Sharing My Favorites: Behind the Scenes with Ward Kampf’s ‘Backstory & Beyond’ Podcast Journey, 2023
Photographing the production of Ward Kampf's 'Backstory & Beyond' podcast series was an exhilarating cross-country journey that took us to 7 cities in under 2 months, where we connected with visionary founders of extraordinary businesses. Tasked with capturing behind-the-scenes moments and creating portraits, my role was to help reveal the essence of their remarkable stories through still photography.
As Ward emphasized, “It's all about them.” These journeys immersed us in their worlds, revealing their passions, struggles, and achievements, while experiencing the unique cultures that shaped each guest's perspective.
With over 30 years of retail experience, Ward Kampf, the President of Northwood Retail, possesses a unique ability to forecast trends and identify the businesses that are changing the game. As he traveled the country, he engaged in candid conversations with pioneering founders and leaders from various industries on his podcast, “Backstory & Beyond.” Delving into their origins, growth journeys, challenges, and aspirations, Ward's platform illuminates the personal stories and insights that fuel innovation and success.
From the moment I learned about “Backstory & Beyond,” I felt an instant connection to the purpose of the project. This project perfectly aligned with my ongoing personal mission in my photography business: to vividly bring to life the stories of businesses and their resilient founders. This project was more than a mere assignment for me; it was a chance to contribute to a narrative that's as inspiring as it is impactful.
Working on this project was an invigorating experience, enhanced by the synergy of a dynamic team. Collaborating closely with Northwood Retail's incredible Vice President of Marketing, Emilie Andrews, and the award-winning team from Tribe Pictures in New Jersey, including Producer/Director Gibson Oakley and Creative Director & Filmmaker Matteo Banfo, enriched the project with a blend of astounding creativity and exceptional expertise. Their combined talents in bringing the podcast's vision to life not only inspired but showcased their artistic prowess. The seamless synchronization of our creative visions and ideas made this collaboration a truly harmonious and synchronistic journey.
From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the tranquility of Carlsbad, interviewing and documenting across the nation, this podcast celebrated each guest in a city significant to their business. Every location provided a fresh setting for Ward's captivating discussions with his guests, making capturing these authentic exchanges a priceless experience. Watching Ward connect deeply with his guests went beyond simple human interaction to highlight each founder's unique journey to success.
In sharing these images, I invite you to join me in revisiting this memorable journey, a highlight of my 2023. I’ve hopefully been able to help capture the spirit of "Backstory and Beyond," illuminating the heart and soul of the human endeavor behind these pioneers.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS: Exploring the Stops of Backstory & Beyond -
A Visual Showcase with Episode Links
📍AUSTIN, TEXAS at Domain NORTHSIDE - Ward interviews Nina Berenato, founder of Nina Berenato Jewelry and creator of the viral TikTok sensation Permanent Bracelets. They'll discuss the importance of failure for any entrepreneur, how Nina has built a roster of celebrity clientele, and the hidden gems of one of America's fastest-growing cities.
📍AUSTIN, TX at Domain NORTHSIDE - Ward visits SHOWROOM, a business dedicated to curating fashion collections for the working woman. Erica Hanks is a Charlotte-based stylist and founder of SHOWROOM.
Spotify: Erica Hanks: Differentiating a Retail Business in a Crowded Market
📍DALLAS, TX - Kerri Davis is the owner of Ellis Hill, one of the country’s most unique stores for luxury paper goods, personalized gifts, and custom home decor. They'll discuss treasure hunting for exceptional goods around the globe, how an intentional approach to growth can ensure success, and the importance of brick and mortar.
Spotify: Kerri Davis: The Treasure Hunt of Exceptional Retail
📍DALLAS, TX - Ward sits down with Susan Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, an all-American bakery serving up classic desserts. They'll discuss how a focus on hospitality creates lifelong customers, the unique challenges of starting a woman-led business, and the powerful combination of hard work and luck.
📍DALLAS, TX - Ward in Dallas with restaurateur, food hall creator, and Front Burner Society founder Randy DeWitt. They'll discuss the necessity of pivoting with market changes, how innovation requires exploration, and how entertainment, experiences, and great food can combine to create a destination venue.
📍NEW YORK, NY - Ward is in New York City with retail expert and Wall Street dynamo Dana Telsey, founder of Telsey Advisory Group, a leading research, trading, and banking firm focused on the consumer sector. They'll talk about the latest retail trends, the value of an on-the-ground perspective, grabbing market share, and how to create a perfect team with Dana's Pizza Test.
Spotify: Dana Telsey: Capturing Market Share Through Reinvention
📍NEW YORK, NY - Ward is in Manhattan with Alex Faherty, co-founder of the family-led clothing brand Faherty. They'll discuss how a childhood dream became a global fashion brand, where to draw the line between inspiration and appropriation, and why a great retail experience starts with the front line.
📍LOS ANGELES, CA - Ward travels to LA to visit with Francois Reihani, founder of La La Land Kind Cafe, coffee shops with a mission to support foster kids as they step into adulthood. They'll discuss the intersection between social-impact work and the business world as well as the value of kindness in today's divisive landscape.
📍LAGUNA, CA - Ward heads to Laguna Beach to check in with Gorjana and Jason Reidel, the power couple behind the jewelry brand Gorjana. They'll discuss the unique challenges that come with being both business and life partners, making the move from online to brick and mortar, and using retail to build community and connections.
Spotify: Gorjana and Jason Reidel: Creating Community through Retail
📍PHOENIX, AZ - Ward heads to Phoenix to chat with Lauren Bailey and Craig DeMarco, founders of Upward Projects, a restaurant group united around one simple mission — to make people feel good. They'll discuss how honest feedback can revolutionize a business and why unique is worth the extra effort. Plus, a surprise guest appearance from one of Ward's nearest and dearest.
Spotify: Lauren Bailey & Craig DeMarco: Unique Restaurants that Make People Feel Good
📍SAN DIEGO, CA - Ward is in San Diego with Carol Roizen, co-founder of Parakeet Cafe, an eatery and juice bar with over a dozen locations across California. They'll discuss how a life-changing event started the journey to understand the intersection of food and health, why embracing change is essential for entrepreneurs, and what a cup of hot cocoa can teach us about business.
Spotify: Carol Roizen: Building a Business That Heals Through Food
