How CSI Accounting & Payroll balances authenticity and AI to scale video communication
November 19, 2025·4 mins
CSI Accounting & Payroll blends 1:1 video with AI Avatars to scale communication, improve client engagement, and boost productivity while easing on-camera barriers.
When videographer Jordan Sanders joined CSI Accounting & Payroll, a small business accounting firm based in Minneapolis, the team was in the midst of redefining its role as an accounting partner. They wanted to help clients grow — not just balance the books. So they teamed up with IMPACT, the agency behind the They Ask, You Answer framework to set them down the right path.
The business believed in video as a powerful tool for bringing the framework to life – educating customers and building trust through authentic connection and storytelling. They also saw an opportunity to scale their video strategy with AI. For Jordan, that meant blending 1:1 video with emerging tools like Vidyard’s AI Avatars to make communication faster, easier, and more personal at every stage of the client journey.
We sat down with Jordan to talk about how CSI Accounting & Payroll is balancing authenticity and innovation — and what he’s learned about using avatars to scale real, human connection.
💡AI Avatars are now available for free on Vidyard. Sign up here.
How did you come across AI Avatars?
We first saw avatars showcased at an IMPACT conference a few years ago and thought they were fascinating. We made one for our CEO, Brian Paulson early on, then put it on pause until the tech started improving — and it really has. One of our first big uses was a video on our homepage explaining who’s a good fit for our business.
We were already long-time Vidyard users, especially for hosting and video messaging, so integrating avatars into that workflow was a no-brainer. We liked the idea of having everything in one ecosystem — it just made sense.
Did you have to overcome any internal fears when introducing avatars to the business?
There’s always hesitation around video. People think it’s inconvenient or worry about being on camera.
With avatars, the lightbulb moment happens when they realize they can still create video content without stepping in front of the lens every time.
How are you using AI Avatars today?
Right now, we’re mostly using AI Avatars for internal videos. They’re a great icebreaker and introduction to the tech. One of our sellers and one of our accountants also have avatars which they use for client communications, like meeting confirmations and recaps.
I love the workflow of recording a meeting, using ChatGPT or Fathom to create a summary, and then turning that into an AI Avatar video on Vidyard.
It helps keep our client relationships human and personal. We want our clients to see us more than number crunchers!
See more use cases for AI Avatars.
What’s been the customer response so far?
The avatar video on our homepage actually outperforms our hero video in terms of retention and views. That’s a big sign people are interested.
I think the key is being transparent about the fact that it’s AI-generated.
Once you tell viewers upfront that you’re using an avatar, they stop wondering and just focus on your message.
When do you use avatars versus 1:1 real videos?
We’re still figuring that out, but in general: If it’s something we’d normally write a long email for, we try to send an avatar video instead.
They’re perfect for informational content — meeting recaps, updates, follow-ups.
Whereas when we’re trying to convey emotion or strengthen a personal connection, that’s when we’d encourage a team member to get on camera.
Have you seen an improvement in marketing productivity?
Yes, having avatars at my fingertips has been a huge help. I can now complete videos that would’ve been pushed aside before. The technology lets me focus on creativity instead of just production logistics like how do I get my CEO in the recording studio for an hour.
What advice would you give to other marketers considering AI Avatars?
Start now. Get comfortable before everyone else does. There’s definitely an oversaturation of AI content out there, but if you can do it well, that’s how you’ll stand out. The tech isn’t going anywhere — it’s only getting better. And if you’re committed to video as a long-term strategy, you’ll thank yourself later for being an early adopter.
Ready to try it yourself? Create your own custom AI Avatar for free today with Vidyard
