As the kids say, “Let’s Go!”

My how-I-ended-up-in-Minnesota story is rom-com gold, with a meet-cute that rivals any Netflix storyline. I was flying to my college roommate’s wedding in Minneapolis from Dulles Airport; a rural Minnesotan and his sister were returning from a spontaneous trip to DC. After a six-hour delay, the plane finally boarded. At 1 a.m. But when I found my seat, someone was in it. The only open spot was next to a smart, funny, charming Brendan-Fraser doppelgänger (a la The Mummy, not Furry Vengeance) — and my now-husband of 21 years. 

John remembers seeing — and hearing — me animatedly telling a story to a small group of fellow passengers about the purse I left on the security belt. I remember seeing — and hearing — him as he challenged the gate attendant about the delay. I wondered why he didn’t just hang out and make new friends, like my new science-teacher bestie. Meanwhile, he secured food coupons and $150 flight vouchers for every passenger. I learned you can light up a pickle. 

Our different approaches make us a great team. After a 12-month quarantine in a one-level house with three adolescents, two working parents, and one whiny dog, we decided to double down on our partnership. 

Since 2015, I’ve built a successful communications consulting practice as a sole proprietor. Now, John has joined me after decades of public service in state government. He brings extensive experience and communications cred: He was the director of communications for the Minnesota Secretary of State — during the Franken-Coleman U.S. Senate recount. John spent four years advancing and diversifying registered apprenticeships in the state, as the director of labor standards and apprenticeship at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and now leads our work with Building Strong Communities, an apprenticeship preparatory program for careers in the construction trades.

Sometimes I question the wisdom of this professional union. Then I recall what I said in 2002, as I packed my little red Neon and headed west: “The only things in life you regret are the risks you didn’t take.” Who could have predicted that a line from Grumpy Old Men would guide this New Yorker home to Minnesota. 

So, welcome to Take Flight Communications. Let us help you tell your story.