About

Meet Dietrich

I founded my first business in high school by creating videos for small businesses and non-profits as a way to earn money. I went on to graduate from the University of Saint Thomas in 2008 with a B.A. in Communication Studies, Broadcast Journalism, and Japanese. My passion for learning led to pursuing and earning an M.A. in Education, which deepened my understanding of how people learn and grow. As a pragmatic visionary, I saw the potential of drone technology in media and was an early adopter of the FAA's Part 107 License, enabling me to fly drones commercially — I have flown drones for nearly 12 years.

I am grateful to have had the privilege of working in various roles that provided me with extensive knowledge and differing perspectives on business operations and storytelling. I enjoy studying systems; especially, the way the design of a system intertwines with the outcomes of people’s lives. It’s fascinating to see how different industries and organizations are built and function; how they use storytelling to convey their value to the world; and, how these stories influence buying decisions.

After 15 years in media, I founded Inherited Stories®, a company that produced family legacy documentaries to help families remember their loved ones. Through a five-year business development journey, I grew the company and connected with people from all kinds of industries and backgrounds, listening to their stories while absorbing their knowledge and experiences. I attribute a significant part of my success to being someone who strives to be ethical, approachable, and curious in conversation. This has encouraged others to seek my counsel — Much of which I provide freely.

I have received multiple regional Emmy® awards and other accolades in the media industry, and was honored to have been invited as a guest speaker for broadcast journalism and video production classes at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin.

I view the world as an interconnected system, and because of that I am a strong believer in community service and volunteering. My passion for helping others started in high school when I served as a youth representative on the ELCA Minneapolis Synod's Board of Directors for two years. At St. Thomas, I joined and helped grow several student-led groups that then led to my election as a Junior and Senior Student Representative on the school's Board of Directors. Professionally, I served on the Upper Midwest Emmy®'s Board of Directors and I currently serve on the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota's Board of Directors. I like to volunteer on public committees and advisory boards in my hometown of Edina, Minnesota. I firmly believe in the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”, and I strive to make the world a better place through my words, thoughts, and most importantly — my actions.

My Values