Meet the North & Nest Team
Tracy Nicholson
North & Nest Publisher | Editor
True north is our internal compass that guides us through life, so I’d say we’re headed in the right direction with the right team. I fell in love with this industry over a decade ago, and my infatuation with interior design, architecture, landscapes, artisans, and local culture endures. Whether touring homes, galleries, or construction sites, I believe there’s always more to the story than meets the eye.
As creative storytellers, we set out on a collaborative journey to unveil the tales woven by the people and places that make magic in the Midwest. Each edition brings these stories to life with a sophisticated pairing of photography and graphic design, all meticulously crafted by 100% local talent. Meet the team that captures hearts and homes, making North & Nest your go-to guide.
Sarah Geiger
Sarah Geiger Design | Layout
Sarah is North & Nest's layout graphic designer, web designer, and owner of a freelance design studio in Fargo, ND. She provides a variety of creative services, including brand identity, logo design, icon and infographic development and social and advertising materials. Sarah also brings over six years of magazine design, having been the lead designer and art director for several local publications. Sarah attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Find her work on Instagram @imsarahgeiger.
Dennis Krull
5Foot20 Design Lounge | Ad Design
Dennis is a Midwest-based photographer, graphic designer, illustrator, encaustic/fine artist, and owner of 5foot20 Design Lounge in Moorhead, MN. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has spent the past 30 years working on a wide range of creative services for local and national clients. When Dennis is not designing or working in photography, he can be found at Gallery 4 artist co-op in downtown Fargo. View his work at Gallery 4, 5foot20.com, or follow him on Instagram @5foot20design
Dan Francis
Dan Francis Photography
Dan is the lead architectural photographer for North & Nest Magazine and owner of Dan Francis Photography in Fargo, ND. Dan brings 20 years of experience to North & Nest, a Masters and Craftsman degree in Photography, and nearly eight years of experience as a Photography and Photoshop instructor for M-State College. His architecture photography seamlessly blends precision and artistry to elevate his clients’ brand impact. Dan’s work can be found at DanFrancisPhotography.com or on Instagram @danfrancisphoto.
Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss
Photography
Jill is a contributing photographer with 22 years of photography experience. Her award-winning work engages natural light and professionally curated lighting techniques to produce high-quality organic and expressive imagery, primarily focused on home interiors, commercial business, and architectural photography. Jill has a BA in Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead with an emphasis in photojournalism and broadcast journalism and a Post-Bachelor Independent Study in commercial video production. Jill's work can be found at ockhardtphoto.com or on Instagram @jillockhardtblaufuss.
Morgan Allora
Studio Freshly
Morgan is the owner of Studio Freshly, a queer-woman-owned photography company based in the F-M area. Specializing in small business branding, she enjoys documenting products, process, experience, portraits, and events. Morgan is a firm believer in elevating a business’ special sauce by translating exceptional product or service into visuals that share with the public what she refers to as "badassery." She earned a degree in Graphic Design and Public Relations from Concordia College, later discovering the art of photography in serving her passion for connection, community, and storytelling through imagery. To find her work, connect with her on Facebook or Instagram @studiofreshly, or view her full portfolio at studiofreshly.com.
Micah J. Zimmerman
Amdak Productions
As the owner of Amdak Productions, LLC, a creative services company based in Fargo, Micah brings 25 years of experience specializing in photography, videography, drone, and Matterport services for clients across the nation. Amdak is highly regarded for its exceptional work, spanning from Minnesota's northern lakes to New Mexico deserts, Rocky Mountains peaks, and Mexican beaches. Amdak goes wherever the work is, partnering with companies big and small, near and far, to help them #ownthelook. Follow him on Instagram @zhotography & @amdak_productions.
Hal Ecker
Circulation Manager
As North & Nest's Circulation Manager, Hal ensures magazines get premium placement at hundreds of local retail locations, grocery stores, events, and outlying markets. Hal, originally from Grandin, ND, is a graduate of NDSU and a super fan of Bison Football. He contributes a background in sales from AmeriPride Services and Sanford Health, along with over 20 years of circulation management experience for The Forum and several other local publications.