Dave Mink's job is making fun -- the bigger, the better.

The outsized creations he has overseen as a senior project manager at VEE Production Services in Minneapolis include a 45-foot replica of the NBA's championship trophy and even a 15-foot model of pop diva Mariah Carey's legs.

VEE produces interactive exhibits for the Children's Museum of Minnesota and the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, and sports-related events such as the NBA Jam Session, a weeklong fan festival that typically covers 500,000 square feet.

The company also oversees every aspect of the "Sesame Street Live" shows, which it has produced for 30 years. VEE handles everything from scripts, casting, set and costumes to lighting, audio and video, and then packages it all so the show can travel across the country or around the world.

"I love the big stuff," Mink said. "It's fun to build stuff that people like to see, that they like to interact with, that provides entertainment and enjoyment."

Mink got his start at the company 15 years ago as a part-time summer employee. He had previously worked odd jobs and traveled widely after getting a political science degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

A case of malaria (and a need for cash) brought him back to the Twin Cities. Once at VEE, he learned welding and scenic carpentry, eventually moving up to his current position.

As much as possible I do my own stuff around the house. I'm in a kitchen renovation now. I'm using the skills I've developed here to do it in stages so we're not living in a construction zone.

Fun can be a lot of work. You don't want your clients or the audience to be aware of any difficulties or challenges. We have to manage a budget, manage expectations and do more with less, just like everybody.