In Episode 7, I got the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Torres, owner of Falkenburg Productions and LiveWeddings.net.
Jonathan and I met years ago when we were both serving on the Game Day staff at USF. He was the PA Announcer and I was running Game Ops. Over the years, our paths have crossed many times. For me, it’s always fun to catch up with him and see what’s new. Blessed with the gift of gab, Jonathan never makes me worry about an awkward pause, or a lull in the conversation.
Episode 7 – What’s it all about?
And this time was no different. We talked about some of his role models, those who he quotes in everyday business, and best quote of all, “The riches are in the niches.”
Jonathan talked about his path to self-discovery; and how he came to realize that there was opportunity within communities and revenue brackets that others had overlooked in lieu of growth, ego and sometimes greed. (My words, not his.)
When I watch ‘motivational videos’ or read self-help books, I always find myself puzzled; thinking, “Right…I get it…but, like…how?!” Contrary to a lot of those fluffy, macro-level personal and professional development books and videos or overpriced courses, Jonathan and I dove into 4 key bits of advice to utilize on the journey of finding your passion.
- What motivates you?
- What do you LIKE to do?
- What do you NOT like to do?
- What would you do for FREE?
Although this isn’t in this video, Jonathan told me about how some of his greatest passions were right in front of his face the entire time. He continued, “It just took someone else’s input, or a sudden ah-ha moment to make me realize it.” For example, when he was younger, he would video-tape his mother’s soccer matches – just as she did when he played.
Long story short, today, Falkenburg Productions is the professional version of that, specializing in Live Stream production. Whether he’s streaming a wedding or a funeral or broadcasting a high school football game so that family and friends can watch from afar, he’s right back where it all started – behind the camera, creating something functional and beautiful. Finally, we talk about failure. This is an important piece, so be sure to watch to the end.
About Jonathan – In his own words
Jonathan Torres is a born and raised Floridian, and the first generation American. His parents are from Colombia, where he spent his summers learning his family’s heritage and culture. This also allowed him to maintain his adoption of the Spanish language. Jonathan began his career in 2001 as a production director and on-air personality at radio stations across Florida and Alabama. Jonathan has lived in Tampa Bay since 2006, where he became the Tampa Bay division marketing director for DR Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder. In 2012 he served as the Director of Digital Integration for the Republican National Convention, and in 2014 and 2015 led Hispanic Outreach efforts for the Republican National Committee in Tampa Bay.
Since 2006, Jonathan has been heavily involved in the community’s business and political circles. He most recently served as the Gulf Coast Regional Director for US Senator Marco Rubio. In this role, he oversaw 9 counties and worked alongside county commissioners, city council members, chambers of commerce, and main infrastructure points such as Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay, and the region’s VA hospitals. In January 2020, Jonathan jumped into entrepreneurship and started a digital content production called Falkenburg Productions.
Connect!
Connect with Jonathan if you want to talk about finding your passion, or if you’re in search of a video production partner. Use the links throughout this blog to follow, connect and engage with Jonathan.
I hope you enjoy Episode 7, and as always, please feel free to join the conversation in the comments! If you’d like to be involved with #BrightIdeas or know someone who would make for a great guest, please get in touch!
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