We Empower Talented People to Their Message
And turn those ideas into greater impact, influence, and income.
We Believe Every Story
For most of our StoryPartners, writing and instructional design don’t come naturally, and there’s no time for them to master these skills.
Their focus is on excelling in areas like leadership, coaching, speaking, building businesses, and making a meaningful impact on others.
We come alongside to help them multiply their message.
Our own story began when our founder Bill Blankschaen saw so many people with great ideas struggling to tell their story well.
So, he launched StoryBuilders—a creative team of storytellers who are passionate about serving people with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships.
We’ve had the privilege of coming alongside a variety of individuals and organizations like….
Entrepreneurs & Corporate Leaders
Speakers & Influencers
Business Coaches & Consultants
Athletes & Fitness Gurus
Mission-driven & Non-profit Leaders
Political Figures & Cultural Voices
We call them Partners.
The books, resources, and experiences we have created have already impacted millions of people —
Our Core Values
At the foundational level, these values derive from the fact that we are a Christian company. But you don’t have to share the details of our faith to enjoy the benefits of our beliefs.
Creativity
Because we value creativity, we intentionally think differently. We always dare to ask “what if” before figuring out “how to”.
Relationships
Because we value relationships, we always put people before profit and listening before action.
Excellence
Because we value excellence, we always go all out and never settle for good enough.
Authenticity
Because we value authenticity, we always stay true to who we are and do what we say we will do.
Teamwork
Because we value teamwork, we believe the struggles of ME are always exceeded by the strengths of WE.
Energy
Because we value life balance, we always prioritize healthy, holistic living to achieve sustainable success for our team and their families.
The Team Behind
Meet the creatives, strategists, and publishing pros who bring our authors’ visions to life. Led by Bill Blankschaen, our team brings decades of publishing and brand storytelling experience to every project.
Bill Blankschaen
Founder · Chief StoryArchitect
Bill Blankschaen is the founder and Chief StoryArchitect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of storytellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships.
StoryBuilders tells stories that make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income.
Jenifer Truitt
Senior StoryGuide & Editor-In-Chief
Jesse Barnett
Director of StoryCreativity
Katie Sue Webber
Executive Assistant
Karla Dial
Director of StoryExcellence
Nichole Canniff
Operations Assistant
Jen Valk
Marketing & StoryPartner Success
Faith Blankschaen
Chief Financial Officer
Sarah Boukal
Senior StoryGuide
Nita Gess
StoryGuide
Mianda Mulumba
StoryGuide
Nicole Vasco
StoryGuide
Erin Harris
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Ellen Ellzey
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Kat Martin
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Morgan Kunkel
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Rachel Miller
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Rachel O'Day
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Tracy Jenkins
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
William Blankschaen
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Kelyta Grace
StoryDesigner · Graphic Designer
Isabel Beeson
StoryArtisan · Graphic Designer
Cheryl Casey
StoryArtisan · Graphic Design
We Have Been Trusted by…
Let’s Work Together!
We don’t try to fit you into a box, because every situation has unique needs. Let’s talk about how we can come alongside you to monetize your idea through world-class learning experiences.
Jenifer Truitt
Senior StoryGuide – Editor-In-Chief
As a former English teacher affectionately referred to as “Grammar Queen” by her students, Jen serves as a gifted editor and writer for our team. She is also an accomplished personal development and fitness coach who enjoys helping people discover how they can achieve the life they dream of living. Traveling (except in 2020), reading, and spending as much time as possible outdoors are Jen’s favorite ways to spend her weekends.
Jesse Barnett
Director of StoryCreativity
Karla Dial
Karla Dial comes to StoryBuilders with a background in journalism and a passion for telling people’s stories that has spanned the gamut from sports, nutrition, and fitness to government and public policy. Most of her career has been parked at the intersection of faith and politics, which she jokes “pretty much makes her an expert on all the things nice people aren’t supposed to talk about at parties.” With dual passions for both writing and editing, she splits her time between supporting StoryPartners directly and supporting the StoryGuides on our team. When she isn’t pursuing excellence in all the written words that cross her screen, you can probably find her on the dance floor (New York-style salsa is a current passion) or exploring the Texas countryside that she now calls home.
Katie Sue Webber
Katie Sue is the Executive Assistant to StoryBuilder Founder, Bill Blankschaen. With a lifelong passion for writing and reading, she brings organization and heart to every project she supports. She and her husband live in Texas with their two boys. Katie Sue is deeply rooted in ministry, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time with her family.
Ellen Ellzey
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Erin Harris
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Erin has been passionate about writing and telling stories from a very young age. With a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, the best of her day is connecting with someone on a heart-level and helping bring their story, knowledge, and expertise to life in way that connects with readers. Erin also loves discovering new parks with her family, taking her kids to the library, attempting to garden, and crafting her own stories and essays.
Faith Blankschaen
Our financial wizard and record-keeper, Faith loves numbers and making them work using her accounting background. Faith is also a homeschooling mother of six and an expert on all things related to trips to Walt Disney World.
Jen Valk
Marketing & StoryPartner Success
With more than 25 years of marketing and publicity experience, Jennifer (Jen) has worked in three sectors—government, education, and publishing. While she enjoyed each immensely, publishing is where she found her true calling. Jen understands what it takes to create a message that will stand out and garner attention on social media and beyond. She thrives in working with authors and helping them see their dream become reality.
When she’s not working, Jen loves spending time with her family. In the summer you’ll find her on the golf course or out on frequent walks with her three dogs, soaking up every moment of a Michigan summer, the state she has called home all her life. Cooking, baking, and entertaining is something she and her husband love to do. Their door is always open to welcome friend and family, or to welcome a new one.
Kat Martin
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Kat is a former English teacher turned storyteller, with a deep love for words and their ability to influence people. With dual degrees in both English Literature and Curriculum Instruction from the University of Virginia, she brings her passion for learning and creativity into the world of instructional design, crafting learner-centered experiences that are both engaging and effective. When she’s not working, Kat is often busy serving her local church or enjoying the adventures that come with living in the Rocky Mountains. Whether it’s renovating her alpine cabin, exploring nature with her husband and three kids, or getting lost in a great book, she enjoys life with a sense of wonder.
Mianda Mulumba
StoryGuide
Mianda has always believed her purpose in life is to share people’s stories. A lover of all forms of writing, she finds joy in everything from short stories and essays to music, spoken word, and poetry. Her studies in creative writing have only deepened that love, strengthening her belief that verbal and written communication is one of the purest ways to bring imagery to life. When she’s not writing, Mianda is serving her community through the church, spending time with friends and family, curled up with a good book, or at her local gym. In all she does, her mission is to weave undertones of God’s faithfulness into every project she collaborates on.
Morgan Kunkel
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
As an avid reader and skilled writer, Morgan has always been passionate about the written word. She loves to create compelling and intriguing content and use her keen eye for detail to edit. When not immersed in words, Morgan spends time with her family, enjoys as much time as possible outdoors, volunteers at her husband’s fire department, and serves the community.
Nichole Canniff
Nichole believes everyone has a purpose and hers is to help teams behind the scenes. As an avid reader, she believes in the power of books and how we have the ability to reach hundreds if not thousands of people literally at our fingertips. She loves to learn and is multi-passionate with interests in operations, publishing and creative marketing/designing. When she is not working to push projects forward backstage, she is doing one of three things: spending time with her husband and 6 kids; helping with the leadership at her Church or her nose is in her next book.
Nicole Vasco
StoryGuide
Nicole joins StoryBuilders as a StoryGuide with a strong journalism, public relations, and marketing background. A lover of words and an avid reader, she has a talent for uncovering the deeper layers of stories and a passion for helping others thrive by blending encouragement with practical advice. Nicole is dedicated to empowering mothers to live their best lives with confidence and balance. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering at her church, trying new restaurants with her husband, and going on adventures with her daughters. She also cherishes relaxing moments with her family, including their dog, whether at the pool, beach, or over a bowl of pistachio ice cream.
Nita Gess
StoryGuide
Stories have been a part of Nita’s life for as long as she can remember. People’s stories are her favorite. With a background in corporate communications, home education, and English language tutoring, she brings a unique combination of skills and experiences to the StoryBuilders team. She loves collaborating, making connections, and learning about others. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and outdoor adventuring with her husband and three young adult sons.
Rachel Miller
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
Rachel is a writer and a researcher with a love for history and literature. With over 10 years experience as an author and editor, Rachel is skilled at crafting content. She enjoys meeting and working with kindred spirits. As Anne Shirley says, “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” A mom of three teen boys, she spends much of her time homeschooling and life coaching. When she’s not reading, writing, or schooling, she finds meaning in learning languages, playing music, and quilting.
Sarah Boukal
Senior StoryGuide
Sarah has always been a lover of people watching, learning about other’s lives and their stories in particular. Along her journey to find her passion and purpose in life, Sarah discovered a love and natural talent in writing. As part of the StoryBuilders team she has the platform upon which she can bring these stories to life as a StoryArtisan and StoryArchitect. When she isn’t sharing her creativity with the team, and their StoryPartners, Sarah loves spending time with her husband, three kids, three dogs, and various other family critters. She adores getting lost in books—everything from bible studies, historical fiction, murder mysteries and romances. On her days off, she escapes to local wineries and breweries with her husband to try new tasty wines and craft beer.
Tracy Jenkins
Tracy is a habitual learner on a quest to grow into the best version of herself. After 21 years as a teacher, she took a leap of faith out of the classroom and into professional writing. She is honored to be a StoryArtisan, a role that reinforces her love of storytelling and allows her to help our StoryPartners inspire others with their insight. As a former teacher, Tracy loves to help people see their potential, own their power, and shine their light. As a ghostwriter, she uses her ability to empathize with others and share their unique voice to expand their reach. When she isn’t writing or hunting down typos, Tracy is cheering on her two sons, reading voraciously, writing poetry, and spending time with her husband, who happens to be her best friend.
William Blankschaen
StoryArtisan · Writer & Editor
A writer with a passion for culture, community, and missions work, he has had the pleasure of lending his skills to numerous organizations. Having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Constituent Consultant, for SonCoast Procurement as a Sales Representative to the U.S. Military, and as an Associate Justice and Resident Assistant at Liberty University, William brings an array of experience to our team. His drive to excel, promote, and ensure the highest quality of content for our Story Partners, he demonstrates his ethic of providing the best results on whatever project he is helping with.
Cheryl Casey
Cheryl is a highly skilled graphic designer and web designer. Her ability to take a StoryPartner’s ideas and transform them quickly into visual designs help grasp the visual representation of a story. In addition, Cheryl also has knowledge and experience in human factors/HCI knowledge which help her in designing truly usable interfaces that exceed StoryPartner expectations.
Isabel Beeson
StoryArtisan · Graphic Designer
Isabel is a skilled graphic designer who specializes in social media assets, marketing materials, brand development, and digital design. She is a very conceptual designer with a strong attention to detail. When she’s not working, her interests include traveling, reading, kayaking, and pop culture. She can usually be found watching crime shows, medical dramas, or any show where the characters learn absolutely no lessons and continually make bad decisions.
Kelyta Grace
StoryDesigner · Graphic Designer
Kelyta Grace is a skilled artist who has recently graduated with a degree in graphic design from the University of North Georgia. Though still new to the field, she is eager to strengthen and hone her skill as a graphic designer and be of use to the StoryBuilders team to the best of her abilities. Outside of work, Kelyta Grace enjoys other artistic activities such as painting and creating art using an assortment of different art mediums. She also takes a great interest in animated films as both a form of art as well as entertainment.