This is a belated post. Not too belated, but enough so that I felt I should label it "belated." Over the latter half of last year, I worked on producing a national promo video for ToolBank USA in between my other projects and responsibilities at work. I was fortunate enough to have the support of a number of individuals, so let me clarify that this was a team effort. I helmed it, but without the support of these other folks -- both at ToolBank USA and work -- this would not have been possible. 

This project took me to Baltimore, MD, Charlotte, NC, and St. Louis (specifically Eureka), MO. It was rewarding not just because ToolBank USA and its associates were thrilled with the end product, but more so because I met so many inspiring people along the way. I was fortunate enough to attend ToolBank USA's annual Summit at the beginning of this month where associates from all across the country converge in Atlanta to review the prior year and talk about the coming year.

At this year's Summit, they held a luncheon at a great local restaurant called The Iberian Pig. Among other things, they premiered the video for some 50 people gathered in the restaurant. I've made hundreds and hundreds of videos over the past few years, but I've never really had one "premiered" in any official capacity, so this was a really special experience for me. You don't do work for recognition, you do it because you love it and you're passionate about it -- otherwise, what's really the point of doing it at all? But having said that, I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to have this experience, especially since the last year was a really trying one for me on a number of levels. That's not to suggest a "I deserved this!" kind of attitude, but I definitely busted my ass on everything last year -- so, yes, it felt good.

But really, this video isn't about me. It's about a fantastic organization that's helping other fantastic organizations throughout the U.S. realize their missions of improving their communities in the most positive of ways. The thing that makes me happiest about this whole project is that I not only got to meet so many great people along the way, as I mentioned, but I also got to share some of these stories. By doing so, the video means even more to me. But more importantly, it's something that ToolBank USA is proud of and excited to use in furthering their mission, which in turn helps further the mission of non-profits around the country. This video was produced to be in line with their new brand identity in an effort to help launch and establish the next chapter of this fantastic organization. Check it out below.

EDIT: Definitely filmed on this trip to make another vlog, but just doesn't seem that good. Maybe one day, but it's so borrrrrring right now.