Meet James Alire | Video and Audio Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Alire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For years, I maintained a business setup for freelance projects in video, audio, and web design while working full-time in the corporate world. I enjoyed the variety that freelancing brought, especially compared to the repetitive content I created in corporate settings. Still, with a wife and two daughters, the idea of giving up a steady paycheck always made me hesitant.

When I was laid off in 2022, it hit me harder than I expected. I struggled with feeling like I had failed, but once I got past that mindset, I gained clarity. I realized I had savings in place, loyal clients who trusted me, and an opportunity to finally prove I could succeed on my own.

For me, running 5J Media full-time was not just about replacing income. It was about having the freedom to work with clients who were doing something valuable and meaningful, and having the option to choose projects I truly believed in. That independence became a huge motivator for me.

The first year was tough. There were moments when I doubted myself and even thought about returning to the corporate world. However, I was fortunate to have people in my corner who provided me with the advice and encouragement I needed to keep going. Their support, combined with my own determination, helped me build momentum.

Looking back, making the leap into running my business full-time has been one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions I have ever made.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At 5J Media, I combine authentic storytelling through video and audio with a focus on developing long-term relationships with my clients. I love working with clients in an ongoing way, helping them grow their business and knowing I had a hand in their success. That in itself makes me feel successful.

What sets me apart is both the personal approach I take with clients and the range of skills I bring to the table. My background began in IT, which provided me with a strong technical foundation. That made transitioning into audio engineering seamless, and from there, I expanded into video editing and videography. Because of that path, I can offer clients a complete package, essentially a one-stop shop for many of their video production needs.

All of my work comes from referrals, which is something I take pride in. It shows me that the relationships I build and the quality of my work speak for themselves. I have also had the privilege of working with a client whose projects led to several TV ad awards. More than the recognition, what means the most to me is the close partnership that grew out of that relationship. I love feeling like an extension of my clients’ teams, and in this case, they supported not only my business but also my family when needed. That kind of closeness is what makes the work deeply rewarding.

Getting to this point was not easy. My first year running the business was especially challenging. I felt like many of the close connections I had from the corporate world drifted away, and that was hard. The people who did stay in my corner made all the difference. They encouraged me, shared referrals, and gave me advice when I needed it most. Combined with the motivation to provide for my family and the support I had from my dad, I found the drive to keep going.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that I am capable of more than I thought I was. Some projects initially seemed intimidating, but I pushed myself to adapt, learn new skills, and deliver results. I also learned that going above and beyond for clients always pays off in the long run, even if the payoff is not immediate.

What I want people to know about 5J Media is that it is not just about producing videos. It is about creating meaningful projects that make an impact, whether that means helping a business achieve something tangible or sparking an emotional response in a viewer. At the heart of it all, it is about building genuine connections with the people I work with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For those who know me, they know I’m a fan of bourbon. So my first stop would be a few of my favorite bourbon spots like Pitch, The Hudson, or Bourbon & Bones. I’d also recommend any of the restaurants in downtown Gilbert, especially Oregano’s, which is a favorite for my family.

From there, I’d mix in some unique local experiences. We’d spend time in Agritopia to enjoy the farm-to-table vibe, and if they had kids with them, I’d suggest Organ Stop Pizza since it’s a fun family spot with live organ music. For a more outdoorsy day, I’d head to one of the nearby lakes, like Saguaro or Canyon Lake, to relax by the water and take in the desert scenery.

In Phoenix, I’d want to show them Roosevelt Row for its arts and culture, and then wrap up the trip with some of the good cocktails at places like Bitter & Twisted or the Platform 18 bar. To me, that combination of good food, great drinks, and a mix of culture and the outdoors really captures the best of what this area has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family – Sommer, Natalia, Nicole, and Leia (dog) – For always giving me the love I need to succeed.

Juan Kingsbury – Career Blindspot – For giving me the motivation when I needed it most.

Dom Thompson – 204 Film – For making me realize the value I can bring to others.

All my clients for believing in me to get the job done, and the close ones who have always had my back.

Website: https://www.5jmedia.com/

Instagram: @5JMedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesalire/

Twitter: @5JMedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5jmedia/

Image Credits
Ryan Nelson
Alec Bonnstetter