trusted
trusted
Storytellers
Storytellers
proven results
proven results
We built Story North because we believe Northeastern Minnesota is not just a place on a map. It's a critical economic and cultural engine. We chose to raise our families here, and we chose to dedicate our craft to ensuring the region's institutions thrive for the next generation.
Guiding the Heart of the
North to
North to
Move its Future.
Meet
Our Team
Annie Harala
President + Co-Founder
Annie is a civic leader and business owner who thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and getting things done. She owns Story North because she believes the best businesses and communities are powered by the people behind the stories, not just the headlines. When she’s not balancing leadership and entrepreneurship, she’s likely singing show tunes, laughing with her husband Kevin, or negotiating bedtime like a seasoned diplomat.
Kevin Jacobsen
Principal Storyteller + Co-Founder
Kevin has been telling stories with community-impact since high school. His passion led to a two-decade career in television news, where he earned multiple Emmy awards for his work both on-air and leading newsrooms. Kevin co-founded Story North with Annie where he helps organizations craft authentic narratives that drive real change. When he's not chasing his two toddlers, Kevin serves on the Visit Duluth board, sneaks in rounds of golf when weather permits, and never misses date night with Annie.
Lexi Hausmann
Creative Producer
Lexi is a Duluth native and documentary storyteller with a passion for capturing authentic human moments. Growing up, she was always curious about everyday people and the stories unfolding around her, which first drew her to photography and film. While she loves being behind the camera, Lexi is most passionate about connecting with individuals and helping tell their stories in an honest and meaningful way. She brings a people-first approach to her role as a creative producer, helping bring authentic stories to life through genuine human connection.
Annie Harala
President + Co-Founder
Annie is a civic leader and business owner who thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and getting things done. She owns Story North because she believes the best businesses and communities are powered by the people behind the stories, not just the headlines. When she’s not balancing leadership and entrepreneurship, she’s likely singing show tunes, laughing with her husband Kevin, or negotiating bedtime like a seasoned diplomat.
Kevin Jacobsen
Principal Storyteller + Co-Founder
Kevin has been telling stories with community-impact since high school. His passion led to a two-decade career in television news, where he earned multiple Emmy awards for his work both on-air and leading newsrooms. Kevin co-founded Story North with Annie where he helps organizations craft authentic narratives that drive real change. When he's not chasing his two toddlers, Kevin serves on the Visit Duluth board, sneaks in rounds of golf when weather permits, and never misses date night with Annie.
Lexi Hausmann
Creative Producer
Lexi is a Duluth native and documentary storyteller with a passion for capturing authentic human moments. Growing up, she was always curious about everyday people and the stories unfolding around her, which first drew her to photography and film. While she loves being behind the camera, Lexi is most passionate about connecting with individuals and helping tell their stories in an honest and meaningful way. She brings a people-first approach to her role as a creative producer, helping bring authentic stories to life through genuine human connection.
Annie Harala
President + Co-Founder
Annie is a civic leader and business owner who thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and getting things done. She owns Story North because she believes the best businesses and communities are powered by the people behind the stories, not just the headlines. When she’s not balancing leadership and entrepreneurship, she’s likely singing show tunes, laughing with her husband Kevin, or negotiating bedtime like a seasoned diplomat.
Kevin Jacobsen
Principal Storyteller + Co-Founder
Kevin has been telling stories with community-impact since high school. His passion led to a two-decade career in television news, where he earned multiple Emmy awards for his work both on-air and leading newsrooms. Kevin co-founded Story North with Annie where he helps organizations craft authentic narratives that drive real change. When he's not chasing his two toddlers, Kevin serves on the Visit Duluth board, sneaks in rounds of golf when weather permits, and never misses date night with Annie.
Lexi Hausmann
Creative Producer
Lexi is a Duluth native and documentary storyteller with a passion for capturing authentic human moments. Growing up, she was always curious about everyday people and the stories unfolding around her, which first drew her to photography and film. While she loves being behind the camera, Lexi is most passionate about connecting with individuals and helping tell their stories in an honest and meaningful way. She brings a people-first approach to her role as a creative producer, helping bring authentic stories to life through genuine human connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Scope Of A Typical Narrative Investment?
We don’t measure work by the minute or the mile. We measure it by the weight of the problem solved. Whether it’s a single film for legislative engagement or a multi-channel narrative system, we architect the specific tools required to advance and protect your reputation while solving your most expensive challenges.
Why Is Strategy The Foundation Of Our Partnership?
Investment growth starts with a firm foundation that can weather any season. Strategy is woven into all of our relationships to ensure your investment aligns with your goals. We remove the guesswork so that every detail captured serves a powerful purpose for your stakeholders.
Do You Provide Coverage For Events, Galas, Or Meetings?
Our work is focused on solving complex, long-term problems. If you need a recap of an event or a gala, we aren't the right fit. We partner exclusively with those who need to move the needle on a legislative or community level.
Do You Accept In-Kind Or Trade-Based Partnerships?
We believe in the responsibility of giving back to the place that sustains us. Each year, we dedicate up to four partnerships to in-kind work for organizations solving critical community problems. These selections are based strictly on the potential for strategic impact and alignment with our core values of Trust and Respect.
How Do You Make Sure People Are Themselves On Camera?
The best moments aren't directed, they're uncovered. That takes time, trust and the Story North team to shift from the feeling of talking into a camera to feeling like you’re simply sitting with your friend drinking your favorite beverage.
Do You Partner With Organizations Outside Of Minnesota?
Duluth is home, yet our work follows the impact. High-stakes challenges don’t respect borders. Your organization faces problems that demand a strategic narrative. We go where the work needs to be done.
What Is The Scope Of A Typical Narrative Investment?
We don’t measure work by the minute or the mile. We measure it by the weight of the problem solved. Whether it’s a single film for legislative engagement or a multi-channel narrative system, we architect the specific tools required to advance and protect your reputation while solving your most expensive challenges.
Why Is Strategy The Foundation Of Our Partnership?
Investment growth starts with a firm foundation that can weather any season. Strategy is woven into all of our relationships to ensure your investment aligns with your goals. We remove the guesswork so that every detail captured serves a powerful purpose for your stakeholders.
Do You Provide Coverage For Events, Galas, Or Meetings?
Our work is focused on solving complex, long-term problems. If you need a recap of an event or a gala, we aren't the right fit. We partner exclusively with those who need to move the needle on a legislative or community level.
Do You Accept In-Kind Or Trade-Based Partnerships?
We believe in the responsibility of giving back to the place that sustains us. Each year, we dedicate up to four partnerships to in-kind work for organizations solving critical community problems. These selections are based strictly on the potential for strategic impact and alignment with our core values of Trust and Respect.
How Do You Make Sure People Are Themselves On Camera?
The best moments aren't directed, they're uncovered. That takes time, trust and the Story North team to shift from the feeling of talking into a camera to feeling like you’re simply sitting with your friend drinking your favorite beverage.
Do You Partner With Organizations Outside Of Minnesota?
Duluth is home, yet our work follows the impact. High-stakes challenges don’t respect borders. Your organization faces problems that demand a strategic narrative. We go where the work needs to be done.
The Future Of
Your Brand Is A Story
Waiting To Be Told.
Waiting To Be Told.
Don’t pass up the opportunity. Let’s build your narrative.
Booking for Q3/Q4. Limited capacity for Legacy projects.
