What happens when a musician's frustration transforms into a thriving video production business? Ben's transition to filmmaking began when he noticed videographers missing key musical moments during performances. Taking matters into his own hands, he started directing his own music videos, discovering that his musical background translated perfectly to visual storytelling. Beyond technical skills, Ben credits his success to two key elements: following his passion and cultivating genuine relationships.

Whether you're considering a creative career pivot, struggling with work-life balance, or simply fascinated by the intersection of art and business, Ben's story offers valuable insights into building a sustainable creative enterprise while staying true to your personal values. Visit benfonstudios.com to learn more about his work and approach to visual storytelling.

About Ben:
Ben Phan is a filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, licensed drone pilot, musician, world traveler, and long-distance hiker. His work carries a strong message of hope and resilience; his mission is to tell stories that heal and create community. His projects have screened at film festivals all over the world, including Amsterdam, Florence, Austria, London, Montreal, and Atlanta. With a professional understanding of both video and music, the willingness to take creative risks, and an intuitive ability to connect, Ben is uniquely skilled at creating meaningful, story-driven art.

Official Website: benphanstudios.com
Instagram: @benphanstudios
Facebook: @benphanstudios
ben@benphanstudios.com

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Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

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Two Jons with a trailer, a walk-behind mower, and absolutely zero business education decided to start a landscaping company. Seven years later, they're maintaining the grounds at Amazon's Asheville facility and transforming backyards into community-building spaces. This is the refreshingly honest story of Smith & Lloyd Landscaping.

Jon Lloyd pulls back the curtain on the entrepreneurial journey with disarming candor. "We should have charged more," he admits, reflecting on years of undervaluing their expertise. The growth strategy that propelled their success? Simply showing up and doing good work.

The conversation explores entrepreneurial myths and realities. John shares wisdom about selecting clients (sometimes "the juice isn't worth the squeeze"), managing work-life balance during busy seasons, and the two non-negotiable qualities he looks for in employees. His advice for aspiring business owners is both practical and profound.

About Jonathan:
Jonathan Lloyd moved to Asheville, NC in 2015, after spending most of his life in his hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Jon received his Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, before gaining over a decade of experience in landscaping and construction.

With his extensive knowledge of design and craftsmanship, Jon is dedicated to creating exquisite designs for both function and artistry in the Asheville and Hendersonville area. He and his partner, John, founded their landscaping company to deliver top-notch services to residents and management companies.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me at https://billgilliland.actioncoach.com/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

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Bill

Waska Finkelstein joins the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast to share his remarkable 40-year journey through professional video production and personal transformation.

At the heart of our conversation is Arthur Ashe's powerful quote that guides Waska's philosophy: "From what we get, we can make a living. From what we give, however, makes a life." This perspective has shaped how Waska approaches his video production business, integrating service, authenticity, and community connection into every professional interaction.

Perhaps most valuable is Waska's perspective on building genuine relationships before business transactions, contrasting the transactional networking of New York with the community-focused approach he's embraced in Asheville. His EPIC values—Education, Planning, Inspiration, and Commitment—provide a framework for entrepreneurial success grounded in wisdom rather than mere profit-seeking.

Ready to see how authentic connection can transform your business? Listen now!

About Waska:
Emmy Award-winning Independent Producer and Director of Photography Perry ‘Waska’ Finkelstein founded Pro Video Productions with a focus on exceptional quality, service, value, and relationship-building. With over 20 years of experience, he has produced video content for industries including corporate, commercial, sports, music, documentary, and broadcast television. After building a loyal client base in New York City, he expanded to Asheville, North Carolina in 2021, offering professional video production and editing services globally.

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me at https://billgilliland.actioncoach.com/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com.

All the best!

Bill