Episode 232
Telling Stories That Last Forever: How Chance McClain Turned Personal Loss Into a 7-Figure Legacy Business
Most people wait until it’s too late to capture a loved one’s story. They assume there’ll be more time, more chances, more tomorrows. For Chance McClain, that realization came just days after filming his stepfather’s life story—he passed away five days later.
What started as a favor for a friend turned into a calling. A single interview turned into a thriving business, Heritage Films, with over 800 documentaries created across 40 states. From World War II veterans to multi-generational ranchers, Chance is preserving legacies one story at a time—and redefining what it means to pass down more than just possessions.
In this episode, Chance shares how losing his father gave birth to a company, the power of storytelling in families, and how even a CPA’s story can move generations to tears.
Key Takeaways:
• The Accidental Business: How a one-time favor became a legacy company serving families across the U.S.
• Stories That Sell (Without Selling): Why personal narratives are more powerful than any pitch—and how Chance "sells" wisdom, values, and connection to future generations.
• Systematizing Legacy: The behind-the-scenes process that allows Chance to scale highly emotional, 3-hour films while keeping each one deeply personal.
• AI + Storytelling: How Chance uses ChatGPT and Notebook LM to prep interviews, build SOPs, and keep creative energy flowing.
• Launching Farm and Ranch Films: A new brand for multigenerational agricultural families—where the land itself becomes a character.
• Why Freedom = Play: Chance’s long-term vision of choosing only the stories he wants to tell while his systems handle the rest.
About the Guest:
Chance McClain is a creative powerhouse, blending a rich background in filmmaking, radio, and theater with a passion for storytelling. As the founder of Heritage Films, Chance has created more than 800 feature- length documentaries, celebrating family stories and life legacies. His work has connected generations, preserving the essence of individuals and families through visually stunning films.
A proud Army veteran and a pioneer in narrative innovation, Chance’s career spans sports radio, Broadway musicals, and entrepreneurial filmmaking. From directing a Streamy-nominated film to writing and producing an off-Broadway musical while running a sports station, his versatility and dedication shine through.
Today, Chance leads his team at Heritage Films with a heartfelt commitment to authenticity, merging technical expertise with an artistic touch. Whether inspiring others to embrace their past or discussing the art of storytelling, he captivates audiences and helps them see the value in preserving their own legacies
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancemcclain/
https://www.youtube.com/@YourHeritageFilm
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I’d shoot a heritage film on my iPhone. Then I'd use that money to upgrade equipment, do another, and grow from there. I’d be back in under a year."
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "I had early success, built an Excel sheet with fantasy projections—$1M/month by Year 3. The real success felt like failure because of that unrealistic spreadsheet."
3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Rocket Fuel” by Gino Wickman and “Invisible Ink” by Brian McDonald”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "ChatGPT + NotebookLM. I uploaded an entire company playbook—every process, review, and conversation—so now I have an AI that knows my business better than some employees."
5. What is your definition of freedom? "Making decisions that are best for my family and having the resources to make them happen. I found I love what I do—and I want to help others, too."
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
