Video Production - Calder Capital

Creative Brief

  • Project Title: Strategic Video Partnership with Calder Capital

  • Client: Calder Capital — Grand Rapids, MI

  • Creative Director / Video Partner: Nic Dampier

  • Date of Partnership: 2024–Present

  • Scope: Buyer Introduction Videos | Differentiator Film | Monthly Sell-Side Videos | Team Photography

  • Objective: Humanize the business acquisition process by introducing real buyers, spotlighting Calder’s values and differentiators, and creating transparent content that builds trust with both sellers and acquirers.

Project Overview

  • Calder Capital is a leading M&A advisory firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, specializing in lower-middle market business sales and acquisitions. In an industry where trust is everything, Calder sought a video partner to help them introduce potential buyers in a warm, personal, and professional way—elevating confidence among sellers. Since 2024, I’ve worked closely with the Calder team to create a scalable content strategy that includes buyer testimonials, thought leadership videos, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.

  • The result is a long-term partnership that supports Calder’s mission: to make the business transition process personal, transparent, and values-aligned.

Purpose & Goals

  • Build trust with prospective sellers by humanizing the buyers they may be considering

  • Differentiate Calder Capital from competitors by showcasing their personal, ethical, and client-centered approach

  • Strengthen brand presence and credibility through consistent, on-brand video and photography assets

  • Support the acquisition pipeline with timely, evergreen video content that works across email, social media, and outreach

Target Audience

  • Business owners exploring succession or exit strategy options

  • Prospective acquirers in search of well-matched opportunities and a reliable third-party advisor

  • Referral partners such as attorneys, accountants, and wealth advisors

  • Internal stakeholders seeking alignment around culture, process, and brand message

Deliverables

  • 30+ Buyer Introduction Videos (45–90 seconds each):
    These videos introduce prospective buyers to business owners with warmth, professionalism, and personality. Filmed virtually, they offer a clear, concise overview of the buyer’s background, goals, and values—reducing skepticism and creating relational momentum. These projects and interviews have led me to expand my personal network exponentially with business owners and investment groups around the globe, including the former CEO of PepsiCo, Steve Reinemund.

  • Calder Differentiator Video (3 minutes):
    A brand-forward piece highlighting what sets Calder apart in the M&A space—focused on transparency, responsiveness, integrity, and track record. Features interviews with leadership and real-world outcomes.

  • Monthly Podcast-Style Interview Series:
    A casual, in-office video podcast series featuring team members and leadership offering insights into M&A trends, process walkthroughs, buyer-seller dynamics, and frequently asked questions. Designed to educate and engage prospective clients while building familiarity.

  • Team Portraits & Lifestyle Photography:
    Consistent, high-quality team photography used across web, social, and marketing materials to give the brand a cohesive and approachable identity.

Creative Strategy

  • Trust-Focused Storytelling:
    Every video—from buyers to leadership—is designed to reduce uncertainty, demonstrate credibility, and create personal connection in a high-stakes, often emotional process.

  • Efficient Production Model:
    Buyer videos are filmed remotely via video calls for accessibility and turnaround speed, while longer-form content is filmed in-office to reflect culture and operations.

  • Brand Consistency:
    Visual and verbal tone aligns with Calder’s reputation: professional, direct, human, and trustworthy. Subtle branding elements ensure continuity across all assets.

  • Education + Empathy Approach:
    Podcast and differentiator videos are equal parts insight and relatability, designed to guide potential clients while showing the heart behind the process.

Tone & Voice

  • Honest and approachable

  • Professional without pretense

  • Confident, clear, and calm

  • Grounded in trust, ethics, and expertise

Impact Metrics

  • Buyer videos praised by sellers for creating comfort and speeding up connection

  • Differentiator video used on Calder’s homepage and in client presentations as a primary sales tool

  • Podcast-style videos have increased engagement on LinkedIn and provided ongoing content for Calder’s newsletter and outbound efforts

  • Improved consistency and quality in visual brand presentation across all platforms

  • Strengthened internal storytelling culture—staff more engaged in sharing what makes Calder special

Why It Matters

  • Business transitions are emotional and high-stakes. My work with Calder Capital is about more than just delivering video—it's about building bridges between buyers and sellers through authenticity, clarity, and storytelling that earns trust. In a space driven by relationships, these videos have become powerful tools to humanize the process and move deals forward—with integrity.

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