Against the Grain
The business world needs a better success story to model than growth-at-all-costs.
In collaboration with Help Scout, I developed, wrote, co-directed, and hosted a 3-part docuseries telling the stories of values-driven businesses who are thriving by going against the grain. Instead of modeling their companies after the much-celebrated, oft-told business success story of hypergrowth and scorched earth capitalism, these teams value craft and community and put people over profits.
Along with movements like Zebra Companies, companies like the Long-Term Stock Exchange, and the rise of B-Corps, this series was an early beacon to entrepreneurs trying to grow by thinking more generously and longer-term.
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Episodes
Death Wish Coffee
Saratoga Springs, NY
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Naturalicious
Detroit, MI
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Piscataqua Savings Bank
Portsmouth, NH
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Production credits:
Executive producer: Nick Francis (cofounder/CEO, Help Scout)
Co-directors: Jay Acunzo, Travis Wilber, Tyler Bouchard (contractors)
Writer & host: Jay Acunzo
Producer: Tyler Bouchard
DP / editor / graphics: Travis Wilber
Brand identity / animation: Erik Blad & Linda Eliasen (Help Scout team)
Marketing: Justine Jordan & Jorge Selva (Help Scout team)