Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocky Hayes.
Hi Rocky, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
MAKING MIRACLES HAPPEN.
When asked what I’m working on within my business, “making miracles happen” is the tongue-in-cheek response I generally opine.
While attending South Dakota State University, I became an entrepreneur and since graduation, I haven’t looked in the rearview mirror. That was over 20 years ago.
Fostering relationships and focusing on communication is what I desire. That’s what a designer primarily does… communicate.
Over the years, as technology evolved and working with a plethora of clients, I discovered the imperative need to continue growing and offering as many services as possible to my clients.
Between me, and the stellar contractors I work with, we produce many types of media for non-profit organizations, political campaigns, small and medium sized businesses and startup entrepreneurs.
In 2018, I met the love of my life, Lora, and was also blessed with two incredible daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. This new perspective has only added to my joy and my gorgeous partner shares my philosophy in life and business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Far from a smooth road. The life of an entrepreneur is a rocky road, pun intended. I’ve never stopped learning in the process of business, communication, technology and relationships.
In particular, relationships have been a heavy rollercoaster. Although many categorize me as a kind, humorous, and giving person, sadly, that is blood in the water for certain sharks in our life. I’ve unfortunately fallen victim to textbook sociopaths and they’ve provided very painful lessons. All one can do is continue to learn from those mistakes and from those people.
However, I’ve been very blessed by having many clients over the past 25 years in myriad client categories.
Also, I chose early on to remain a small business without quickly getting a brick and mortar business with employees. I enjoy my freedom to work wherever I desire with whomever I’m honored to have been chosen to collaborate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Didactic Productions (formerly Rocky Hayes Design) offers services to a diverse worldwide clientele including non-profit organizations, political campaigns, small and medium companies, as well as startup entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking for a company that actually enjoys explaining things and prefers establishing a long-term relationship…we’re your firm.
My services include brand identity, business building, copywriting and editing, graphic design, marketing strategy, “MEmento” keepsakes, photography, podcast production, public relations, social media, video production, web design/development/IT.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my empathy and personal business experience. I’m most proud of the stories I’ve been a part of telling, along with living vicariously through my clients’ experiences through business successes, organization growth, capturing memorable moments through photography and videography, and politicians winning campaigns.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship and networking are imperative.
I’ve not only had mentors, but I’m also currently a mentor and mentee to several. The advice I’ve received from one of my mentors is to have an older age, same age, and younger age mentors in your life. I’ve been a mentor through TeamMates Mentoring in Sioux Falls which was created 30 years ago from the hall of fame Nebraska Huskers head coach, Tom Osborne.
Also, I’ve been a mentor and mentee through Leadership South Dakota. That organization is also a great resource for leadership growth and networking on a much higher level.
Networking and “who you know” is truly a very important arrow in the entrepreneur quiver.
I’ve given perhaps too much of my time giving back philanthropically to many entities over the past 30 years. However, it’s necessary to volunteer, give back, lead, follow, speak, and listen to diverse groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: DidacticProductions.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rockymhayes
- Facebook: facebook.com/DidacticProductions
- Twitter: twitter.com/RockyHayes
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/RockyHayes
Image Credits
Rocky Hayes Photography
Logos or website images by Didactic Productions
