For Cory Slade, the journey from dreaming behind the camera to building a thriving media agency didn’t happen overnight. It started with a quiet passion, a few doubts, and ultimately, a decision to bet on himself.

“For years, I secretly dreamed of holding a camera—but fear of judgment, ‘Photography? Isn’t that just a hobby?’ kept me from starting,” Cory shares. “Then I realized: If I don’t bet on myself, who will?”

That decision marked the beginning of Slade Media Co., a Milwaukee-based media company specializing in high-quality content creation and photography services. In just four years, the business has become a go-to partner for real estate agents, coaches, and small businesses looking for more than just good-looking content.

At the core of Slade Media Co. is a simple motto: “Visuals That Sell.” But behind the tagline lies a much deeper philosophy.

“We don’t just create content—we craft high-converting visual stories that directly drive sales and brand growth,” Cory explains. “Every photo, video, or ad we produce is optimized to convert viewers into buyers.”

That sales-first mindset is what Cory says sets his business apart. Rather than delivering generic visuals, he focuses on what he calls “sales-driven creativity.” He’s careful to align every project with a client’s brand, audience, and market, ensuring each image and video has real impact.

“Generic content is easy. We dive deep to craft visuals that cut through the noise and drive action,” he says. “If it doesn’t help you win, we won’t create it.”

Cory specializes in real estate videography, branded content for coaches and mentors, and marketing assets for small businesses. His ideal clients? “Visionaries who demand more than ‘just content’—clients who want their media to work like a 24/7 sales engine.”

But this isn’t just business. For Cory, it’s personal. His story is rooted in Milwaukee, where he was born and raised. “Milwaukee made me,” he says. “Now, I help businesses here show up like the champs they are.”

After earning degrees in business management and liberal arts, he took an unconventional path to becoming a full-time content creator—teaching himself photography and videography through YouTube and relentless practice. “What started as a side hustle exploded,” he recalls. “People began asking to pay me for work. I realized: This isn’t just fun—it’s a real business.”

Today, Cory runs the company solo, balancing creativity with a strong sense of purpose. His greatest motivator? Helping others succeed.

“We don’t just take photos or make content—we tell stories that connect, inspire, and sell,” he says. “Seeing our clients stand out, grow, and win in competitive markets—that’s the driving force.”

Outside of work, Cory's world revolves around his young family. Life with his six-month-old son has transformed how he views time and intention. “Family teaches you to care deeply, hustle with purpose, and celebrate the wins—big or small,” he says. That same energy, he adds, flows directly into his client projects.

To protect that balance, Cory intentionally limits his project load. “I batch filming days and cap monthly projects so I can deliver exceptional work and be present with my family,” he shares.

Looking ahead, he’s setting his sights on a full-time creative role with a sports organization—ideally expanding on his current seasonal work with the Milwaukee Bucks. “I want to merge my passion for sports and storytelling into a career that combines technical skill with creative vision,” he says.

Cory credits his success to two things: his support system and his willingness to learn through failure. “Every mistake was fuel to get sharper,” he says. “I didn’t wait to be ‘the best’ to start. I just started, improved publicly, and let my work speak for itself.”

For agents and top producers looking to elevate their brand, Cory offers a simple proposition: “We make you unignorable,” he says. “In a sea of generic content, we deliver cinematic, thumb-stopping visuals that make your listings—and you—look like luxury.”

It’s a bold promise—but one backed by purpose, practice, and passion.