We were lucky to catch up with Dave Carroll recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

In the creative space there seems to be this notion that no one wants to work together. I’m an outsider in this space so I was nervous as I was coming from a corporate sales background and didn’t touch a camera until 2 years ago. I have not only committed myself and our team to work with others, I would simply not be as successful without the network of creatives I’ve found myself in. I’ve had lunch or coffee with other photographers or videographers and I always walk away having expanded my network, but also gained inspiration and partners in this industry. Community has been a key to unlocking so much!

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?

Two summers ago, I had the privilege of being a part of a series of videos with my church. I assisted in production and direction of the videos and did a little bit of filming. I had NO IDEA what I was doing for the most part but I loved every second of the process. Fast forward a couple months and I couldn’t stop thinking about getting a camera and doing more filming. I had this grand vision of using my content creation skills to help others with achieving their goals, whether that was: businesses improving their sales, athletes getting noticed, capturing family’s biggest moments or being able to provide churches and non-profits an opportunity for high quality media.

I couldn’t believe it but just 1 year in, I was able to leave my corporate job and do those things! For the last 10 months or so, I’ve grown so much I had to begin bringing in people on projects to help them achieve their goals too!

Now, we provide a multitude of services including: business content creation for websites and social media, personal/professional branding, wedding, drone, sports, real estate, events, product, and family photo and video services.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Just 3 years ago, I was making the most money I ever had in my life. I was providing for my family in ways I never dreamed of. However, I was miserable. I was not present even when I was home with my wife and kids, I was so stressed out I was constantly sick and not sleeping well. It was not good at all. I was taking medication that was supposed to help me manage and had sought therapy but when push came to shove, I was not well. I was obsessed and wrapped up in my work that it consumed me. It became my identity and I had to make a change. One day, I was driving and had a panic attack. I came home that day and my wife and I collectively decided that I would quit my job and we would figure it out. We were confident that God would provide for us!

I took a job in insurance with a 50% pay-cut, we moved from Indiana back to Kentucky and tried to figure out our next move. It was there I began processing through what it looked like to do something for our family, not for a corporate paycheck. I was doing media work for my church, podcasting and blogging but it wasn’t until I ordered a camera and began telling stories that I was able to really lean into that.

I believe the Lord brought me out of this identity crisis so that I would rest in Him and He would grow me for something more. I’m full of gratitude.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to provide photo and video services that are tailored to my specific client’s needs, no matter what they need, no matter which service and do it at a high quality; and to bring in other creatives and ensure they have freedom to do incredible work and provide for themselves and their family. I’m constantly thankful that I get to be myself, in Christ, as I talk with my potential clients and care for them, their goals, their business or whatever it is, in every possible way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onestopmediaky.com
• Instagram: @onestopmediaky
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onestopmediaky
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-stop-media-ky/