Inspiring Conversations with Sam Kiste of SJK Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Kiste.  

Hi Sam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been creating video content since a young age. I was probably 10 years old when I picked up my first camera, knowing pretty early this is what I wanted to do with my life. In high school at Grandville, I took 4 years of video production and broadcasting classes, followed by attending GVSU for their film/video program. From there, I worked a few dead-end jobs while always having the dream of starting my own company in the back of my head. After two years of working for other people, I finally had the realization that I wanted to create my own company and be my own boss. Fast forward 7 years, we have now filmed over 250 weddings and worked with roughly 200 commercial clients around the country. I am extremely blessed that I get to do what I love to do for a living and that this company has grown to the size that it is today. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think any entrepreneur has struggles through the process. With me, things took off pretty quickly back in 2016 when I started my company. Within the first year of business, I already had surpassed the previous most I had every made in a year working for other people. The struggles come a few years into the business after having a solid footing in the industry and having that client base that relies on us. We are dedicated to creating the best possible finished product for our clients, and sometimes it takes long hours of work, which causes us to miss out on everyday things. There are a million upsides to owning your own business, but a downfall always has been keeping a solid work-life balance. I have 3 young children, and they are extremely important to me. Keeping that balance has always been the biggest struggle. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a full-service video production company. When we say full-service, we mean FULL service. This means we can capture any event, any product, or any business. We work on weddings but also do commercial work throughout the year. We are fully dedicated to creating the best customer experience and finished product for our clients that we can, for an affordable price. I believe the one of the best ways to create a successful business and brand is to be a good person, and we try hard every day to accomplish this. I am very proud of where we are today as a business. This year we’re working with over 50 commercial clients providing everything from social media content to event coverage & also working with over 60 couples to capture their wedding day. We love working with our clients to turn their visions into a reality. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Oh, where do I start about Grand Rapids. I’ve traveled all over the country and even outside of the country, and I’ve never found a place that I feel more strongly than I do about Grand Rapids. It has everything you could ever need and more. I have had friends and family move away over the years, and that’s never interested me. Being a small business owner in Grand Rapids, I feel is a bit of a cheat code – it’s a great community. Snow. Snow is the thing I like least. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sjkvideoproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sjkproductionsweddings