About Summit Video Services
Top-quality video production and video services are not the only things that set Summit Video Services apart. The success story of Summit Video is a microcosm of the American Dream. Owner Chad Godfrey started the business out of his home in 2004. Those humble beginnings are woven into the fabric of the business, as the staff is as professional, polite, and courteous as one can find.
Summit Video’s growth is a direct result of the passion, hard work, and dedication that Chad exhibited in growing the business. Summit Video has quickly become a local favorite in Downtown Lee’s Summit and the Kansas City metro.
Today, Summit Video Services operates in a state-of-the-art studio and produces the best video services, yet still possesses the charm and personable atmosphere upon which it was founded.
Chad godfrey, owner
As a young child, Chad Godfrey was constantly infatuated with film and video cameras, audio recorders, and early personal computers. In 2004, Chad linked these interests together and started a business. For the past 21 years, Chad has been the owner of Summit Video Services, an audio and video production and photography services company based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Chad is an Emmy-nominated and nationally-awarded video producer with recognitions in the areas of video production, editing, photography, design, documentary, motion graphics, and sound design.
Chad’s professional work in video production includes documentary and brand films for businesses and the non-profit sector. He is a creative storyteller with a unique ability to structure a narrative, whether for a short film, commercial, music video, or YouTube vlog. Chad has an exceptional capability to pace a story, build tension, and create emotional engagement; all critical skills to the clients he serves.
Chad’s photography is primarily commercial, providing services for architectural firms, municipalities, and the commercial real estate industry. Though less for profit, Chad’s true passion is landscape and astro-photography. He’s had many opportunities to travel internationally with a backpack full of gear (sometimes too full) to “chase the light.”
Chad is a contributing member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Chad’s spouse of 24 years, Suzie, is an elementary teacher in the Lee’s Summit School District. Together, they have three kids, ages 22, 19, and 15.
ALLESON CAIN: PHOTO editor • VIDEO TECHNICIAN
Majoring in Professional Photography, Alleson graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Central Missouri. Alleson handles all things photo and video transfer at Summit Video and is often the face and voice of the business. Handling orders, offering customer service, and talking to you on the phone are among the many duties Alleson provides.
Alleson’s unofficial title should be “Photoshop Wizard” as she is amazing at the work she does providing photo restoration and retouching services. She is both an artist and a technician, combining creativity with technical expertise to enhance and repair any image or legacy video format.
Karrie smythia: film & video editor • writer • social media
Karrie joined our team in 2023 following the retirement of 25 years with the Lee’s Summit School District. In 1998, Karrie started the broadcasting program at Lee’s Summit High School and in 2004 helped open Lee’s Summit West High School. Over the next 19 years, Karrie expanded the program to teach broadcast journalism, sports broadcasting, video technology, and International Baccalaureate Film. Karrie has many former students who work all over the world in the video industry.
At Summit Video, Karrie serves many roles including film transfer, video editing, copywriting, and social media management. Like Alleson, Karrie is also often the face and voice of the business, responsible for assisting customers and ensuring they have a positive experience.
GRIFFIN HEIDE: VIDEO PRODUCTION & EDITING • MOTION DESIGNER
Griffin “Griff” Heide has worked at Summit Video since 2019 and has essentially done all the things (audio and video production, editing, transfer, customer service, etc.). A 2023 graduate of Blue Springs South High School, Griff had a leading role in his high school broadcast team led by KMBC-9 Meteorologist, Pete Grigsby. Griffin is currently a student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia earning his BFA in Film and Television.
In his current role at Summit Video, Griff manages many of our video editing projects, transforming them into a polished, engaging final product. Griff is a gifted storyteller, directory of photography, video editor, and motion designer.