In honor of National Small Business Week, the Colorado Chamber is celebrating Colorado small businesses and recognizing the contributions of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and their employees to our local communities. Learn more about Small Business Week here!
Today’s feature is John Conn with Stage 2 Studios
With a strong track record of successful campaigns and award-winning films, Stage 2 Studios and founder John Conn produce impactful videos, short films, TV spots and PSAs to inspire change and growth. Based in Denver, Stage 2 works with a mix of for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on education and community service groups.
Conn has more than a decade of experience in video production for TV, documentaries and promotional content. Conn grew up outside Anchorage, Alaska, in an entrepreneurial family. With a father working as a commercial carpenter, Conn was on jobsites working on projects from an early age. He was first introduced to video through his church’s film department, where he learned to cut film and video using outdated analog equipment.
Conn later earned degrees in theology and history and spent several years as a pastor and schoolteacher. Drawing on his construction background, he also managed a metal building division for a leading commercial contracting company that worked on building projects for the government throughout Alaska. Conn’s video production career began after filming a friend’s wedding in 2006. Although he had no initial plans to start a business, his work spoke for itself, leading to a growing client base and the founding of Stage 2 Studios.
Stage 2 soon became the top wedding video company in Alaska, known for its multicamera, high-quality productions. They charged more than their competition, provided higher-quality services and were booked solid. A turning point came when a client approached Conn about producing TV commercials. Without prior experience in the commercial industry, Stage 2 successfully shifted its focus to commercial and nonprofit work and exited the wedding video market.
After pivoting to commercial and nonprofit work, Stage 2 decided to focus on telling stories rather than simply documenting events. Conn’s experience as a pastor proved the value of effective storytelling and motivated the shift, and the team further expanded into motion graphics, 3D visual effects and high-end campaign production.
When reflecting on the biggest challenges of running a small business, Conn pointed to growth. “Moving from a one-man band with a few occasional helpers to a full team of excellent talent has definitely been the most challenging thing,” he said. “I recognized that there was more to running a video business than being a good film and video expert.”
For anyone looking to start a business, Conn emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills. He credits much of his success to being able to craft compelling emails, scripts and concepts, which have helped him navigate difficult situations and secure new opportunities.
As Stage 2 Studios continues to craft innovative films and video campaigns, they are looking forward to new projects in the technology industry and continuing to take on new clients. Exploring projects, products, campaigns and challenging his team are some of Conn’s favorite parts of operating a small business.
Learn more about Stage 2 Studios here!
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