Jon Crappel

Personal Bio

Jon Crappel, together with his wife, Teri, raise their seven children, who assist them in providing long term shelter, love, and care for a number of foster children, as well as temporary respite to other little ones occasionally. As a family, they love long road trips, big sledding hills, and art of every kind.

Jon’s life and work are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of his cultural heritage and personal journey. A proud descendant of the United Houma Nation and a dedicated foster parent, Jon’s story weaves together resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. These values are also reflected in his professional work, which is grounded in creating systems and relationships that honor dignity, nurture potential, and foster meaningful connection and transformation.  

Jon’s early years were shaped by complexities of faith, family, and hardship that left him imprinted with empathy for those navigating life’s most challenging circumstances. These experiences inspire him as he advocates for children trapped in the child protection system.

Through projects like “Next of Kin,” Jon has pioneered innovative tools that preserve identity and empower healing, ensuring that every child’s story is preserved and valued.  

In his work as the founder of NATIV3, a digital agency with a heart for human solutions to digital challenges, Jon fuses his personal ethos with professional excellence. Guided by the values of integrity, excellence, and resilience, he and his team craft systems that make the mysterious understandable, helping clients achieve clarity and impact in a complex digital landscape.  

Jon’s work centers on the belief that understanding our roots and embracing our shared humanity are essential to building a more understanding and compassionate world. Through every endeavor, Jon strives to honor Jesus, his family, and his calling as “Parrain” to many.

Executive Summary

Jon Crappel, Founder and CEO of NATIV3, is a change agent in business who approaches change not as a disruptor, but as someone who understands and builds upon existing foundations in order to reshape systems and empower people to flourish. Whether it’s advocating for foster children, rethinking human resources and employment paradigms, or navigating the digital landscape, his focus is always on sustainable, meaningful transformation​​ rooted in preserving what is essential while allowing space for necessary progress, and always with an eye to providing a platform for success for himself and others.

Jon has built NATIV3 into a full-service digital agency committed to human integrity, thoughtful excellence, and proactive resilience that leaves an indelible human mark on the digital landscape and the human mind. A seasoned strategist and storyteller, he blends technical expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and cultural empathy to craft impactful digital experiences for clients while fostering a mindset of mutually supportive empowerment and flourishing in his workplace culture.

Vision & Philosophy

Guided by the philosophy of Lagniappe — giving “a little something extra” in every endeavor — Jon emphasizes going beyond expectations in all relationships, creating meaningful value for clients, teams, and communities alike. 

Core Competencies 

Indelible Consulting: Leaving an indelible mark on the marketplace through data-driven consultation that aligns business goals with digital strategies.

Openhanded Leadership: Navigating the business structures and systems that get in the way of new talent entering the marketplace, cutting a clear path for fresh entrepreneurial energy.

Cultural Thoughtfulness: Executing strategies for global and diverse audiences while protecting and honoring the inherent nobility of all people.

Child Welfare Advocacy: Promoting dignity, awareness, and sacrificial support for children trapped in the foster care system.

Professional Experience

NATIV3 

Founder & CEO (January 2016 – Present)

• Spearheaded the growth of NATIV3 into a leading digital agency in the Twin Cities Metro and beyond.
• Executed his vision to create a coalition of the best and brightest professionals in the digital space. 
• Cultivated partnerships with federal agencies, tribal entities, and high-profile organizations, delivering impactful digital products and campaigns from indigenous history timelines to community-focused messaging initiatives.
• Uses the NATIV3 brand as leverage, willing to provide upward lift for anyone who comes to us with the desire and discipline to chart their path to success with us. 
• Built a culture anchored in Human Integrity, Thoughtful Excellence, and Proactive Resilience, ensuring client loyalty and team growth.

Freelance Web Developer

Web Developer (May 2012 – January 2016)

• Managed diverse client projects, integrating creative strategies with robust web architectures.
• Analyzed business processes to design and deliver aligned digital solutions, exceeding client expectations.

Gulfstream Services Inc.

IT Specialist (April 2007 – July 2011)

• Enhanced corporate visibility through innovative website design and multimedia content.
• Produced marketing assets, including advertisements, brochures, and video tutorials, driving audience engagement and lead generation.

Education

Bethlehem College & Seminary: Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, 2014  

ITT Technical Institute: Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, 2003