Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Hightower
Hi Jacob, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey in Media: From Humble Beginnings to Leading the Charge
My path to becoming a media professional has been anything but straightforward, but it’s the twists and turns that have truly shaped who I am today. My first brush with responsibility came at just 16 years old when I became a manager. That early experience taught me valuable lessons in business and leadership. After that, I spent three years managing a pallet assembly floor, where I honed my work ethic and learned the importance of precision and teamwork. I also gained hands-on experience in sandblasting, petroleum construction, and various other roles that required grit and determination.
However, it wasn’t until 2016 that I discovered my true passion—media. It all started with filming local rappers, and I quickly realized I had a natural talent for capturing stories through the lens. What began as a small venture soon opened doors I never imagined. I had the privilege of working with major brands like Bacardi and Loud Luxury, and my career began to take off. I expanded my portfolio by doing photography and videography for major artists like Kameron Marlow and Bailey Zimmerman. I even had the chance to interview legends such as Riot 10, which was a pivotal moment in my career.
As my expertise grew, so did my responsibilities. I began managing multiple media teams for Weddings, college football, and fashion shows, including the prestigious Juneteenth event for the mayor of Stone Mountain. These experiences allowed me to refine my skills in leadership and project management. I currently manage two media teams for weddings and am stepping into the world of concert and event production, taking on even more complex and large-scale projects.
To house my various ventures, I founded several brands—Tune N Talks, Shots by Rambo, Apex Solutions, and Tower Media R Weddings. Each brand serves a unique purpose, from in-depth interviews with music industry professionals to creating captivating wedding videos. One of my proudest innovations is Rambo’s Shooting Range, a unique ‘drop mic’ experience that offers artists a new and engaging way to perform.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to film the main stage at The Gathering of Juggalos Festival for the up-and-coming band $alamanderX, which was another exciting chapter in my journey.
Today, my focus is not just on creating content but on building a legacy. My ultimate goal is to retire my family within the next five years while establishing a business structure robust enough to teach or even sell to others. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of creatives and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over nearly a decade of work. I’m now spending more time at home with my family, working on creative solutions for the media industry, developing stories for short films, and embarking on a new journey as a creative director.
As I look to the future, I see myself traveling more, touching many lives, and making a difference in the world, no matter how small. I’m truly blessed to have learned and accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, and I know this is just the beginning of what’s to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been far from smooth, and I think that’s true for most people who are trying to build something meaningful. Early on, balancing my day job responsibilities with my passion for media was a constant challenge. Managing a bookstore at 16 and later overseeing a pallet assembly floor taught me a lot about leadership and work ethic, but it also meant long hours and little time for creativity.
When I first transitioned into media, I faced the struggle of breaking into a competitive industry with no formal training or network. I had to learn everything on the fly—how to shoot, edit, and market myself. The financial instability was another hurdle. There were times when I had to take on manual labor jobs just to fund my media projects. However, those experiences in construction and other hands-on roles gave me a unique perspective that I brought into my creative work.
Even after gaining some traction, there were still hurdles. Working with big brands and well-known artists like Kameron Marlow, Bailey Zimmerman, and Riot 10 came with its own set of pressures. The stakes were higher, and the margin for error was smaller. Managing media teams for Georgia Soccer, college football, and fashion shows was rewarding, but it was also a huge responsibility. Learning to lead and trust others with my vision was a challenge, especially when things didn’t go as planned.
More recently, stepping into larger roles has been an incredible honor, but it’s also tested my ability to manage even bigger teams and projects. The pressure to constantly innovate while maintaining a high standard can be overwhelming.
I’ve had to learn Web Design, Marketing, Editing, VFX, Script writing, Mentoring, Time Management, Graphic design and so much more. With each new challenge came a new opportunity to learn and grow and teach!
But through all these struggles, I’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of surrounding myself with a strong team. Each challenge has pushed me to grow, and I’m grateful for every setback because it’s made the successes that much sweeter. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s shaped me into the creative professional I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shots by Rambo?
Shots by Rambo is more than just a media brand—it’s the embodiment of creativity, rebellion, and storytelling. We specialize in capturing moments that matter, whether it’s through dynamic music videos, live event coverage, or immersive photography. Our services cater to a wide range of clients, from music artists and event organizers to small businesses and individuals looking to make a lasting impression.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our unique blend of passion, expertise, and innovation. We don’t just shoot videos; we create experiences. One of our most distinctive offerings is Rambo’s Shooting Range, a ‘drop mic’ experience where artists perform in a highly engaging and unconventional setting. This service results in not just a music video, but a full suite of content including social media shorts, B-roll footage, and even potential ad campaigns.
We’re known for our ability to adapt and create compelling content that resonates with audiences. Whether it’s a high-energy EDM show, a laid-back house party, or an intimate wedding, we bring the same level of dedication and creativity to every project. Our work with big names like Bacardi, Riot 10, Kameron Marlow, and Bailey Zimmerman, as well as our involvement in major events like the Georgia Bulldogs Championship Parade, college football, and Stone Mountain Fashion show, speaks to our versatility and ability to deliver under pressure.
What we’re most proud of brand-wise is our ability to empower other creatives. We’ve grown from a one-person operation to a full-fledged brand with multiple teams, each bringing their own flair to our projects. Whether it’s through Tune N Talks, where we dive deep into the stories of music industry professionals, or Tower Media Weddings, where we craft unforgettable wedding films, our focus has always been on telling stories that matter.
For anyone looking to collaborate with Shots by Rambo, know that you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting a partner who’s invested in bringing your vision to life. We offer everything from video recaps and 360-degree videos to event photography and interviews. Our goal is to create content that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.
In short, Shots by Rambo is where creativity meets precision. We’re here to push boundaries, tell compelling stories, and help you make your mark on the world. Whether you’re an artist, a business, or an event organizer, we have the skills, experience, and passion to bring your vision to life.
What makes you happy?
Meeting new people.
Life is all about perspective and for the longest time my outlook on life was very narrow and resentful. I’ve gone through so much in life both good and bad, meeting new faces in my line of work or just in the world has given me hope and joy. Hearing stories about people’s lives and things they’ve done has only inspired me more to create and embody my work with emotional connections and values.
Meeting new faces from all walks of life reminds me of just how beautiful this world is and why those moments you are alone looking to the sky remembering days long since past and what it meant to be there and experience that moment.
I’ve helped so many lives but more importantly, those lives have helped me become a happier version of who I used to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shotsbyrambo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsby.rambo?igsh=MTRyZXM2c2xwd3E4MQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562858724812&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shotsbyrambo?si=doXYpFhhxh45qH6V
