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

Chen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

After earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, I found myself drawn not to the world of machines but to the power of storytelling. Observing that many small to mid-sized businesses in Dallas struggled to effectively share their visions, I saw a unique opportunity. Despite my non-traditional path into video production, I was moved by the impact a well-crafted story could have on a business’s engagement with its audience.

The idea for Rawmen Media ignited one evening during a project edit. The emotional response from the client confirmed my belief that there was a market gap in tailored visual storytelling. Unlike existing agencies that offered broad or highly specialized services, Rawmen Media would focus specifically on connecting businesses to their audience through personalized narratives.

The enthusiastic feedback from potential clients validated the need for such services. Starting Rawmen Media wasn’t just about seizing a business opportunity; it was about revolutionizing how businesses communicate, blending my engineering problem-solving skills with creative storytelling to create impactful narratives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Chen Zhao, and I’ve got this cool gig running my own video production company in Dallas, TX. What we do is pretty awesome—we tell stories through videos to help brands connect with their audience in a real, meaningful way. But let me backtrack a bit and give you the scoop on my journey.

Originally from China, I moved to the U.S. about ten years ago to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in Tampa, Florida. But here’s the kicker—I’ve always been the guy with a camera in hand rather than a calculator. There’s something about capturing moments and crafting stories through visuals that just gets me.

So, after moving to Dallas four years ago, I totally fell for the city. It’s got this energy and diversity that’s just infectious. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment: Why not mesh my engineering precision with my passion for visual storytelling? And boom, my video production company was born. We’re all about creating those “aha” moments where a brand’s story just clicks with someone. It’s not just business for me; it’s about making those genuine human connections.

The road’s had its share of bumps, for sure. Starting up in a new city like Dallas wasn’t a walk in the park. I mean, building a network from scratch, especially in a city where you’re relatively new, takes a lot of hustle. You’re out there, trying to make connections, pitching your vision, and sometimes it feels like you’re starting from zero every single day.

Then there was the whole COVID-19 curveball. Talk about a challenge! Suddenly, the whole dynamic of how we interacted, how businesses operated, and how stories were told just flipped on its head.

Another challenge we’re facing is to find the right talent. In this industry, your team is everything. They’re not just freelancer or contractors; they’re the storytellers, the creative brains, and sometimes the heart of the operation. Finding individuals who not only have the skills but also share your vision and passion for storytelling—that’s a tall order.

When I’m not piecing together the next visual narrative, I’m probably hanging out with my three cats. They’re my little bosses, really, always keeping me on my toes. And to shake off the day or just clear my head, I hit the gym. Weightlifting is my kind of meditation—it’s about setting goals, tackling them, and feeling that rush of achievement.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Networking and partnerships are crucial for expanding your clientele in video production. Regular attendance at local business meetups and industry-specific conferences can keep you connected and enhance your visibility. Collaborating with complementary businesses, such as marketing firms and event planners, can provide a steady stream of referrals. Additionally, joining professional groups like the Dallas Regional Chamber or the American Marketing Association can offer valuable networking opportunities and help you stay engaged with the latest industry trends and needs. By actively participating in these areas, you can significantly broaden your reach and attract more clients.

Any advice for managing a team?

To manage a team effectively and maintain high morale, focus on clear communication through regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to ensure everyone feels heard and aligned. Recognize and reward contributions to foster a sense of achievement and appreciation. Promote work-life balance by respecting off hours and encouraging breaks, which can help sustain team energy and creativity. Lastly, offer professional development opportunities to help team members grow their skills and stay engaged and motivated. These strategies can create a supportive and productive work environment in your video production company.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rawmenmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawmenmedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realchenzhao/