We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zachary Thayer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zachary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have been working on a video about connection. It all centers around a card game called were not really strangers (WNRS) that my now partner of 5 years showed me when we first started talking. Over the past 5 years I have played the game with family members, friends etc. I recorded the gameplay and have made notes on how playing the game affected our relationship. I have not completed the project but it is a deep dive into human connection. It is planned to be a 40 minute to 120 minute video that will be released on Youtube.

I have always wanted to connect with people but I have struggled whether it is me being selfish and only wanting to talk about myself or not knowing what the right questions to ask are. This project has helped me work the muscle of human connection and I am eternally grateful for it.

Zachary, 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?

Howdy! I am Zach, a tinkerer, photographer, videographer, digital marketer and much more. When I was a kid in Ohio I really latched onto sports. I threw discus and hammer in college convinced that all I had to do was put in more hours than anyone else and I would be set. That wasn’t quite the case so I decided maybe I would try the creative route. I became obsessed with making things. Physical things, photos, videos etc. To this day it is still my obsession. I sell my landscape prints, I shoot videos for small nonprofits and brands, I am a marketing manager for a county fair and I make silly videos when I have the time.

What problems do I solve for brands/clients? Whatever is needed. As I said above I am a multidimensional creative. I believe this gives me a bit of an unfair advantage. Let’s say your brand has a design/messaging problem. I can work on the graphic design, video, print etc. to build out a new revitalized holistic plan with assets. I also believe this is an unfair advantage because I understand what I cannot handle. This allows me to work with clients and make suggestions that maybe I am not the right person for the job with confidence.

I am most proud of my journey. Understanding that I suppressed anything creative for so long to now embracing creativity any chance I get. I want to create more and learn how to make more. I don’t think that will ever stop.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

It is a tale as old as time but word of mouth has definitely been the best source of new clients for me. Do right by every opportunity you get and people will talk.

As a backup just being an active member in the community you want to service is very helpful. Volunteer your free time to help out. Go to events and chat with people. There are so many lovely people in the world who want to help and be helped. Be part of it.

Any advice for managing a team?

When I have managed teams I have focused on clear and defined expectations. I also try my best to make sure everyone in the team feels safe and valued. If either of those faulter you will never create a team that can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zacharythayerzt.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachguyoverthayer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-thayer-5a0432196/