We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tresa Rusnac a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tresa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?
Innovation often stems from our experiences, challenges, and a desire to make a difference. My journey began at Northern Arizona University, leading me to an exciting career as a sports reporter at KPNX-TV 12 News NBC and 3TV/CBS5 Arizona’s Family. Along the way, I was blessed to win two Emmy Awards for my storytelling. But even with those accolades, I realized that success without balance wasn’t truly fulfilling. I wanted to be present for my family, and that’s when I made the bold decision to step away from the television news industry to create something new—something that would allow me to be the wife and mom my 3-year-old son deserves, while still doing what I love.
At Rusnac Media, we believe in the power of storytelling, because it’s not about grandeur or complexity—it’s about connection. The same storytelling that earned me those awards is what drives us every day. And the truth is, you don’t need to chase gimmicks or trends to make an impact. People connect with authenticity, with heart, and with stories that reflect who they really are. That’s the core of what we do. Whether we’re working with a law firm, a small business, or an individual, we focus on creating genuine, meaningful content that resonates with people on a deeper level.
The most powerful innovation often comes when you strip away the noise and focus on what truly matters—building relationships, sharing stories, and connecting with others in a real and human way. That’s how we create lasting change, both in business and in life.
Tresa , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely! I’m Tresa Rusnac, the heart and founder of Rusnac Media. My journey into the media world began with my background in sports journalism, where I spent years covering some of the most thrilling moments in Arizona sports, working with KPNX 12 News and 3TV/CBS5 Arizona’s Family, the NBC and CBS affiliates in Phoenix, Arizona. I even had the honor of winning two Emmy Awards for storytelling. However, what truly drove me to start Rusnac Media was my son. He’s 3.5 now, and I knew I didn’t want to miss Christmas or important moments in his life to continue covering sports. I needed to pursue something that honored and respected my time as a wife and a new mom. It was a leap of faith, trusting God’s plan every step of the way. Proverbs 31:30, which is part of my logo, serves as my life and business verse: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This verse grounds me in my values and reminds me to prioritize what truly matters—family, faith, and serving others.
At Rusnac Media, we specialize in helping law firms, healthcare professionals, and small businesses build authentic relationships with their audiences through compelling video content. We create curated engaging, on-brand videos on a monthly or quarterly basis for our clients, offering a full-service experience from creative concepts to hands-on coaching and monthly tracking to measure results. Our approach isn’t just about providing content; it’s about telling stories that connect with people on a deeper level, driving them to take action—whether that’s booking a call or learning more about our clients’ services. People connect best with people is something I’ve learned in my years as a professional journalist.
What sets us apart is our done-for-you approach. We know how busy professionals are, so we take care of everything, from scripting to shooting to posting. Our unique edge is combining award-winning storytelling with the latest trends, ensuring every video not only looks professional but resonates with your audience. We track performance and continuously optimize content so our clients see real, measurable results.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships we build with both our clients and their audiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch how our work helps businesses grow and thrive. At the end of the day, I want people to know that Rusnac Media is more than a service—we’re partners in helping you share your story in a meaningful, memorable, and impactful way. Your story is your most powerful tool, and we’re here to help you tell it in a way that feels real and truly connects with those who matter most to your business.
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that we genuinely care about our clients’ success. We pour our passion into every project to ensure their message not only shines but also honors the values we hold dear—faith, family, and authenticity.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that really illustrates my resilience happened while I was working on my master’s degree at Northern Arizona University. NBC Channel 12’s then-News Director, Mark Casey, came to speak to students about careers in television news. I was so eager to make a connection, but I had to teach a class and couldn’t stay to talk with him. I remember thinking, “I can’t let this opportunity slip by.” So, I chased him out of the building just to hand him my resume. He seemed a little irritated—I mean, who wouldn’t be with a student running after them? But despite that, he handed me the contact information of Jeff Schneider, the sports director, and told me to follow up.
When I finally went down to the station, I found out they already had a summer intern. That could’ve been the end of it, but I knew I had to prove myself. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work helping with the 5 p.m. sportscast, which was covering none other than Tom Brady and “Deflategate.” After putting in the effort, Jeff told me to go back and talk to Mark Casey. When I did, Mark asked if I had even asked for the internship yet. I hadn’t—so I went back to Jeff and asked. On our walk out to the parking garage, he smiled and said, “Congrats, you’re going to be our summer sports intern. You start in two weeks.”
That experience taught me a lot about persistence and not taking no for an answer. If you truly believe in your value and what you bring to the table, doors will open—even if you have to knock a few times!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! At the heart of everything I do—both personally and at Rusnac Media—is my love for storytelling. I’ve always believed that storytelling is powerful because it helps people feel heard and understood. I see it as the calling God has placed on my life, to use this gift not just to tell stories, but to help others connect with one another in deeper, more meaningful ways.
Whether we’re creating content for a law firm or a small business, the mission is always the same: to connect people with more intent and authenticity. In a world where so much feels rushed and impersonal, I believe in taking the time to tell stories that resonate with the heart of an audience. Stories that make people stop, think, and truly see one another.
This sense of purpose drives me and Rusnac Media every day. It’s about more than just creating content—it’s about helping businesses build relationships with their clients through stories that matter. My goal is always to create a space where people can connect and feel valued, and that’s what inspires everything we do at Rusnac Media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rusnacmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusnacmediallc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rusnacmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tresa-rusnac-525682219/
Image Credits
Michael Marcinko (for shots wearing white button sweater)
Gabrielle Sherwood (headshot)