Chad Godfrey has been running Summit Video Services for over 20 years, and he's built something most video pros overlook: a thriving business where 60% of revenue comes from video transfers and archival work. In this conversation, we dig into why his transfer business keeps growing year after year, how local networking and in-person relationships are still the best marketing strategy, and why teaching free workshops can actually land you more clients instead of giving away the farm.

Key Takeaways

• Video transfer and archival services can be a massive, consistent revenue stream—Chad's business grows every year despite assumptions that the market would dry up
• Building real relationships through chambers, boards, and local networking events is still the most effective way to generate buzz and trust in your community
• Teaching free workshops positions you as a leader and keeps you top of mind when people need professional help—it's counterintuitive but it works
• Having strategic relationships with complementary businesses (graphic designers, photographers, etc.) creates a powerful referral network

About Chad Godfrey

As a young child, Chad Godfrey was constantly infatuated with film and video cameras, audio recorders, and early personal computers. In 2004, Chad linked these interests together and started a business. For the past 21 years, Chad has been the owner of Summit Video Services, an audio and video production and photography services company based in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Chad is an Emmy-nominated and nationally-awarded video producer with recognitions in the areas of video production, editing, photography, design, documentary, motion graphics, and sound design.

Chad's professional work in video production includes documentary and brand films for businesses and the non-profit sector. He is a creative storyteller with a unique ability to structure a narrative, whether for a short film, commercial, music video, or YouTube vlog. Chad has an exceptional capability to pace a story, build tension, and create emotional engagement; all critical skills to the clients he serves.

Chad's photography is primarily commercial, providing services for architectural firms, municipalities, and the commercial real estate industry. Though less for profit, Chad's true passion is landscape and astro-photography. He's had many opportunities to travel internationally with a backpack full of gear (sometimes too full) to "chase the light."

Chad is a contributing member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Chad's spouse of 24 years, Suzie, is an elementary teacher in the Lee's Summit School District. Together, they have three kids, ages 22, 19, and 15.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!

• [06:42] Meet Chad Godfrey

• [16:17] Advertising Strategies

• [17:07] Documentary Video Production

• [24:57] Things That Sustain a Business

• [26:42] Aha Moments From The Mastermind

• [37:09] Advice to New Business Owners

• [40:15] Finance Resources

• [46:28] Being Involved In Local Groups

• [47:41] Connect with Chad

• [52:41] Outro

Quotes

"There's no substitute for just talking to people and inviting them to and going to events and shaking hands. If you're not generating some buzz about what you do in your local area, then you're just not doing enough." - Chad Godfrey

"That seems counterintuitive—you're giving away the farm. But when people can actually see you as a leader in that realm and that you're giving away some of your knowledge, they're gonna wanna come back to you and pick your brain some more." - Chad Godfrey

"The quickest and easiest way to build trust with somebody is in person so they can really see what you're like. People will hire people that they know, like, and trust." - Ryan Koral

Guest Links

Follow Summit Video Services on Instagram

Visit Summit Video Services Website

Links

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