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.