David Jenkins, better known as Dave The Plug, is a name built on vision, determination, and an unrelenting drive to create. His journey into photography and videography started back in 2017 with a Canon Rebel EOS T6—a camera that wasn’t even his. What started as taking pictures of his girlfriend soon turned into a passion, and he found himself filming music videos for his friends in his free time. But it was in 2019 when he made the boldest move—spending his last $2,500 on a Sony A7III camera. His brother, who worked at Best Buy at the time, questioned the decision, but Dave knew deep down that this was his path.
From there, he turned to his tech-savvy cousin, who not only invested $1,000 into his vision but also became a mentor, teaching him everything from shooting techniques to editing. That knowledge, combined with sheer dedication, set Dave on a trajectory that would change his life. He attempted film school, but a key mentor told him to save his time and money, choosing instead to personally guide him through the world of photography and videography. That mentorship, combined with hands-on experience, built the foundation for what was to come.
One of the biggest turning points in Dave’s career came by accident—literally. His father, intending to call him, accidentally dialed DJ Da Don, a well-known music producer in the industry. Over time, DJ Da Don and Dave’s father built a friendship, and his dad never missed an opportunity to mention that his son was a talented photographer and videographer. Eventually, that moment came—DJ Da Don needed a photoshoot for a magazine. Dave took the opportunity and delivered, setting up a shoot in his dad’s basement using a white backdrop and three different lights. That one shoot led to many more, and soon, DJ Da Don made it official—Dave The Plug was his go-to cameraman.
Dave was born in Hoffman Estates, raised in Iowa and Chicago, and in 2019-2020, he officially established Plug Promotions LLC. But the road to success was far from easy. He spent three years without a job, grinding to build his business from the ground up. One of the toughest setbacks came on January 31st, 2021, when he was filming a Big 30 concert in Dayton, Ohio. That night, his car was broken into, and he lost his book bag containing two SSD external drives, lenses, SD cards, and crucial unreleased footage. It was a devastating moment—one that could have derailed everything he had worked for. But instead of letting it stop him, Dave pushed through, proving that setbacks don’t define success—resilience does.
When asked who inspires him the most, Dave credits his cousin, DJ Da Don, Nipsey Hussle, Gary Vee, Michael Rubin, his brother, and his father—figures who all embody hard work, innovation, and vision. His ultimate goal? To leave a legacy of value—to create lasting memories, push boundaries, and give back through his work. Whether it’s photo shoots, video shoots, weddings, music videos, baby showers, gender reveals, promo videos, lifestyle vlogs, or concert visuals, Plug Promotions is all about delivering high-quality, storytelling visuals.
One of Dave’s proudest achievements as an entrepreneur is his portfolio—a testament to years of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His creative process is all about organization and execution—whether he’s jotting down ideas on his laptop, phone, or storing projects on external drives, he’s always on the move, making things happen.
Currently, Dave is working on new video projects, vlog footage, gym videos, and big concert shoots. His daily routine is non-stop—hitting the gym 3-4 days a week, working two jobs from 7 AM – 3 PM and 4 PM – 12 AM, and running his snow removal/landscaping business on the side. Weekends? That’s when he’s traveling for photo and video shoots, capturing moments that last a lifetime.
If there’s one message Dave wants to leave people with, it’s this: Believe. Adapt. Prevail. Sustain. There is such a thing as being too humble—don’t let humility stop your growth or cause you to miss opportunities. Take risks. Bet on yourself. And never stop pushing forward.
Business Website: Plug Promotions
Instagram: @davetheplug__