Today we’d like to introduce you to Zebadiah Willey.
Hi Zebadiah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start Flyover Media Co. with a big master plan. I started it because I liked telling stories and slowly realized I didn’t fit very well inside traditional boxes.
I studied journalism and originally thought I’d end up in news or documentary work. Over time, that path shifted into video production and marketing, mostly because it was the most practical way to keep doing creative work while paying the bills. I spent several years shooting and editing content for businesses, learning the technical side of video, and figuring out what actually resonates with real people versus what just looks good on paper.
Eventually, I realized I wanted more control over the kind of work I was doing and the kinds of people I was working with. I went out on my own and built Flyover Media Co. as a solo operation, focused on storytelling-driven video and content for builders, makers, and blue-collar businesses. A lot of my clients are in construction, fabrication, real estate, and trades-based industries, people who do real work and don’t need fluff.
The name “Flyover” came from a place of pride. Kansas City and the Midwest are often overlooked, but there’s a ton of craftsmanship, creativity, and character here. I wanted the brand to reflect that grounded, no-nonsense mindset.
Today, Flyover Media Co. is still intentionally small and hands-on. I handle strategy, shooting, and editing myself, which lets me stay close to the work and the people behind it. I’m less interested in chasing trends and more interested in building long-term relationships and creating content that actually feels true to the businesses and individuals I work with.
In a lot of ways I’m still figuring it out as I go, but that’s part of the appeal. I get to keep learning, stay creative, and build something that feels aligned with both my skills and my values.
Recently, I moved into my first dedicated office space in Shawnee Heights, right next to the Boulevard Drive-In Theatre. It’s a small milestone, but it felt like a real step forward. Looking ahead, my goal is to grow Flyover Media thoughtfully in 2026. Expanding the work, bringing on help where it makes sense, and continuing to build an agency that stays grounded in real relationships and honest storytelling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it absolutely hasn’t been a smooth road! It’s been rewarding, but definitely uneven.
One of the biggest challenges has been wearing every hat at once. When you’re a solo operator you’re not just the creative, you’re also handling sales, scheduling, finances, client communication, and problem-solving on the fly. That can be exhausting, especially when you’re trying to maintain a high standard of work while also keeping the business running.
There’s also been a learning curve around confidence and boundaries. Early on it was easy to say yes to everything, underprice work, taking on projects that weren’t a great fit. Over time I’ve had to learn how to trust my instincts and set clearer expectations… and be comfortable turning down work that doesn’t align with what I’m building.
Another challenge has been the tension between creativity and practicality. I got into this because I love storytelling, but running a business means balancing that passion with deadlines, budgets and client needs. It’s definitely taking some time finding that balance, where the work is both creative and sustainable.
That said, those struggles have been formative. Each one forced me to slow down, refine how I work, and get clearer about what kind of business I want to build.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flyover Media Co.?
Flyover Media Co. is a small, Kansas City based video and content studio focused on storytelling for builders, makers, and trades driven businesses. I work mainly in video production, photography, and ongoing content creation for industries like construction, fabrication, real estate, and skilled trades. These are businesses that do real, hands-on work and often get overlooked when it comes to good storytelling.
What sets Flyover apart is how close I stay to both the people and the process. I don’t just show up, shoot, and leave. I spend time learning how a business actually operates, what makes the work challenging, and what the team is proud of. That helps the content feel honest and grounded instead of overly polished or generic.
A lot of my work sits at the intersection of documentary style storytelling and practical marketing. The goal is to build trust and show craftsmanship, not chase trends or quick hits. I want the content to make sense to real people and reflect how these businesses actually work day to day.
Brand wise, I’m most proud that Flyover has stayed small, personal, and intentional. I handle strategy, shooting, and editing myself, so clients get consistency and a direct working relationship. That hands-on approach has led to long-term partnerships and work I genuinely care about.
I want readers to know that Flyover Media isn’t about hype or flash. It’s about showing real work, real people, and real stories, especially here in the Midwest where there’s a lot of talent and craftsmanship that deserves more attention.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as building a life that feels aligned across relationships, work, and personal expression.
One way I think about it is through balance. Success isn’t just financial. It’s having strong, healthy relationships, especially with family, and building things that have meaning both personally and publicly. For people who choose the self-employed path, there’s usually a deeper drive behind it than just money. There’s a need to create, to contribute, and to express who you are through your work.
For me, success shows up in a blend of financial stability, time freedom, and creative expression. Financial stability gives you breathing room. Time freedom lets you be present where it matters. Creative expression is what makes the work feel alive and worth doing. Being able to create honestly and be heard without having to compromise your identity is a big part of that.
When those pieces are in balance, and you’re building something that supports both your life and your values, that’s how I define success.
Pricing:
- Ongoing content and video retainers typically start around $2,000–$2,500 per month
- One-off video or photo projects are usually custom-quoted based on complexity, shoot time, and deliverables
- Most of my work is structured as longer-term partnerships rather than single projects, which allows for better storytelling and consistency over time
- I’m usually not the cheapest option, but clients are working directly with me from strategy through execution, which is something many people value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flyovermedia.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyovermedia.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyovermedia.co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flyovermediaco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flyovermediaco
