Entrepreneurship on Film: Inside Falco Creative Media
BY EMMA GEARY - NOVEMBER 22, 2024
One of the most rewarding parts of The Collective is uniting small business owners together to share their entrepreneurial spirit not only with each other but with our LAB community as a whole. Today, we’re talking to Katie Falco, the Emmy-winning owner of Falco Creative Media, where she shares how she took the leap and her biggest takeaways from almost eight years in the business.
Before Katie was traveling around the country capturing videos for everyone from Chip Gaines to Tim Walz, she was working in broadcast journalism in Kansas City. A career that began with freelance TV jobs quickly led to a nine-year stint as a sports reporter, covering everything from high school sports to the NFL and MLB. From shooting and editing her own segments to writing scripts and producing content for major teams like the Royals, Chiefs, Jayhawks, and more, Katie knew that creating magic behind the camera was where she wanted to be.
When Katie and her husband moved to Minnesota, she found herself at a crossroads. Sitting on a bench at the Capitol, she asked herself what she truly wanted for her next career move, and decided that it was to own her own videography company. “I just decided that if I wanted to own my own business, now was the time to do it. It was just three months before my 30th birthday, and I was pregnant with my first child, but I knew this was what I needed to do.”
That moment of clarity led to the birth of Falco Creative Media in 2017. While her original intention was to stay in the world of sports marketing, her first client was a business—and that shifted everything. “I realized how great it was to work with businesses, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do more of that.” From humble beginnings, doing under 10 shoots in her first year, Katie’s business has skyrocketed. Just this week, Katie celebrated her 100th video shoot of 2024, all while balancing her family and three kids.
While she might not be shooting segments for a newsroom anymore, her background in broadcasting has created a unique niche for her work. “What makes me different is my newsroom style. Clients like that I can make them feel comfortable on camera, and I also provide training as we go through the shoots.” Her ability to connect with clients on a personal level, all while delivering high-quality videography, sets her apart.
Another key factor in her success? Her commitment to continuous growth. Katie’s journey has been entirely self-funded. “I haven’t borrowed money from anyone. Every dollar I make, I reinvest in the company—whether that’s buying better equipment or signing up for workshops. I’m proud of how far I’ve come without taking money out of my accounts.”
Katie’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: Just do it. She acknowledges the importance of having financial stability but encourages others to invest in themselves. “I started with a crappy camera and worked my way up, upgrading equipment with every paycheck. You don’t need to start with the best—you just need to start.”
As a business owner, Katie has also learned the importance of choosing the right clients—people who are kind and compassionate. She credits her clients for her company’s ongoing success, often referring her to future clients. “Some of my clients have been with me since the beginning, supporting me through having three kids, the COVID-19 pandemic, and so much more. I’m proud to say I’ve never missed a shoot or rescheduled except for one time. My mother was sick and I needed to be with her. They were not only understanding, but sent me flowers. It was such an incredible moment to feel as supported by the people I work for as I try to be for them”
As Falco Creative Media continues to grow, she remains focused on staying true to her laid-back, make-it-happen style. Whether shooting for a marketing campaign or covering a community event, Katie’s ability to connect with people and tell their stories through video is at the heart of her success. We are so thankful to have Katie as part of The Collective, and can’t wait to see where she is headed next!
To learn more about Falco Creative Media and see behind-the-scenes footage of their shoot days, follow along on Instagram.