How One Student Turned High School Video Board Experience into a Media Business

A Student Story That Started with One Idea in Middle School

“I want to create a business that will last,” Cody Smithies said while he was still in seventh grade.

Over time, that early idea grew into Floww Media, a business that expanded into graphic design, videography, website development and sports media.

But the turning point came when that work connected with what he was doing at school.

Learning by Doing Before the Video Board Arrived

“The coach said, ‘You can travel with us and take photos,’” Cody recalled about his early experience working with the football team.

He started by saying yes.

• Yes to photographing games

• Yes to filming practices

• Yes to uploading content for the team

Those early opportunities didn’t come with structure or a clear path, but they built the foundation for everything that followed.

Turning a High School Video Board into a Real Opportunity

When a video board was installed at Payette High School in Idaho, the opportunity shifted.

“We were already making graphics and getting ready before we even had access to it,” explained Cody.

Through a media production class, he started working with tools like Photoshop and After Effects, creating content for a live audience.

“Being able to create something and see it up on the board – that’s super cool,” he said.

The difference was immediate. He wasn’t just capturing moments anymore.

He was creating them.

Taking Ownership of Game‑Day Production

By senior year, Cody had moved from learning to leadership.

“We follow a script – pregame, in‑game, postgame,” he said, describing how productions came together.

Game day meant managing the full experience:

• Planning content ahead of time

• Coordinating sponsors and timing

• Working with groups like the band

• Executing a live production from start to finish

He was now leading full productions, from preparation to execution.

From One Student to a Growing Team

As the work grew, so did the need for more people. Cody began training other students, building a team that could support larger productions and keep things running consistently.

“When I show people how to do it, they get it really quick,” Cody said.

What began as an individual effort became a team‑driven operation.

At the same time, his work outside of school with Floww Media continued to expand into multiple areas – videography and photography, graphic design and web development, and sports coverage across Idaho.

Turning High School Experience into Paid Production Work

After graduation, Cody stepped into a professional role at Payette High School, where he now leads full productions.

• Preparing graphics and content

• Running sponsor placements throughout the day

• Coordinating crew responsibilities

• Managing live video, timing and replay

“It’s a lot more than just showing up and pressing play,” Cody explained.

Continuing to Learn from Every Production Experience

Even now, Cody builds on what he learned the same way he started – by paying attention and improving.

“I’m always looking at the board… looking for something new to come up with,” he said.

Whether it’s a college game or a professional venue, he studies what others are doing—constantly looking for ideas to bring back to his own work.

“I was at a game just watching the board… my girlfriend had to tell me to stop,” he added with a laugh.

For him, every experience is a chance to improve.

What This Means for Other Students

“Just do it… don’t be afraid,” Cody said when asked what advice he would give other students.

His story shows what can happen when students take initiative, seek out opportunities and earn trust to take on more responsibility.

Those experiences can lead to real careers, or even a business of their own.

Listen to Cody’s Full Story

Cody Smithies’ journey from high school video boards to building his own media company shows what can happen when students turn opportunity into action.

Listen to the full episode of The Daktronics Experience Podcast to hear Cody share his story in his own words.

Listen to the Podcast