Today we’d like to introduce you to Zac Hayes.
Hi Zac, 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?
When I was deployed to Afghanistan with the Georgia Army National Guard in 2018-2019, I started thinking about what I could do with my spare time once I got back home.
I was on the way to grab something to eat from the chow hall after leaving the gym and noticed this really big yellow flower behind our barracks. I don’t know why it stood out to me but I walked over to it and remember thinking wow that would be a cool photo.
I pulled out my phone and took a picture of the flower. After that I was hooked, I continued to take photos of everything I could. When we were on the way home, I ordered my first camera so It would be there by the time I got back. I returned to my full-time job at Savannah Fire Department and did photography and videography on the side.
I reached out to my friends in Real Estate about shooting videos for their listings. I had a few that were happy to help me and offered me the chance to try it out.
Those agents still hire me to this day to photograph and video their listings. Over time, I developed more skills. I used my post 9/11 GI Bill to attend Full Sail University where I earned a Digital Cinematography degree. Ricky Eilerman and I completed rookie school at the fire department in 2011 and he has always hired me since the moment I started my business.
One day he approached me about the idea of commercial space and if I would be interested in one. I told him that I had just started looking into converting my garage into a studio. Ricky had found a building that was for sale and thought it would be perfect for a studio. He and his wife, Ivy bought it, and within almost a year, we completely renovated it and built the studio.
We now operate Railyard Media out of Springfield, Ga, and offer photography, video, and audio engineering.
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?
Just like any business, it’s never been smooth. We have had ups and downs but we have always continued on our path to help people get the word out about their business, create memories to last forever, or help our community in some way.
Our biggest problem from the beginning is opening a new business during a pandemic. I know that it has hit everyone in some form or fashion, but starting a business during this time has been challenging. Another obstacle that we have had is the state of the Real Estate Market. Houses are being sold before they are even listed. This makes the need for real estate photos and videos almost nonexistent.
One thing that has helped Ricky and I both is that we have been in difficult situations in the past. We don’t let ourselves get stressed over uncontrollable factors but make the best out of the factors we can control. We have even come up with ways to get people the media content they need in a safe way that limited exposure.
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?
The main service that we provide at Railyard Media is photography and video production. Ranging from weddings to music videos, we can create something special for each one of our clients.
We have the capabilities to scale down to local businesses that may not have the budget to offer large-scale productions while still creating a high-quality deliverable for them to market with. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the team and resources to work on much bigger projects as well. Our wide range of abilities, equipment, and creatives gives us a valuable asset to give to our customers.
Each photographer, videographer, and audio specialist are all freelance based. This gives them the flexibility to create in our space, work on their projects, and give the freedom to make their own schedule.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One thing that I cannot stress enough about business in general, is how important it is to find like-minded individuals.
If you are spending time with people that provide zero value to your life or your family’s life, you are wasting time. Everyone that I associate with or surround myself with, holds a certain standard that I owe to my family, my business, and myself. Think about where you want to be in your career.
Then, think about who is where you want to be and talk to them. Listen to what they have to say, why they do what they do, and what makes it different. I would bet that there was someone in their life that they gravitated toward to get to where they are now.
Contact Info:
- Email: zac@railyardmedia.com
- Website: railyardmedia.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/railyardmedia
Image Credits
Zachary Hayes, Ricky Eilerman, and James Horton
