On a a rolling basis each month we feature small businesses and nonprofits from our Local Content Exchange to provide a window into what organizations are advancing their local market. Meet Kurtis Sensenig (CEO) of Worldview Films.
LC: What unique challenges have you faced as a small business and how have you overcome them?
We are a very small business, with just two full time employees, though we do work with lots of talented freelancers all over the East Coast as well. Oftentimes, we are up against large, bulky agencies. They charge a lot more money than we do, but they have Madison Ave sauve and deep rolodexes. When they throw their weight around about high-budget projects they’ve done, it can be hard for us to counter that. However, none of them have the passion for the offshore wind industry that we do. We very deliberately entered this industry because we firmly believe that this will help solve the climate crisis and save the world – and our passion comes through in our storytelling. You can’t buy passion.
LC: Can you share a particularly rewarding experience or success story that highlights the impact your business has had on the local community?
We’ve built a name for ourselves in the filmmaking community in NYC as a firm that hires talented people to do the most meaningful work. Filmmakers are artists who want their work to make a difference. Often, it’s hard to make a living doing meaningful film work that you’re passionate about in film. Worldview Films is known to pay well for the best talent to help tell the most important stories. We connect the brightest and most creative minds with the most impactful work.
LC: In your experience, what are the most significant factors that contribute to creating a supportive and friendly business environment for small businesses ?
Programs or policies that help lower the obstacles to entry help small businesses. Networking opportunities help make important connections.
LC: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs looking to start a business in this industry, especially in your local area?
Our experience has been to find what you are really exceptional at doing and focus on that, and you’ll set yourself up to thrive. When we really zeroed in on offshore wind, our business really took off because we got really, really good in that specific niche and people noticed. We chose this niche because we were passionate about it, so the combinations of passion and exceptionally focused skill can really pay off.
LC: How can local government and the community better support small businesses like yours to ensure their growth and sustainability?
I’d love to see more proactive events that target building connections between small businesses and their industries. Maybe speed connection events, like speed dating between small businesses and industry. I’m talking in person, no one wants to do that on Zoom!
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