We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paul Schmidt. Check out our conversation below.
Paul, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day look like working out, walking the dog, getting ready for the day, breakfast, reading my daily blog list, and a couple of mind games, such as a crossword puzzle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paul J Schmidt, and I am the owner and creative video strategist of UnoDeuce Multimedia. UnoDeuce Multimedia is a creative and technical video resource and storytelling agency that documents the why primarily of nonprofit organizations and small businesses and shares how they are making positive impacts in their communities.
We will be celebrating 25 years this year.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The biggest moment that shaped me had to be when I had my stroke. That was a moment that showed me that I was meant for more, but I had to do better. This meant living a healthier lifestyle in all facets. I had to stop physically so that I could heal and rest. Not only that, exercising became more crucial, as well as controlling my diet. I had to drop people who were negative and added undue stress to my daily and weekly schedules. I had to let go of control in my day-to-day business and production aspects and empower my team to take over in areas that I didn’t need to be in.
It really led me to be thankful for the relationships that I built that helped me achieve these obstacles and live a healthier life in all areas. Also, to be a source of inspiration and support, as others supported me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The biggest fear I have had is not being taken seriously. I’ve always felt like an outsider. I’ve always taken a road that didn’t seem possible for me and that I didn’t deserve to be in the room or have a seat at the table. I’ve always let the circumstances in front of me dictate my path when I came in with trying to achieve my passion. However, I’ve always felt alone, on an island, and less than others, because I couldn’t give them an image they expected. I try to lean into that more and make that my uniqueness, but sometimes my lack of knowledge in certain areas feels like a detriment, and I don’t have anything to offer.
I know this is an irrational fear, but it is something that seeps in every so often. It’s called imposter syndrome, but that’s what really gets me when I’m feeling my lowest.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is that you should lead by listening. The less we talk, and the more we listen, we can then glean what someone’s individual experiences have taught them and, by proxy, teach us. Our biggest problem today is the noise. We are so quick to talk over someone that we do not hear what we need to hear to form a more proper conclusion or opinion. That is why I’ve built my business on a listen-first attitude. It is our job to be accurate in the story that is being told. Also, to recognize it isn’t our story being told either.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I do feel that I am doing what I was born to do. I am, by all rights, choosing my path in a way. The reason that I say that is that I’m just not going against what is being shown to me. I’m following the next step according to my “gut.” From there, it led me to the next success and the next. Even when it seemed a bit dire, I never faltered, and the path kept going. I also tried not to stray too far from the path, and when I did, it was shown very quickly that it wasn’t the right way to go.
I’ve always loved storytelling in the various forms there are, and I love being a crucial part of the community, which I feel I am doing every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unodeuce.com
- Instagram: @pauldeuce, @unodeucemedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjschmidt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.j.schmidt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/1dpmultimedia
Image Credits
Kristi Tabor
James VanZile
Cassandra Cole
