Introducing Tommy Tran, Our Newest Lead Content Manager & Producer!
We are so excited to announce the newest addition to The Sampson House team - Tommy Tran — Lead Content Manager + Producer!! Since starting at TSH, Tommy has fully dove into the deep end. With fresh ideas and new ways to implement processes, we have been loving his ambitious attitude. Fun fact — we’ve worked with Tommy behind the scenes in many capacities throughout the decade. From capturing weddings to editing video, we’ve loved our collaboration over the years we knew it was time to bring him on board full time! When not in the office or out on a content shoot, you can find this family man spending quality time with his wife and two kids, or gaining his foodie status at local Sioux Falls restaurants!
Name: Tommy Tran
College: University of South Dakota
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Role: Lead Content Manager + Producer
Birthday: 04/23
Instagram handle: @tommytrvn
Coffee Drink of Choice: Iced Shaken Espresso with an extra shot OR hot black coffee
HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT TSH AND WHAT DREW YOU TO US?
I attended one of TSH’s very first workshops back in 2016/2017 with my then-girlfriend, now wife. From day one, I have always loved the minimal aesthetic of TSH and the appreciation of white space in their branding. They had a look that was different from traditional marketing agencies that spoke more to my personal taste. I have followed them as a quiet supporter ever since because they’ve stayed true to their vision.
WHAT ARE 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE SAMPSON HOUSE?
Empowering, strategic, collaborative
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? AND WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SO FAR?
I started as a freelance video editor for them but now has grown beyond just that. I now strategize our website/content projects and lead the video department so I’m touching a lot of projects. My current favorite right now is working with Down Home Deboer, Chelsea Deboer’s storefront, and developing their e-commerce site.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WAKE UP AND GO TO WORK?
Personally, I love to work. My wife can attest that my brain really just never stops and I cannot sit still. Work allows me an opportunity to learn, strategize, and flex my skills that I’ve been developing over the years.
WHAT DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK?
I am a big family man. My wife and I have two kids (Greyson and Ellie) and our worlds really revolve around them. We love spending time with them, seeing them explore the world and grow every day. It’s bittersweet to see them develop their brains and interests but a million times more rewarding. When I do have time for myself, I’m typically learning and researching topics anywhere from the fall of the Roman Empire to innovative ways to cook different foods.
WHEN DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN ART, DESIGN AND MARKETING?
I think I had an innate interest in it all. Originally, I wanted to be an architect growing up. That dream moved to medicine then finally to marketing. I heard a quote that sticks with me to this day, “Marketing is the art of business” so I can combine my love of design with my passion for all business things.
WHAT’S A CURRENT MARKETING TREND YOU SEE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?
AI is the future whether people like it or not. For me, AI has become an irreplaceable tool in a million and one different ways. I’m thrilled with all the development and the new tools that appear on the market every single day.
WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CLIENT TO WORK ON AND WHY?
I would love any client that heavily involves food or architecture. Both of those have been constant loves in my life (outside of my lovely wife of course). I consume so much content in those areas that I would produce it for an eternity if I could.
BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Things happen for a reason, whether good or bad. Trust the process and expect constant tests of strength, beliefs, and willpower. Those tests will only make you better.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS
Eclectic, busy, believer
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR POSITION?
My favorite thing about my position is that I get to do a bit of everything. One day, I may be building a sitemap, and the other I may be filming content to be used for that website. It keeps my mind busy and minimizes boredom.
WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE BUCKET-LIST TRAVEL DESTINATION?
My ultimate bucket-list travel destination would have to be a full Asia trip.
IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Anthony Bourdain or Bruce Lee. Both in my eyes were very prolific yet were opposites of each other. Both showed appreciation for life, held firm in their beliefs, and yet allowed open dialogue to fine-tune their perspectives.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I am a big sushi or ribeye-steak person. I really love Sushi Masa in downtown Sioux Falls but appreciate a steak and beer at 22Ten.
3 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT YOU:
I used to dance competitively with Champion Legacy (2014 Gold)
I’ve been to Vietnam multiple times (ever since I was maybe 5 years old)
My wife and I also run a wedding photography/videography business on top of everything else (Ivory + Fern).
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON YOUR PLAYLIST?
Honestly, I’m a firm believer in listening to whatever my body resonates with so it’s been anything from Reggeaton, Divorced Dad Rock, Rap, and beyond.
GO-TO TV SHOW?
Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservation or New Girl
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success defined by me is setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. Even if you get close, I’d still say it’s a success. It’s not about getting to the goal, it’s the growth you experience on the journey.
WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE HERE AT TSH?
I bring a wide range of experience to TSH in regard to content strategy, video production, business development, and quality assurance via processes and systems.
