Customer Spotlight: Captivate Media + Consulting
We are so excited to introduce Coulee Bank customer Jake Sturgis, owner of Captivate Media + Consulting in Eden Prairie, MN. Sturgis understands the power of storytelling. He spent more than a decade working in public relations for local schools, where he discovered how transformative storytelling is and its power to build trust and strengthen communities.
This discovery catapulted his passion for purpose-driven storytelling to a broader range of organizations, and thus, Captivate Media + Consulting was born. In 2014, he launched his business. “What started as a one-person operation has grown into a talented team of more than 15 strategists and creatives who share that commitment to making a difference through media,” he says.
He believes the most powerful way to create a genuine human connection is through strategic storytelling. Whether that’s pride in their schools, inspiration to support a cause, or trust in their local government, his team best achieves human connection by using video, design, and motion graphics to cut through the noise and elicit feeling.
Sturgis says his company has worked with over 400 organizations in the past decade. “One core belief hasn’t changed: authentic stories combined with compelling visuals don’t just inform— they inspire action and build lasting relationships,” explains Sturgis.
A recent project his team worked on was a documentary about literacy for the Saint Paul Public Schools. “This project opened my eyes to some of the literacy challenges students have historically faced and continue to face. It goes beyond statistics and simple answers to tell stories that are heartfelt and complex,” he says. The film went on to be nominated for an Upper Midwest Emmy award and premiered at the Twin Cities Film Festival in October. You can view the film at https://captivatemedia.us/documentary/.
When we asked Sturgis about the creative process, he said the main goal is to find the why behind the project. Once his team determines the why, they develop an innovative strategy according to the clients’ objectives. “Lots of people are vying for your attention, so creating strong visuals and consistent branding helps cut through the noise,” he explains.
Sturgis partnered with Coulee Bank because we supported both his business and family with financing, flexibility, and solutions to his comprehensive portfolio. “While the technology and tools are exceptional and meet all the needs of my business, the authentic relationships and community impact of Coulee Bank reflect the values of my business,” Sturgis says.