Meet Brandon Keller | Owner of Pono Media, LLC

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

Hi Brandon, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I do have a budget, and it’s relatively small. I base my spending decisions on income, so it can fluctuate from year to year and month to month. I consider professional income to be of greater importance than personal income. I keep every penny I can afford within the company account – I’m much more willing to live on a minimal budget than I am to neglect our ability to provide quality services to our clients.

I try to balance business spending between necessity and return on investment. There are certain personal and professional expenses that are non-negotiable; beyond these, I begin to ask myself: What resources does the business need to grow? What purchases or spending opportunities offer the most favorable outcomes? Which opportunities offer the widest range of positive results?

The saying goes that you have to spend money to make money, but I believe you can spend money effectively or ineffectively, too. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our digital media company creates a wide range of content for our clients. From marketing and educational videos for businesses, to headshot, family and pet portraiture, we help our clients tell their stories and capture their memories.

I grew up in Hawai’i, on the island of Oahu. Those roots affect the way I strive to conduct my life and business. The culture of my childhood inspired the name of the company. “Pono” is a Hawaiian term that can be understood to mean righteousness, goodness, balance, and zen, to name a few. I’ve always felt a connection to the term, and I try to reflect those qualities within my life. My upbringing taught me patience, empathy, honesty, and a care for others that I try to show in my professionalism. It helped me to understand how my words and actions can affect those around me, both positively and negatively. As a result, I feel like I always try to be my absolute best to give others around me the best chance to succeed in their own goals and aspirations.

One of the most important factors behind the success of our brand is the experience we try to give each of our clients and customers. I consider it important that our company shares the aloha spirit and the qualities that make Hawai’i and its people beautiful and unique. It helps establish a strong foundation with everyone we work with, and brings us closer to capturing a client’s message, story, and memories with the care they deserve.

Our brand has also been built by direct referrals and word of mouth. I find that the best working relationships are forged when we really get to know our clients. It’s easier to build a meaningful partnership when you have a mutual connection rather than through anonymous emails or texts with a stranger.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a pretty big foodie, so most of my excursion suggestions would revolve around my favorite eateries.

I’d suggest we pick up some fish and chips from GB’s and find a shady area at Sloan’s lake to eat.

I’d take them to Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out (we don’t have either on our island, so the novelty would be priceless).

We’d make sure to swing by Country Thai at Washington and Thornton Pkwy.

Once they started to miss the home cooking they’re accustomed to, I would take them to Machi Ramen & Poke off of 72nd and Sheridan.

If they were looking to take a day trip and see what it’s like outside of Denver, we could book a trip on the Royal Gorge scenic railway in Cañon City, stopping at either Chef Bob’s Lobstah Trap or La Tartine in the Springs for lunch, Or, we could take a quick trip up to Clinton Gulch Reservoir off of Highway 91 near Breckenridge for a scenic photo shoot.

There are so many amazing places to visit around and outside the city, visitors won’t have a problem with being bored.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, my family. Their support is the only reason I am able to do any of this. They keep me grounded and humble. I’m forever grateful for the endless and unconditional support.

Secondly, the incredible group of filmmakers, artists, creatives, and visionaries that form the film, television and photography communities of Denver. I have created tremendously fulfilling connections with others in the space, and I’m so fortunate to be a part of such an innovative and inspiring network of professionals.

Website: www.ponomediallc.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pono_media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ponomediallc

Image Credits
Abby McConnell Brandon Keller