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.

  • 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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