Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Stafford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I first got the idea to start my business while I was in college — though, truthfully, it wasn’t even my idea at first. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) suggested that we start creating highlight videos for athletes.

Initially, I wasn’t interested in starting a business. I knew it required a tremendous amount of time, effort, and consistency — more than most people realize. But eventually, I decided to give it a try, and we began making highlight videos for athletes for as little as $10.

In the beginning, we didn’t have a structured process, a business plan, or any formal system in place. We were simply taking action — learning as we went. Looking back, that was one of the best decisions we made. Instead of spending months trying to perfect a business model on paper, we gained real-world experience and identified what needed improvement through hands-on work.

At first, our business operated entirely through Instagram. Over time, I realized we needed to expand our presence and build other essential assets — such as a website, advertising channels, and partnerships — to grow sustainably.

While we had a strong foundation in sports and video editing, we had to learn the ins and outs of actually running a business. Around that same time, I was hired full-time by a marketing firm, where I worked in business consulting and advertising for other companies. The knowledge and experience I gained there became invaluable — I applied everything I learned directly to building and strengthening our own business.

Kelsey, 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?

I started my business after my own college soccer journey took an unexpected turn. During my junior year, I suffered a severe back injury that forced me to medically retire from the sport. After playing soccer for over 25 years, it had become such a core part of my identity that stepping away from it entirely wasn’t an option I could accept.

Instead, I decided to channel my passion, knowledge of the game, and creative skills into something new — helping the next generation of athletes. That’s when I founded my highlight video company: to provide athletes with a resource I wish I had during my own recruiting process.

What I’m most proud of is the level of care and attention we bring to every project. We treat every single highlight video as if it were our own — crafted with the same dedication, precision, and heart we would’ve wanted in our own recruiting journey.

We may be a small company, but our passion runs deep. Every video we produce reflects our genuine love for the sport and our commitment to helping athletes chase their dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

For six years, I ran my business while also working a full-time job for someone else. During that time, my husband managed most of the day-to-day operations while I balanced my corporate role and helped wherever I could.

Then, about a year ago, everything changed. Due to internal shifts within the company, I was unexpectedly let go from my job. It was a moment of uncertainty — suddenly, our business became our only source of income. It was terrifying at first, but instead of letting fear take over, I made a decision to go all in.

I poured all of my time, focus, and energy into growing our business. I approached every challenge with intensity and determination, and as a result, I ended up earning ten times more working for myself than I ever did in a corporate role.

Now, over a year later, I’ve been running my business full-time — and it’s been the most rewarding and empowering decision I’ve ever made.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Maintaining strong relationships with our clients is one of the most important parts of our business. To stay connected, I’ve created multiple group chats with the athletes and families we work with. This allows me to personally check in, share updates, and answer questions in real time. Beyond that, I regularly offer free tips, educational resources, and live events to keep everyone informed about the constantly evolving college recruiting landscape.

For me, fostering brand loyalty starts with delivering real results. I’ve built our business around creating a product that truly works — one that helps athletes get noticed and recruited, rather than something overpriced or uncertain. Every video we produce is designed with purpose and backed by genuine recruiting experience, so families can feel confident that they’re investing in something that makes a difference.

I’ve always believed that value matters more than price. That’s why I intentionally keep our services affordable, without ever compromising quality. My goal is to make professional recruiting videos accessible to every athlete — not just those who can afford high-end production costs. At the end of the day, it’s not about the money for me; it’s about seeing athletes succeed, get opportunities, and continue pursuing their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://staffordproductionsllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staff.highlights/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staffproductions1/
• Twitter: https://x.com/staff_pro1213
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@staff.highlights/videos

Image Credits

All these photos were taken by me