Inserra is a quintessential example of a person in service, by virtue of what he does every day. Since 1992, at Brad’s Swingside Cafe in upper Fremont, Brad has supported, hired, fed, and presented some of Seattle’s finest and novice musicians.

Subtle changes: Brad Inserra, a warm neighborhood host. Photo by Andrea Lee.

While raising two children — Aaron, now grown and in college, and Lydia, 4 — Brad has supported local youngsters, not only as a participating parent, but also being a street-wise confidant, providing a respite and a place for snacks and safe feeling in public.

Over the years, Inserra has kept many people fed who would otherwise go hungry. His inner self sometimes tugs conservatively at him, whispering, “Can you really afford it?” But is there truly such a thing as generosity to a fault?

Inserra is a commonly unsung and subtle Agent of Change. That’s OK, so long as we recognize him and his cohorts some way, some time, just as subtly. Look around.

—Artis