JP Video Productions Named March Small Business of the Month

As a kid, one of Jay Patzschke’s favorite pastimes was lying on his stomach on the floor, chin on his hands, watching television.

“‘Watching that much TV will rot your brain,’ my mother said,” he recalls. “Now, I have commercials and television shows I’ve produced, and I tell Mom, ‘I told you I was going to learn something from that.’ She agrees with me now.”

Graphic Designer Turned Videographer

After years as a graphic designer for print, Patzschke founded and for the last seven years has been operating JP Video Productions Inc., 658 Main St., Suite 216 (www.jpvideopro.com, 765/269-9692, 765/427-8924).

The company offers full-service video production, including television commercials, video brochures, web videos and more. At the March 3 Business Expo, Patzschke will be recognized as Greater Lafayette Commerce’s March Small Business of the Month.

Creative, Visionary, Easy to Work With

The award is a fitting tribute to Patzschke’s creativity, service and business savvy, his clients say. 

“He’s a great business person, and he has unbelievable talent,” says Todd Leuck at Evan Todd Salon/Day Spa and Samson & Delilah’s. “He’s done of a lot of our video work, and he has a great eye. He’s a visionary.”

Melony Ramsey at Ramz’s says, “Jay goes above and beyond the call of duty. He’s creative, friendly and caring. Tons of people have come in because of the commercials he created for us.”

Miracles Fitness & Rehabilitation has experienced similar success with commercials and a video brochure (view it at www.miraclesfitness.net), reports Dan Ritchie. “Jay puts together a nice product, and he does a really good job making people feel really comfortable on camera. We get a lot of comments about how professional our communications are and how well they communicate.”

Moved Here 21 Years Ago

A Jasper County native who studied at Vincennes and Valparaiso universities and worked as a graphic designer from 1985 to 2008, Patszchke brought his creative talents to town 21 years ago.

He launched a part-time video business in his home seven years ago while still working in print. Two years ago video became his full-time career. He’s since moved to a downtown office and hired an assistant.

“I love being in business in this community,” he says. “Small business people have a great knack for sticking together and looking out for each other.”

Jumps in to Help in the Community

As for community involvement, he says his style is, “Don’t be a problem; be a problem-solver. Get involved and help.”

He often gives in-kind services. He’s provided free or “huge discounts” on work for the Heartford House, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Every 15 Minutes at Central Catholic, among others.

He’s also supported youth sports, local schools, downtown festivals and been involved at Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Make it Pop, Keep it Short

While he loved his years in graphic design—“I’ve drawn pictures since I can remember”—video production gives him a new creative outlet. “The rules of graphic design still apply. You learn how to make it move, to be more creative with the video side of things, and you have more dimensions to work with.”

His goal is to give clients “good quality video content at an affordable price.”

He also understands the need for brevity, as several videos on his website, www.jpvideopro.com, show. “In today’s market, we want it quick—two-and-a-half to five minutes.”

When he’s not behind the camera, Patzschke enjoys family time and his children’s sporting activities.

 ____________________________________________________________________

Criteria for Small Business Winners

Businesses nominated for the Small Business of the Month award must be:

§  Privately owned

§  In business under current ownership at least three years

§  A Greater Lafayette Commerce member

§  Staffed by 50 or fewer employees

§  Involved in the community

The Small Business of the Month is sponsored by Lafayette Savings Bank