School
- Calvin Christian High School, 2012 to 2016. First chair in symphonic band, cross country, quiz bowl, and the school videographer, which is where this whole thing started. I also led the cleaning crew, which taught me more about running a business than most classes did.
- Grand Valley State University, Class of 2020. Bachelor’s in Film/Cinema/Video Studies and Communication Studies. From 2018 to 2020 I was lead cinematographer for GVSU’s in-house student marketing agency, making video for the university’s student-facing marketing. I graduated in June 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, into a job market that had briefly stopped existing. GVSU now lists Grand Rapids Marketing Co. in its Alumni-Owned Business directory, so we are square.
The Grand Rapids business community
I have worked in and around Grand Rapids since a paper route at age six. Since then: Northern Mortgage in Grandville, Treadstone Funding, Lake Michigan Credit Union, and two businesses of my own, Mid-July Media (weddings; 200+ filmed since 2017) and Grand Rapids Marketing Co. (marketing, co-founded with Sam Kiste). Most of my clients are within 30 miles of my kitchen table. That is by design. I like knowing the people I work with.
FAQ
Do you live in Grand Rapids or Caledonia?
Caledonia, in the village. My public profiles say Grand Rapids because that is where the work is. It is a 20-minute drive.
Are you originally from West Michigan?
Yes. I grew up here: Calvin Christian High School, then Grand Valley State University. In 2021 I spent over a year in New York City, then came back to West Michigan to stay.
Can I hire you for something local?
Yes. Weddings go through Mid-July Media. Business video, photo, web, and SEO go through Grand Rapids Marketing Co. Anything else, use the contact page and I will point you in the right direction.