Becoming something greater requires ambition, courage, and respect for identity
Education
Holt Landbruksskole: Agronomist, 1979-1981
BI Business Administration: 2-year evening study in Business Administration, 1986-1987
Role and Key Strengths
Bjørn assists companies with shareholder communication and has extensive experience as a project manager for the production and distribution of prospectuses, particularly in connection with stock listings, acquisitions, and mergers – both nationally and internationally.
Within his field of expertise, Bjørn meets the highest standards for availability and precision. His work demands high production capacity, often across national borders. Bjørn is also a specialist in facilitating and distributing financial information ahead of ordinary and extraordinary general meetings. His clients include corporate finance advisors, leading law firms, and the involved companies.
With a comprehensive network of producers and printers worldwide, Bjørn always delivers – regardless of the project's size. As he himself says: "No task is too big, and none is too small.»
When he is not assisting companies with various projects, you can find Bjørn on his farm in Selje, located on the outer edge of Stad by the sea, where he lives with his family, a few sheep, a small flock of chickens, and a couple of dogs. His dedication, both to his work and his animals, makes him an indispensable part of our team.
Bjørn has over 30 years of experience as an advisor and project manager in the printing and design industry, initially at Signatur, where he was also a board member and co-owner, and later as the founder and partner of Minnesota Agency.
Selected Clients
DNB, Entra, Stolt-Nielsen, Kongsberg Gruppen, Pareto, Hofseth BioCare, Kahoot!, Subsea 7, Gjensidige Forsikring, ABG Sundal Collier, Aberdeen Asset Management, Awilco Drilling, Kid, Odfjell, Fjordkraft, REC Silicon, TGS, Salmon Evolution, BAHR, Schjødt
Education
Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)
Program in Brand Management, 2008-2009
Art Center College of Design Los Angeles, USA
Bachelor’s degree 1996-2002
Universitet i Bergen Cand. Mag. 1992-1995
Role and Key Strengths
Works with the development and design of complete identities, both conceptually and visually. With her extensive creative and strategic expertise, she creates consistent and strong brands for B2B, B2C, and retail. Catharina has worked with several international companies and plays a key role in implementing new identities. Her work spans everything from brand strategy and creating brand and design guidelines to developing solutions across all relevant platforms. With thorough experience from both B2B and retail markets (especially stores and eateries at Gardermoen), she can adapt brand strategies to different customer segments and a global audience. This expertise has contributed to successful projects that have increased brand visibility. She combines strategic understanding with strong visual skills, enabling her to create designs that work well on any medium. Her attention to detail and ability to balance form and function ensure each project consistently adds value.
Selected Clients
Shearwater GeoServices, Nordisk Skibsrederforening, NEMUS, TINE, Vedeld, Avinor, Brødbakerne, Agilia (tidl. NSB Trafikkservice), Jotron, Stingray Marine Solutions, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Bitpro, NextGenTel, Aircontact Group, Bruse, Petroleum Geo-Services, Lundin Petroleum Norway, SSP, Norconsult, Moelven, Idun, VITA, Yara International, Svane
Education
Birmingham Institute of Art & Design, University of Central England, UK
BA Hons Graphic Design 1996-2000
Kunst & Design College, Visuell kommunikasjon 1995-1996
Role and Key Strengths
A versatile graphic designer with extensive experience across various media, ranging from print to digital materials. Cecilie has worked with large retail clients, producing campaign materials across printed mediums, from in-store posters to customer magazines, ads, outdoor materials, and magazines. She has also produced digital ads and content for social media. Additionally, she has extensive experience with all types of printed materials and reports, from annual reports for companies of all sizes to sustainability and energy reports for large international companies, in both traditional print and digital formats. She is skilled in showcasing the client's visual identity, profile, and strategy across different mediums, both printed and digital, and has helped strengthen client visibility nationally and internationally. She is accustomed to working under tight deadlines and with short turnarounds, working efficiently and accurately while understanding client needs. Cecilie is a dedicated team player, combining her experience and graphic expertise with speed and precision. Cecilie has over 20 years of experience in the design and advertising industry and has previously worked at Engen & Harlem, Hei Advertising Agency, and McCann.
Selected Clients
DNV, DEAS, Pareto Securities, Kid Interiør, Photocure, Re:member, Reitan Eiendom, Maxbo, Bama blomster, REMA 1000, Vitus Apotek, Lofoten, Jansen, Jernia, Q Meieriene, Hongqi, Skintific, Expert, RELOG, DLA Piper, Motorgruppen, Kia, Opplysningen 1881, Norske Skog
Education
Westerdals School of Communication, Art Direction 1994-1996
Gloppe, Visuell kommunikasjon 1992-1994
Slottsfjellskolen, Tegning grunnkurs 1991-1992
Role and Key Strengths
Works in visual communication and design, focusing on campaigns, digital solutions, and reports for national and international companies. Her work spans various industries, developing solutions ranging from mass communication and retail to more niche marketing initiatives like 1:1 communication, B2B, and brand profiling. She also has experience implementing digital solutions as an integrated part of her projects. Charlotte is dedicated to creating solutions that are both aesthetically appealing and of high professional quality. Regardless of the medium or platform, she always aims for a holistic, distinct, and consistent expression. She handles both large projects and smaller, customized design assignments with equal skill. With over 20 years of experience at Minnesota, McCann, Leo Burnett, and DMB&B, Charlotte has built a solid understanding of the industry's changing landscape and the varied needs of clients.
Selected Clients
DNV, Måsøval, Deas, Pareto, Nordisk Skibsrederforening, Maxbo, Novo Nordisk, Lofoten, TINE, Posten, Statoil, Maarud, Widerøe, Flytoget, Microsoft, Gjensidige, Gjelsten, UIO, Rema 1000, Arcus, Eurocard, Ruter, Apotek 1, Opel, Peugeot, Orkla, Mill
Education
University of Minnesota: Master’s degree in Speech Communication
Concordia College: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Mass Communication
Role and Key Strengths
Results-oriented, innovative leader who is passionate about engaging professionals to drive company growth and resilience while championing individual and team excellence. Possesses financial acumen, analytical agility, knowledge of investment strategies, and a superior customer focus. Recognized by colleagues, senior leaders, staff, and client partners as a collaborator, consensus builder, and challenger inspiring peak performance in others. Distinguished role model dedicated to preserving organizational mission and values internationally.
Eivind is Co-Founder and CEO of StartUSA Inc., assisting Norwegian and Nordic companies with entering the US marketplace during the early growth phase. Eivind Heiberg is an experienced leader in the USA.
He spent 18 years at Sons of Norway, serving as CEO for the last 10 years. In this role, he oversaw an insurance company with over $360 million in assets and an international cultural organization boasting more than 50,000 members focused on promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of Norway. In addition, he served as CEO of the Sons of Norway Foundation, an $8 million philanthropic entity dedicated to funding activities that preserve and promote Norwegian heritage. The Foundation awarded more than $2.3 million in scholarships, grants and humanitarian aid to its members. Heiberg served as Fraternal Director prior to his appointment as CEO.
As the Honorary Consul General for the State of Minnesota, he plays an official role in facilitating the development of commercial, economic, cultural, and scientific relations between Norway and the USA. In his role as Honorary Consul General, Eivind is responsible for leading efforts to facilitate the development of commercial, economic, cultural and scientific relations between Norway and the Upper Midwest.
Education
Handelshøyskolen BI: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics, 1994
Role and Key Strengths
Jan has dedicated his entire professional career to entrepreneurship, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Norwegian business community. Over the years, he has founded 11 successful companies in Norway, demonstrating a relentless passion for innovation and business growth. His expertise spans a wide range of industries, and he has served as a trusted advisor to hundreds of businesses, from startups to publicly listed corporations.
His passion lies in helping businesses thrive and promoting Norwegian brands on the international stage. His mission is to create robust and internationally successful Norwegian Brands, a goal he pursues with unwavering dedication.
Driven by his desire to provide even greater client support, Jan founded StartUSA. This initiative aims to help businesses succeed in the United States, offering invaluable guidance and resources for seamless entry and growth in the US market.
Jan's entrepreneurial spirit, extensive experience, and dedication to helping others make him a valuable asset to the business community in Norway and now in the USA.
Jan started his career in Signatur Grafisk. He has previously also worked at Industream, Corel Corporation Norway, Procurement Service Provider, Edium, Centium, Isave, Villco, Sportsfronter and Minnesota Brand Agency.
Selected Clients
Coop, Helios, Kid Interiør, Apotek1, Arctic Beverage Group, BAHR, Brandstad, Jernia, NRC Group, People4you, Revisorgruppen, SafeClean, Sodexo, Tilbords, Oslo Børs, Nordea, DnB, Klaveness Chartering, Statoil, RCCL, AGP Advokater, GE Moneybank, Aberdeen Property Investors
Education
BI Norwegian Business School:Authorized Stockbroker (Mastermodul in Finance 1998 - 1999)
BI Norwegian Business School: Master of Science in Business Administration (Siviløkonom 1991 – 1995)
Role and Key Strengths
Capital markets professional with more than 25 years of experience from the financial industry. Recognized for the ability to structure complex issues, identify opportunities, and deliver results. Proven track record of performing under uncertainty at a high professional level. Valued for a positive attitude, comprehensive knowledge, and strong communication skills. Extensive experience spanning asset management, brokerage, communications, media relations, content production, business development, project management, and board work.
As part of our team, he contributes to making company presentations, business development, handling investor relations and capital transaction for clients.
Karl Oscar is a former hedgefund manager of Paleo Fund AIF, and author of the book «Paleo Trading: How to trade like a Hunter-Gatherer» that was published on Amazon in 2021. From 2016 to 2021 he was a partner in Pareto Securities with a focus on developing the companys electronic trading services and external communication in the form or video, podcasts, text and public speeches. He also contributed to other forms of business development, and was a board member in Paretos subsidiary Aktieinvest in Sweden.
From 2013 to 2016 he was an Investment Ecconomist for Nordnet in Norway, and their official spokesperson. Here he started a popular videoblog and the podcast called Pengepodden.
Before this Karl worked with business development, stockbroking, analysis, trading and communications for companies like Fondsfinans, Handelsbanken Capital Markets, Terra Securities, E-Trade Norge and Delphi Economics.
Education
Norges Kreative Fagskole Macdesign I + II 2002-2004
Westerdals School of Communication Graphic Design 2000-2002
Role and Key Strengths
A specialist in marketing within the pharmaceutical industry with extensive knowledge of the industry's regulations, terminology, and the most effective communication channels for reaching healthcare professionals in a precise and professional manner. Pia delivers solutions that meet the high standards of accuracy and quality that characterize the pharmaceutical industry. Her ability to understand client needs and build strong, trusted relationships has been crucial for creating lasting and successful collaborations. Additionally, she offers valuable strategic advice that strengthens clients' positions in a competitive market. She also has extensive experience in all aspects of communication, from mass communication and retail to digital solutions, social media content, and packaging design. Pia has also developed brochures, catalogs, reports, large-format materials, and other marketing materials. Her strong creative skills and visual sense have been crucial for delivering high-quality solutions that strengthen client brands, making her a valuable resource in projects of all sizes, especially where accuracy and precise communication are essential. Over the years, Pia has held positions as Art Director and Graphic Designer, including work at reputable agencies such as Leo Burnett Xpress and McCann.
Selected Clients
Jannsen Cilag, Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Thune, Cloetta, Vitusapotek, Mills, Apotek 1, Rema 1000, Lofoten, Jernia, MAXBO, Tine, Politidirektoratet, Selvaag, DNV, Bama blomster, DEAS, Plan, Remember, Novo Nordisk
Education
Westerdals School of Communication, Art Direction 1991-1995
Role and Key Strengths
Stian has nearly 30 years of experience in the advertising industry. He started as an assistant at JBR Advertising Agency and worked his way up to become an Art Director, spending most of his career at McCann Oslo. His long-standing career speaks to his passion and dedication to his craft. Stian loves a good story, whether it’s from film, TV, advertising, games, books, photography, painting, or illustration. Over the years, he has worked with both large and small brands, challengers and market leaders, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, products, and services. Stian has a strong sense of design and can work independently from concept to final sketches. He is committed to preserving creativity, supporting his colleagues, and ensuring that clients get value for their investment. In recent years, Stian has developed a deep interest in editing and producing films to convey diverse messages. He is also conscious of his responsibility as an employee to contribute to generating sufficient revenue for salaries, rent, and administration. Stian is eager to continue developing – and perhaps win a few more awards along the way!
Selected Clients
Johnson & Johnson, Shearwater GeoServices, HONGQI, Flyktninghjelpen, Norda, Pareto, Q-Meieriene, TINE, IMDi, Vitusapotek, Apotek 1, Maxbo, Peugeot, Opel, Mills, Delikat, Brynild, Grilstad, Pepsi Max, Rema, Helly Hansen, Norsk Tipping
Education
University of Oslo Cand.mag. in Comparative Literature, Intellectual History, Worldview and Ethics, 1990–1995
Oslo School of Drawing and Painting Freehand Drawing with Cato Bødker, 1996
Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen In-house Graphic Designer,
16 months of civilian service, 1995–1996
Role and Key Strengths
Responsible for internal design processes from concept to final delivery, Tormod is an invaluable partner for design and visualization across all projects. His ability to develop clear visual identities, combined with an uncompromising pursuit of unique solutions, ensures that each design reflects the brand’s essence and character. Tormod actively contributes on a professional level from strategy to completion. He thrives within strict boundaries and believes that the best solutions often emerge when creativity is challenged within tight constraints and cross-disciplinary teams. His approach combines early prototyping and intuitive hand sketching with thorough benchmarking and the use of AI tools. Tormod works confidently across various media and with a wide range of clients – from artists and filmmakers to international companies. His expertise includes logo design and visual identities, infographics, visual storytelling, and the design/layout of publications and presentations. Known for his curiosity and broad general knowledge, Tormod is a passionate creator. A self-taught graphic designer, Tormod built his career from the ground up with extensive experience from different agencies. He joined Minnesota Brand Agency from Gambit Hill+Knowlton in 2017.
Selected Clients
Pareto Securities, Norstat, Telenor ASA, Insignia, Øvreseth, SafeClean, Gyldendal Akademisk, Forfatter Mats Urde PhD Brand strategy, Nasjonalmuseet Arkitektur, Direktoratet for e-helse, KWC, H+K Strategies, The Economist Group, Kid ASA, Meny, Solberg Pettersen, Panasonic IMAX, Nettbuss, Paradox Film, Flimmer Film, Ten Thousand Images, Fotograf Bjørn Sterri, Foreningen Fri
