Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Halley.
Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. I started my first business at 16 and was constantly drawn to anything involving technology, marketing, and creative problem-solving. After a few semesters in college, I dropped out to join five friends in launching a tech startup. It didn’t go the way we hoped, but I got a crash course in business, leadership, and failure — and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
After that, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. Something rooted in creativity, collaboration, and making work I could be proud of — not just for clients, but for the people I’d eventually work alongside.
In 2015, while working full-time at a web development company, I bought a drone and started shooting videos and photos as a side hustle — mostly just for fun. A few viral videos later, I realized I was onto something. That passion project eventually turned into Big Slate Media.
Today, Big Slate is one of the fastest-growing content creation agencies in Knoxville. We’ve worked with brands like HGTV, Fox Sports, and RedBull Media House, won a few awards along the way, and built a team I’m genuinely proud of.
Outside of Big Slate, I’ve had the chance to serve on boards for the American Marketing Association, help start KnoxMedia, and contribute to causes I care about through the McNabb Center and Knoxville Chamber. In 2020, I was named to the Knox.Biz 40 Under 40, and in 2023, I won the What’s the Big Idea Pitch Competition from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center.
But at the end of the day, I’m just trying to create meaningful work with people I respect — and build a business that values people just as much as it values growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I didn’t take the traditional education path, and there was no playbook for what I was building. I had to learn by doing, often figuring things out on the fly. In many ways, that’s been a gift — it forced me to trust my instincts, stay adaptable, and lean on the people around me.
One of the biggest challenges has been the tension between growth and sustainability. Chasing growth has fueled a lot of our success — it’s pushed us to level up, expand our capabilities, and say yes to big opportunities. But it’s also stretched us thin at times and forced tough conversations about what kind of company we want to be, how we want to grow and most importantly, how do we ensure we keep developing the kind of team culture that we want.
For me, the decision to keep growing has never been about chasing money. It’s been about building something meaningful: creating a company culture where people actually enjoy coming to work, and opening doors for other creatives to collaborate and grow. That’s what drives me.
I’ve felt from the beginning that God had a hand in this path and would guide me through the ups and downs. That trust has helped me stay grounded, even when the road’s been hard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the core, I lead a production company + agency called Big Slate Media. We specialize in producing video, photo, and digital content for brands that want to tell better stories — whether that’s a national campaign or a social media series for a local business. We’ve been lucky to work with brands like Raising Cane’s, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, HGTV, Fox Sports, and RedBull Media House, but we also love helping under-the-radar companies find their voice and show the world what they’re all about.
What sets us apart is our approach. We’re not a big, bloated agency and we’re not a solo freelancer either. We sit right in that sweet spot — small enough to be personal and nimble, but big enough to pull off work at a really high level. And we care deeply about how we do the work, not just what we produce.
I think we’re known for being thoughtful collaborators. Clients trust us because we bring a lot of heart and intention to every project — we ask the right questions, we push for better ideas, and we don’t just chase trends for the sake of it. We focus on crafting work that actually connects.
Personally, I’m most proud of the team and culture we’ve built. We’ve created an environment where people are excited to show up and do what they love, and that energy comes through in the work. At the end of the day, I want Big Slate to be known as a place where great people create great work — and have a good time doing it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the most important quality has been resilience — not just the ability to push through challenges, but to adapt, learn, and stay steady in the face of uncertainty. Entrepreneurship will test everything: your patience, your confidence, your values. I’ve had to make hard decisions, navigate growing pains, and keep moving even when things felt unclear or overwhelming.
But I’d also say intentionality has been just as critical. I try to lead with purpose — in how we hire, how we build relationships, and how we grow the business. I don’t want to build something fast and flashy just for the sake of growth. I want to build something that lasts, something that creates opportunities for others, and something I’m proud of every step of the way.
That combination — resilience and intentionality — has kept me grounded and focused, even when the road has been anything but predictable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bigslatemedia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigslatemedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigslatemedia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-slate-media/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxG0Y-OHRdKF7eGl0c8sH6A
