Meet Zac Simmons | Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zac Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zac, what principle do you value most?
People have value. What matters most to me, not just in my business, but in all aspects of my life, is treating people with value, dignity, and respect. Every person who has ever existed has significance. It isn’t something they have to earn or grow; it is inherent because they have a soul.
When you see another person as someone more than a resource, a client, a paycheck, or a means to an end, you inevitably will treat them ethically, with respect, and hopefully with kindness because they matter to you, more than just a transaction.

This value has an effect that shapes all other values and actions. Think about it. If you believe someone deserves your attention and care, it will affect how you speak to them, listen to them, how you do business with them, how you think about them, and how you see them.

Be warned, this will change the way you do business. Transactions may not be as efficient when you are taking the time to listen, actually slow down, and listen to the problem your client is trying to solve. You may have to give up the money for the deposit when someone gets sick and misses the date of your event. You may need to pay your subcontractor a little more than they asked because they don’t realize the value they are bringing to your project. When you are a small business, these things add up and they sting for sure; however, when you treat people this way, they tend to come back. I’ll take the retention all day long over a one-time profit.

Whether or not this has led to more “success” is the wrong question to ask. What it has led to is relationships, and relationships are the key to my business (arguably to any business that exists). I can lay my head down on my pillow at the end of the day and know that there are people who will have my back because I have theirs. That is peace of mind.

Don’t take my word for it. Evaluate your business, or your life for that matter. Start taking a step back and observing your speech, whether an email or a coffee conversation with a potential client. Are you patient, or do you blow up at the first sign of conflict? Do you listen to their problems, or do you try to tell them your strategy that “works every time.” Do you set your price, or do you wait to hear if they need your service more than you need their money?

I know at the end of the day, I need to provide for myself and my own, and of course, that is of the utmost importance, but sometimes provision for those around me is actually doing just that. Relationships, whether with organizations or with actual people, matter. And If you are there for them when they need you, more than likely, it will work the other way around.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visual storyteller that focuses on the arts of photography and videography. My journey led me through a career as a Communications Director as I developed a love for the visual medium of video. My passion is to create relationships with my subjects and as I understand who they are, how they see the world, and I can beautifully shape that story to help others understand as well.

My journey was not necessarily easy, but I also don’t think any worthwhile journey is. It’s the valleys that we walk through and how we come up on the other side that define us, mold us, and grow us. I learned how to effectively tell people’s stories through many failures and a few successes. At the end of the day, I love meeting people and learning about them. That was the first step to my career in photography and video.

It is one of my greatest joys to now be able to work alongside my wife (who is arguably more creative and a more talented photographer than I am) as we go to work every day doing what we love to do right in the center of our God-given talents.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you were visiting the area, I would take you to Magnolia Street in Fort Worth. You’ll find great food, eccentric shopping, and bustling coffee shops. This area has grown and changed in the past 10 years, and between this street and its connected, South Main, it has become a hub for artists, families, and businesses to grow and spread their wings.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my growth in the area of valuing people to my best friend, mentor, and colleague, Joseph Tenney. Joseph taught me, simply by the way he treated me and all those around him, that everyone has significance and value. Thanks for seeing me, Joseph.

Website: https://www.zacsimmons.com

Instagram: @zacsimmonstx

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zacsimmonstx