Meet Chris Schnabel

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Schnabel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chris with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I have always been a self-starter, driven by the satisfaction of achieving the goals I set for myself. Whether it’s completing a project or maintaining a workout routine, I find motivation in pushing myself to reach my objectives. While I may not always succeed, my self-starting attitude ensures I stay proactive and keep moving forward.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a seasoned media professional with over 10 years of experience in the sports video industry. As the founder of Schnabel Studios, LLC, I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned clients such as Aaron Judge, Dak Prescott, PJ Washington, Michael Young, Waka Flocka, and Charlie Rosen. My work spans high-quality media content creation in videography, photography, and social media management, with projects across Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the United Soccer League (USL), the National Hockey League (NHL), and more.

In addition to my media work, I host two engaging podcasts. “Mad Props” allows me to connect with people from all over, chatting with celebrities, athletes and just out write interesting people. While “Sketching Up” delves into the intersections of art, creativity, and pop culture in a fun and engaging way.

With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence, I strive to make an impact in the sports and media industries. Whether capturing the thrill of live sports or engaging audiences through my podcasts, I bring dedication and creativity to every project I take on.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been adaptability, creativity, and perseverance. Each has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and helping me navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the sports and media industries.

Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new situations, technology, and trends has been crucial. Whether it’s keeping up with new editing software, pivoting to meet client needs, or navigating unexpected challenges during a shoot, adaptability has allowed me to stay ahead.

Advice: Stay curious and open to learning. Invest time in mastering new tools and techniques. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a hurdle.
Creativity: Creativity is at the core of storytelling and content creation. From crafting compelling visuals to producing podcasts, finding fresh ways to engage an audience has set my work apart.

Advice: Practice creativity daily—whether it’s experimenting with a new medium, brainstorming with others, or finding inspiration in unexpected places. Don’t be afraid to take risks or think outside the box.
Perseverance: Success rarely happens overnight. There have been countless late nights, revisions, and setbacks, but staying persistent has been key to achieving long-term goals.

Advice: Build resilience by focusing on your “why.” Set achievable milestones to track your progress, and don’t get discouraged by temporary setbacks. Remember, every failure is a stepping stone to success.
For those early in their journey, my best advice is to stay proactive and never stop learning. Seek out mentors, immerse yourself in your craft, and focus on building relationships. The combination of adaptability, creativity, and perseverance will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities in whatever path you choose.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents, Rob and Caryn, have always been my biggest supporters. In this line of work, especially when venturing out on your own, that kind of unwavering belief isn’t easy to come by. Yet, they have always stood by me—whether it was offering a simple “great job” or lending a hand when I needed it most.

From them, I learned the values of compassion and perseverance, especially from my father, Rob. He is the strongest, kindest, smartest, and most remarkable man I know. He has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am better for it. He is my idol, my hero, and someone I love deeply.

I am truly grateful for both of them—for their love, their guidance, and their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Along with them, my girlfriend, Mary, has supported me every step of the way. When things don’t seem to be going the way I would hope, she’s the first one to assure me that speed bumps are apart of the process. She means as much to my work and company as I do and I wouldn’t be able to explore my creativity without her.

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