to the top collective

TO THE TOP Collective is a Name, Image, and Likeness marketing agency that supports student athletes at the University of Southern Mississippi. Through a subscription model, members and business partners directly provide funding and exposure to the athletes. I selected and led a variety of projects for the Collective, from promotional campaigns to events, making sure each one highlighted the mission and impact of the organization. The agency also produces events that raise funds and build long-term membership support.

southern spirit bourbon

The Collective partnered with Rare Design and Bespoken Spirits to create two custom bourbons representing the spirit of the University of Southern Mississippi, its student athletes, and its supporters.

Over several months, I documented the bourbon selection process and promotional efforts alongside Nelson Haskin, local business owner and founder of Bourbon on Front; Tucker Sappington, Executive Director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association; Peter Boehme, President of TO THE TOP Collective; and Toby Barker, Mayor of Hattiesburg.

For the panel-style interview at Bourbon on Front, I used a three-point lighting setup, two cameras, and individual audio to capture each participant clearly. Everything was shot horizontally to provide flexibility for web or social media use. The single-session format allowed me to create multiple pieces of content from one event, highlighting both the Collective’s impact and the personalities involved.

the nasty brunch

The Nasty Brunch was a collaboration between TO THE TOP Collective and writer and comedian Mary Ryan Brown. The Collective partnered with Brown to promote her show at the Hattiesburg Country Club, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Collective. The goal was to create a unique event that members and fans could enjoy while collaborating with a Hattiesburg native and rising comedian.

I documented the campaign through multiple shoots. The baseball player shoot relied entirely on natural light, which required careful exposure management in an uncontrolled setting. The shoot at the president’s house used a three-point lighting setup to properly light three subjects at once while capturing individual audio for each participant. These approaches allowed me to create polished, versatile content that could be used across web and social media.

membership campaign

The campaign aimed to educate prospective members and business partners about the opportunities within NIL. Navigating the world of NIL can be complex, so the goal was to clearly communicate the Collective’s plans for 2026. I combined footage from last year’s events with new material to showcase the Collective’s impact and highlight what’s ahead for this year.

Forrest Health