Graham Duval

Videography plays a crucial role in business growth by capturing and conveying a brand’s story in a visually compelling way. High-quality videos engage audiences, build trust, and effectively showcase products or services. Graham is a standout in this field, known for his exceptional ability to blend creativity with strategy, producing videos that not only look stunning but also drive results. His expertise ensures that every shot enhances the brand’s message, making him the best choice for businesses looking to elevate their visual presence.

-Danielle Hirsh

With my greatest enthusiasm I nominate Graham Duval for Uplift’s “Finest Under 40” for the “Best in Business” category. Some of what follows is very personal and be assured I have received Graham’s permission to share this.
To appreciate what makes this man a standout I must dwell a bit on the daunting obstacles he has overcome to get here. From his early teens, Graham struggled with addiction and throughout high school experimented with increasing amounts of increasingly dangerous drugs. He was alienated from family and friends, isolating himself within the world of drug use. Not surprisingly he had difficulty with the law and spent a summer as a teenager in the Androscoggin Jail. Money gone and homeless, his family and even Graham himself did not think he would survive to his 30th birthday
It is from this background that this truly remarkable man had the insight to realize he would either have to resign himself to an early grave or do something to change the course of his life. He chose the latter. With humility he sought rehab where he became a model patient. Earnestly following the instructions of counsellors and others in recovery and has recently celebrated his seventh anniversary of sobriety.
When he and his sponsor and counsellors felt his sobriety was strong enough Graham set out on a path of self-improvement. This included a return to college where in 2022 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music. With this accomplishment he then went on to develop his own business, “Valud Productions” providing video marketing services. His business model has always focused on providing a “win-win” product; being certain his clients receive great value, while at the same time his own business has grown and thrived as one of the most recognized businesses of it’s kind. While statistics show that most small businesses fail in their first year, Valud Productions is almost three years old demonstrating growth and increasing strength with each passing year. Now with clients as far west as California and as far south as Florida. He has used his life experience as a catalyst to develop ‘one of a kind’, cutting edge strategies for video marketing that are helping to launch Maine into the 21st century of business growth.
Why then do I believe he is worthy of this award? Graham has an introspection about his life that is inspiring. He once told me that he would not change anything about his life (addicted, homeless, estranged, etc) because all of that needed to happen for him to be the man he is today and he likes who he is today. Further, he has made certain to pay it forward. He has sponsored numerous fellow alcoholics and addicts, quietly assisting them through tough times knowing what they are going through. I was present at a meeting where a room full of addicts, to a one, indicated that they were only clean because of Graham and the example he has set. He has chaired countless 12 step meetings even at the jail where he spent the summer of his 18th year. He hosts a podcast providing free advice regarding business and life choices through interviews with successful guests. He provides free or discounted services to worthy organizations such as “Make a Wish Foundation” and “Maine Department of Corrections”.
Graham has built a successful, socially conscious business from circumstances that could have easily ended his life. All the while maintaining his own sobriety and helping others achieve the same. Never calling attention to himself. He is a remarkable man always more concerned about others than himself. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.

-Neil Duval