Captivated Content

Casey Voelker has always loved making videos. When his sister gifted him a camcorder in junior high, he was hooked. Though the bulk of his videos featured skateboarding, he also created a senior class highlight video that his advisor loved so much it was played at his graduation. With encouragement from his twin brother as well as coaches and teachers at North Posey High School, he decided to pursue a career in video.

At the University of Southern Indiana (USI), Casey earned a degree in Radio and Television with a minor in Website Development. Through valuable work experiences at 14 News and Oswald Marketing, he was able to learn the marketing side of video production and how that can be used for businesses. He made many commercials during that time and loved interviewing people and hearing their stories.

At 14 News he helped produce several “Made in the Tri-State” segments that highlighted the great work being done by companies such as Anchor Industries, Donut Bank, and Nix Companies. His work got the attention of Nix Companies, and he was hired to create a recruitment video. Fast forward a few years, and his growing reputation earned him a job as a Marketing Coordinator at Nix.

Utilizing his video production skills, marketing and web expertise, he was able to drive an increasing number of clients to their websites. Unfortunately, much of his video work was cut during COVID, but the drop in website traffic proved that his videos had been working.

Several years earlier, Casey had been exploring the idea of running his own video business and had connected with Julie Folz at the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). At the time, he had decided to hold off on his business, but the desire was always there. So when the timing felt right and he finally worked up the nerve to discuss this idea with Matthew Nix, Matthew replied, “If you partner with us, you can start your business tomorrow.” Casey’s patience had allowed him to earn valuable experience, connections, and to plan well. The business, Captivated Content, was officially launched in June 2020.

Captivated Content has been able to work with several big names such as Shoe Carnival, Traylor Brothers, Berry Global, and smaller companies as well, while continuing to create quality content for Nix. “It’s been really fun,” Casey says.

The business is focused on video but also provides content marketing services via social media and website development. Their main customers are small, growing businesses, including many manufacturers and B2B companies in the tri-state.

Casey admits that getting swept up in the day-to-day work can keep him from working on the business at times, but Nix provides the structure which helps him to set aside time to do that. He’s had to learn many skills along the way, including how to manage a team, how to submit an RFP for contracting work, and how to network to grow his business.

Casey is thankful for the support of his wife, his SBDC advisor, and coaches and bosses who encouraged him along the way. He is also extremely thankful for his employees, including Mason, the first full-time employee he hired who has become an invaluable part of his team.

Casey loves telling stories, loves running his own business, and often thinks about the future. “I want Captivated Content to grow and to be sustainable. I’d like to hand it to my son one day,” he says.

Captivated Content is based in Poseyville and serves the tri-state area. Visit www.captivatedcontent.com to view their work and check out their “Content Tips” blog for helpful tips for your business. Also be sure to follow them on Facebook!