We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Hiltz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Being a business owner brings me immense joy, but it’s undeniably challenging. There are moments when I question if it would be easier to return to a regular job or work for someone else. These “dark nights of the soul” are tough, but they often lead to the most significant breakthroughs for both me personally and the business.
Let me take you back to a recent time when I had this thought. It was late at night, and I was sitting in my home office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and my laptop glowing dimly. The weight of upcoming deadlines, financial pressures, and managing my team felt overwhelming. I had been working tirelessly for weeks, and exhaustion was catching up with me. I remember staring out the window, seeing the lights of other homes where people were likely unwinding after a day’s work, and I wondered if I was doing it all wrong.
I thought about how, if I had worked for someone else before starting my business, I might have avoided some of these mistakes. Perhaps I could have learned the ropes under the guidance of a seasoned mentor and been further along in my journey. The security of a steady paycheck and clear-cut responsibilities seemed appealing at that moment.
But then, I reminded myself of why I chose this path. The challenges I face as a business owner push me to grow in ways I never imagined. They force me to build deeper resilience, tenacity, and the drive to achieve what sometimes feels impossible. Working for someone else might have been easier, but it wouldn’t have given me the same sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Ultimately, these moments of doubt make me a stronger leader and a better person. They teach me that while the journey is tough, the rewards are immeasurable. So yes, there are times when I think about what it would be like to have a regular job, but those thoughts always lead me back to the realization that being a business owner, with all its ups and downs, is where I truly thrive.
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?
My name is Chris, and I’m the proud owner and visionary behind TLIC, a wedding photo, video, and planning company. Since 2018, we’ve been on a mission to transform the wedding industry with our heartfelt dedication, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to making every couple’s journey to “I do” as joyful and memorable as the big day itself.
For those who may not have read about me before, let me share a bit about my journey and the story of TLIC. I’m Chris, often referred to as the “Oz behind the curtain” at TLIC Media. In the least boastful way possible, my life is amazing. I have a fantastic wife, Lexy, and two beautiful and healthy children, Hudson and Rylan. I’m fortunate to lead a talented, passionate, and fun-to-be-around team, and I have the most amazing clients anyone could ask for.
My journey into the wedding industry is a tale of passion, dedication, and a bit of serendipity. In 2015, I ventured out as a missionary to Africa to help bring a message of hope and support to the nation of Kenya. During this mission, I rediscovered my passion for videography and witnessed just how impactful film and photography can be. My videos received hundreds of thousands of views and inspired countless people.
In 2017, I returned to Maryland to attend a wedding where I had the opportunity to create my first wedding film. As sparks flew, I realized that weddings were the perfect outlet for my creativity. By the end of that year, I had filmed more than 20 weddings and developed brand partnerships with three Maryland photographers. This marked the beginning of TLIC.
Since then, our team has filmed and photographed over 300 couples, all with 5-star reviews. The mission field has changed, but the passion for excellence, appreciation for beauty, and thirst for adventure remain steadfast.
At TLIC, we offer comprehensive wedding photography, videography, and planning services. Our goal is to capture the essence of every couple’s love story and ensure that their special day is unforgettable. We focus on creating a seamless and stress-free experience, from the initial planning stages to the final delivery of stunning photos and videos.
What sets us apart is our genuine dedication to our clients. We approach each wedding with empathy, understanding that every couple is unique and deserves personalized attention. My life experiences as a missionary, a D1 athlete, and an avid gamer have coalesced to form a joyful, driven, and logical approach to leading my team and serving our couples.
One of the aspects I’m most proud of is the consistent feedback we receive from our clients. Through our relationship, you will always know what’s going on and will feel taken care of. We pride ourselves on our transparency, communication, and the ability to create a positive and supportive environment for our couples.
Every day, I think about how I can lead my team in a way that ensures the best experience for our clients. Being in charge of the team that will make your wedding memorable forever is my biggest joy. We have a decade of experience, serving hundreds of couples with all 5-star reviews, and I know we have what it takes to make your wedding the best day ever!
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at TLIC, we are more than just a wedding service provider. We are your partners in creating cherished memories. Our mission is to make your wedding day not only beautiful but also stress-free and joyful. We are dedicated to innovation, heartfelt service, and an exceptional customer experience.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building a reputation within the market is a multifaceted process, but I believe empathy has been a cornerstone in establishing and growing TLIC’s reputation. By genuinely understanding where other vendors and clients are in their life journeys, I can serve them with pinpoint accuracy, providing exactly what they need when they need it.
This approach begins with active listening and a commitment to truly understanding the unique circumstances and challenges faced by our clients, vendors, and employees. When we know what they need, we can tailor our services and interactions to provide the most value and support. This genuine care for others has fostered a positive sentiment about TLIC in the industry.
Here are a few key factors that have helped build our reputation:
Empathy and Genuine Care: Empathy allows us to connect deeply with our clients and partners. By understanding their needs and aspirations, we can offer services that are not only high-quality but also highly personalized. This genuine care extends to everyone we interact with – from our clients to our vendors and our employees.
Exceptional Customer Service: We prioritize creating an outstanding customer experience. This means being responsive, transparent, and proactive in addressing concerns and ensuring our clients feel supported throughout their wedding journey.
High-Quality Deliverables: Consistently delivering high-quality photography, videography, and planning services has been crucial. We pay attention to every detail, ensuring that our work exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
Building Strong Relationships: Developing strong, positive relationships with other vendors and venues has been instrumental. By collaborating effectively and supporting each other, we create a network of trust and reliability that benefits everyone involved.
Positive Client Feedback: Our clients’ glowing reviews and referrals have been a powerful testament to our dedication and service. Positive word-of-mouth has significantly contributed to our reputation, as happy clients share their experiences with others.
Innovative Solutions: Staying ahead of industry trends and continuously innovating our services has set us apart. Whether it’s incorporating the latest technology or offering unique packages, our commitment to innovation keeps us relevant and competitive.
Community Involvement: Engaging with the local community and participating in industry events has helped us build a visible and respected presence. Being active in the community demonstrates our commitment to the industry and our clients.
In essence, our reputation has been built on a foundation of empathy, exceptional service, high-quality deliverables, strong relationships, positive client feedback, innovation, and community involvement. This comprehensive approach ensures that we are not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of those we serve, leading to a positive and respected reputation in the market.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, there are several resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. One resource that stands out above the rest is the book “Removing Your Invisible Boundaries” by Dr. James Richards. This book was instrumental in changing how I saw myself in relation to what I wanted out of life. It helped me recognize and dismantle the self-imposed limits that were holding me back, allowing me to pursue my goals with a clearer vision and greater confidence.
“Removing Your Invisible Boundaries” has been a foundational book for me, upon which every other bit of knowledge I have is built. It taught me the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset. These lessons have been invaluable in both my personal and professional life, shaping how I approach challenges, lead my team, and drive my business forward.
Additionally, I’ve found inspiration and practical insights from a variety of other resources, including:
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book introduced me to the concept of building a business based on validated learning, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback. It’s been crucial in helping me develop an agile and adaptive approach to business growth.
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: Understanding the importance of defining and communicating the “why” behind my business has been transformative. It has helped me create a strong sense of purpose and alignment within my team and with our clients.
TED Talks and Online Courses: I’ve watched numerous TED Talks and taken online courses on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These resources have provided diverse perspectives and practical strategies that I can apply directly to my business.
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins: This book offers deep insights into what makes companies transition from good to great. The principles of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action have influenced how I manage my team and strive for excellence.
“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown: Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and authentic leadership has been incredibly impactful. It has taught me the importance of leading with empathy and creating a culture of trust and openness within my organization.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book emphasizes the power of small habits and continuous improvement. It has helped me implement effective habits and systems that drive personal productivity and business success.
These resources have collectively shaped my approach to management and entrepreneurship, providing a blend of strategic frameworks, motivational insights, and practical tools. They have empowered me to lead with confidence, foster a culture of innovation, and continually push the boundaries of what my team and I can achieve.
In summary, “Removing Your Invisible Boundaries” was the catalyst for my journey of self-discovery and growth. The other books, videos, and essays I’ve engaged with have built upon that foundation, equipping me with the knowledge and inspiration to lead TLIC with vision and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mytlic.com
- Instagram: tlicmedia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tlicmedia
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/tlicmedia
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@tlicmedia
Image Credits
TLIC Media