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://yourheritagefilm.com/

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...