Our 2020 Story

Behind every company is a team of living, breathing, real people. We tell their stories every day, so why not tell our own? As 2020 comes to a close, each team member at Gillespie Productions took time to reflect on the impact this past year has had on us, either personally or professionally. Despite the challenges we faced, we truly believe there is so much to be thankful for.

Erin

"Connectedness is more important than ever in our current socially-distant world. I’m grateful to work with an incredibly talented team to create video experiences that connect people at an emotional level. Whether it’s using video to educate people on how to care for themselves or one another during a pandemic, providing a shared experience for team members that would otherwise be together at an in-person event, or sharing personal stories that inspire people to give of their time, talent or finances — video can make that connection at a deeper, heart level. More than ever, human connection is what our world needs, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that can create that experience, even if — for right now — we can’t do it face-to-face."

Leah

"This year, more than ever, I'm grateful for family. It's a classic "you don't know what you got until it's gone" kind of gratitude. Don't worry, my family is alive and well, but they are three to five hours away, so it's not like I'd see them a ton anyway. Still, it's different when you don't feel like making the drive versus when you can't see them at all. So, in lieu of visiting in person, I've talked on the phone more than I have in my life. We made arrangements to have family zoom calls for holidays and birthday parties. It's not the same, but I think it means something that we try. I think, during this very polarizing time in our nation, I miss them most because of their perspectives. They can tell me this isn't the first time the world has felt chaotic and it won't be the last time. They can explain to me the complexities of issues that aren't as easy as right or wrong. I know we can be biased. But I also know we seek to understand. Or at least I try to. So going forward — family is going to be a bigger deal, and feeling proud of the open mind they cultivated in me, and lending support to them when I can."

John

"When I think about how 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped our company, I think back to March, April, and May — when — obvious health concerns aside — we really had no idea how long this would last, how long we’d have to keep our cameras in mothballs and really, how long a lockdown would be financially sustainable. Then came a surge of business as companies and nonprofits turned to storytelling video and live virtual events to keep everyone informed, motivated, and on-message. I couldn't be more thankful for these opportunities, an incredible (and growing) team, and a great group of friends who are our customers. I cannot wait for this pandemic to be over, but I’ll never forget how we’ve grown this year in the face of adversity."

Reed

"I started with Gillespie Productions right before the pandemic began. When we were all sent home to work, I was so grateful for my teammates’ help with learning how to work through the company process and getting up to speed with the background of all of our amazing clients. Even though we were working from home, we were flooded with requests to keep a positive momentum going during such a trying time in our world. What we needed then, and what we still need now, is hope and we were able to create heartwarming moments for the clients who relied on us to share those inspirational stories and messages of support to their employees and customers. This pandemic has taught us how to not dwell on the darkness of the world, but instead to be grateful for what we have in our professional and personal lives. This year I am grateful for everyone on the Gillespie Productions team and for the health and safety of my family and soon to be newborn son."

Ryan

"In an unprecedented year that has been difficult for everyone, it can be easy to dwell on the negative. But in times like these, it is also important to remember to be grateful for all the good things we have in our lives. I will not only remember 2020 as the year my family of five moved into a new house but also the year I found a new "home" in the form of a career in video production with Gillespie Productions. I feel incredibly fortunate with the serendipitous events that led me to work alongside the ultra-talented team at GP. I couldn't be more excited for what the future holds for us, and all the great companies and people we work with. Coming from a broadcast journalism background, I feel blessed to get the opportunity to tell great stories alongside a great team.2020 has taught me not to take anything for granted. Things like health and happiness are not guaranteed. In a year that's been difficult for everyone, I feel blessed to be able to look back and say I have a lot to be grateful for."