Ep. 015: ISU Kicker Quits Job after 3 Weeks to Start a Video Business w/ Cole Netten

From ISU Kicker to Freelance Videographer: How Cole Netten Built a Video Business in Des Moines, Iowa

In this episode of the Rhymes With Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Des Moines–area filmmaker and drone pilot Cole Netten to discuss his unconventional path into the world of video production. Cole’s story is one that many Des Moines, Iowa business owners, marketers, and creatives can relate to—leaving a traditional job behind to pursue meaningful work in the creative industry.

From playing Division I football at Iowa State University to quitting a corporate job after just three weeks, Cole’s journey highlights the importance of pursuing your passion, taking calculated risks, and building a business through relationships and consistent work.

For local businesses considering video marketing in Des Moines or working with freelance creatives, Cole’s experience also offers valuable insight into the mindset and workflow of modern video professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9RoIQH0XmQ

From Iowa State Kicker to Creative Entrepreneur

Before becoming a freelance filmmaker, Cole Netten had a very different identity—a Division I kicker at Iowa State University from 2012 to 2016.

Like many athletes who grow up playing competitive sports, Cole’s life during college revolved around football. His days were highly structured with training, meetings, and game preparation. While the experience of competing in front of tens of thousands of fans was exciting, it also came with intense pressure.

As Cole explained on the podcast, kicking in college football is largely a mental game. When you make a game-winning kick, you’re celebrated. When you miss, thousands of fans are instantly disappointed.

That experience shaped his perspective moving forward.

After performing under that kind of pressure, Cole says most challenges in business or filmmaking simply don’t feel as stressful. Missing a shot on a video production set is nothing compared to missing a kick in a packed stadium.

Life After College: Burnout and Finding Direction

After graduating from Iowa State, Cole took an entire year off before entering the workforce. Following years of structured athletics, he needed time to decompress.

He described this period as both the best and worst year of his life.

On one hand, he had the freedom to relax for the first time in years. On the other, he lacked purpose. Eventually, he realized it was time to find a career path.

Cole initially hoped to work in video production or marketing, but without professional experience during college, breaking into the industry proved difficult.

Unable to find a creative role, he accepted a position as a tech recruiter, where his job involved calling dozens of potential candidates each day and matching them with open programming positions.

The problem?

He hated it.

Quitting a Corporate Job After Three Weeks

Just three weeks into his recruiting job, Cole realized he couldn’t continue.

The work environment wasn’t necessarily bad—the company and coworkers were great—but the job itself didn’t align with his interests or strengths.

Every day he would be picked up from work by his wife, who quickly noticed how miserable he looked.

Eventually, Cole made a bold decision.

He quit.

Not only did he leave the job early—he did so without another job lined up.

Instead, he committed to something he had always enjoyed: filmmaking.

Starting a Freelance Video Production Business in Iowa

Once Cole committed to freelancing, he had no choice but to make it work.

His first paid video project was a $500 wedding shoot, a common starting point for many filmmakers. From there, he began building a portfolio and sharing his work online.

As he continued posting projects and networking with local creatives and agencies, word-of-mouth referrals started to grow.

Eventually, Cole found his niche working as a freelance camera operator and drone pilot for agencies and production companies around the Des Moines metro area.

Today, his work includes:

• Commercial video production

• Social media content creation

• Drone videography

• Corporate video projects

• Weddings and events

For Des Moines businesses, freelance videographers like Cole often play an important role in production teams. Many marketing agencies prefer hiring experienced shooters who can capture high-quality footage while editors and strategists handle post-production.

The Power of Drone Video for Iowa Businesses

One area where Cole quickly differentiated himself was drone videography.

Drone footage has become an increasingly valuable tool for Iowa businesses and marketing teams, especially for industries such as:

• Real estate and development

• Agriculture and farming

• Manufacturing facilities

• Construction companies

• Tourism and destination marketing

Using drones allows businesses to showcase properties, land, and facilities in ways that traditional cameras cannot.

Cole currently uses a DJI Mavic 3 drone, which provides cinematic aerial footage while remaining portable enough for frequent commercial shoots.

For businesses looking to improve their video marketing strategy in Des Moines, drone footage can significantly enhance visual storytelling and brand perception.

Paying Off $42,000 in Debt While Building a Business

One of the most inspiring parts of Cole’s story is how he and his wife managed their finances during this career transition.

Early in their marriage, they had approximately $42,000 in debt, including student loans and a car payment.

With guidance from a financial coach, they set a goal to eliminate that debt within 15 months.

Despite Cole leaving his corporate job, his freelance income eventually allowed them to pay off the entire $42,000 in just 11 months.

The key factors were:

• Living below their means

• Maintaining a clear financial goal

• Staying disciplined with spending

Once they achieved their goal, they celebrated with a three-week trip to New Zealand, a dream destination they had set as their reward.

Why Creative Freedom Matters More Than Stability

Freelancing isn’t always predictable.

Income can vary month to month, and work schedules often depend on client demand.

But for Cole, the trade-off is worth it.

The biggest benefits of freelancing include:

• Creative freedom

• Flexible schedule

• Working with different businesses and industries

• Spending more time with family

For many Des Moines entrepreneurs and freelancers, this balance between flexibility and financial responsibility is a key reason they pursue self-employment.

Advice for Des Moines Creatives and Entrepreneurs

One of the most powerful ideas Cole shared on the podcast involves what he calls the danger of being “okay enough.”

Many people stay stuck in jobs or situations that aren’t terrible—but also aren’t fulfilling.

Because things feel comfortable, they never pursue something better.

Cole encourages creatives and entrepreneurs to evaluate their lives honestly. If there’s a passion or opportunity that could dramatically improve their happiness or career, it may be worth pursuing—even if it requires risk.

For those considering freelance work or creative careers in Des Moines’ growing marketing and media industry, his advice is simple:

Start small, build relationships, and keep creating.

Video Marketing Opportunities for Des Moines Businesses

As video continues to dominate digital marketing, local businesses have more opportunities than ever to connect with customers through visual storytelling.

Working with skilled videographers and creators allows companies to produce:

• Brand storytelling videos

• Social media content

• Commercial advertisements

• Event coverage

• Recruitment videos

• Educational content

The Des Moines business community is full of talented creatives like Cole Netten who specialize in bringing these stories to life.

Listen to the Full Episode

Cole Netten’s story—from Iowa State kicker to Des Moines videographer—is a reminder that career paths are rarely linear. Sometimes the best opportunities come from following your interests and taking bold steps forward.

To hear the full conversation, listen to the episode of the Rhymes With Odd Podcast hosted by Ryan Snaadt, where Cole shares more about freelancing, filmmaking, and building a creative career in Iowa.