Ep. 029: Living in Mom's Basement, Driving Uber to Owning a Media Company w/ Jeremiah Scavo
- Ryan Snaadt
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
From Applebee’s Server to Media Mogul: Jeremiah Scavo’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Building a successful business in the Des Moines, Iowa market requires more than just a good idea; it requires grit, a bit of "calculated rage," and the willingness to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term scale.
In a recent episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan sat down with Jeremiah Scavo, the owner of Scavo Media. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to go from driving Uber and living in a basement to running one of the most effective digital marketing and video production agencies in Central Iowa.
The "Basement" Phase: A Lesson in Radical Financial Discipline
Many aspiring entrepreneurs in Des Moines talk about "grinding," but Jeremiah Scavo lived it. After reaching a breaking point at his previous agency job—where he was denied a 13% raise despite building an entire department—Jeremiah decided to bet on himself.
To make the transition possible, he took a "Humble Pie" approach that many business owners shy away from:
Drastic Expense Cutting: He moved into his mother’s basement, paying $450 a month in rent.
The Side Hustle Grind: He served tables at Applebee’s and drove for Uber.
The Goal: He got his total monthly expenses down to less than $700.
By living on a shoestring budget for six months, Jeremiah saved the $10,000 necessary to buy his professional gear and officially launched Scavo Media on January 1, 2019.
"It’s in the best interest of companies to gamble that you’re going to choose security over opportunity," Jeremiah told Ryan Snaadt. "I had to show them I wasn't bluffing."
Leveraging a High-Level News Background for Local Marketing
One reason Scavo Media stands out to Iowa business owners is Jeremiah’s deep roots in the local media landscape. Growing up on the Drake University campus (where his father worked for over 40 years), Jeremiah was editing on Final Cut Pro by the age of 14.
He eventually spent seven years as a photojournalist at KCCI, one of the highest-rated news stations in the country. This background provided two massive advantages:
Storytelling Under Pressure: In news, you have hours—not weeks—to turn a story.
Technical Mastery: Training at a station like KCCI meant mastering three-point lighting and sequencing long before "content creator" was a common job title.
When Jeremiah transitioned into the agency world, he realized his "news speed" allowed him to accomplish in a day what most marketers took a month to finish. For Des Moines businesses, this translates to faster turnaround times and higher production value without the typical agency bloat.
Why Des Moines Businesses Need More Than Just "Cool Videos"
During the podcast, Ryan Snaadt and Jeremiah discussed the shift from one-off projects to comprehensive marketing strategies. While Scavo Media is known for high-end video, Jeremiah admits that video is often his "foot in the door."
The Scavo Media Strategy: SEM and Retainers
Jeremiah focuses heavily on Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and SEO because they provide instantaneous data and leads. By starting with search data, he can prove ROI to a client quickly, then layer in high-quality video content to build brand authority.
For Iowa marketers, the lesson is clear: Video is a tool, but the strategy is the engine. Jeremiah prefers subscription-based service contracts over one-off "vanity" projects. This model benefits the business owner because it allows for:
Continuous testing and optimization of ad creative.
A steady stream of fresh social media content.
A deeper partnership where the agency acts as an extension of the marketing department.
Overcoming the "Competition" Mindset in Central Iowa
One of the most refreshing parts of the conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Jeremiah Scavo was their take on competition. Despite both owning media companies in the same region, they view the market through the lens of abundance.
"There’s an endless amount of work out there," Jeremiah noted. He even mentioned coaching "competitors" or less experienced shooters in other states, helping them improve while he handles the high-level editing.
In a tight-knit community like Des Moines, this collaborative spirit is what builds a sustainable reputation. Instead of seeing other creators as enemies, Jeremiah views them as potential partners for referrals and scale.
Advice for the Next Generation of Iowa Entrepreneurs
Jeremiah’s story isn't just about cameras and code; it’s about emotional maturity and the "pressure" of the self-employed life. He candidly discussed how the first few years were a period of intense personal growth, admitting that he had to "grow up" quickly to match the success his business was seeing.
He hit his five-year goals in just three years, a feat he attributes to the "rage" and motivation of those early days in the basement.
Key Takeaways for Business Owners:
Don't wait for permission: If a company tells you that you aren't "ready" for a role you are already performing, it might be time to build your own table.
Diversify your skill set: Jeremiah didn't just stay a "video guy." He learned Photoshop, After Effects, WordPress, and digital ad buying to become an indispensable asset.
Focus on Results: Whether it’s solving a staffing crisis with funny recruitment ads or driving leads via Google, focus on the client’s bottom line.
Conclusion: Betting on Yourself in the Silicon Prairie
The journey from a $400 camera to a $30,000 equipment rig and a full roster of retainer clients didn't happen by accident. It happened because Jeremiah Scavo was willing to live a life most people wouldn't, so he could eventually own a business most people can't.
As Ryan Snaadt highlights throughout the episode, the Des Moines market is ripe for creators who are willing to combine high-level technical skills with a deep understanding of business ROI.
Ready to Scale Your Brand?
If you’re a Des Moines business owner looking to elevate your marketing, it’s time to move beyond simple "posts" and toward a comprehensive media strategy.
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