Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brennan Tolman, CEO of Tolman Media, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tolman Media shoots over 7,000 weddings a year for brides and grooms all over the USA! Our main goal is to help all couples get BOTH photo and video for the price of just a photo only. As the founder, I really believe the entire world is moving toward video based.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Brennan Tolman, the founder. I'm the recent winner of the city of Las Vegas 30 Under 30 Award. I'm also the youngest member of the Board of Directors for Kids On The Move. When I was a young freelancer, I realized there was a huge problem in the video/photo industry - consistent work. It's tough to get full-time, consistent work and still be able to pursue the dream of building your own business! With Tolman Media, all of my 4,000 photographers and videographers get paid high rates to show up and do what they do best - help the clients capture their memories. Our managers take good care of our photographers and videographers and help them book more packages.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm extremely proud to provide income for over 4,000 families across the US and growing! Tolman Media is a place where creatives of every background, race, color, financial situation or sexual orientation are welcome. Together we improve our craft by shooting side by side.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a 28-year-old business owner is the weight of responsibility I bear to provide for everyone under my employ. Each year the business grows, and with that, the amount of people I provide for. Having well-paid, happy and healthy employees is of utmost important to me as a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a way that you love learning and do 30 mins every day. For me, it's Youtube - you can learn literally anything on Youtube, and I try to learn at least half an hour a day. The more you learn, the more you earn.
- Learn how to run Facebook/Instagram/Tik Tok ads. This is the new frontier of media; if you understand how to "drive the herd," you will win.
- Love yourself. It's hard to love yourself as an entrepreneur; if you struggle with this, get a life coach. They will help you!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tolmanmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrennantolman/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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