YOUR STORY, captivated.

At Captivate Media + Consulting, we help purpose-driven organizations connect with their audiences through strategic communications, video storytelling, and creative media solutions. Whether you're in education, the nonprofit sector, government, or business, we specialize in transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging content that inspires action and fosters trust.

With over a decade of experience supporting more than 400 organizations, we’ve seen the power of storytelling to transform brands, fuel campaigns, and strengthen communities. From campaign strategy to cinematic video to design, we bring your story to life with creativity, clarity, and care.

What WE DO

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Strategic
Communications

We develop research-based communications strategies that align with your goals and audience. From messaging frameworks and stakeholder engagement to multi-channel campaign planning, we create content with impact.

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Video
production

Our video team captures authentic stories that connect. Whether it’s for a promotional video, community outreach, or internal communications, we produce content that resonates and drives results.

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graphics &
animation

Make a lasting impression with custom graphics and animated videos. We design everything from logos and promotional materials to dynamic motion graphics that bring your message to life in innovative ways.

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captivate
academy

Unlock the full potential of your team with Captivate Academy. Our hands-on training programs empower your staff with the skills to master video production, graphic design, and communication strategy to train your organization to tell its story effectively for years to come.

WHO WE SERVE

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Education

We partner with school districts, universities, and education-focused organizations to enhance communications, build trust, and tell the stories that matter most.

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NonProfits

We help mission-driven organizations engage donors, activate volunteers, and raise awareness through emotional, action-oriented storytelling.

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Government

We support cities, counties, and agencies with transparent, accessible communication, from public health and safety to referendums and policy rollouts.

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Business

We help businesses grow through meaningful branding, professional media, and strategic messaging that connect with audiences and reflect your values.

YOUR TEAM

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Jake Sturgis, APR

FOUNDER + CEO

Jake has spent nearly 20 years turning education and storytelling into magic. After more than a decade in school PR, he launched his own business in 2014 and never looked back. His award-winning work and lively talks inspire others to see the joy in authentic student stories.

    Headshot of Stan Alleyne

    stan alleyne

    LEAD STRATEGIST

    Stan is nationally known as a communications pro with a heart for social change. He’s the kind of leader CEOs call when they need advice, clarity, and connection. Whether using new tech or creative partnerships, Stan makes messages matter.

      Photo of Justin

      JUSTIN SAMPSON

      DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS + STRATEGY

      Justin developed his love of storytelling from a young age, and has carried it throughout his professional career. Getting his start in television news, he developed relationships with schools that continue to this day. His award-winning work has always centered around one passion: championing educators and students.

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      CLAIRE SOISSON

      DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE + MARKETING

      Claire made the leap from video editing to motion graphics and never lost her playful spark. She loves bringing life to animation with her own creative flair. Originally from Indiana, she now happily calls Minnesota—and Captivate—home.

        Headshot of Adrian Peil

        ADRIAN PEIL

        PRODUCTION MANAGER

        Adrian began behind a sports camera but discovered his true calling in telling school stories. Since joining Captivate in 2021, he’s been turning education’s big moments into moving visuals. His goal is simple: show the joy, heart, and impact of learning.

          Headshot of Caleb Curran

          CALEB CURRAN

          PRODUCTION + BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

          Caleb is Captivate’s Production Manager, combining technical savvy with creative sparkle. His skills have earned him awards in digital cinema, but his real prize is guiding clients from the first brainstorm to the final cut. He’s the steady hand who makes projects shine.

            Headshot of Anna Belle Albitz

            ANNA BELLE ALBITZ

            LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER

            Anna Belle started making videos at age 10 and never put the camera down. Her passion grew through school, college, and even an award-winning short film about cinema’s power to inspire. Since 2021, she’s been weaving heartfelt stories at Captivate with creativity and care.

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              BRENT MILLER

              MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

              Brent brings his motion graphics magic to Captivate, layering stellar visuals with thoughtful storytelling. He joined in 2023 from North Carolina and has been brightening projects ever since. Away from the screen, you’ll find him writing spooky tales, chasing internet curiosities, or exploring trails.

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                ANGELIA VANG

                CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                Angelia grew up in Orlando, studied film in college, and followed her love of storytelling from theater to video. Her wide-ranging experience includes reality shows, nonprofits, and even real estate marketing. At Captivate, she believes every story should spark real human connection.

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                  TYSON HENKELS

                  CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                  Tyson discovered filmmaking young and taught himself to edit, fueled by the magic of movies. After two years as a hometown videographer, he spread his wings and joined Captivate. These days, he keeps honing his craft when he’s not watching films, gaming, or laughing with his sister.

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                    VANESSA M.H. POWERS

                    EDITOR

                    Vanessa is a theater director, filmmaker, artist, and unapologetic coffee devotee. At Captivate, she pours her creativity into visual stories while juggling projects as Artistic Director at a community theater. When she does slow down, she spends time with loved ones and her snort-happy French Bulldogs.

                      Steve Warkel

                      PROJECT MANAGER

                      Steve graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2018 with a degree in Film Production. Originally from the Twin Cities, Steve has a strong passion for story telling and all things video. Outside of work you can most likely find him working on his next film project alongside his friends. At Captivate, he’s eager to take all of his video producing skills to ensure that everyone is getting the end product they desire.

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                      SAM HANSON

                      SALES + MARKETING MANAGER

                      Sam graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2023 with a degree in Business and Marketing. A Minnesota native with a competitive spirit, he grew up playing nearly every sport. Outside of work, he loves trying new restaurants, discovering music, and befriending dogs. At Captivate, he’s excited to use his marketing skills to help share community voices.

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                        JULIE MILLER

                        ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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                          JENNIFER MARCUS

                          COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

                          Jennifer brings a communications degree and six years of marketing experience to Captivate, wrapped in a warm and thoughtful style. She loves the quiet beauty of the Minnesota countryside with her big family, three dogs, and 15 cats. In her downtime, she dives into Sims, storytelling, music, and her favorite shows.

                            Headshot of Alex Avedikian

                            ALEX AVEDIKIAN

                            GRAPHIC DESIGNER

                            Alex is an expert in graphic design, logos, and illustrations—skills he honed at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. When he’s not creating visuals, he’s on the mat competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or tending to his farm full of horses, goats, chickens, and two beloved pets, Smokey and Annie.

                              Man and woman outside smiling at the camera

                              Jake Sturgis, APR

                              FOUNDER + CEO

                                Man and woman smiling at the camera

                                stan alleyne

                                LEAD STRATEGIST

                                  Justin on the beach with his sons

                                  JUSTIN SAMPSON

                                  DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS + STRATEGY

                                  A man, a woman, and a baby smiling on the beach

                                  CLAIRE SOISSON

                                  DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE + MARKETING

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                                    ADRIAN PEIL

                                    PRODUCTION MANAGER

                                      Man and woman holding a onesie that says "guess what"

                                      CALEB CURRAN

                                      PRODUCTION + BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

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                                        ANNA BELLE ALBITZ

                                        LEAD CINEMATOGRAPHER

                                          Man standing outside, smiling at the camera

                                          BRENT MILLER

                                          MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

                                            Man and woman smiling at the camera, in a renaissance outfit

                                            ANGELIA VANG

                                            CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                                              Man and woman smiling at the camera outside a theater

                                              TYSON HENKELS

                                              CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR

                                                Woman smiling at the camera

                                                VANESSA M.H. POWERS

                                                EDITOR

                                                  Steve Warkel

                                                  PROJECT MANAGER

                                                  Man smiling at the camera on the edge of a large canyon

                                                  SAM HANSON

                                                  SALES + MARKETING MANAGER

                                                    Julie Miller holding a large fish on a dock

                                                    JULIE MILLER

                                                    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

                                                    Woman smiling at the camera

                                                    JENNIFER MARCUS

                                                    COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

                                                      Man wrestling

                                                      ALEX AVEDIKIAN

                                                      GRAPHIC DESIGNER

                                                        OUR VALUES

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                                                        INTEGRITY

                                                        Integrity is the defining quality of who we are and what we do. We are courageously accountable with our words and actions, especially during times of adversity.

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                                                        INVESTMENT

                                                        Our people are our most important investment. By establishing a culture built on trust, respect and the fostering of independence, our employees are energized and empowered to produce the highest quality work for our clients.

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                                                        CRAFTSMANSHIP

                                                        We bring passion, grit and meticulous attention to every project. When our collective heart intersects with our craft, it elevates the stories we tell and their impact on our communities.

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                                                        EQUITY

                                                        We elevate diverse perspectives because inclusive storytelling creates understanding and drives meaningful change.

                                                        WHY CAPTIVATE?

                                                        Let’s Tell Your Story

                                                        Ready to connect, inspire, and grow your organization through storytelling that makes a difference? Contact us!