So most of you know me as the All American Maker guy! Podcaster, candle man, and that random dude that makes banners for makers! But the truth is, AAM is just one of many things that I do, (mostly for fun)! My main gig, (day job), is running my company Made Custom Media. As I write this, I am sitting in Bison Union Coffee in Sheridan, Wyoming! If you haven’t heard of them, checkout episode 001 of the AAM podcast where I interview the owner, Bert Kuntz!

22 years ago, I started shooting photography with my dad’s old film camera, and something about it simply “clicked” with me! I couldn’t get enough of the idea that I could capture an experience in a photograph. fast forward to the present, I have since become added videography, web design, and graphic design to my tool belt of services that I offer my clients. I have worked with companies like Bison Union, Welch’s, Adidas, ASICS, New Era, Lexus, the NBA, and many more!

I started shooting photography professionally almost 10 years ago, and videography close to 5 years ago.

I say all of this not to puff myself up, but to explain that building a business takes time, a lot of work, and a tenacity and determination that I never thought I would need. I have thought about and wanted to quite my business more times than I can count. Growing a business is not a one year, three year, or even five year plan. You have to be willing to put in the work, make the sacrifice, and go all in with everything you have!

Have I arrived and become rich by now? No! Not at all! Do I regret making the leap to work for myself and pursue my dreams? Definitely not! No matter how hard it gets, I have to remind myself that I am free, free to do what I want, when I want!

The Big Takeaway:

Even in the midst of hustling, working countless hours, and sacrificing a little of myself, every single day, I have put time with my wife, and the ability to travel and get away with her at the top of my priorities! In the past two years, I have gone on a 7000 mile (30 day) trip, and 8000 mile (45 day) road trips each summer! If you hear nothing from what I say in this blog, take this with you:

You do not work for yourself, and you are not your own boss, if you do not take time whenever you want to do what you want. If your clients come first, if you are controlled constantly by deadlines and feel like a slave to your work, then you are an employee!

Start to do these things:

Leave in the middle of the day!
Go on a hike!
Take your kids to the park!
Take your wife out on a spontaneous date!
Enjoy poker night with the guys!
Leave at 10am to go shopping!

All of these things are what employees dream of, but can never do! If you started your own business, stop being an employee and be your own boss!

~Brendan Halbohm 5-4-2021

Stop being an employee and be the boss!

The Big Takeaway:

You do not work for yourself, and you are not your own boss, if you do not take time whenever you want to do what you want. If your clients come first, if you are controlled constantly by deadlines and feel like a slave to your work, then you are an employee!