D-MAK Productions
Joe Forte and his business partner Danny McManus co-founded D-MAK Productions, a Phoenix-based video production company. Specializing in corporate, commercial, and branded media, they have established a successful business generating $30K/month on average. By combining Danny’s creative skills and Joe’s expertise in sales and marketing, they built a strong reputation for high-quality work and exceptional customer service.
Phoenix, AZ, USA
North America
2-10
$400,000
$100,000 ≥
≤ $20,000
About the Company

D-MAK Productions is a video production agency based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in May 2011. The company caters to Fortune 500 clients, including Intel, Amazon, and Apple, producing corporate, commercial, and branded media. They emphasize professionalism and quality in their content, targeting clients willing to pay competitive market rates. Over the years, D-MAK has grown to earn approximately $54K monthly revenue, consistently delivering top-tier video production services.

D-MAK prides itself on offering a personalized customer experience, which begins with immediate and human interaction when potential clients reach out. Their focus on maintaining a professional online presence and gathering stellar client reviews has strengthened their reputation. This approach, along with prioritizing financial savings, has helped the company weather economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Idea Behind Company

The inspiration for D-MAK Productions arose from Danny McManus's lifelong passion for video creation and Joe Forte’s skills in marketing and sales. After graduating from Arizona State University in 2011, Danny pursued his dream of starting a video production company. Recognizing the potential of Danny’s talent, Joe proposed joining as a business partner to focus on sales and account management while Danny concentrated on creative production.

Their strategy included learning from local industry professionals by networking and seeking mentorship. This not only provided guidance but also reinforced their belief in the viability of building a thriving video production business. The partnership allowed them to attract and secure corporate clients, marking the beginning of their business's transformation into a professional content agency.

Creating the Company

To establish their company, the duo prioritized networking with experienced professionals in the field. They built connections by inviting established video producers to lunch, which helped form a strong support system and mentorship network. This approach gave D-MAK invaluable insights into the business and set the foundation for their growth.

Joe and Danny bootstrapped the business, using existing equipment and reinvesting profits into higher-quality gear. Early on, they shifted focus from lower-budget projects like music videos to corporate clients, realizing the importance of targeting higher-paying, professional opportunities. They also worked on creating promotional videos for their own company to demonstrate the value of video marketing to potential clients.

Launching the Business


The launch of D-MAK Productions involved key steps, including building a professional website and creating content to showcase their capabilities. The team emphasized professionalism to attract corporate clients, differentiating themselves from competitors through customer service excellence and responsiveness.

D-MAK’s financial strategy was a critical aspect of their launch. They avoided debt, using profits to fund equipment upgrades and save for unforeseen challenges. This approach proved essential during lean periods, such as the economic slowdown during the pandemic. They also leveraged online platforms like Vimeo to showcase their work and social media to build a robust online presence.

Earnings

Over its 13-year journey, D-MAK Productions has grown into a stable and profitable business, earning an average of $30K per month. The company has maintained financial health by reinvesting profits and saving strategically. This approach provided the cushion needed to survive the pandemic, allowing them to emerge stronger while many competitors struggled.

Their growth strategy includes focusing on high-margin, high-quality projects and steering clear of low-budget, high-stress assignments. Additionally, D-MAK continually invests in building its online presence and accumulating positive client reviews, ensuring a steady flow of leads and long-term business sustainability. The company is poised for continued success and expansion in the video production industry.

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D-MAK Productions
Founder / CEO
Joe Forte
Annual Revenue
$400,000
Est. Initial Investments
$3,000
Employees
2-10
Website
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
About The CompanyIdea Behind CompanyCreating The ProductLaunching The BusinessEarnings
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