Publications
Community Connection
Community Connection: a quarterly client-facing digital publication with local stories and interesting articles for association board members.
Work with the Minnesota-branch President and North Region Vice President of Marketing to paginate each client-facing publication. Functioned as editor, story writer, graphic designer, and contributing photographer.
Software: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
2019 Holiday Community Connection (pdf)
Kingdom Now
Kingdom Now: a monthly publication which captured stories and upcoming events of a large church of 3,500 attendees.
As Editor, coordinated the communications of leadership, numerous ministry departments, and membership. Provided the editing, story writing, graphic layout, and image editing following an established design concept and style sheets for 27 issues of Kingdom Now.
Software: Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and Microsoft Word.
- KingdomNow (pdf)
Kingdom Next
Kingdom Next: an annual publication that shared the vision of where leadership sensed where this large church of 3,500 attendees is and where it was headed in the upcoming year.
As Editor, produced two issues of the annual publication Kingdom Next. Interviewed leadership to develop the story and produced the writing and graphic design. Developed the concept which tied into the current message theme.
Software: Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and Microsoft Word.
- Kingdom Next (pdf)
Booklet: One-Minute Witness
One Minute Witness: One of the World’s Easiest Faith-Sharing Tools!
Provided the substantive editing of the One Minute Witness booklet. Edited a 5,000 word manuscript to 1,500 words and massaged the text into a consistent tone and voice for this 28-page booklet that has been translated into several languages and distributed internationally.
Calendar
The calendar: A Million Reasons to Celebrate covers this ministry’s first 14 years in reaching their milestones.
Worked with the President and a graphic designer to develop the concept. Provided copywriting and substantive editing.
Software: Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign.
A Million Reasons to Celebrate calendar (pdf)
LifeTIMES
LifeTIMES: a monthly magazine for one of the nations largest ELCA churches in the nation.
As Editor, proposed a change to the format from promotional to a story-based publication. Coordinated the communications of leadership, ministry departments, and membership. Produced the graphic design, copywriting, and editing for seven issues of LifeTIMES following established style standards.
Software: Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and Microsoft Word.
- LifeTIMES (pdf)
Minnesota Walker
As editor, produced the graphic design, story writing, and substantive editing for 14 issues of the Minnesota Walker publication. Developed the original concept design, and created templates and style sheets for publication consistency.
Software: Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and Microsoft Word.
- Minnesota Walker (pdf)
Visitor
As editor, produced the substantive editing, writing, graphic design and photo editing of 21 issues of the Visitor, official publication of First Lutheran Church of Crystal.
Software: Microsoft Publisher and Word; Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat.
- Visitor (pdf)
GraceNotes
As editor, produced the substantive editing, writing, graphic design and photo editing for 27-issues of GraceNotes, official publication of Grace Lutheran Church of Andover.
Software: Microsoft Publisher, Power Point and Word and Adobe Photoshop.
- GraceNotes (pdf)
Messenger
As editor, produced the substantive editing and graphic design for 22 issues of the Messenger, official publication of the Maple Grove Lutheran Church.
Software: Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
- Messenger (pdf)
Blogs
Acucraft
Blog
Developed an editorial calendar and wrote weekly or twice weekly blog posts for the Acucraft WordPress blog.
Designed branded infographics that were shared on social media channels with teaser copy, keyword hashtags, and links to Web site landing pages. Blog post content was written to reflect the Company’s uniques and Core Values, establish the Company as a thought leader, launch new products and offers, improve SEO, and drive qualified prospects to call, chat, or email.
In four months, while managing blog and social media content that linked back to the Company’s website (compared to September 2017-January 2018):
- Lowered bounce rate 24% to a bounce rate of 37%
- Increased time on website 47% with an average of 2:40
- Improved the goal conversion rate from 1.2% to 11.19%
Blog posts links were shared on the Company Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram channels.
Copywriting.
Software: WordPress.
Blog Posts:
3rd-Party Certified Gas Fireplaces»
See-Through Wood Fireplace Gains Inspiration from 1800s Mining Cabin»
Blog posts links were shared on the Company Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Concept development, copywriting, graphic designer, and photo editing.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro and WordPress.
Infographic
Branded infographic
Wrote and designed branded infographics twice weekly for social media posts with teaser copy, hash tags, and links to a Web site landing page. The infographics developed brand awareness: Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram.
While managing blog and social media content (compared to September 2017-January 2018):
- Lowered bounce rate 24% to a bounce rate of 37%
- Increased time on website 47% with an average of 2:40
- Improved the goal conversion rate from 1.2% to 11.19%
Concept development, copywriting, graphic design, and photo editing.
Software: Adobe Photoshop.
Empirehouse
Blog
News blog
Proposed, launched, managed and executed an editorial calendar and social media strategy that resulting in:
- Growing Web site leads 210% in qualified service, design-assist, and bid requests
- Growing Web site page views 123% in the Company’s target geographic area
- Growing Web site unique visitors 102%
- Web site visitors remained on the site 75% longer
- Growing LinkedIn Company page “followers” 247%
Wrote over 75 blog posts and project profiles for the Empirehouse WordPress blog. Many include embedded videos from the Company YouTube channel. Blog post links were shared on the Company Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube channels with branded infographics and teaser copy. Blog post content established the Company as a thought leader in the architectural glass and metal industry; and reflected the Company’s uniques and Core Values.
Concept development, writing, graphic design, photography and video.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro and WordPress.
Blog posts:
Is your Architectural Glass and Metal Contractor Certified»
An Empirehouse Intern Unplugged»
Teamwork and Innovation to Go Above and Beyond»
Inner Workings of a Floating Staircase»
Over 9,000 Pounds of Hand-Set Glass»
Helping Hungry Haiti Children»
Innovative Pre-glazing and Installation»
Glazing beneath a Flight Path»
Construction Olympics: Glazing on a Beam 60 Feet in the Air»
Project Profiles
Branded project profile
Project profiles were published on the Company Web site and used as custom inserts to accompany portfolio presentations and trade show media handouts.
Created dozens of project profiles.
- Provided the concept development, writing, graphic design, and photography
- Interviewed the all roles associated with the project: Estimator, Project Manager, Fabrication Manager, Field Superintendent, and Glazing Foreman to develop each story
- Captured photos of the project during construction and when completed
Software: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and WordPress.
Infographic
Branded infographic
Wrote and designed branded infographics for blog posts that were shared on social media with teaser copy and links to the Company Web site.
Weekly social media branded infographic posts developed brand awareness in the architectural glass and metal industry.
Concept development, writer, graphic designer, and photographer.
Software: Adobe Photoshop.
Dasco
Blog
Blog post with branded infographic
Wrote 55 blog posts and designed branded infographics for the Dasco WordPress blog featuring information related to label applications for hospital laboratory, manufacturing, and wire and cable identification.
- Blog posts were shared on social media with branded infographics or a branded video, teaser copy, and links to company Web site
- The Dasco blog generated some of the best new organic referral traffic each month with very low bounce rates
- Blog post content was featured as links on high traffic landing pages which established the company as a thought leader in the labeling industry
Concept development, graphic design, blog writing, and video creation and editing.
Software: Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro and WordPress.
Blog Posts:
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer: Which is Best for Lab Labeling and Why?»
Why Barcode Labels are Better than Handwritten Labels for Patient Safety»
Microscope Slide Labels that Endure Stains and Washes»
Six Great Reasons to Print Your UL and cUL Labels on Demand»
Why do Some Labels Fall off Before Their Time?»
Infographic
Branded infographic
Designed and wrote branded infographics used in social media and blog posts which generated brand awareness.
Concept development, graphic design, and copywriting.
Software: Adobe Photoshop.
Naturally Gaited
Blog
Blog
Author of a blog and social media channels that focus on applying classical dressage training methods with gaited horses to improve the quality of natural, smooth movement.
- Produced over 250 blog posts
- Filmed, edited and produced over 200 demonstration videos that are shared on social media and embedded into blog posts
Successes
- Received an award and grant from the United States Humane Society for spreading the word about using dressage as a natural humane training method for the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Blog is integrated with Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.
Concept development, author, graphic designer, photographer and video producer.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro and WordPress.
Blog Posts:
Age-defying Dressage with a Naturally Gaited Horse
Sore No More: Rehabilitating a Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horse Using Dressage
Half Halt Awakening: Does the Half Halt Serve a Purpose for the Naturally Gaited Horse?
Tribute to a Legend: Champagne Watchout
Visit: www.NaturallyGaited.com
Infographic
Naturally Gaited blog posts are shared on social media channels with an infographic, teaser copy and link to the full story on the blog.
Concept development, graphic design, writing, and photography.
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Infographic design gallery: (Click to enlarge)
Videos
Have produced over 200 videos shared on the NaturallyGaited YouTube channel.
Concept development, scrip writing, video and video editing.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
Video gallery: (Click to enlarge)
My Spanish Mustang
Blog
My Spanish Mustang is a collection of stories about this unique, versatile, intelligent, athletic, trainable, and hardy breed that is game for a variety of riding disciplines.
Successes
- My Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend was awarded Spanish Mustang Performance Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2015.
Author, photographer and video developer.
Visit: MySpanishMustang.com
Infographic
Blog posts are shared on social media channels with teaser copy and an infographic with links to the full story. Many posts include photos I have captured and videos I have produced.
This blog is integrated with Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Google+.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and WordPress.
Infographic gallery: (Click to enlarge)
Published Stories
Age-Defying Dressage for the Smooth Gaited Horse
Published in April 2014 Walk On, official publication of the World Walking Horse Association, the September 2012 Heritage Highlights, official publication of the TWH Heritage Society and the April 2010 Minnesota Walker, official publication of the Minnesota Walking Horse Association.
H-X-F, extended trot along the diagonal. Oh, dread, my German warmblood Seiltanzer has never been smooth to sit, especially at the extended trot, and over the last twenty years both of us have aged. Each stride has become more dislodging, resulting in back pain, sagging breasts that seem to hit me in the face with each step, and sometimes “splash”—the loss of bladder control! What began as a beautiful dance between horse and rider has now become a losing fight with gravity. more…
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A Man Named Gus
Mini-profile of Augustus Marweih, Liberia ambassador of good will.
Published in the November 2005 issue of Kingdom Now.
From a naked boy born in the bush of Africa to a highly decorated ambassador of goodwill, God can do abundantly more than we can ask or even imagine when we surrender our lives to Him. Meet this man named Gus who lives life to the full and blesses everyone along the way. Thousands of smiling faces will one day celebrate in eternity with Gus – thanks to his faithfulness to God. more…
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Faces Have Names
Mini-profile of Steve Hanson, Global Impact Pastor.
Published in the January/February 2007 KingdomNow.
Jesus says, “You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you ‘feel’ like it, you can do something for them” (Mark 14:7).
Global Impact Pastor, Steve Hanson, closes The Message and reflects on this Scripture verse and the last 20 years of ministry with Open Door. Then the Spirit impresses a thought on his heart, “I ‘feel’ like a cup of freshly ground coffee at Starbucks or the thrill of going to a Gopher’s basketball game.”
Then he wonders, “When do I ever ‘feel’ like being with the poor?”
His memory travels back to the first time when he went to Haiti, 21 years ago. He said, “The stench of poverty, the dust and filth, was so thick I couldn’t wash it off.” He saw an endless sea of blank faces that merged together to form a multitude of overwhelming need. He was panged with an unsettling thought, “Poverty from a distance is disparaging.”
“I didn’t feel like being there,” Steve said, “as long as poverty remained at a distance, all I felt was pity. But when I came to know that the faces of poverty have names, I became engaged in their story.” more…
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Watering a Young Boy’s Dreams
Mini-profile of evangelist Tom Elie.
Published on the Oasis World Ministries Website in 2010 and submitted to the Billy Graham organization.
Did Billy Graham realize that the cup of cold water he gave to a 12-year-old boy in 1965 would influence him to grow up on a quest to reach one million decisions for Christ by the end of 2010?
In 1965, Billy Graham held a crusade in Minneapolis, MN. That’s when young Tom Elie sensed God’s call. He said, “I felt that God had put it on my heart to reach masses of people for Christ.” more…
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An Intern Unplugged
Mini-profile of an Empirehouse intern published August 2017 on the Empirehouse Website.
Writing and photography by Jennifer Klitzke.
Looking out at the cityscape from the Minnesota Orchestra Hall rooftop, could Andrew be reflecting upon his summer experiences as an Empirehouse Intern during peak season?
The summer of 2017 was the busiest Empirehouse had been in their 67 year history. Dozens of fabricators, glaziers, and field workers had been hired to take on the work volumes. Many employees had been cross trained to help out in other areas and a second shift had been formed to get more accomplished in less time. During the peak of this activity, Empirehouse hired Andrew, a civil engineering student from the University of Iowa, for a three-month summer internship who experienced the people, processes, projects, and roles of our Architectural Glass & Glazing Company during peak season. more…
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More than Math
Personal essay and tribute to my college algebra instructor.
Published in the September/October 2006 issue of Kingdom Now.
It’s a bad dream: I’m searching the endless, dimly lit hallways of high school trying to find my locker. When I find it, I can’t remember my locker combination. This hassle causes me to be late for math class—again. Math is the last class I need for my diploma. Year-after-year in my grandma-age, I’m still trying to graduate high school. more…
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A Time to Heal
Op-ed of a community coming together after a horse-shooting incident.
Published in the March 2006 issue of Horse and Family magazine.
What has happened to our world when life is no longer sacred; when defenseless creatures are gunned down in cold blood; when our children are killing—just to kill time? What—or who—could be next? What is a fair retribution? How can the community come together do to make sure this doesn’t happen again?
I rode my horse on this still, crisp, winter afternoon. The only sounds were that of hoof prints crunching through the snow and the thoughts so loud that replayed in my mind. I reflected on this morning’s gathering held on behalf of the community and victims who recently lost four horses and a cow in Isanti County. more…
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Smile Club
Memoir of a Christian learning to love.
Published in the January 2006 issue of Kingdom Now.
Two coworkers walk by my work station. The whiff of stale cigarette smoke trails behind them and intrudes my cube–the space that provides a safe place to avoid my uneasiness.
Here I am a white, middle-aged, divorced Christian woman on her first day as supervisor of a motley crew: four in all, Jesse, Steve, Smash, and Sally. Jesse is a youthful, blue-haired, lip-pierced punk from the trendy south side. She wears thick, black-framed, round glasses that make her look more like a cartoon character than a person.
Then there’s Steve, the only male of the bunch. He’s a gifted artist with a goatee and a fixation on doom-and-gloom fantasy games. His sketches are all too realistic; I’d hate to know what his nightmares are like.
And Smash, a snake-lovin’, heavy-metal rocker who wears tattoos like wallpaper.
Lastly is Sally, a 60-something, “old school” paste-up artist who has the worst luck with computers. She colors her hair too, only not blue. Her copper-colored wispy hairdo is a youthful facade that hides her age. more…
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Misconceptions of Gaited Dressage
Op-ed published in February 2014 Walk On, official publication of the World Walking Horse Association.
Does dressage permanently alter the movement of a naturally gaited horse? How is competition dressage for gaited horses different than rail class? Is it possible to show your horse in both gaited dressage and rail class? more…
