ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

ST Collage About Us 2019
  • Our origin
  • Began in a back bedroom
  • Traveled the globe! Filmed projects in at least 5 different international countries
ST Collage About Us 2020
  • Our team grew
  • We were lucky enough to still make great projects, even in the midst of the pandemic
  • We discovered our love for In N Out
  • Built our office in the basement

Released our first reel – we called it

ST Collage About Us 2021
  • Our team grew larger!
  • Packed our team of 5 into a 10’x15’ basement room.
  • We made some of our first scripted projects
ST Collage About Us 2022
  • Moved to first office (The Basement Part II)
  • First team outing to Las Vegas…
  • Saw Cirque de Soleil 
ST Collage About Us 2023
  • Spent a lot of time in airports
  • Found out how much our team is capable of (how amazing we are!)
  • Team outing to see a ballet at London’s Royal Opera house
  • Got really good at Escape Games
ST Collage About Us 2024
  • Construction began on our new office at the beginning of the year
  • By the fall, we moved to current office (our home)
  • Began Catan tournaments

Released our second reel – we called it

ST Collage About Us 2025
  • We’re sharing our story for the first time and how we live out our mission
20232024202120252022
stout history

HISTORY

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VISION

“I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.”

—Jack London

 

At STOUT, we don’t believe in sustaining. We believe in creating.

We are not in the business of playing it safe.

We are in the business of bold moves and meaningful impact.
Time never stops. We’re here to use it fully, without fear or regret.

PHILOSOPHY

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VISION

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vision

OUR TEAM

David McKay

Founder & CEO

“Forever curious”

Marisa Mckay cofounder

Marisa McKay

Co-Founder & Photographer

“Image Architect”

Cara Holland

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

“Calm and capable”

Tori Mills Creative Content Director

Tori Mills

Creative Content Director

“Finding beauty in the unusual”

Jessica Hudkins Producer & Client Relations

Jessica Hudkins

Producer & Client Relations

“Details with intention”

Sam Young Senior Editor

Sam Young

Senior Editor

“The Magician”

Mekenzie Morrow Assistant Editor

Mekenzie Morrow

Assistant Editor

“Post Wizard”

Mekenzie Morrow Assistant Editor

Name

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David McKay

Founder & CEO

“Forever curious”

David McKay is the visionary force behind STOUT, a creative agency built to bridge the gap between bold storytelling and strategic execution. Since launching STOUT in 2019, David has cultivated a reputation for delivering cinematic brand narratives that resonate, inspire, and drive impact.

At 21, David picked up a camera for the first time in an elective video journalism class. This moment sparked a curiosity that quickly became an obsession. Over the years, he immersed himself in every aspect of production, working as camera operator, editor, animator, gaffer, DP, director, and producer, honing a comprehensive understanding of storytelling and execution. He worked across marketing agencies, production companies, and the freelance world before founding STOUT, where he could merge creative vision with courageous leadership.

David’s foundation has come from producing and shooting numerous international documentaries, and he attributes this global experience as a major force in shaping his perspective. He’s captured humanistic stories across the globe, from the jungles of Peru, to the landscapes of Norway, the remote corners of Russia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, China, and beyond. He sees storytelling as a universal language, one that’s capable of uniting people, elevating brands, and leaving a lasting imprint.

Today, David thrives at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and brand strategy. With an executive producer and creative director mindset, he has a unique ability to manage and develop large-scale, complex budgets, ensuring creative excellence without compromising financial efficiency. He’s worked with brands ranging from grassroots nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, building content that doesn’t just capture attention, but creates lasting connections.

His passion? Creating with excellence, leading with vision, and connecting brands to stories that matter. He believes the key to pioneering bold futures lies in holding a beginner’s mindset, and that innovation takes a willingness to challenge norms, think creatively, and approach problems in unconventional ways.

Outside of STOUT, he treasures his wife, two boys, and a life filled with travel and adventure—ideally while riding dirt bikes! He’s always excited to chase what’s next, because he believes the best is always ahead.

Marisa McKay

Co-Founder & Photographer

“Image Architect”

Marisa McKay is a seasoned photographer and creative professional with a passion for visual storytelling. Raised in Nashville, TN, she began her entrepreneurial journey in 2006 by starting her own photography business, which led her to exciting opportunities across the U.S., including stints in Los Angeles and Austin, TX. Her growing expertise in photography and post-production work ultimately brought her back to Nashville, where she was offered a full-time position as a post-production retoucher and colorist for renowned brands and leading publications. Her portfolio includes work for renowned publications such as Victoria’s Secret, Fruit of the Loom, Maxim Magazine and National Geographic. In addition to her work as a photographer and retoucher, Marisa co-founded Stout Agency with her husband, David McKay. Together, they have built a creative agency that allows them to pursue their shared passion for innovative design and storytelling. Currently residing in Nashville with their two beautiful boys, Marisa and her family are deeply invested in their work and the creative community. They continue to love what they do, fueling their shared vision and dedication to producing exceptional work.
Cara Holland

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

“Calm and capable”

Cara Holland is an integral part of the Stout team, serving as the Office Manager and providing essential support to the CEO and the entire organization. Her diverse responsibilities encompass a wide range of critical areas, including human resources, accounting, travel, scheduling, and office management. With over 20 years in the Hospitality Industry, Cara has developed a strong foundation in customer service, relationship building, and operations management—all of which align directly with Stout’s mission to create value and exceed expectations. She has received multiple Employee/Sales Manager of the Quarter awards for her exceptional performance in generating revenue, exceeding goals, and proactively driving sales efforts. Her ability to build trust and lasting relationships with clients through integrity, attention to detail and care, combined with her teamwork and collaboration across departments, has directly translated to success at Stout. Her background in hospitality has made her especially effective in offering excellent service, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering a positive and productive work environment for the team. Cara is passionate about Stout’s mission to create value and exceed expectations, and she is committed to supporting the team in any way possible to ensure its success. Outside of work, Cara values spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys outdoor activities, maintaining an active lifestyle, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Tori Mills

Creative Content Director

“Finding beauty in the unusual”

Tori Mills is the Creative Content Director at STOUT Agency, where she leads the creative vision for branded video content. She believes the power of a video lies in the specificity of its message and emotion, leading to an authentic and resonant story. Her narrative work has screened at festivals across the country, often sparking personal connections with audiences who see their own experiences reflected in her films. Tori holds a BA in Filmmaking and Creative Writing from Western Kentucky University. When she’s not directing, she’s likely in a local movie theater, popcorn in hand, getting emotional over a foreign language film.
Jessica Hudkins

Producer & Client Relations

“Details with intention”

As Producer & Client Relations, Jessica Hudkins is the bridge between creativity and logistics at Stout Agency, ensuring that every project runs smoothly while fostering strong client relationships. With a Master’s in Film Production and a natural inclination for structure and organization, she helps build the foundation for Stout’s continued growth and success. Jessica thrives on delivering exceptional service, paying close attention to the details that make a project not just good, but great. She believes that strong relationships pave the way for opportunity, and she takes pride in anticipating needs and making things happen. Outside of work, Jessica is a dedicated film enthusiast and an avid researcher, always eager to learn and refine her craft. Whether it’s organizing a production or curating the perfect movie watchlist, she brings the same level of thoughtfulness and precision to everything she does.
Sam Young

Senior Editor

“The Magician”

With a career spanning two decades, Sam Young is a seasoned editor with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. From feature films and music videos to commercials, documentaries, and comedy specials, he has shaped narratives across a wide spectrum of media. At Stout, he not only leads the charge in mainline editing (a term he may or may not have invented) but also oversees the technical intricacies of post-production, specializing in VFX, GFX, and sound. As a lifelong student of the craft, Sam brings both technical expertise and artistic intuition to every project. His work has been trusted by high-profile clients such as Jamie Foxx, Disney, ABC, and Snoop Dogg, and he has contributed to award-winning short films and beyond. Outside of the editing suite, Sam is a writer, musician, and author. Whether behind the screen or on the page, he’s extremely dedicated to his love for art.
Mekenzie Morrow

Assistant Editor

“Post Wizard”

Mekenzie Morrow is a storyteller at heart, blending creativity and technical skill in his role as assistant editor at Stout Agency. For him, editing isn’t just about assembling footage—it’s about tapping into an innate human desire of connection and creativity. A lifelong film enthusiast, Mekenzie’s passion for storytelling began in childhood and led him to formal training at the Nashville Film Institute. With over five years of experience, he has edited a wide range of projects, from music videos and corporate films to short films and documentaries. Outside of work, he’s an avid consumer of stories—through books, films, and video games—that inspire his craft. Whether editing, writing, or problem-solving, he approaches every project with enthusiasm, precision, and a commitment to bringing visions to life.