Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Forte. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

Every holiday season, we uphold one of my favorite company traditions: sending exquisite macarons from a boutique bakery in California to each of our clients. This small gesture helps us express our appreciation in a world where personal connections can easily get lost in the digital shuffle.

In an era dominated by instant but impersonal communication, we wanted to do something different—something that reminds our clients that real people care about them behind the screens. These macarons aren’t just any treat; they’re a work of art, arriving in beautifully designed boxes with flavors ranging from classic vanilla bean to adventurous combinations like lavender honey and pistachio rose.

When our clients receive these little treasures, it’s more than just a sweet treat—it’s a moment of delight and a reminder that they’re valued and appreciated. Over the years, many clients have reached out to share how much they and their teams enjoyed the macarons, with some even saying they look forward to them every year as a holiday highlight.

This simple act isn’t just about sending cookies; it’s about maintaining a human connection. It’s our way of letting our clients know that, even in a fast-paced, impersonal world, they matter to us. And that connection is something truly special.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Joe Forte, co-founder of D-MAK Productions, and I’m excited to share a bit about my journey and what we do at our “https://dmakproductions.com” video production company. My path into the video production industry wasn’t exactly conventional, but it’s one that’s deeply rooted in passion, mentorship, and a relentless drive to improve upon existing ideas.

My story begins with a simple principle: find people who have what you want, learn from them, and build lasting relationships. Early in my career, I made it a habit to reach out to individuals I admired—whether it was for their business acumen, their creative vision, or their leadership skills. I’d invite them to lunch, pick up the bill, and soak in their wisdom. This approach has been one of the most critical factors in my success. The mentorship and relationships I’ve cultivated over the years have been invaluable, and many of those mentors remain in my life today.

I firmly believe that you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel to be successful. Some of the greatest business minds of our time—like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg—didn’t necessarily create something entirely new; they took existing concepts and made them better. That’s been my guiding philosophy: find something you’re passionate about and elevate it to world-class standards.

At D-MAK Productions, which I co-founded with my business partner Danny McManus (who goes by the nickname D Mak), we specialize in corporate video and events production. Since we started the company in 2013, we’ve prided ourselves on building each production from the ground up. What sets us apart is our vast network of resources and talent. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we carefully curate a team for each project, ensuring we have the best directors, cinematographers, technical directors, and animators for the job. This tailored approach allows us to deliver exceptional results that align with our clients’ unique needs.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been without its challenges. From the beginning, we were very mindful of our resources. We could have gone big—taking out loans, leasing a massive studio space, and investing in the most expensive equipment. But we chose a different path. We started small, paid for everything in cash, and made smart, sustainable decisions. This conservative approach has been crucial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many companies have struggled, our careful planning has positioned us to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is our company’s commitment to our core values, which guide everything we do: Respect, Creativity, Synchronicity, Integrity, and Freedom. These aren’t just words to us; they are the foundation of our work and how we interact with our clients and each other.

At D-MAK Productions, we’re not just about making videos; we’re about creating meaningful experiences and building lasting relationships. I want potential clients and followers to know that we’re committed to excellence, innovation, and making an impact in everything we do. Our journey is just beginning, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My business partner Danny McManus and I first crossed paths when he pledged Phi Kappa Psi, the same fraternity I had joined just a semester earlier. We both hailed from New York, which gave us an instant connection, and our shared love for hip hop music and culture only deepened that bond. It was like finding a kindred spirit in the middle of the Arizona desert.

Throughout our college years, we became closer, eventually becoming roommates for a number of years. Living together, we got to know each other inside and out—our strengths, our quirks, and the way we approached life. That shared experience built a solid foundation of trust and mutual respect.

A couple of years after we graduated, we decided to take the plunge into the business world together. By that time, we had seen each other grow, face challenges, and develop a sense of who we were and what we wanted out of life. It just made sense to join forces. Our shared history and the deep connection we’d built over the years made Danny the perfect partner to embark on this journey with, and together we’ve built something that reflects our passions and values.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media was a journey that took time, effort, and a lot of learning along the way. When I first started, I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew one thing for sure: consistency was key. I made it a point to post often, ensuring that our content was always fresh and relevant. But beyond just posting regularly, I realized that social media isn’t just about broadcasting your message; it’s about having a conversation.

Too many people treat social media like a megaphone, shouting their content into the void without ever engaging with the people on the other side. That approach might get you some views, but it won’t help you build a community. For me, the real growth happened when I started actively engaging with our audience. I made it a priority to respond to comments, answer questions, and even reach out to followers directly. This created a sense of connection and made our audience feel valued.

By treating social media as a two-way conversation, rather than just a platform for self-promotion, we were able to grow our following significantly. People started to see us not just as a brand, but as a community they wanted to be a part of.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is to be consistent and engage with your audience. Don’t just post and walk away. Stick around, listen to what people are saying, and be a part of the conversation. It’s this interaction that will set you apart and help you build a loyal and engaged following over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dmakproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmakproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2920405/

Image Credits

D-MAK Productions LLC