Uncategorized Archives - Uno Deuce Multimedia

PAULTALK: A Sneak Peak at Mission Control Season 6

Mission Control Season Six: Celebrating 25 Years of Stories, Creativity, and Community
—
For five seasons, Mission Control has been a place where nonprofit leaders, changemakers, and community builders have shared their stories. We’ve talked with executive directors, founders, advocates, and visionaries about the work they’re doing to strengthen communities and create meaningful impact.

But this season is different.

As UnoDeuce Multimedia celebrates its 25th anniversary, Mission Control is turning the camera around and looking inward. Season six is an opportunity to reflect on the people, relationships, lessons, and moments that helped shape UnoDeuce into what it is today.

After all, every organization has a story; but this year, we’re telling ours.
—
*A Different Kind of Mission*

Since launching Mission Control, the focus has always been on elevating the voices of others. We’ve had the privilege of hearing incredible stories from nonprofit leaders across Michigan and beyond. We’ve explored challenges, celebrated victories, and highlighted the people working every day to make their communities stronger.

Those conversations aren’t going away. They’re part of who we are.

But reaching 25 years in business felt like the right time to pause and reflect on the journey that brought us here.

A quarter century is a long time. It’s thousands of projects. Countless stories. Lifelong friendships. Lessons learned the hard way. Risks that paid off. A few that didn’t. It’s a story built one relationship at a time.

Season six is about honoring those relationships and sharing the people behind them.
—
*Looking Back to Move Forward*

When UnoDeuce Multimedia first started, there was no roadmap. There were ideas, ambition, and a belief that stories mattered.

Over the last 25 years, that belief has remained unchanged. Technology has evolved. Platforms have come and gone. The way people consume content has transformed dramatically. Yet the foundation has stayed remarkably consistent: helping organizations tell authentic stories that connect people to purpose.

This season gives us the chance to revisit the people who helped make that possible.

Listeners will hear conversations with mentors, early supporters, longtime clients, team members, and friends who played a role in the growth of UnoDeuce Multimedia.

Some helped shape the business. Some shaped the storyteller. All of them left an impact.
—
*The People Behind the Story*

One of the themes you’ll hear throughout season six is that no successful journey happens alone. Behind every milestone is a person who offered encouragement, wisdom, opportunity, or support.

That’s why this season features conversations with individuals who were there from the beginning and others who joined along the way. We’ll hear from mentors who provided guidance during pivotal moments.

We’ll reconnect with the first intern and first employee who helped transform ideas into reality. We’ll sit down with longtime clients whose trust helped build lasting partnerships measured not in projects, but in years and decades.

These conversations aren’t just about business. They’re about people. Because at the end of the day, that’s what UnoDeuce has always been about.
—
*More Than Multimedia*

For 25 years, UnoDeuce Multimedia has existed at the intersection of storytelling and community. The work has never been simply about cameras, microphones, editing software, or production schedules. Those are tools.

The real work is helping organizations tell stories that inspire action. It’s helping nonprofits raise funds to serve more people. It’s helping community organizations amplify their mission. It’s helping businesses connect with the people they serve.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible organizations doing extraordinary work. Their stories have become part of our story. Season six explores that connection and the role storytelling plays in creating lasting impact.
—
*Lessons From the Journey*

Twenty-five years in business teaches you a few things. You learn that relationships matter more than transactions. You learn that trust takes years to build and seconds to lose. You learn that authenticity isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s a way of operating. Most importantly, you learn that every person has a story worth telling.

Those lessons have guided UnoDeuce Multimedia from day one and continue to influence how we approach every project, every partnership, and every conversation. Listeners can expect plenty of stories this season, but they’ll also hear lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.

Because growth rarely happens in a straight line.
—
*A Season Built on Gratitude*

More than anything, season six is a thank-you. It’s a thank-you to the clients who trusted us with their stories. It’s a thank-you to the team members who brought creativity, talent, and passion to every project. It’s a thank-you to the mentors who offered guidance and encouragement when it mattered most. And it’s a thank-you to the audiences who have followed along through the years.

Without those relationships, there is no 25th anniversary. Without those relationships, there is no Mission Control.
—
*Join Us for the Journey*

Beginning in July, Mission Control returns with twelve new episodes released every other week. Each conversation offers a glimpse into the people and experiences that helped shape UnoDeuce Multimedia over the last quarter century. Some stories are funny. Some are emotional. Some reveal moments that have never been shared publicly before. All of them are authentic.

Whether you’ve been following Mission Control since the beginning or you’re discovering it for the first time, we hope you’ll join us for this special season. Because before there were projects, awards, milestones, and memories, there were people. And this season is about celebrating every one of them.

Twenty-five years later, the mission remains the same: tell great stories, serve great people, and leave every community a little stronger than we found it.

Welcome to season six of Mission Control.

WARFIGHTERS UNITED: Episode 1 – Derek Blumke

Join Eric and Derek as they dive deep into the Informed Consent Act and its impact on veterans. Derek, Head Legislative Director for the VFW and Legislative Fellow for Grunt Style, brings over a decade of experience advocating for veterans’ rights and safe prescribing practices. With the support of 35 national nonprofits, Derek has been at the forefront of the movement to ensure veterans are fully informed before being prescribed antipsychotic medications. This episode explores the law, its real-world implications, and the ongoing fight to protect those who served.

CLIENT STORY: Child and Family Charities

More Than a Resource Center: How Child and Family Charities Is Meeting Families Where They Are
—
Every day, families across Greater Lansing face difficult decisions.

Do you pay the electric bill or buy groceries? Do you replace household essentials or put gas in the car? For many households, stretching a budget means making impossible choices.

That’s why the Family Growth and Resource Center at Child and Family Charities exists.

Serving more than 200 households every month, the center provides access to food, household essentials, personal care items, and other critical resources at no cost. But what makes the Resource Center special isn’t just what people receive. It’s how they receive it.

At Child and Family Charities, support starts with dignity.
—
*A Place Built Around Community Needs*

The Family Growth and Resource Center has become a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances. While many programs focus on immediate assistance, the Resource Center takes a broader approach by helping reduce financial pressure while connecting people to additional services that can create lasting stability.

For many visitors, the impact is immediate.

By providing access to basic necessities, families can redirect limited financial resources toward housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and other critical expenses. A small amount of support can create a significant ripple effect throughout a household.

The center’s mission is simple: help meet essential needs while creating pathways to additional support.
—
*Restoring Choice Through Dignity*

One of the things that makes the Family Growth and Resource Center unique is its approach.

Rather than distributing pre-selected items, the center allows visitors to choose the products that best fit their household’s needs. Families can visit once each month and shop for the items that matter most to them.

That choice matters.

Every family is different. Every household has different priorities. By giving individuals the opportunity to select what they need, the Resource Center helps restore a sense of independence and control during times that can often feel overwhelming.

It’s a simple concept, but one that reflects the values at the core of Child and Family Charities: treating every person with respect and recognizing their ability to make decisions for themselves and their families.
—
*Powered by Generosity*

The Resource Center operates through the generosity of donors, community partners, and supporters who believe everyone deserves access to basic necessities.

Because of those donations, visitors often find items they may not otherwise be able to afford. Whether it’s personal care products, household supplies, food, or specialty items, the variety available helps meet real needs while creating moments of relief and excitement for families walking through the doors.

The impact of those donations goes beyond the products themselves. Each contribution sends a message that someone in the community cares. Every shelf stocked, every item donated, and every volunteer hour invested helps strengthen the support network available to local families.
—
*More Than Supplies*

The Family Growth and Resource Center is often the first step in a larger journey.

Many individuals who visit the center discover additional programs and services available through Child and Family Charities. While picking up essential items, they may learn about counseling services, housing support, youth programs, family services, or other community resources that can help address longer-term challenges.

Staff members provide information, brochures, and referrals that connect individuals to the support they need. Sometimes a person comes in looking for groceries and leaves with access to mental health services. Sometimes a conversation leads to housing assistance. Sometimes a simple visit opens the door to a broader support system.

That’s where the Resource Center becomes much more than a place to pick up necessities. It becomes a gateway to hope, healing, and stability.
—
*Building Stronger Communities*

At its core, the Family Growth and Resource Center represents what happens when a community comes together to support one another. The center doesn’t just address immediate needs. It helps strengthen the fabric of the community by ensuring people have access to resources, connections, and opportunities to move forward.

This approach reflects Child and Family Charities’ longstanding commitment to creating environments where individuals and families can thrive. Rather than focusing solely on short-term solutions, the organization works to build systems of support that empower people and create lasting change.

The Resource Center serves as a reminder that community care isn’t complicated. Sometimes it looks like a shelf stocked with essentials. Sometimes it looks like a referral to counseling. Sometimes it looks like a conversation that lets someone know they’re not alone.
—
*Hope in Action*

The impact of the Family Growth and Resource Center can be measured in the more than 200 households served each month. But its true impact is found in the stories behind those numbers.

It’s found in the parent who leaves with one less thing to worry about. It’s found in the individual who discovers a new resource that changes their future. It’s found in the families who feel supported, valued, and connected to a community that cares.

Every day, Child and Family Charities continues to demonstrate what hope in action looks like. And for hundreds of local families each month, that hope begins at the Family Growth and Resource Center.

14TH ANNUAL DEUCEY AWARDS 2026: MSU Landscape Wins Most Entertaining!

*MSU Landscape Services Wins Most Entertaining Video at the 14th Annual Deucey Awards*
—
Some stories surprise people. Not because they’re flashy, but because they reveal work that most of us see every day without fully understanding.

That’s exactly what happened when MSU Landscape Services took home the Most Entertaining Video award at the 14th Annual Deucey Awards.

The video pulled back the curtain on one of the hardest-working teams at Michigan State University and showed the people, planning, and expertise required to keep one of the nation’s largest campuses running smoothly. For Jeremiah and the entire MSU Landscape Services team, the award was a chance to celebrate more than a video. It was an opportunity to showcase the work happening across campus every single day.
—
*The Team Behind Michigan State’s Outdoor Spaces*

When people think about Michigan State University, they often think about academics, athletics, traditions, and Spartan pride. What they may not think about is the team responsible for maintaining 5,300 acres of campus property.

That responsibility belongs to MSU Landscape Services. From snow removal and turf management to seasonal plantings and environmental stewardship, the department touches nearly every outdoor space across campus. Their work helps create the experience students, faculty, staff, and visitors enjoy every day.

Whether it’s preparing walkways before a winter storm, maintaining campus landscapes in the middle of summer, or caring for areas surrounding the Red Cedar River, the team is constantly working behind the scenes.

The scale of the operation is massive. But for Jeremiah, the goal has always been simple: make sure people understand the value of the work being done.
—
*Telling a Story Worth Sharing*

The idea for the video started with a realization. Michigan State is constantly evolving. New buildings appear. Landscapes change. Infrastructure grows. As the university expands, the demands placed on landscape services grow right alongside it.

Jeremiah knew there was a story worth telling. Not just about mowing grass or clearing snow, but about the people adapting to change, solving problems, and helping keep a world-class campus functioning every day.

The goal wasn’t to create a promotional piece; the goal was to create understanding. How do you explain everything a department does in a way that resonates with leadership, stakeholders, and the broader community?

You tell stories.

That decision led MSU Landscape Services to partner with UnoDeuce Multimedia to capture the people behind the work and bring their story to life.
—
*More Than Just a Video*

From the beginning, the focus was on authenticity. The process involved conversations about audience, messaging, and impact. What story needed to be told? Who needed to hear it? What would make people care?

The answer was simple: show the people.

Show the professionals who manage complex systems. Show the experts maintaining campus grounds. Show the team members whose work often goes unnoticed because when they do their jobs well, everything simply works. The result was a video that blended interviews, visuals, and storytelling into a compelling look at MSU Landscape Services.

It wasn’t about equipment or acreage; it was about people, and that’s what connected with audiences.
—
*Recognition Beyond the Award*

Winning the Most Entertaining Video category was exciting, but the impact of the project extended far beyond the Deucey Awards.

The video quickly became a valuable communication tool inside the university. Leadership teams, administrators, and stakeholders gained a deeper understanding of the department’s work. Instead of trying to summarize years of expertise in a few minutes of conversation, the team now had a story that demonstrated their impact.

Sometimes the most effective way to explain your value is to let others see it for themselves. As Jeremiah noted, there’s power in having someone else tell your story.

The video created that opportunity. It helped shine a spotlight on the people who make campus operations possible and reinforced the critical role landscape services plays in the Michigan State community.
—
*A Competitive Path to Victory*

This year’s Most Entertaining Video category was one of the closest races in Deucey Awards history. The competition featured incredible organizations, compelling stories, and passionate supporters rallying behind their nominees.

When the votes were counted, MSU Landscape Services emerged as the winner.

The victory reflected more than a successful video campaign. It reflected the connection people felt to the story and the appreciation audiences developed for the team behind it. For a department that spends most of its time working behind the scenes, stepping into the spotlight was a well-earned moment.
—
*Looking Ahead*

Winning an award isn’t the finish line for MSU Landscape Services. If anything, it’s another step forward. The department continues exploring new technology, including autonomous and robotic solutions that can improve efficiency and allow staff to focus on higher-skilled work.

At the same time, Jeremiah remains committed to highlighting the expertise of the people who make the department successful. Arborists, equipment operators, grounds professionals, and specialists across the team bring tremendous knowledge to their work every day.

And if the Deucey Award proved anything, it’s that people are interested in hearing them.
—
*Celebrating the Story*

At UnoDeuce, we’ve always believed that every organization has a story worth sharing. Sometimes that story comes from a nonprofit changing lives. Sometimes it comes from a business solving problems. And sometimes it comes from a team maintaining 5,300 acres of one of America’s largest university campuses.

The MSU Landscape Services video reminded us that great storytelling isn’t about creating something extraordinary. It’s about revealing the extraordinary work that’s already happening.

Congratulations to Jeremiah and the entire MSU Landscape Services team on winning the Most Entertaining Video award at the 14th Annual Deucey Awards. Your story connected with audiences, earned their votes, and highlighted the dedication of the people who help keep Michigan State beautiful every day.

And that’s definitely entertaining.

CLIENT STORY: Hope In Action With Sheri Jones Episode 00: Davon & Tavon Woods

CLIENT STORY: Hope In Action With Sheri Jones Episode 00: Davon and Tavon Woods

Hope in Action: Davon & Tavon Woods Turn Foster Care Pain Into Purpose Across America

Some stories stop you in your tracks. Others keep walking—mile after mile—until the whole country starts paying attention.

That’s exactly what’s happening with Davon and Tavon Woods, twin brothers and founders of Foster Kids Matter, whose mission is transforming foster care awareness into a movement built on hope, healing, and human connection. Featured through Hope in Action, the new community-centered series from Uno Deuce Media, the Woods brothers are proving that even the hardest beginnings can become the foundation for something powerful.

And they’re not just talking about change. They’re walking it. Literally.

Walking With Purpose Across Every State

Davon and Tavon committed themselves to an ambitious mission: walking 20 miles in every state across the country to raise awareness for children in foster care.

Not for attention. Not for headlines. For the kids who feel forgotten.

“We’re walking 20 miles in every state to raise awareness for children in the foster care system. We want everyone to know they matter.”

It’s a simple message, but one that hits hard. Because for many foster youth, feeling invisible becomes part of everyday life. The Woods brothers know that reality firsthand. As they travel city to city—from their home state of South Carolina to Lansing, Michigan, and beyond—they’re creating moments that go deeper than social media clips or speeches. They’re shaking hands. Listening to stories. Hugging kids who finally feel seen.

And every mile carries meaning.

A Childhood Defined By Uncertainty

Before there was a national walk, there was survival.

Davon and Tavon were born into difficult circumstances. Their mother struggled with addiction and didn’t know she was carrying twins. Shortly after birth, the brothers entered foster care, where they would remain for most of their childhood. They didn’t meet their biological family until they were 17 years old.

Those years weren’t easy. Foster placements, instability, emotional hardship, and unanswered questions shaped much of their early lives. Even adoption brought its own challenges and pain.

But instead of allowing trauma to define them, the brothers made a different decision: turn pain into purpose.

“We decided to do the hard part—speaking up for kids who are afraid to speak up.” That choice became the foundation for Foster Kids Matter.

Foster Kids Matter Is More Than A Name

For Davon and Tavon, the organization isn’t just advocacy—it’s personal responsibility.

Foster Kids Matter exists to remind young people in foster care that their stories, struggles, and futures carry value. Through events, community outreach, speaking engagements, and their nationwide walk, the brothers are creating spaces where foster youth feel heard instead of overlooked.

And the impact is already undeniable.

Former foster youth regularly message them to say thank you. Some share their own stories for the first time. Others simply express relief that someone finally understands what they’ve experienced.

“One person messaged us crying, saying, ‘Thank you for giving us a voice.’” That kind of connection fuels the mission forward.

The “Keeping It Fresh” Program Brings Confidence One Pair At A Time

One of the most heartfelt pieces of the Foster Kids Matter initiative is the “Keeping It Fresh” program, which provides brand-new sneakers to foster youth across the country.

It may sound small to some people. To foster kids, it can mean everything.

Growing up with hand-me-downs, limited choices, or feeling different from everyone else can chip away at confidence. Davon and Tavon remember what that felt like. So now, they’re making sure other kids experience something different.

“A fresh pair of sneakers gives you encouragement and confidence to keep stepping.”

The shoes are symbolic, but the message behind them runs deeper: You deserve something new. You deserve dignity. You deserve to feel proud walking into a room. And honestly? That kind of hope changes people.

Leaving Comfort Behind To Make A Difference

At some point, Davon and Tavon realized this mission couldn’t stay part-time.

So they stepped away from traditional jobs and committed themselves fully to Foster Kids Matter and the national awareness campaign. It was a leap of faith—one built on belief, purpose, and community support.

The road hasn’t been easy. There are long days, financial challenges, and emotional moments that come with constantly revisiting painful experiences.

But they keep going. Because they know there are kids watching.

Building Community Through Hope In Action

What makes their story fit so naturally into Hope in Action is that it’s rooted in community. Everywhere they go, the Woods brothers create conversations around healing, resilience, and possibility.

In Lansing, they connected with local foster youth and community leaders who embraced their message immediately. Kids lined up for photos, autographs, and conversations—not because Davon and Tavon are celebrities, but because they represent something rare: Understanding.

The brothers continue to remind audiences that everybody goes through struggles, whether they grew up in foster care or not. Their message isn’t about comparing pain. It’s about refusing to let pain have the final word.

“Trials and tribulations are supposed to give us hope, not destroy us.” That perspective has become the heartbeat of their movement.

The Next Chapter: A Documentary & The Big Walk

The mission is only getting bigger.

Davon and Tavon are currently working on a documentary that will share their full story—the hardships, the healing, and the journey behind the movement. They believe people need to see the full picture, not just the polished highlights.

They’re also preparing for a major walk event at the State Capitol on May 23rd, inviting communities everywhere to join them in supporting foster youth and spreading awareness.

And if their journey so far proves anything, it’s this: One conversation can create hope. One act of kindness can change confidence. And one step can inspire thousands more.

Final Thoughts

Davon and Tavon Woods are doing more than raising awareness. They’re creating visibility for kids who often feel unseen. They’re building confidence where insecurity once lived. And they’re proving that resilience can become leadership when people choose purpose over bitterness.

Their story is exactly what Hope in Action is all about: real people creating real change through compassion, courage, and community. One mile at a time.

INNOVATE STATE: Matt Thomas | Burgess Institute, FY26

Matthew Thomas is a fellow MSU Spartan and the Founding Managing Partner of Bourgeois VC, a data-centric venture capital firm he created in 2024 with a $12 million thesis-driven fund focused on helping founders leverage the power and agility of the data layer and hybrid cloud technologies. Matthew combines deep technical expertise in data science, AI/ML, and financial analysis with extensive entrepreneurial experience, having previously founded Bond Shop Club, a luxury retail omni-channel platform that was recognized as a top startup to watch by Built-In News.
—
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Todd Martin Youth Leadership

Last but certainly not least, our final nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Todd Martin Youth Leadership!

Step inside TMYL (Todd Martin Youth Leadership) and see how this powerful program is shaping the next generation through mentorship, leadership development, and a community that shows up long after the game ends. From first swings to lifelong connections, this story captures how consistency, support, and real relationships create impact that extends far beyond the court.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Hands Across the Water

Our third nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Hands Across the Water!

Discover the story of Hands Across the Water (HATW)—a nonprofit changing lives for over 26 years. From foster care support and family reunification to behavioral health services, HATW empowers children and families to thrive. Hear inspiring stories, learn how the community can help, and see why real relationships make the difference.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region

Our second nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region!

This video highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Hear firsthand how teens and kids grow through connection, support, and shared experiences that inspire lasting change in both mentor and mentee.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Tri-County Office on Aging

Our first nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Tri-County Office on Aging!

Tri-County Office on Aging supports independence, dignity, and connection for older adults across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. From Meals on Wheels and congregate dining to in-home care and caregiver support, TCOA is strengthening the Lansing community one relationship at a time.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/