Evolvr Media makes virtual reality strides – Knoxville News Sentinel

Tyler Hays speaks about his company Evolvr Media, a virtual reality production company. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Tyler Hays' company Evolvr Media specializes in implementing new, innovative technologies to create unique customer experiences while also solving practical business problems.(Photo: BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL)Buy Photo

New Business Spotlight focuses on local businesses that have existed for one to five years. This month's spotlight features Evolvr Media, which was founded by Tyler Hays and Chris Berrong.Hays discusses the company in Q&A format with reporter Cortney Roark.

Q:What is Evolvr Media, and how did the company start?

A:Evolvr Media specializes in implementing new, innovative technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to create unique customer experiences while solving practical business problems. For years, I've been helping companies create relevant digital video marketing content that amplifies their message with Vessul Creative, which I co-own with Alex Widmer,so great storytelling is always at the heart of what Evolvrdoes. We've built some great success and momentum with Vessul Creative, and even won an Emmy Award in the informational program category. However, when I first tried virtual reality back in 2014, I knew that it had the potential to completely change the way we approach storytelling, and I wanted to create a company that could almost specifically focus on creating a new level of customer interaction with VR content. Thus, Evolvr was founded and helped launch in the summer of 2014 through the Knoxville Media Works program as well as Chattanoogas Gigtank program. We learned a lot that summer, as it was our first exposure to the startup tech industry. I have an industrial engineering background, so I love the startup mentality and processes that we worked with over the course of that summer, such as the lean canvas and also having the mindset of failing fast.

Q:What has made Evolvr Media successful up to this point?

A:Hard to say. I guess it also depends on how you define success. Truthfully, I believe the project success we've had is mostly attributed to a little bit of luckand a lot of hustle. For a while, I felt like we were building something that no one was asking for. Which, at the time, was probably true. Fast forward a couple years until now, and everyone has probably heard of or seen VR through someone you know or a TV commercial. We could have given up, but we kept pushing because we believe in the power of it. The biggest brands in the world from Samsung to Google to Facebook have now launched VR platforms, and now we are the team to help companies use these VR platforms well. On a deeper level, if we as a company can stay true to who we are individually, maintain passion about our work, and keep perspective of what's really important in life, then that's true success in my book.

Q:What sets the company apart from others in your field?

A:Virtual Reality is not something that most people, even large companies, can do well at this point. The technology exists, but the hardware and knowledge base is trying feverishly to catch up. On a recent project for the Travel Channel, we had to design and 3D-print our own equipment because it doesnt even exist yet. So, not only do we bring the technical expertise for crafting the VR itself, but we also have the knowledge of how to tell a great story and create something that people will care about. Real, true VR is much more than just a 360-degree video or a panorama photo. VR can allow the user to actually move within a space as if they were actually there.

Q:Where do you see Evolvr Media in the future?

A:We are beginning to find areas where both Vessul Creative and Evolvr can combine their marketing and new technology skills to provide a very competitive service. One main area of focus in the near future will be new commercial condo developments. We plan to partner with property developers to create top-notch marketing collateral, which will include promo videos as well as real-time, photo-realistic VR environments that allow potential buyers to tour the space before it's even been built. Our team is ready, but we just need to find the right project to work on.

Q:What do you wish someone had told you as you began your business venture?

A:I wish someone had told me how much emotional energy it takes to run a company. If you're like me, your thoughts can run a mile a minute. You have to almost train your body to turn off "work mode" or else you'll never get rest or be present with other people outside of work. Another big piece of advice would be to not compare yourself to other people or companies. This is much easier said than done, especially in the days of social media, but I believe we all have a unique purpose, and that purpose has a better chance of being reached if we stop trying to be like someone else.

Last word:The founders of Evolvr all have roots here in Knoxville, and we hope to serve this city as a unique company that can offer unique services with a capability that even some larger markets dont have yet. We love this area, and want to be a part of continuing to make it better while creating some jobs along the way.

Website:Evolvr.Media and Vessul.co

Email:Tyler@Evolvr.Media

Type of business:Marketing agency

Year founded:2014

Owners:Tyler Hays, Chris Berrong, Alex Widmer

Address:P.O. Box 18392, Knoxville, TN 37928

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Evolvr Media makes virtual reality strides - Knoxville News Sentinel