Meet Joseph Goldsmith

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

Joseph, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

My teenage years were spent singing and performing in higher stress environments than the average high schooler and college student endures; except competitive marching bands… they get it. I wanted to settle down and build a life so traveling to perform was not in the cards. In undergrad at Frostburg State University, majored in vocal performance / music education and became a choir director for a number of years. After completing my masters, also in music education, I lead worship for three years as a contemporary music director and started a Christian record label called Modern Ministry Records. I saw much success because I had spent years heavily engaged with people ranging from children through the elderly and I needed to be able to effectively convey a myriad of topics quickly. Learning by doing was my biggest asset. In business, I applied those skillsets to get to know other industry leaders within the music industry and, ultimately, lead me into the film industry. I have worked in many different departments throughout the music and film industry while gaining the savviness of business etiquette. After 12 years of teaching and directing in the schools, I left the profession to become a full-time entrepreneur and soldier within the South Carolina State Guard. The Guard quickly noticed my background and moved me into a slot where I was able to continue to development leadership qualities, but in a completely new atmosphere where luxuries do not exist. Fast forward to today, and I am blessed to be surrounded in all I am. With the military, I am the Executive Officer of Public Affairs for the SC State Guard, I have been leading worship again for the past three years, and my business, Persimmon Lane Studios, has grown beyond what I could have imagined. None of it would have been possible without effective communication, building an amazing team and network of individuals who are equally driven to succeed, and, most importantly, being aware that everything will stop and come crashing down the moment that gratitude, listening skills, and determination are replaced by apathy and a stoic lifestyle.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am from a rural county that was predominately farmers and watermen with a few larger towns and a Navy base. Hard work, honesty, and little to no traffic lights was the basis of my upbringing. I’ll avoid giving you the long autobiography here so let’s jump ahead to now.

I am a seasoned creative professional with a deep background in leadership, communication, music composition, sound design, and media production. My roots are mostly in classical music however contemporary music has taken its place. I have has built a reputation for blending cinematic soundscapes with compelling storytelling across film, television, and digital content. A fair amount of my work is showcased on my personal site, JoeGoldsmithMusic.com, and it highlights projects that range from dramatic scores to playful commercial themes as well as video production. Over the years, I have worn many hats—composer and sound designer to field recordist and content director—so, thankfully, that has made me fairly versatile in today’s media landscape.

My company is Persimmon Lane Studios.com, a full-service creative production company focused on delivering high-quality video, audio, and live event capture experiences. Based on a passion for culture, storytelling, and technical excellence, we specialize in content that echoes the spirit of networks like National Geographic, the Food Network, and the Travel Channel. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a travel documentary, capturing live events, or assisting in developing branded content, we have a track record, and multiple awards, for producing engaging, polished work. The company’s success lies in its nimble approach, creative collaboration, and ability to adapt to any scale of production—making it a trusted partner for clients seeking original, meaningful content.

Our most recent venture is in final stages of launching a film orchestra and choir but that is all I will mention on the subject now. Stay in touch on our social media to be in the know; mostly Instagram: JosephGoldsmithMedia and PersimmonLaneStudios.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

By far, the most impactful skill and quality was listening to others. Now, that does not necessarily mean doing what I was told. However, I have always made it a point to surround myself with people who are older, more experienced, and wiser than me. I listen to their stories, ask questions about whatever is going on or being discussed, and maintain a level of quietness to ensure that I soak in as much from the situation as possible. Whenever I get to gabbing, inevitably, I miss key moments.

My advice to anyone is simply to surround yourself with those who are much more experienced than you. You will learn a vast amount just by being a part of their circle; pending they are willing to discuss and share.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Trust. Many people go through business, and life for that matter, with little trust; always waiting for someone to take from them. Once I learned how to identify key characteristics of “Takers” and “Givers” my professional life dramatically changed. Now, this is not an instant identification. There have been, even in the past 12 months, “Takers” that tried to be a part of my workflow in various way. In the short-term, they generally will fade away on their own when it comes time for sweat equity. That is generally my main tool. I do a fair amount of sweat equity work and/or am asked to be a part of the same. That is when you truly discover good professional friends and, ultimately, those individuals are the ones that become the support system and integral pieces of your workflow.

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Image Credits

Beach shot by John Muse.

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