Frank Answers Quickly (FAQ) 

​What does Spinfirm do?
Spinfirm is a St. Paul, Minnesota consultancy that provides public affairs strategy, crisis communications, media relations, ghostwriting, and interim communications leadership. It’s led by Nate Dybvig, who has more than 25 years of experience in Minnesota public affairs.

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Who can help my organization with a media crisis in Minnesota?
Spinfirm handles crisis communications for Minnesota businesses, associations, nonprofits, and unions. That includes crisis plans, statements, reporter briefings, and spokesperson preparation. Nate Dybvig has built a complete crisis response plan for a multinational company over a single weekend. In a crisis, call or text 651.280.4707.

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How much does Spinfirm cost?
Every engagement is priced as a single project fee, agreed up front with the goal and the deadline. There are no retainers, no hourly billing surprises, and no weekly status meetings you pay for. Most clients find a single project fee costs less than a retainer, because you only pay for the work that moves the needle.

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Do I need a retainer to hire a PR consultant?
No. Spinfirm will do retainers, but doesn't require them. For most clients, we agree on the goal, the deadline, and one project fee before work begins, and when the job is done, the engagement ends.

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Can Spinfirm cover for A comms team member while they’re on leave?
Yes. Under Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which began paying benefits January 1, 2026, employees can take up to 20 weeks of leave a year. Spinfirm provides interim communications leadership for a week, a month, or a season, so your work keeps moving while your comms lead is out.

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What is a fractional communications director?
A fractional communications director is a senior strategist you bring on part time, for a defined period, instead of hiring a full-time executive. Spinfirm offers fractional counsel for a few months at a time, as well as half-day strategy sessions for teams that are stuck.

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Can Spinfirm help move a bill at the Minnesota Legislature?
Yes. Spinfirm builds the public side of legislative campaigns: the message, the messengers, the timing, and the earned media that makes legislators pay attention. In one campaign, Nate Dybvig helped Minnesota’s professional firefighters revive a stalled flame-retardant bill by burning a living room in front of the Capitol press corps.

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Does Spinfirm work with attorneys on litigation or settlements?
Yes. Nate Dybvig regularly works alongside attorneys to prepare communications for lawsuits, settlements, and other legal matters, including reactive statements, talking points, and spokesperson preparation. Client work is kept confidential.

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Who has Spinfirm worked with?

Spinfirm’s clients have included labor unions, trade associations, conservation groups, and Fortune 500 companies. A partial list of clients past and present is available here... 

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How do I get started?
Call or text Nate Dybvig at 651.280.4707, email Nate@spinfirm.com, or fill out the intake form on the contact page for a free consultation.