Entrepreneurship Behind the Lens

Trenten “Trent” Cavaness ’25 | Clara City, Minnesota
Majors: Business with a concentration in Marketing, Communication Studies

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Trenten Cavaness, and I graduated in December with a double major in marketing and communications. I run a business by the name of TCavProductions, which is a contract media business. My work ranges anywhere from short-form hockey content to YouTube and social posts for a local restaurant. In my free time, I enjoy sports (primarily basketball, frisbee golf, and pickleball) and spending time with friends doing whatever activity we choose.

How did you hear about Concordia and why did you choose to attend college here?

I originally wanted to play basketball at Concordia but later decided I didn’t want to pursue the life of a collegiate athlete. I found myself choosing to come to Concordia due to the environment and intimate experience that is offered. I really liked the tight-knit feeling that being a Cobber offered. Likewise, the idea of being involved in so many different things around campus would keep me on my feet.

What do you enjoy about the Fargo-Moorhead area?

I think the F-M area is the perfect in-between for anyone who is coming from a small town and wants the bigger town feeling, or for someone who’s coming from a big city and wants to dial it back a bit. The area has almost every amenity you could ask for, including a very inviting community for whatever activity you participate in. For example, I joined a local disc golf league when I got to college to get out and have an activity to do (especially during COVID). There are numerous great food options, several thrift stores and boutiques that will keep you coming back, and a ton of other spots that you’ll find yourself regularly visiting.

How else are you involved on campus or in the community?

The local frisbee golf league that I’m a member of hosts weekly events (putting tournaments, league championships, etc). On campus, I worked with the Communications and Marketing Office (MarCom) for two and a half years. I also spent time working with the sports information director (Cobber SID) doing sports photography, being a member of the Marketing Club, and writing for The Concordian (the student-led newspaper).

How did you decide on business marketing and communications as your areas of study?

Marketing and the psychology behind consumer behavior have always been fascinating to me, so I chose to explore it deeper and potentially land a job after school with a local company growing their business. I added communication studies as a major later, after talking to a few professors and seeing how experience in communications can be so beneficial within a business environment. The two majors complement each other in a fantastic way that I feel allows me to be even more dynamic in my field.

Do you have a favorite marketing course? Why is it your favorite?

I think Consumer Behavior was among the most enjoyable. The class took what I originally thought and knew about marketing and expanded my mindset. The course gave me valuable physical insights into consumer behavior and how to recognize trends in the marketplace.

Where did your passion for photography begin?

My wife bought me my first camera the summer of my freshman year. From there, I took that camera on vacation and shot (probably) thousands of pictures. Once I got my hands on editing software and a creative outlet, I began posting my photos. I then was asked by some friends to do headshots, which then turned to senior pictures, then to campus jobs with MarCom and Cobber SID, and now a full-time business involving both video and photo.

The Peak aimed to encourage Cobbers with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Can you tell us about your small business? Why did you decide to launch your business while still attending college?

My business is called TCavProductions, which I started during my sophomore year through a Peak called Cobbers in Business. The Peak aimed to encourage Cobbers with an entrepreneurial mindset to start a business with assistance from professionals and mentors in the area. Through that Peak experience, I formed the foundation for my business. Today, TCavProductions is my full-time job and quickly expanding. While running a full-time business may not allow for the best balance of my time, the opportunity was far too good to pass up and has empowered me to build a career for myself in the F-M area through my video and photo production.

How has the Offutt School of Business prepared you for your career?

The Offutt School of Business has been a catalyst for me to launch my career through faculty who care about my success. I have had conversations with professors in almost every major about various factors of business and standing out in the field of business. My professors are also people who I have reached out to outside of school to ask various questions and seek advice. In my experience, they sincerely want you to succeed and will do what they can to support your journey.

What is your dream job?

I honestly don’t know what my “dream” job is. I would love to grow TCavProductions into something on a large scale and build a team of like-minded people to create content that challenges.

What’s the best professional advice that you have received so far?

I would say the best advice I have received so far is to know your worth and act like it. There have been several times in my career where I have been asked by a potential client for something, and they shy away from the price or by the scale. Knowing what your time, equipment, knowledge, and peace are worth is key to running a successful business. Being honest and standing your ground in situations like that will only lead you to be a better professional in your field.

In what ways do you try to differentiate yourself from other photographers?

I would say the biggest way I try to differentiate is by always learning and staying ahead of the curve. In a world where originality is few and far between, and AI is running rampant through digital media, I think being one step ahead and molding your work to fit the next big trend is the best way to differentiate. Also, staying true to yourself and your voice.

What were some of the biggest hurdles when you were launching your business?

The biggest hurdles were always time and money. Finding time to prioritize the goals you want to achieve is difficult, but the more time given only grants a greater reward. Likewise, money as a college student is always difficult. Doing my best to fund my passion while still living a sustainable life was a challenge but is also a blessing. Between family support and other jobs I worked, I was able to invest a large chunk of my earnings back into my business.

What advice would you give to a new Cobber?

Do everything you can. Make every connection you can. Especially as a first-year student, connections grant you power to so much more than it may seem from the outside. There is always somebody who knows a guy for something. Do your best to always know a guy who knows a guy.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to continue to build TCavProductions and hopefully add another 1-3 clients in 2026. From there, I hope to be able to hire an employee or two to continue scaling and expanding my business in the F-M area.

^{Published December 2025}