Where ideas take flight
The irony of technological proliferation is that we now share stories 24/7—and stories make us human. We learn about people and the world through stories, pondering our past and present. They make us laugh, cry, love, and loathe. We use stories to inspire people to make changes and take action. When coupled with truth and an open heart stories spark empathy and build ties, stretch minds and prompt growth. Let us help you tell your story, whether you’re a nonprofit jump-starting your fundraising, an independent school looking to better connect with parents, or a healthcare organization increasing health equity. We’re your partner using storytelling to meet your organizational objectives.
Our team
Kristen Spargo
Kristen Spargo is a storyteller at heart. She loves capturing stories that compel people to act: to donate money, volunteer, get medical screenings, or be a marrow donor. Kristen started her Minnesota-based communications career at Padilla, where she notably led the agency’s award-winning work with Be The Match, now NMDP, a global leader in bone marrow & blood stem cell transplantation. During her eighth year at Padilla, Kristen landed the chance to serve her Massachusetts-based alma mater, Amherst College, as the director of advancement communications.
Kristen’s first role back in Minnesota was director of advancement at the Loppet Foundation where she jump-started and led the capital campaign for the Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. When Kristen left the role in September 2015 to be a communications consultant, the Loppet Foundation was her first client. Another early project was launching what became Little Moments Count.
Kristen was an English major at Amherst College with a concentration in race and gender studies in American Literature. She has an MBA in marketing from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, with a specialization in the Medical Industry Leadership Institute.
John Aiken
Before starting Take Flight, John was the Director of Labor Standards & Apprenticeship in the State of Minnesota’s Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). Appointed to the position by DLI Commissioner Ken Peterson in December 2014, John and his team ensured compliance with state wage-and-hour laws and prevailing wage compliance on state-funded construction projects. Additionally, he promoted and developed workforce development through the state’s registered apprenticeship program.
Prior to DLI, John served two years in the administration of Attorney General Martha Coakley of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, building on his eight-year tenure working with Minnesota Attorneys General Mike Hatch and Lori Swanson. After leaving the Minnesota Attorney General’s office in 2007, John served as the Director of Communication for then Secretary of State Mark Ritchie during the largest statewide election recount between Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Al Franken. John grew up in Maple Lake, Minn.
A first-generation college student, John attended Minnesota State University - Moorhead and graduated with a bachelor of arts in History, a minor in mass communications with a concentration in political science.