Today we’d like to introduce you to Derik Keeslar.
Hi Derik, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It seems like I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, from having a lemonade stand and mowing my neighbors’ lawns. I’ve always loved the thought of having a business of my own, but never truly knew what I wanted to do. Growing up, I found a love for the creative arts, and got into the band program at my school. I followed that love into college where I went for audio production & music composition. Early in in college, I ended up picking up a camera to help with a couple projects and immediately fell in love with it. I was shooting videos for the college, for my friends’ music videos, and for anything I could find a reason to make videos. About halfway through college, I realized that, while I love music and have a lot of fun, my real passion is behind a camera. I dropped out and moved from West Michigan to Memphis, Tennessee, where I worked for a couple video production companies and a camera gear rental house. Over about a decade, I learned from the pros and got to learn about all of the different things that go into video production. In April of 2025, I moved back to Michigan and decided it was time to combine my love and knowledge of video with my entrepreneurial spirit and started Northlight Film Co. I wanted to start a business that I would want to work for. One with integrity, that takes care of their clients as well as their employees. I’ve worked in great companies and terrible companies, and I wanted to take what worked well and what could be done better and start something that I could be truly proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have certainly been ups and downs. I started the business officially in November of 2025, so still being relatively new, I’ve been working hard to network and get my name out there. I’ve found some great success and was fortunate to get accepted into the Lean Rocket LOCAL Fellows program, which was a huge win, awarding me a grant, courses on business topics, and so much more. That along with networking and being a part of several organizations has allowed me to grow a lot faster than I thought I’d be able to. However, with the growth comes growing pains and figuring out how to grow into the business I dream of. Every day is a new day with struggles and successes, and I stay joyfully determined to keep on going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Northlight Film Co?
We are a full service video production company that specializes in business & event video/live streaming. Our philosophy is all about building trust and showing the person behind the business. My favorite quote is “Anyone can do what you do, but no one can be who you are.” That’s what we proudly showcase. Showing people your story, why someone should choose your business or come to your event, instead of just what you offer. It gives people a chance to see the human behind the brand, the personality behind the name. It’s a lot more engaging and gives potential customers a great reason to choose you.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Feel free to reach out to us! We’re happily taking on new clients and genuinely believe in what we do. If you or someone you know might be interested in it, reach out and let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northlightfilm.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northlightfilmco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584114415464
