Day in the Life of Ken Gurney, Owner at Double Zoot Creative
- MissionEB
- a few seconds ago
- 3 min read
At Double Zoot Creative, no two days look alike. Kenneth Gurney, the owner and operator of this video production company, wears many hats—sometimes all at once. From client management to directing shoots, from editing footage to handling the books, Ken is the definition of a “one man band.”
Wearing Every Hat in Video Production
As the sole proprietor of Double Zoot Creative, Ken’s role stretches across every stage of the production process.
Pre-production: He coordinates shoots, scouts locations, writes scripts, and assembles crews.
Production: Depending on the project, he may be directing, running the camera, setting up lighting and audio, or even conducting testimonial interviews. Sometimes, he steps in front of the camera as on-screen talent.
Post-production: Ken edits, creates 2D animations in After Effects, chooses soundtracks, and records voiceovers.
And beyond the creative side, he handles the business itself—accounting, IT, purchasing, equipment maintenance, marketing, and everything in between to keep Double Zoot running smoothly.
A Culture Built on Client Relationships
While there’s no “internal” culture when you’re a team of one, Ken emphasizes creating a positive external culture for his clients.
“My clients are like my co-workers and my bosses. I want them to know that I’m hardworking, respectful, adaptable, and fun to collaborate with.”
This philosophy guides every interaction, ensuring Double Zoot Creative projects not only look great but also leave a lasting impression.
Ken’s daily routine is as dynamic as his projects. Some days are filled with scriptwriting and planning. Others take him on location for shoots or keep him in the studio editing and animating.
The variety keeps things fresh, though it also comes with challenges—like late nights or weekends when deadlines loom. On the flip side, being self-employed gives him flexibility, allowing him to attend his kids’ school activities or take a midday break when the schedule allows.
Perks and Challenges of Going Solo
The biggest perk? Creativity and flexibility. Every project brings a new opportunity to experiment, solve problems, and tell a story in a different way.
The biggest challenge? Staying current and finding clients.
Video production technology evolves quickly, and Ken works hard to stay ahead of trends.
Marketing, he admits, is his toughest hurdle. “I’m not a marketing person,” he says with a smile, “but I’m learning.”
Unlike traditional office teamwork, Ken’s collaboration is outward-facing. He adapts to the unique culture of each client—whether it’s a no-nonsense Fortune 500 company, a laid-back nonprofit, or a local small business.
“The key is understanding their culture and adjusting. Every client has their own way of working, and part of my job is to fit right in.”
For Ken, every completed video is an achievement. In recent months, he’s wrapped projects for a nonprofit serving people with disabilities and a major hospital system.
“Seeing the finished product make a positive impact on its audience—that’s the cherry on the sundae.”
Advice from Ken Gurney
Running a business means long hours, but Ken appreciates the freedom of self-employment. He’s had the chance to travel for projects, be there for his kids as they’ve grown, and pursue a career that’s both creative and fulfilling for more than 25 years.
If someone were considering starting their own creative business, Ken has simple advice:
“Take a class in marketing—and learn how to sell yourself.”
It’s a lesson he’s still applying in his own journey, but one that has helped him thrive in a competitive industry.
For Ken, Double Zoot Creative isn’t just a company—it’s a lifelong career built on curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling. The work is demanding, but the rewards—creative fulfillment, flexibility, and lasting client relationships—make it worth every late-night edit.