About Us

Meet Your Video Production Team

At Gillespie Productions, your vision inspires us to produce excellence on every project. Yet we realize it’s not enough to just deliver dynamic video content. We also need to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and stay on the cutting edge of our craft. 

Oh, and have some fun along the way! 

We firmly believe that success and joy aren't mutually exclusive. So, are you ready to work with a team that doesn’t feel like… well, work?

Every story has a beginning...

And this one begins with John Gillespie • I always aspired to be a sports reporter, just like my father and grandfather. But after pursuing my dream for a decade, I wanted a new challenge. I stepped into a corporate communications role, and while the work was incredible, I still hadn’t found my perfect career match. 

In 2016, I felt moved to start a business. What started as a folding table, used camera and basic gear kit in my basement has grown into a team of talented professionals. I feel so fortunate to walk into the office every day to see our team help tell powerful stories for our clients.

Telling stories is in my core, but I’ve found true fulfillment in helping our team members thrive at Gillespie Productions. I can’t wait for you to meet them.

Now Let’s Capture Your Story

Real Stories. Real Connections. Real Action.

What you see is what you get!

What’s it like to work with Gillespie Productions? Our core values should give you a taste…

01
Easy to Work With

We “get it.” We listen. We’re proactive. We follow up. We do what we say we’ll do...when we say we’ll do it.

02
Curious

We always want to learn more - about our clients, about each other, and about our craft.

03
Shepherding

We guide others - with support and humility - through a process so they can thrive.

04
Authentic

We're unapologetically real in our interactions. Building trusting relationships is what we're all about.

05
Professionally Fun

We take our work seriously, but we also enjoy each other’s company.

06
Low-Drama

We respectfully challenge each other, but we despise unnecessary tension.

What makes our team special?

We have honed our storytelling chops through a mix of experiences in TV news, film production, and corporate communications. All of this creates a perfect recipe for producing video content that inspires action! 

Sales and marketing have been my professional world, and through all of the work I’ve done, the common thread has been connectedness.

Sales and marketing have been my professional world, and through all of the work I’ve done, the common thread has been connectedness. Whether I connected a consumer to a product, a brand to a concept, or a potential employee to a company – it all gave me a sense of purpose in my work. Being purpose-driven, both in and out of work, has become a top priority for me. The work I do managing our client relationships couldn’t be a better fit. I help our clients visualize new ways to connect with their customers, their communities and their employees (even potential ones!). Plus, I get to work with this incredibly talented team creating video experiences that connect people at an emotional level. I couldn’t ask for much more! My husband, Adam, and I live in Howard with our 2 kids, Grace and Porter. Outside of work, you’ll find us on the sidelines of a soccer or football field cheering for our kids. I’m a self-proclaimed Joanna Gaines super-fan and love spending time decorating, hitting the pavement for a run with good friends (and my pup), and spending time at the lake.

Erin DeGroot
Vice President

When you bring us your vision, count on me to get the right people and the right tools in place to make it happen.

Born and raised on Lake Superior, I have a big appreciation for the outdoors and the creative arts. I ventured a few hours South to study film and design in college, and eventually landed myself a full-time gig in a city with a Target, a true sign of success where I come from. I’ve always loved video whether it was blockbuster movies or television. We grew up with a camera that could record on VHS tapes, and I have fond memories of “acting” in my brother’s heist film. I was 5. I find that my strengths shine in the details and the planning, so when you bring us your vision, count on me to get the right people and the right tools in place to make it happen. I can’t wait to work with you!

Leah Hess
Operations Manager

I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling.

I think deep down inside, I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling. I remember as a child getting lost in movies and endlessly paging through any and every photo book I could get my hands on. This passion wasn’t fully realized until I took my first photography class during my freshman year of college. After that I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do for my career. Before joining Gillespie Productions, I spent 17 years as a freelance commercial and editorial photographer. Within those 17 years I expanded my knowledge beyond still photography and learned the art of video production. I strive to create the best visuals that I myself and our team can for each and every client’s production.

Matt Ludtke
Director of Photography

I truly believe that behind every great company there are great people

Before starting with Gillespie Productions, I spent 13 years in the world of broadcast journalism, including the last eight as a sports anchor and reporter in Green Bay. Joining the incredibly talented team at Gillespie Productions was a perfect opportunity for me to continue my passion for creative storytelling and producing engaging video content. I enjoy working with clients from start to finish on a project. From cultivating ideas in pre-production to the end result, we’ll help you produce an on-message video that tells a compelling story and produces action from the viewer. I truly believe that behind every great company there are great people, and I love telling their stories.

Ryan Rodig
Senior Storytelling Video Producer

We see the power words and visuals have in forming impactful messages that inspire and provoke action.

Storytelling has always been a passion of mine. It drew me to majors in creative writing and broadcast journalism in college. It was the foundation of my seven-year career at a television news station in my hometown of Green Bay. And it’s what led me to Gillespie Productions. This incredible team shares that same passion for creative storytelling. We see the power words and visuals have in forming impactful messages that inspire and provoke action. We love to tell stories. Let us tell yours.

Danielle Wimberly
Storytelling Video Producer

I am excited to be inspired by clients and give them an incomparable video storytelling experience.

I come from the world of broadcast journalism with nearly 20 years of experience in producing and digital content creation. I’m proud to bring that experience to Gillespie Productions as a storytelling video producer. I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I love the beauty and four seasons of the Upper Midwest. It’s hard not to be inspired by a leafy and crisp fall day, the first snow of the winter, the blooming trees in spring, and a summer day in Door County. I am excited to be inspired by clients and give them an incomparable video storytelling experience from pre-production to the final product.

Rhonda Roberts
Storytelling Video Producer

Let’s tell your story.

As a film major at Columbia College in Chicago, I was taught that there are no small stories. I truly believe that no matter the subject matter, no matter the scope or scale, a story can – and should – be told in an emotional and captivating way. My career in the video production industry has taken me all over the country, from big cities like Denver and Los Angeles, to the more tranquil areas of small-town America. From editing sports highlights at a leading national network to filming and editing videos for some of the country’s biggest companies, I have a wide spectrum of experience in all facets of the industry. Despite my ever-changing career path, one thing has remained consistent: my love for telling stories. I’m looking forward to meeting you and working together to create a comprehensive, meaningful video. Let’s tell your story.

Ben Manns
Senior Video Production Specialist

Together we produce action but have fun at the same time.

I have lived in Green Bay my entire life, outside of attending a prestigious media program in Washington, D.C., which helped kickstart my passion for video production. Whether it is thinking about how to shoot something in a unique way or finding a creative approach in editing a video piece, each job is different and I thrive on being able to have the creative freedom to produce a video nobody has seen before. I am a self-motivated person, always looking to improve my skills and learn new programs or video techniques, but most importantly, I appreciate the mentorship of my coworkers. Together we produce action but have fun at the same time and that combination makes for a work environment that I love to be a part of.

Reed Shallue
Video Production Specialist

I’m constantly learning.

I grew my passion for video editing and video production at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Seeing the behind the scenes of movies, TV shows, and learning about ‘movie magic’ really inspired me to develop this into my passion and my profession. I’m constantly learning, whether that’s trying out new shot compositions, a new way to light a subject, or editing together videos in new creative ways. I’m looking forward to working with you and bringing a new look to your company through Gillespie Productions.

Sean Ledvina
Video Production Specialist

My passion for writing and interest in media theory led me to the communications field

I look forward to supporting the experience you have with Gillespie Productions! As the Sales and Marketing Coordinator, I help with project management, marketing support, and communication processes. I’m a proud grad of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay communication program. In 2021, I earned my Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public relations. My passion for writing and interest in media theory led me to the communications field. During college, I even dabbled in broadcasting and worked on-air for a local country radio station. Outside of work, I enjoy checking out local events, attending concerts, and exploring new-to-me places in the area.

Megan Roshak
Sales & Marketing Coordinator

View our work

We’re proud to share some of our most recent video projects. 

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LET'S PRODUCE ACTION.

Are you ready to bring your message to life? Let’s start the conversation about your goals and how Gillespie Productions can help you meet them. 

let's get started