How Boom Box Post Created a Culture of Generosity in a Competitive Industry - Jeff Shiffman and Kate Finan - Boom Box Post

In this episode of Small Business, Big Engine, host Grant Fisher sits down with Jeff Shiffman and Kate Finan, the co-founders of Boom Box Post, a boutique audio post-production studio based in Burbank, California. Known for their award-winning sound design work on projects for Netflix, Nickelodeon, Disney, Amazon, and more, Jeff and Kate are reshaping what it means to run a creative studio that’s nimble, inclusive, and fiercely independent.Boom Box Post started as a leap of faith, a breakaway from the corporate world of Warner Bros. to build something smaller, more agile, and more aligned with their values as creatives. What followed was the transformation of a literal auto body shop into a state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos equipped facility with a culture unlike anything else in the sound design world.In this conversation, we explore how Jeff and Kate built their studio from the ground up, why they prioritize design-focused storytelling, and how they’ve maintained strong client relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment. We dive into their paid apprenticeship program, their 50/50 gender parity hiring approach, and how fostering a generous, collaborative culture has helped them thrive in one of the most competitive corners of the entertainment industry.You’ll also hear their candid take on the rise of AI in audio post-production, why transparency and kindness still give them a competitive edge, and how they’re future-proofing their business by expanding into features, podcasts, and digital sound libraries.Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, studio owner, sound professional, or just curious about how top-tier studios operate behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on how to build a creative business that lasts.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Jeff and Kate left a major studio to build Boom Box PostHow they transformed an old auto shop into a world-class sound facilityWhat it means to be a “design-focused” audio post studioHow they created a company culture centered on generosity and collaborationThe strategy behind their paid apprenticeship programHow they maintain 50/50 gender parity in a male-dominated industryTheir thoughts on AI, automation, and the future of sound designHow they manage recurring work, client relationships, and creative riskWhy kindness and communication still win in a high-stakes industryWhat’s next for Boom Box Post, from features to podcasts to sound librariesFeatured Projects Mentioned:Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Netflix)StuGo (Disney+)Wild PAK (Nickelodeon)Invincible (Amazon Prime)Resources & Mentions:Boom Box Post WebsiteBoom Box BlogBoom Box LibraryKate Finan on LinkedInJeff Shiffman on LinkedInConnect with Boom Box Post:→ Visit: boomboxpost.com→ Contact: Use their contact form for inquiries, all messages go directly to Jeff and Kate→ Follow their blog for weekly insights into sound design, team culture, and creative workflowsAbout the Podcast:Small Business, Big Engine is a weekly podcast hosted by Grant Fisher, where we explore the stories and strategies of creative entrepreneurs who are building strong, sustainable businesses. Each episode dives into the real-world tools, decisions, and philosophies that power small business success.Like this episode?Be sure to leave a 5-star review!