The Faces of NTx: Parker Nelson’s Journey from New Town to NTx Connect

“Honestly, I think it was after the first rejection that I actually got over my fear of cold calling.”

For Parker Nelson, that moment summed up much of his internship experience with NTx Connect and The Commons this semester — stepping outside his comfort zone and gaining real-world skills along the way.

A lifelong New Town resident and Orchard Farm High School senior, Parker has grown up in the very community NTx Connect is built to serve. Now preparing to attend the University of Missouri, where he plans to double major in economics and finance, Parker spent his final semester of high school gaining hands-on experience through the St. Charles County CAPS program.

His connection to The Commons started close to home.

“I live in New Town, so I’ve always seen what they’re doing for the community,” Parker said. “When I saw they bought the gym and were making improvements, it felt like they were really trying to grow and invest in the area.”

That community focus made the opportunity feel like a natural fit — and Parker didn’t wait for it to come to him. Instead, he reached out directly to founder Paul Dinkins to explore an internship, a move that quickly led to an interview and a spot on the team.

Coming into the role, Parker had two clear goals: build stronger communication skills and find ways to contribute locally. Over the course of the semester, he did both.

Parker played a key role in building out NTx Connect’s local business directory, helping ensure accurate information for businesses across the area. He also worked behind the scenes uploading and formatting past magazine articles to expand the platform’s digital presence, while researching and adding events to keep the community calendar fresh and relevant.

But it was his work on the phones that pushed him the most.

“At first, cold calling was definitely the hardest part,” he said. “But once I got through that first rejection, it got a lot easier.”

Through those calls, Parker helped verify business information and even sparked early conversations around advertising opportunities — contributing directly to the growth of the platform.

Beyond the technical work, the experience helped him develop skills that will carry far beyond this internship.

“I’ve definitely learned how important it is to stay organized,” Parker said. “And just being able to talk to people in a business setting is something that’s going to help long-term.”

Looking ahead, Parker is focused on the next chapter — heading to Mizzou, exploring opportunities in business and markets, and continuing to build on what he’s learned.

One thing that stood out most during his time at NTx Connect was the impact of a community-first approach.

“You can really see the impact here more than you can in other businesses,” he said. “That was very cool.”

Outside of work and school, Parker enjoys staying active, going to the gym and playing soccer — a sport he’s been involved with for most of his life. And like many who grew up in New Town, some of his favorite memories are simple ones.

“Just biking around, going to the amphitheater, getting ice cream — there’s always something to do,” he said.

As for his overall experience?

“It was a very good experience,” Parker said. “I learned a lot and really enjoyed my time here.”