Our Story
Marathon Media started with a small desk and a secondhand camera, carried in a gifted trumpet case.
Not a grand launch, just a belief that meaningful work could be built from the ground up.
Building a business is one of the most courageous things a person can do. It requires stepping into uncertainty, making decisions without guarantees, and continuing forward when the outcome is not yet visible.
We understand because we have lived it.
The businesses in our communities are not lacking vision, heart, or effort, but they often lack clarity on how to market themselves. Time, effort, and money go into marketing that is not only exhausting but doesn’t drive real results. That gap is where we chose to build.
We are here to help you grow
Today, we offer decades of experience in strategy, content creation, and high-impact media.
Everything we do is designed to support professional growth that is sustainable, measurable, and aligned with where you want to go.
Jake Buss
My interest for digital media started with videography work through Charles City High School. After earning my BA in Digital Media from Dordt University, I launched my first videography company. Marathon Videography was born in 2013 and shortly after, I returned to Charles City. It’s here that Marathon Videography expanded. What started as a small business has grown into something amazing. I saw an opportunity to follow my passion while helping others find theirs. It’s a place for a community to grow.
Lydia Buss
I am a passionate people leader with over a decade of experience in the finance industry. My work is grounded in a positive energy attitude, and I have found success coaching teams to high performance, guiding continuous improvement, and building strong client relationships.
I believe the strongest teams are built on thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and earned trust—values that guide how Marathon Media partners with our clients.
Jesse Brauning
I’m a bilingual storyteller and editor whose life has spanned continents, cultures, and creative worlds. Raised in the Dominican Republic, I bring a cross-cultural lens and 15 years of wedding and commercial filmmaking experience to my role with Marathon Media. From heartfelt wedding films to polished brand campaigns, my work blends clean visuals, emotional clarity, and honest pacing. Whether leading a team or collaborating one-on-one, I aim for stories that feel human, true, and deeply watchable.
Norma Jenkins
I was raised in Charles City, Iowa. I started my photography journey as a junior in high school. After high school, I followed my passion and continued my education at Hawkeye Community College, where I studied professional photography. I have learned so much about photography, from how to use film cameras and develop the negatives, to different editing techniques, and so much more! I love photography because I get the opportunity to connect with all of you and help capture your special moments in a way that lasts for a lifetime! I love the creativity that comes along with photography, from capturing the photo to editing your photos to really take them to the next level.
Harley Hightower
As an early adopter of social media, I quickly learned skills to build an audience and keep them engaged. After seeing the need for small businesses to have someone who understands everything digital, I opened my own agency with a focus on small creators and businesses. I have found success in helping others find their ideal audience and market and creating a strategy for digital presence that works for the client.
“Marathon Media is an asset to my business! They provide high-quality professional products and create great customer service. The attractive products they create enhances my digital and print marketing providing added value for my clients”
- V. L., Current Client