Meet Casey Wertz | Partner | Director \\ Producer

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

Hi Casey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have started three businesses so far. In 2016, I scored what I thought was my “dream job.” I left that job in 2018 because it was no different than any other corporate job with its internal politics and red tape. I was asked to use my PTO for my mother-in-law’s funeral and couldn’t do anything to get a real raise even tho I saved them money and brought in new money.

Anyways, during this time, I wanted to start a company that was the opposite of that. I wanted to work with a team that understood work-life balance and to do cool shit. Get your job done, be your best, and have fun. As simple as that sounds, it’s not easy, I’ve learned. Between the politics of clients, staffing, cash flow, etc., it can feel like a never-ending battle until you get that “one job.”

Long story short, I decided to close shop on my first video business and focus on one industry: soccer. While in Antarctica, yes, Antarctica, I felt depressed; I hated what I had built, created, etc. I didn’t care about any of the projects I did. It was just execution. I had this monster I built that paid people that I cared about. I have an issue with caring too much vs. being a business owner.

Anyway, I decided to let things go and focus on one industry: soccer. I felt that if I could narrow it down, find others passionate about this work-life, do the best work, and grow a sport that needs the love it needs in the States, I’d have a purpose even tho it’s just a sport. But I care about the sport. Its authenticity. It’s quality and its storytelling.

To wrap up this rambling, I don’t thrive in corporate America; I grew up very poor and white trash, if you will, ha. So, I seek out thrills and risks to keep me motivated. I care about it deeply. Soccer has been treated like a “kids” game in the States for so long that it is the world’s biggest sport. I want to play a role in growing the sport. I want to look back and say I contributed to that, even tho it’s a small role in creating a cool workplace.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

I’m not sure I have a good answer to this. My work ethic, combined with passion mixed with operating in chaos, is what sets me apart. I hear always; I’m built differently, how do you do it, etc. The amount of trust people put in me is not normal, I don’t think. I can handle a lot when the “world” is burning down around me per se.

I’m proud that I have built something over the past 6 years coming from the past I came from while maintaining a thriving family.

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How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Simply trusting myself and taking risks. It’s never been easy for me. I’ve had to power through several situations, months, etc. I didn’t come from any money…. I had to find money and invest constantly. I chose a career where the overhead is $250 for a small plate to a $7000 tripod. I started with 0 things and now have over half a million in equipment.

Again, work ethic. I find myself alone or lost if I don’t have a challenge. I think owning a biz and keeping it going is one of the most difficult things you can do as a career.

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What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Honestly, I’ve just learned you can’t trust as much as you wish. No matter how much you show your passion, care, the extra mile, nobody else cares as much as you. So you, as the leader, have to make people care in other ways. Clients, employees are usually executing. I had to learn it by my brain only, and nobody else would think like me. I’ve had a lot of growing to do here.

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Sorry for rambling. I’m much better at processing out loud.

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 like being outdoors in my free time.

Location: Mountains (anywhere)

– Random water holes, lakes, rivers, bike routes, off-roading.
– unplugged from the internet and the world
– week-long

This doesn’t mean roughing it. I don’t mind gaming, movies, or being bougie while off the grid. J

I loved the san juan mountains west colorado

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?
I for sure have to be thankful for my wife. I couldn’t do what I do without her trust to take risks and provide. We had three kids going into this life, ha.

Everyone who has come through Lore, West Rose, and Starting Eleven.

Zane Callister is one of my best friends, a collaborator, and an amazing musician. He has been the crutch and inspo for the creative space since childhood. The man blew my wind when playing the national anthem in high school for an assembly, lol. That’s where it all started.

My business partner, Devin. He’s allowed me to step back and dial in, be with my family more, and steer starting eleven into what it is today.

Website: https://www.startingeleven.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey__wertz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-wertz-51b120b0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wertzcasey

Image Credits
Starting Eleven