[petapixel.com]

Tolman Media was established in 2020 based out of Provo, Utah, and quickly grew to provide photo and video services for weddings in all 50 states. Advertising 56 total physical locations, Tolman Media boasted that it had captured over 10,000 weddings by the end of 2022.

The company’s key to rapid growth and success was its decentralized management system, where the main company would send interested couples to a local branch who would handle the actual arrangements. Those local branches bore the Tolman Media name, but were independently operated, similar to how a franchised restaurant works.

“This is a formal notice that as of February 15, 2023, Tolman Media LLC, Tolman Media Empire LLC, and Tolman Media Dynasty LLC have officially ceased operations and been dismantled,” the company announced on its website.

“All assets have been sold, there is no cash remaining in the business, and no further employees, members, managers, or officers active. All websites, emails, and contact information has been shut off.”

As expected, Tolman’s closure left a large number of clients in the lurch. Weddings are almost always planned months in advance and the company’s solution to this problem felt messy to remaining parties. In short, the company told clients that their weddings would still be covered by a photographer and that any outstanding balance remaining would need to be paid directly to that shooter. The down payment that was paid to Tolman was not being refunded.

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2023 12:31PM by pRICE cUBE.

Do you still do weddings?

My buddy up here did it for 20 years. He stopped last year. Took down his web site and changed his phone and email.

He said since around 2017-2019 the current crop of brides and mothers had become intolerable.

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chopper
Do you still do weddings?

My buddy up here did it for 20 years. He stopped last year. Took down his web site and changed his phone and email.

He said since around 2017-2019 the current crop of brides and mothers had become intolerable.

Because it is not my main focus, I do not have wedding fatigue. My typical wedding clients derive from word of mouth. I don't know if I would enjoy trying to cover weddings as a career.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

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...Tolman Media Empire LLC, and Tolman Media Dynasty LLC...

Guess we can figure where their heads were at.

I am not involved with these people on a regular social basis or professionally.


I originally posted the story as a buyer beware situation. When I looked into the details of the story, it occured to me that I am familiar with some of the people involved in this business. I did observe their business ramp up and wondered how it all really worked. I don't know if it was business incompetence or if shenanigans were going on. It's quite a spectacular collapse of the business model though.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

I'd guess incompetence in designing and/or executing the model.

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“Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution. It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it."

It does not seem like that bad of an idea. Basically a referral clearinghouse for something that most people are doing for the first time, and may never do again. Obviously devil's in the details.

From what I knew of the business model, I was surprised that it had expanded so much. I was also surprised at the lifestyle I perceived they were living. I chalked up my earlier feelings that something was not quite right as being a bit envious of their perceived success. Seems like quite a mess.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

Sounds like they were taking money out of the business as fast as it was coming in and not keeping any for reserves, capital expenditure for expansion, etc. A common mistake made by new entrepreneurs, or intentionally done by those whose business plans are somewhat fraudulent.

Looks like one of the people involved in this has moved to Las Vegas and isn't shy from attention when it doesn't involved his abandoned business and clients. [marketdaily.com]


Brennan Tolman is a name that has been getting quite the attention in the world of freelance photography and videography – and rightfully so. Recently announced as one of the official winners of the city of Las Vegas’ 30 Under 30 award, Tolman has made a name for himself as a true leader in his field. But for Tolman, success is not just about himself; it’s about lifting up those around him as well.

“So many people think there’s a limited supply of success out there… I’m here to tell you the opposite is true,” Tolman said in an interview. “Success is not only infinite in nature, but it multiplies each time someone finds it. The more successful you are, the more successful all others around you will be.”

Tolman’s philosophy is rooted in the “rising tide effect” in the world of freelancing, where one person’s success can lead to more opportunities for those around them. It’s a mindset that has served him well in his career, and it’s one that has earned him the title of “the King Freelancer” among some in the industry. But Tolman himself prefers to be seen as a conductor of an orchestra, one that makes sure every member is in sync to create a harmonious final outcome.

For Tolman, winning the 30 Under 30 award is a particularly special honor, as he has only been living in Las Vegas for six months. “I just feel like the city of Las Vegas has really embraced me as an entrepreneur and as a person,” he said. “The energy, spirit, and hustle of the residents of this city were what initially drew me to it – it just feels so special to be recognized in this way by such a wonderful place.”

Motivated by his love for others, Tolman has made extraordinary efforts to build his personal brand and speak up more. He candidly shares his past experiences with anxiety and depression, recognizing that unity and support are crucial in overcoming such struggles. He believes, “We have to stick together or else we are toast.”

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

The more I am reading into the allegations, the more this sounds like a Ponzi scheme. This video he made to explain things before closing the company and selling off the assets probably won't help him an any legal cases. [www.youtube.com]

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]

He’s got a sh|t eatin grin on he’s face.

I wonder how much it would cost me to be listed in "Phoenix 30 under 30 Awards?" I'd say that's where a bit of the photo biz's cash went. Heh

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“Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution. It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it."

This video discusses more details about the owner's behavior and business practices.

[www.youtube.com]

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Too bad that marketdaily.com article doesn’t have a comments section.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

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Speedy
Too bad that marketdaily.com article doesn’t have a comments section.

I am familiar with the area that Mr. Tolman used to reside and run Tolman Media.

Mr. Tolman lived in Orem, Utah, part of the SLC metro area. The area features two large universities nearby. The wedding market is huge in that area since many people in the area are members of the LDS Church (Mormons). There are a good number of couples getting married in their college years. For him to move to the Las Vegas area and not oversee operations in the area is possibly a clue that his business was failing.

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Ways to improve web conference image and sound quality. [forums.macresource.com]