about us
Over 25 years of taking you higher
For over a quarter century, we’ve been dedicated to helping organizations achieve their digital goals. Learn more about who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
And of course the story behind the name High Monkey.
Who we are
High Monkey is a digital consultancy dedicated to creating tailored strategies and solutions that help organizations thrive.
From reimagining websites and public-facing platforms to optimizing internal systems like SharePoint, focus on solving your unique challenges and aligning with your goals to unleash your full potential.
Based in the Twin Cities and serving clients globally, our mission is simple: to deliver digital solutions that make life easier and drive lasting success.
Discover what sets us apartFrom reimagining websites and public-facing platforms to optimizing internal systems like SharePoint, focus on solving your unique challenges and aligning with your goals to unleash your full potential.
Based in the Twin Cities and serving clients globally, our mission is simple: to deliver digital solutions that make life easier and drive lasting success.
Our 25+ year journey
With over a quarter-century in the digital consulting realm, trust us when we say we’ve seen our fair share.
Luckily, we have a pretty good recollection of it all, & what a journey it’s been.
Our name explained
We often get asked about our name.
In 2004, founder Virgil Carroll and compatriot Joel Baglien were not satisfied with the company’s name at the time—it just wasn’t memorable. Joel suggested “High Monkey,” but Virgil initially dismissed it as a stupid idea. Joel explained that it was inspired by a saying he learned as a kid in Panama: “The higher the monkey climbs the tree, the more you see his ass.”
After brainstorming other options and gathering feedback from clients and friends, one thing became clear—everyone remembered High Monkey. We wanted a name that stuck, and we got it.
But our name isn’t just a tribute to that funny old saying from Joel’s childhood. We also did not choose it only to be memorable.
The truth is, the name High Monkey reflects our mission to take organizations higher. Whether it’s improving their digital systems or optimizing their strategies, we’re here to help our clients rise to their highest potential. We’ve worked hard to ensure our name is both memorable and respected, and we’re proud to live up to it every day.
In 2004, founder Virgil Carroll and compatriot Joel Baglien were not satisfied with the company’s name at the time—it just wasn’t memorable. Joel suggested “High Monkey,” but Virgil initially dismissed it as a stupid idea. Joel explained that it was inspired by a saying he learned as a kid in Panama: “The higher the monkey climbs the tree, the more you see his ass.”
After brainstorming other options and gathering feedback from clients and friends, one thing became clear—everyone remembered High Monkey. We wanted a name that stuck, and we got it.
But our name isn’t just a tribute to that funny old saying from Joel’s childhood. We also did not choose it only to be memorable.
The truth is, the name High Monkey reflects our mission to take organizations higher. Whether it’s improving their digital systems or optimizing their strategies, we’re here to help our clients rise to their highest potential. We’ve worked hard to ensure our name is both memorable and respected, and we’re proud to live up to it every day.
First High Monkey business card (2004)
Meet the team
Virgil Carroll
CEO, Principal Human Solutions Architect
Virgil, founder of High Monkey, brings over 25 years of expertise spanning every role in the company, from development and design to strategic leadership. As a versatile leader, he oversees all strategic engagements, shaping digital strategies, information architecture, UI/UX design, and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
FUN FACT:
There are no roads out of my Alaskan home town.
Chad Heinle
VP of Consulting, Solutions Architect
Chad specializes in full-stack development and CMSs like Drupal, Kentico, and Funnelback. With expertise in HTML5, CSS3, and .NET, he delivers seamless design, styling, and programming for dynamic client solutions.
FUN FACT:
I am a DIY enthusiast.
Erik Bredesen
VP of Business Development
Erik leads business development at High Monkey, guiding clients toward tailored solutions and managing budgets. His strategic approach ensures projects meet client goals and build lasting partnerships.
FUN FACT:
I am ranked in the top 3,000 of World Golf Rankings.
Aaron Kronberger
Senior Web Developer, Consultant
Aaron specializes in full-stack development and CMS consulting, handling installation, configuration, backend development, and APIs. His expertise ensures seamless project execution and effective CMS implementation.
FUN FACT:
I placed 3rd in a local Nok Hockey tournament in 1995.
Ali Gillberg
Senior Web Developer, Consultant
Ali specializes in full-stack development with a focus on front-end design. She translates designs into HTML, leads SharePoint and PowerApps projects, and excels in CMS implementation, page building, and project support.
FUN FACT:
I have played rugby for the Twin Cities Amazons since 2011.
Seth Moline
Project Manager, Consultant
Seth oversees project timelines, client communication, and QA at High Monkey. He ensures seamless project management and detailed quality checks, delivering polished, client-focused solutions from start to finish.
FUN FACT:
I speak basic Swedish.
Cole Schlotthauer
Consultant
Cole specializes in UX design, content strategy, and search optimization. From content migration to UX testing, he delivers cohesive, strategic solutions tailored to enhance digital experiences for clients.
FUN FACT:
If I could be an animal I'd be an eagle.
Your success story starts here
Contact us for a free consultation, and let’s work together to build a strategic plan that tackles your challenges and lifts your organization to a new level.