Minute Mentor: Filmmaker and Educator Chad Quinn

Minute Mentor is a series of posts profiling real people achieving their dreams. It began with the simple idea that “seeing is being.”  When cofounders Rick and Faye’s oldest son was born, it was clear he was musically inclined. He was playing piano by ear at age 4 and neither of them ever even picked up an instrument! When Faye remembered an old neighbor who had gone on to become a Julliard trained musician, she immediately reached out to him and said, “What do we do?”  He patiently answered all of her questions on how best to nurture her budding musician.

Minute Mentor provides a space for real people to tell their stories so if you or your little one is in search of mentorship on how to achieve their dreams, you can look no further than right here! Sometimes the best inspiration comes from seeing someone that looks like you achieving similar goals.

If you have any questions or comments for the featured guest, leave a comment, and we will do our best to bring it to their attention! Happy imagining!

Name: Chad Quinn

Age: 36

Occupation: Filmaker/Assistant Dean of Public Charter School

Career Level:

• Entry
• Mid-level
• Executive
• Entrepreneur
• Retired

How hard do you work? 

• Lots of Leisure Time
• Typical 40-50hr Workweek
• More than Average
• I never stop working

Lifestyle/Income: 

• Side Hustle/Didn’t Quit My Day Job
• Getting By
• My bills are Paid with Some Room for Fun
• You get a car! You get a car!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you currently reside?

[I was] born in North Carolina, raised in Jersey. I went to Temple University and obtained a degree in Marketing and Business Law.  I then went on to further my studies at Howard University School of Law. I’ve spent 12+ years in corporate America working for multiple Fortune 500 companies as a consultant and research analyst. But with all my work and studies, I’ve always wanted to make films.

 What kind of student were you?

Hmmm…somewhat troublesome. School came really easy for me.  [I] had mostly AP courses, so I would get in trouble for running my mouth and causing issues because I knew I was going to pass regardless. Then one day a teacher shared with me that although I was doing fine, my behavior was really affecting those I considered friends, that changed my perspective and helped me be more of a leader.

“I overcame adversity due to my willingness to continue to push through regardless of the obstacle. There is not one successful person on earth who’s done it all alone. I developed a very trustworthy and supportive team to help guide my career. From family to friends, I owe them so much credit for my success.”

Describe your current job/jobs.

I work with high school students (grades 9-12) on all types of issues relating to academic and behavioral performance. I’m also a filmmaker. I write constantly. I have multiple films that are now hitting the film festival circuit and a few projects I’ll be pitching to networks in the coming months.

What education level is required for your job? Tests? Certificates? Years of School?

Advanced degree to be a Dean of Admissions. Film, none, just a serious work ethic and dedication to the craft.

 Did you have a mentor/mentors? How did you meet?

On the film side, somewhat. We met during the shooting of one of my earlier projects and have been working closely ever since. She’s taught me a lot about the film industry, both from an artistic and business perspective.  

How did you get your current job?

Working my way up the ranks. I honestly come back to God’s favor. I started at the bottom of the totem pole with no prior experience in education and continued to foster relationships with both staff and students. Eventually, opportunities arose for me to move up in this field.

Do you find your work fulfilling?

Very. I couldn’t happier with both areas of my work. They provide me an opportunity to make tangible impacts to our society.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue your current career path?

I always knew I wanted to be an educator in some capacity. As far as filmmaking, I’ve been writing short stories since my early teen years. Watching a movie, from the opening credits/music, to trailers, everything about making movies just always fascinated me.

 What, if any, setbacks have you faced? How did you overcome them to accomplish your goals?

My setbacks are no different than those in other disciplines; rejection, lack of opportunity, discrimination, lack of support, lack of experience, etc. I overcame adversity due to my willingness to continue to push through regardless of the obstacle. There is not one successful person on earth who’s done it all alone. I developed a very trustworthy and supportive team to help guide my career. From family to friends, I owe them so much credit for my success.

“…the first and only person you need to sell your idea, dream, or whatever to, is yourself. Because there are many lonely and dark days to the path of success, if you don’t truly believe in what you’re trying to accomplish, then you won’t.”

What advice would you give a parent of a child/young adult interested in pursuing a job in your field? What advice would you give them on pursuing any career goal?

Don’t just say what you want to do, create a plan and then go out and execute. And this holds true with most things in life, if not all. Belief in yourself is the key. It sounds cliché, but the first and only person you need to sell your idea, dream, or whatever to, is yourself. Because there are many lonely and dark days to the path of success, if you don’t truly believe in what you’re trying to accomplish, then you won’t.

Anything you would like to add?

Be on the lookout for a few films I have slated for screenings in multiple cities within the next few months, Perceptions, #Trending and Mixed. To find out more specifically about Perceptions you can follow us at http://perceptionsmovie.com/. Additionally, I have a movie, Sex, Politics, Race and Religion, due to come out with TVOne next year.

Check out the trailer for Chad’s upcoming movie Perceptions here.

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About The Author

Faye McCray is an attorney by day and writer all the time. Her work has been featured on My Brown Baby, AfroPunk, AfroNews, For Harriet, Madame Noire, Black Girl Nerds, Black and Married with Kids, and other popular publications.  Faye also has a number of short stories and a full length novel available for purchase on Amazon.  Most importantly, Faye is a proud wife and mother to three beautiful and talented young boys who she is fiercely passionate about raising. You can find Faye on Twitter @fayewrites and on the web at fayemccray.com.