the Serbian language, knows some Italian and German, and a bit of Portuguese. 

Several years ago, one of his friends became a diplomat in Serbia, so Gambill began communicating with the Serbian people, listening to their ideologies and perceptions of life. He was immediately fascinated and intrigued by what he learned.

“I like talking with them,” he said. “They’re such nice and whole-hearted people.” 

Inspired, Gambill began writing a fictional novel about a Serbian family that moves to the U.S. called Frontiers, Front Lines, and Forehands. The book’s main character is the family’s son, who the reader is introduced to as a young boy. The novel follows him as he becomes an adult, interweaving many of Gambill’s own interests, including tennis and the military, into the storyline.

Because the story incorporates numerous subjects, it took eight years for him to research and write. He attributes much of the book to his Serbian diplomat friend, stating that without him, it couldn’t have been written.

“As the Serbs say, we used ‘timski rad,’ which means teamwork,” said Gambill. 

Published in 2023, his goal with Frontiers, Front Lines, and Forehands is not just to entertain but also to illustrate positive international relations and emphasize its importance. Through the main character, who is interested in a wide variety of topics and determined to succeed, much like Gambill himself, he also encourages people to pursue and explore their own interests.

“I followed my dreams,” said Gambill. “I love what I do.”

Throughout his life, Gambill has continued learning. Along with his bachelor’s in anthropology, he has a bachelor’s in Spanish, master’s degrees in international relations and business administration, and an associate degree in transportation and mobility management. 

He also keeps busy in other areas of his life and still follows his interests, new and old. Along with continuing to play tennis, he’s a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a professional resume writer, a small business owner, and an artist, and he volunteers much of his time with veterans’ services. 

Frontiers, Front Lines, and Forehands can be purchased wherever books are sold and is available in print and digital formats. Gambill is currently working on another book, this time for children.