Brian Cruz

Basic Info

Location: Austin, TX (moved from New Jersey)
Role/Occupation: Videographer / Video Production Business Owner; also working software job
Met: Through Dawson Carroll's church community (December 2025)
Background: Mexican heritage

Runs video production business for ~5-8 years with one main retainer client (3 years)
Recently took software job due to financial pressures
Previously made six figures while living at parents' house with minimal expenses
Had two employees at peak, covered their salaries while depleting personal savings
Opened credit cards to cover business overhead (~$1,500/month in software)
Describes himself as "more of an editor" in the video space
Has a buddy who is "a very good editor" he collaborates with

Financial Reset: Depleted $10K savings and $10K investments covering business costs
Identity Struggle: Processing tension between entrepreneurship and taking a job
Job Philosophy: Initially "doing just enough" but now trying to "go all in" on the 9-5
Business Status: Maintaining one retainer client; considering restructuring direction
Boss's Approach: Company losing "hundreds of thousands of dollars" but investing in ideation over rushing products; values thinking over output

Recently moved to Austin from New Jersey area
Goes to church with Dawson (Tarrytown Church)
Trains at high rocks gym where he's made friends in the fitness community
Single; interested in a Filipino girl from his home church in New Jersey who sings on worship team
Previous "red pill" journey that he's now reconciling with faith-based uncertainty

Current State: Transitioning from "exploring" to potentially "searching"
Key Insight: "I have zero goals for the New Year's because it's like, it's not about what I want... God has just changed directions for me multiple times"
Learning to be comfortable with uncertainty vs. the "red pill" mindset of needing certainty as a man
Processing the tension: "Does that make me quote-unquote less of a man because I don't know what I want?"
Conclusion: "I'm leaning into it" - trusting God's redirection

On AI/Authenticity: "Our DNA is slowly changing in how we trust people in a world where AI is... manipulation at its highest"
Believes human nature is developing defense mechanisms against emotional manipulation
Sees value in companies that prioritize authenticity over AI-generated content (cited Porsche campaign)
On Work Ethic: "How you do anything is how you do everything"
Processes through self-awareness; noted he's becoming "less and less" believing in coincidences

Videography skills for content creation
Interested in filming/documenting stories (mentioned interest in filming Dawson's grandfather's woodworking)
Could potentially help with Daily Spirit video production
Planning music video shoot with Dawson for "I Want You" song

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2026-01-07-gary-dawson-brian-generational-curses-way-to-love	2026-01-07	Late-night hangout; Brian shared father wound story and pattern-breaking; generational curses theology; de Mello's "flabby mind" reading
2025-12-30-gary-dawson-brian-bible-study-living-situation	2025-12-30	Bible study hangout covering faith journeys, purpose/calling, AI's workforce impact, and life direction reflections