This Conversation with Jed Taufer

Business and entrepreneurship has always interested me. I think part of it is because I grew up being supported by a family owned business. Another part is that my wife and i started one ourselves and then I think a big piece is that I associate such a thrill with the excitement and risk and challenge of owning and running your own business. And when family is involved, those pieces are heightened all the more. We’ve always said that the challenges are that much harder, and the victories are that much sweeter. That’s why I was excited to sit with local photographer friend, Jarod Schilling. He grew up in and around and actually took over, his Dad’s photography business. He’s an entrepreneur at heart and a family man on top of everything else. It’s clear that he learned a lot about both of those things from his Dad. Jarod’s a really good guy. He’s honest and genuine, and as you’ll hear right away, he knows how to dish out a compliment or two.

Well, 2020 is upon us. And, as usual, many of us take on the proverbial self-reflections that come with a new year. I generally focus on health resolutions…physical, mental, spiritual etc. I don’t always succeed, but I’m not giving up either. It’s a new year and a new decade. Let’s jump right in by setting goals and making a plan to accomplish them. Take your health to the next level. Take your business to the next level. Take your life to the next level. You can do it. This episode of This Conversation features an interview with Zach Daniels. Zach is a pastor, a content creator, and a disruptor of systems. He has a passion for gear and for people. He drops a lot of insightful nuggets. He gives some great advice. And he cracks me up the entire time. Have fun with this one and use it to fire you up for the decade that stands before us. Let’s make it a great one, friends.

Well, 2019 has come to a close. And with it, the end of our second full year of podcasts on This Conversation. We hit our 100th episode this past October and we’re very much looking forward to providing you with more conversations that empower, educate, and entertain. I’ve put together some of my favorite moments from the past year. There were a LOT of them to pour through, so there are many moments that I didn’t have room for. But these clips provide a pretty good idea of what This Conversation brings to the table. It never ceases to amaze me how people have so much to offer if you just give them a chance. I laughed. I cried. I was surprised and enlightened. And I laughed some more. Happy New Decade, everyone. Thanks for listening.

Sometimes better isn’t easier. Sometimes better means more difficult. This was just one of the things I unpacked with Todd Van Fleet as we sat and discussed his belief that we are created to create. Todd is an accomplished creator, but he believes that, in a sense, we’re all creators and that we were made that way. Quite a bit came up as we talked about what that means for him and what he believes it means for everyone else. I’m still thinking about something being better also meaning that it’s more difficult. Part of me doesn’t like that theory one bit. And yet, I must admit, I’ve experienced it more than a few times in my own life. Some of you may be in the midst of challenges at work right now. If you’re a photographer, you most likely just finished the holiday rush and are ready for some R and R after a hectic season. As we roll into 2020, just know that White House is here for you. So keep going. Keep trying. Keep creating.

I’ll never forget it. There we were in a huge warehouse studio filled with photographers from all over the country…most of whom we knew, or at least knew of, because they were essentially famous within our industry. We were at an invite only gathering in Northern Wisconsin in late 2004 or 2005. I remember being constantly anxious. That was pretty much my default state during those years. Life was moving really fast and big things were happening all around me. We gave a 30 minute presentation to our fellow industry creative entrepreneurs and listened while they gave theirs as well. And I can’t remember what we talked about, or what any of those others talked about either…except for one guy. Kevin Jordan unassumingly stood up in front of everyone. Almost nobody there (expect our gracious hosts Dave Junion and Sandy Puc) knew who he was. And he absolutely killed it. And he just told his story. He just talked about what he did and how he completely transformed his business almost overnight by simply learning from people he looked up to and actually implementing what he learned. It’s just one of those moments that you don’t forget. That’s the day I met Kevin, and we’ve been friends ever since. These days, and for the past several years actually, it’s Kevin that’s doing the teaching. Take these words to heart. Kevin’s a living testimony to what can happen when you practice what you hear preached.

Everyone has a story, right? It’s an old cliché for sure, but clichés are a thing because there’s some truth to them. I didn’t know Carey Sheffield at all when it was suggested that I ask her to sit with me for a conversation at The Portrait Masters this past fall. I met her briefly and knew right away that I wanted to know more about her. She moves fast, so you have to keep up, but it’s so worth it if you can. Yes, she’s savvy and tenacious, but she’s also warm and endearing. I felt myself going back and forth between feeling overwhelmed and captivated. It was like watching a big-budget film unfold right across the table from me. I loved it. Carey has a powerful story, and I was made better on the other side of just getting to hear a part of it. I think you will be, too.

I remember discovering what eventually became the educational juggernaut CreativeLive. So many amazing instructors. So much wonderful content. But one of the things that stood out to me the most were the hosts, Kenna Klosterman and, at the time, Susan Roderick. They both had such wonderful personalities. I felt drawn to them and therefore, more to CreativeLive itself. You never know how someone like that is going to be in “real life”, though. And so I also remember the joy of discovering that Kenna and Susan were genuine. Their charm and charisma weren’t just a facade for the cameras. Because of that, I was super happy when Kenna agreed to sit with me for an interview. I didn’t know what to expect as we hadn’t really mapped out what we were going to cover. But I think what came out was authentic and so very helpful. And, in hindsight, I think, “We should never be surprised when an authentic person has an authentic conversation.”

I’ve heard it said that the two most common fears are death and public speaking…and not necessarily in that order. At least not in my case. And although I used to be deathly afraid of public speaking, it didn’t hold a candle to the issues I had with the fear of money. Or, more accurately, the fear of not having any. Growing up, we lost our house. It was the early 80’s and interest rates were in the high teens. Can you even imagine having a variable rate mortgage sitting at around 18%? In any case, I lived through some tough times with my family in those days. And a very deep fear was born. So when I sat down with Susan Stripling and she told me she wanted to talk about money and more specifically, saving money…my heart sank a bit. And yet, it was one of the best conversations I’ve had. Susan has a way of laying things out that are clear and concise. She’s relatable. She’s reasonable. And she’s really funny. At one point, she says, “I don’t like feeling afraid of things that I know that I have the power to change.” Amen to that, sister.

Making decisions, especially big life decisions, that go against the status quo are extremely difficult. I think we worry about what other people will think and say so much, that sometimes we don’t even consider taking that leap or changing gears, so to speak, for fear that we’ll look foolish or flaky. Lara Blair knows this. She’s lived it. But despite the not-so-subtle jabs from others close to her, she follows her heart. She pays attention to her instincts. She listens to that still small voice. And when it’s telling her to take that leap, she jumps.

There are a lot of people in the photo industry that talk the talk. And, for the most part, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. If you can get somebody fired up to work harder and be a better person by giving them some words of encouragement, good for you…and them. But some people talk the talk because they walk the walk. There are some people who are really good at motivating you because they know what it’s like in the trenches. Michele Celentano is one of those people. She knows what it’s like to hear that she can’t do something. But she also knows what it’s like to do that very thing. Over and over. My favorite quote from this chat is when she says, “If you say impossible, I will show you possible.” I hope that motivates you as much as it does me. Because coming from Michele, it’s more than just talk.

I’ve been very fortunate to grow up within a good family. My parents are high school sweethearts and have been married for almost 50 years. Their relationship has certainly seen its ups and downs, but they’ve weathered the storms over the years and their marriage is stronger as a result. I poke some fun at my parents a bit during this interview, but the truth is, I’m grateful for both of them, and I’m delighted to see the grandparents they’ve become to my own children. My family is on it’s own level when it comes to the important things in my life. For 20 years, my wife and I have been a part of the portrait and wedding photography industry. During that time, we’ve found ourselves part of another family so to speak. Arlene Evans has been a special member of that family for me. Arlene is someone I always enjoy seeing and even if it’s just in passing at a crazy trade show, she makes the effort to stop and give me a hug. She’s one of hardest working people I know and she always has a little twinkle in her eye…almost like she knows something that you don’t know yet. During this particular interview, though, it was I who knew something that she didn’t know. Right before we sat down to chat, I received a text message instructing me to be done with her before 5 o’clock as she was set to receive the first Lifetime Achievement award from The Portrait Masters. Arlene had no idea, of course, but looking back, I’m sure it directed some of my questions. I was so excited for her. And she absolutely deserves it. And I’m grateful that she’s a part of my family.

Well here it is. Episode 100. It’s been about two years since This Conversation presented by White House Custom Colour got up and running. And what a fantastic two years it’s been. I’ve had the honor and the privilege of speaking with some of my favorite people, not only in the industry, but in my life. I’ve experienced everything from nervousness, to exhilaration…from deep sorrow, to profound joy….from unexpected tears, to bellowing guffaws. I’ve been educated, enlightened, empowered, and entertained. And I hope you have as well. My guest this week has been one of the more important people in my life for the last 16-17 years. Mike Hanline is my boss. My mentor. And most of all, my friend. He’s been an amazing example of patience and fortitude. And I can’t imagine a more appropriate guest for my 100th episode. Thanks for listening, friends. I look forward to the next 100.

You know how some people are just fun to talk to? And how, every once in a while, they’re also fun to listen to as well? I’ve officially released 99 of these interviews and a couple people have sat with me twice. Jared Platt is one such person. And I think he’s brilliant. I had no idea what we were going to discuss, but I knew I would enjoy it. I did. I hope you do, too.

I’ve found it a joy to speak with someone who’s authentic. I’ve also found that a necessary trait for authenticity is vulnerability. Being able to recognize your flaws or weaknesses whether past or present, is powerful. And I think it can lead to something even more powerful…confidence. I was having some trouble with something the other day and my 6 year old son was watching me. After failing to get it right for the third or fourth time, he spoke up. “Just have confidence, Dad. That’s all you need.” he said as serious as he could be. And he was right. Confidence is that powerful and important. Kara Marie knows this. And she knows it from her own experience. Her photography is niched in a way that inspires confidence in her clients. And many times, that’s exactly what they need.

Everybody has a camera. In fact, for the most part, everybody has a pretty awesome camera. And that tech just keeps getting better and better. Have you seen the night mode shots that our phones can pull off these days? It’s insane. This rise in technology is just one of the reasons why it’s so important for professional photographers to be able to offer both an amazing experience as well as amazing images to their clients. Senior photographer Trevor Ray from Austin, Texas focuses on both. And he offers some unforgettable options to make it happen. If you want an incredible experience, Trevor Ray will go there.