Meet Jacob Guthrie | Creative Director & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Guthrie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been business-minded and wanted to be an entrepreneur. However, I never knew what type of business I wanted to start. I tried to think of cheesy product ideas, talked to my friends about all the different product ideas we had that week – all of which changed the following week. Nothing ever came to fruition and nothing was ever really close. That’s when I realized the business I would start had been right in front of my eyes for years. When I was nine, I asked for my first camera for Christmas. I got it, and started watching countless hours of YouTube videos, learning how to take photos (and some video too).

Since then, I’ve been fascinated by the art of content creation. I did a lot of stuff on my own, I always took any video project for school way too seriously, and eventually, people started to offer me money to take their photos. Something clicked in my head like “Oh, wait… I’m good at this?” Because all along I saw it as something I enjoyed; a hobby of mine.

It was around this time, which also happened to be when COVID was beginning to shut down our world, that I started jacobtylerphoto. The name changed a couple times, originally jtphotography805, jtphoto805… nothing that stuck, until jacobtylerphoto. My first name, my middle name, and my profession. Simple.

What should our readers know about your business?
I think a big thing that sets me apart are my age and my skills. At my age, it’s rare to be so skilled in something and have had the opportunities that I’ve had. I’d say that I am most proud of the fact that I even started a business, because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve second guessed myself, contemplated just quitting and pursuing something less risky, etc.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have the ability to start two businesses. My first, previously mentioned, was jacobtylerphoto when I was 16. Recently, I’ve been more involved with real estate media… specifically videography. Video in real estate is mandatory, not optional, and 805MediaWorks is a solution for realtors to mass produce high quality video content at one price. This is my new business venture and I couldn’t be more excited about it. In fact, I am writing this from Dallas, Texas at the Tom Ferry summit, with over 6,000 of the nation’s top realtors in attendance. I’m shooting content with clients and gaining an infinite amount of knowledge about real estate to better communicate with our clients.

I’ve gotten to where I am today through hard work and dedication. There is no way around those two things, and if someone tells you there is they’re either trying to get money out of you or don’t want you competing with them. So, no, it is not easy, but it is easily worth the reward and satisfaction you get in the end. You overcome the challenges one-by-one, and if you try to take them all on at once and overwhelm yourself, you will fail. And there will be challenges. It’s how you prepare for them and handle them that makes you or breaks you. Tip: Don’t be scared of challenge. Embrace it. If you messed up, own up to it. If things are getting really hard, double down and push through.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m all over Ventura County for work, so let’s say this person comes to Ventura County. First, I’d take them to Blenders for a morning smoothie after some exercise since that’s a local treasure. Then, we’d grab Two Trees for lunch, a burger or something. Take it to Finney’s for dinner because that’s one of my all time favorite spots, originating in Westlake Village. We’d probably check out the cross in Downtown Ventura, drive around Montecito or Hope Ranch, two of my favorite neighborhoods and areas, and spend some time on the sand or on the pier checking out some of our beautiful Southern California sunsets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m blessed to have the honor to be interviewed and published in this article, and grateful that my hard work has led me here. However, I’d love to thank my Mom, Dad, Grandma. and friends for allowing me to always pursue my creativity, helping me when I couldn’t afford new gear (but needed to upgrade), and for supporting me in a venture that most people my age do not take. After all, I started my own business at the age of 16, but there hasn’t been one step of the way that I haven’t felt support, encouragement, and assistance from my amazing family and friends.

Website: www.805mediaworks.com

Instagram: @805mediaworks

Twitter: @805mediaworks

Facebook: @805mediaworks

Youtube: @805mediaworks