Fresh approach
A decorative corner of one of Fresh Media Group’s studios in Washington
A.J. Brach, one of the owners of Fresh Media Group in Washington, sits in front of his computer in his editing suite, working on a video for a commercial.
A.J. Brach and Jennifer Stopperich, co-owners of Fresh Media Group, in one of their studios located in Washington.
A.J. Brach and Jennfier Stopperich own a business that was destined to take off.
Three months ago, they launched Fresh Media Group in Washington, an advertising agency specializing in video, photography, graphic design and other services with visual appeal.
Its most distinctive – and precious – piece of equipment is a remote-controlled helicopter that can ascend 500 feet, with a camera attached that will shoot high-definition photos and video. Companies can hire Fresh Media to provide stills and/or flyover video for commercials, websites and other ad sources.
“That’s our latest purchase,” Brach said of the helicopter, which has six blades and also is equipped with a GPS. One person on the ground controls the ‘copter’s flight and another, with a screen, sees what the camera sees and controls its operation.
This chopper is pricey, about $17,000, but it is an investment that could pay off in increased business for Fresh Media while serving as a cost-effective alternative for clients.
“The quality of the footage is much better,” Brach said, “and it’s cheaper (for a client) than renting a (full-sized) helicopter and going up with a camera.”
For the owners, this smallish helicopter could be a large factor in getting their company off the ground. Fresh Media opened in March at 382 W. Chestnut St., Suite 109, tucked in next to Three Rivers Auction Co.. The aerial work is but one in a litany of services that also includes website design, video production, social media and buying, graphic design, smartphone apps and email marketing.
Stopperich and Brach are two of the four full-timers on a staff that also features a part-time employee and a few freelancers.
This is a new, but familiar, professional venture for each owner.
Brach, of South Franklin Township, studied TV production at the Art Institute in Pittsburgh and eventually became co-owner of the video company Creative Visions in Washington. He took award-winning shots for Washington Hospital during his 12-year stay, which ended when he sold his half about a year ago.
He also is a disc jockey who goes by A.J. Fresh at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and other area venues.
Stopperich was the marketing director at Washington Auto Mall in South Strabane Township,
Video and marketing, respectively, are their specialties at Fresh Media.
“We have opposite skill sets so we balance each other well,” said Stopperich, of Amwell Township. She said she “took a risk” leaving a large car dealership where she “had a good job and a steady salary, but it felt like the right thing at the right time.”
Visuals are Brach’s bailiwick.
“I tell people that if I won the lottery, I’d still do this for free. I love it.”
He selects the background lighting and music for Fresh Media’s videos, and if a client wants something different, Brach can easily adapt.
Though they did not attend the same high school, Brach (McGuffey) and the former Jennifer Trapuzzano (Trinity) have known one another since that time. Now they are raising a company, nurturing it patiently.
“We’ll take it slow if we have to and let it grow,” said Brach, who is learning all aspects of nurturing. He became a father June 13.
“I wanted to start something new. I want to make a good living and do good work, but I don’t want to have 40 employees and three sites. “
Stopperich, who has two teenage daughters, said Fresh Media will “start in Washington and strive to get repeat clients. We want to build relationships so that clients feel we’re the go-to place for what they need.
“We want to let people know we can do everything just as well as the big agencies in Pittsburgh.”
Fresh Media may get ample opportunities to validate itself, and the helicopter could be a significant element.
Dramatic aerial stills and videos could be ideal marketing tools for a couple of industries that are growing rapidly in Washington County – oil and gas drilling and real estate – and for golf courses, college campuses and other businesses with intriguing geographic features.
Brach is upbeat about the possibilities – and potential – of the business he and Stopperich are spearheading. The aerial component is especially exhilarating.
“A number of hobbyists have this helicopter,” Brach said, “but basically, we’re at the forefront (of using it professionally).”
Fresh Media’s website – freshmediagroup.us – is up. Go there or call 724-503-4826.