Key Takeaways

•  Why podcasting isn't a numbers game 
•  The difference between using podcasts as a megaphone vs. a magnet
•  How to choose the right podcasts to build authority and trust 
•  A simple way to turn one interview into months of valuable content 
•  Why most podcast efforts fail to generate results

Guest: Natasha Golinsky

Year Started: 2015

Employees: 1-10

 In this episode, Natasha Golinsky shares how a personal health crisis pulled her out of day-to-day operations and revealed a hard truth: the business didn’t actually need her to function. This conversation will challenge how you think about control, leadership, and the importance of building succession into your business.

Key Takeaways

•  Why founder dependency is a bigger risk than you think 
•  The power of letting your team fail and why it’s necessary for growth 
•  How to build succession into your agency (before you need it) 

Guest: Melanie Querry

Year Started: 2006

Employees: 11-25

Building an well run agency often relies on mastering fundamentals that many can easily overlook. In this episode, Melanie Querry shares how she built Beyond Spots & Dots by focusing on transparency, operational discipline, and intentional growth. 

Key Takeaways

•  Culture is preserved through clear processes, shared standards, and consistent communication
•  Educating clients builds trust, speeds up execution, and reduces costly rework 
•  Strong fundamentals like listening, transparency, and communication outperform every time 

Guest: David Neff

Year Started: 1959

Employees: 11-25

What does it take to build an agency that lasts decades and still love it? In this episode, Russel Dubree sits down with David Neff, founder of Neff, to explore the mindset behind a long, successful agency career. From relentless hustle to building powerful media relationships, David shares how creativity, persistence, and finding the "sexy" in every client account creates endless passion for his agency business.

Key Takeaways

• David shares how relentless outreach and creativity helped him open doors early in his career.
• Major opportunities often come from knowing the right people and pitching the right story at the right time.
• Leaders must continually learn new technologies and ideas so they can guide clients effectively.
• Maintaining a lean team can help agencies stay resilient during economic shifts.
• Even unexpected industries can become exciting when you uncover the deeper story behind a client’s impact.

Guest: Evan Johnson

Year Started: 2013

Employees: 1-10

What do you do after losing your job at a coffee shop? If you’re Evan Johnson, you start a marketing agency the very next day. In this episode, Evan shares the unconventional story behind Stay Calm Industries, from landing his first clients as a barista to building a creative team and signing contracts in Iceland. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, hiring, and the “unearned confidence” that often fuels entrepreneurs at the start.

Key Takeaways

• Why “unearned confidence” can be a powerful force when starting a business
• A leadership mindset that gives teams credit for wins while owning mistakes
• The realities of hiring your first employee and what it teaches about management
• Why trust and communication  can help young talent do exceptional work

Guest: Sharon Toerek

Year Started: 2014

Employees: 1-10

In this episode, Sharon Toerek of Legal + Creative reframes how agency owners should think about legal. Instead of treating it like a sunk cost, she explains how contracts, IP, and insurance can actively protect margins, increase leverage, and even create new revenue streams.

If you’ve ever ignored a contract, overlooked your IP, or treated legal like a necessary evil, this conversation just might change how you see it.

Episode Highlights:

• Where you have the most financial leverage during contract negotiation and how to use it
• How stronger agreements protect profit and reduce scope creep
• Why “everything an agency sells is IP” and what that means for revenue
• The overlooked contractor agreement mistake that can cost you ownership
• The three legal reviews every agency should prioritize this year

Company: Adsquire

Guest: Anthony Higman

Year Started: 2021

Employees: 1-10

What happens when a mailroom clerk discovers Google Ads and turns it into a multimillion-dollar advantage? In this episode, Anthony Higman shares his journey from corporate frustration to building Adsquire, a digital marketing agency for law firms. You’ll learn what it really takes to bet on yourself, build a high-performing team from scratch, and create momentum through bold, unconventional moves.

Key Takeaways

• How to get your team invested in learning
• Why bold experimentation is important (and fun)
• Why everyone should appreciate working in an agency 

Guest: Lysa Miller

Year Started: 2002

Employees: 11-25

What happens when a founder stops chasing growth and starts building with intention?

In this episode, Lysa Miller, Founder of Ladybugz, shares how she rebuilt her agency around simplicity, empathy, and clarity. From sprint-based web design to a mindset shift that changed everything, this conversation explores the invisible work behind building an agency you actually want to run.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not just selling services, you’re selling belief.
• Make the client’s job easy first, yours second.
• Simplicity scales better than complexity.
• Take care of clients and your team. The rest follows.
• Build it in your mind first.

Guest: Jill de Chavez

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 11-25

What does it really feel like to go from employee to agency owner, especially when the pressure hits fast? In this episode, Jill de Chavez shares her journey of stepping into ownership at Briteweb and what it taught her about leadership, transparency, and building a people-first agency that aligns with values and numbers. 

Episode Highlights:

• Developing future leaders through trust, transparency, and shared ownership-level context.
• Why the moment you become the owner, everything feels heavier
• How Briteweb protects culture by prioritizing safety, kindness, and empowering the team
• A practical reminder: when things get hard, the first move isn’t “do more”, find simplicity

Guest: Elyse Lupin

Year Started: 2015

Employees: 11-25

Starting an agency is hard. Starting one with a baby at home is even harder. In this episode, Elyse Lupin, Founder of Elysium Marketing Group, shares the real story behind building a food and franchise agency through uncertainty, motherhood, and constant industry change.

Key Takeaways

• Why Elyse launched her agency with a nine-month-old
• The fear of narrowing your positioning and finding the right balance of focus and flexibility 
• How a stronger team and clearer boundaries made leadership and family life more sustainable over time 
• A thoughtful approach to AI: using it for efficiency without losing strategy, judgment, or voice 
• Elyse’s simplest advice after 11 years: keep going, stay steady, and don’t get pulled too high or too low 
  
  

Company: Essjay

Guest: Sarah Patterson

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 1-10

Money clarity changes everything. In this episode, fractional CFO Sarah Patterson breaks down how agency owners can stop guessing and start making confident financial decisions using 7 simple, repeatable habits. You’ll learn how to turn financials into a practical tool for direction, focus, and smarter leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Why clean books alone aren’t enough, and what most agencies are missing beyond accounting
• A simple framework for reviewing financials without feeling overwhelmed
• How consistent review and updating financial tools work together to reduce surprises
• The metrics that actually signal future revenue and risk
• How better financial visibility leads to calmer, more confident decisions

Guest: John Balauat

Year Started: 2020

Employees: 11-25

Growth doesn’t usually fail because of effort, it fails because of friction. In this episode, Russel sits down with John Balauat of Help.Agency to unpack why forcing outcomes creates pressure, bad decisions, and stalled momentum, and how the discipline of reducing friction leads to clearer sales, better partnerships, and healthier agencies.

Key Takeaways

• Why forcing growth often creates more problems than progress
• How reducing friction in sales builds trust and better-fit clients
• The power of being picky
• Experiment early and often before going all-in. 

Guest: Jason Brewer

Year Started: 2004

Employees: 11-25

You can never underestimate the ability to measure your business. In this episode, Russel sits down with Jason Brewer of Brolik to unpack what 22 years of agency ownership actually teaches you about predictable revenue, leadership, and long-term decision-making. 

Key Takeaways

• The mindset shift required to invest in growth before results show up
• How “being your own best client” creates consistency and confidence
• The difference between chasing momentum and building durability
• Why empathy and listening are business advantages

Guest: Rachel Ledet

Year Started: 2018

Employees: 1-10

Clarity in business doesn’t arrive all at once, it’s built through decisions, experience, and commitment. In this first ever "Where are they now?" episode, Russel reconnects with Rachel Ledet, Founder of 30|90 Marketing, to explore how her agency evolved over the past few years and what changed once she fully committed to a clear focus.

This episode is a candid look at confidence earned over time, the hard tradeoffs behind positioning, and what happens when an agency stops hedging and starts building with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Why confidence in your positioning is something you earn, not something you wait for
• How committing to a clear focus changed referrals, conversations, and opportunities
• What it really takes to let go of “good” clients to make room for the right ones
• How long-term thinking creates momentum you can actually feel
  
  

Check out Rachel's original appearance on An Agency Story podcast, Episode #40 - When Saying Yes Almost Cost Her the Account

Guest: Alex Melen

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 100+

What does it really take to build a large agency without chaos, investors, or burning out your team? In this episode, Alex Melen, Co-Founder of SmartSites, shares how starting a business at 13 shaped his long-term mindset and how disciplined measurement and intentional growth decisions helped SmartSites become a 450-person agency.

Key Takeaways

• Why agency growth helps the talent game
• How accurate measurement protects your business
• How writing a book sharpens your thoughts

Guest: Tom Conlon

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 1-10

In this episode, Russel sits down with Tom Conlin of North Street to unpack how an unexpectedly narrow offer became a mechanism for opening doors, reducing stress, and creating better opportunities across the business.

Key Takeaways

• How a narrowly defined offer can become a powerful door-opener for bigger work
• What it really means to “see the machinery of the business” and why it changes decision-making
• The difference between being busy and being profitable
• How AI can increase leverage without devaluing expertise

Guest: Hillary Applegate

Year Started: 2020

Employees: 11-25

What if the key to improving your agency is stepping away from your business? In this conversation, Hillary Applegate, founder of Digital HQ, shares how distance reshaped her leadership, clarified what actually matters, and strengthened the way her team operates. Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on agency ownership, boundaries, and letting go.

Key Takeaways

• Why stepping away can reveal blind spots you’ll never see inside the day-to-day
• The mindset shift required to lead with more clarity and less stress
• Why flexible work it creates stronger teams

Guest: Russel Dubree

Year Started: 2022

Employees: 1-10

Most agency owners underestimate the most powerful differentiator they have, their personal story. In this episode, Russel breaks down why your authentic “why” matters and how sharing it can deepen connection with your team, attract the right clients, and clarify your purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Why your personal story is the strongest positioning tool you’re not using
• How authenticity creates instant connection and builds trust with your team and clients
• The hidden reasons owners avoid sharing their story
• A simple way to uncover the deeper “why” behind your work
• How consistently telling your story makes you memorable in a crowded market

Guest: Chelsea Flower

Year Started: 2018

Employees: 1-10

What does it take to turn a disconnected, overwhelmed team into a unified, creative powerhouse? In this episode, Chelsea Flower, Founder of Scott Social, shares the pivotal mindset shifts, leadership breakthroughs, and culture changes that doubled her agency’s clients and transformed her team from stressed and siloed to connected and thriving.

Key Takeaways

• Why investing time, not just money, into your team leads to exponential transformation
• How clarity reduces stress, boosts creativity, and creates space for better leadership
• Why culture is more than a buzzword and how it became the engine behind Scott Social’s growth
• How retreats, shared experiences, and belonging drove stronger performance and doubled their client base

Guest: Lisa and Jason Cerezo

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 1-10

What happens when a laid-off marketer, a former music teacher, and a chance meeting lead to a design and web agency? In this episode, Jason and Lisa Cerezo share how Neon Moth was built through partnership, necessity, and a deep commitment to serving small businesses well. You’ll hear how they grew from $300 websites to a dependable agency built on clarity, communication, and care.

Key Takeaways

• Their first client that helped them build dependable recurring revenue
• How clear content, honest expectations, and agreed boundaries keep projects on track
• Why being “penny wise and dollar foolish” can damage your work
• The relationship dynamics that make a husband-and-wife team succeed in business

Guest: Benjamin Behrooz

Year Started: 2008

Employees: 11-25

Doing hard things isn’t optional in entrepreneurship, it’s the requirement. In this episode, Benjamin Behrooz, Founder of My1Brand, reveals why discomfort is the doorway to better leadership, stronger teams, and real creative excellence. You’ll hear how hardship shaped his career, how he builds empowered teams, and why great agencies must invest in doing things the right way instead of the easy way.

 Key Takeaways

• Why embracing difficulty is essential to building long-term success
• The mindset shift that turns failure into forward momentum
• How to empower your team to make strong decisions without constant oversight
• What happens when agencies rely on “value-meal marketing” instead of true strategy

Guest: Nico Pisani

Year Started: 2015

Employees: 11-25

What happens when you pack a bag, buy a ticket, and bet everything on yourself?
 In this episode, Nico Pisani, founder of White Canvas and Loop3, shares how one bold month in New York transformed his mindset, business, and approach to risk. From humble beginnings in Argentina to building two successful agencies, Nico’s story is a testament to action over perfection and the lessons that only failure and courage can teach.

Key Takeaways

• Why sometimes taking action without a plan is the fastest path to clarity and opportunity
• The hidden danger of growing too fast
• How learning through failure builds wisdom you’ll carry forever
• The importance of saying no to stay aligned with your bigger vision

Company: RicketyRoo

Guest: Blake Denman

Year Started: 2009

Employees: 11-25

Some stories start with ambition, this one starts with a crash. In this episode, Blake Denman, founder of RicketyRoo, shares how a near-fatal accident and a long recovery reshaped his perspective on business, leadership, and life. 

Key Takeaways

• How trauma can transform the way you lead and make decisions
• The “User Guide” system RicketyRoo uses to strengthen remote culture
• Why self-awareness and communication beat rigid policies 
• The surprising role anxiety plays in focus and performance
• How trust became the foundation of Blake’s agency environment

Guest: Piotr Nowak

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 11-25

What happens when a lifelong developer decides to step out from behind the code and build something of his own? In this episode, Piotr Nowak, founder of Nopio, shares his journey from being fired from a comfortable job to creating an international digital agency based in Poland. He reveals how embracing simplicity, culture, and clear purpose helped him transform complex projects into meaningful, lasting partnerships.

Key Takeaways

• Why getting himself fired became the best catalyst for Piotr’s entrepreneurial journey
• How simplifying services led to stronger results and happier clients
• The lessons learned from running a Poland-based agency serving U.S. businesses

Company: X Agency

Guest: Darwin Liu

Year Started: 2016

Employees: 1-10

Most people avoid embarrassment and failure, Darwin Liu trained for it. In this episode, he reveals how doing the uncomfortable on purpose helped him build a multimillion-dollar agency and stay sharp in an industry that's rapidly changing. You'll hear the mindset behind pushing limits, hiring struggles, and why boredom can be a sign of progress.

Inside this Episode:

• Why getting comfortable with embarrassment builds real confidence
• The difference between being an entrepreneur and running a company
• The critical stage where most agencies fall apart
• What happens when you build mental toughness instead of avoiding discomfort

Company: Dapper Codes

Guest: Kelly Gordon

Year Started: 2007

Employees: 1-10

Most agency owners don’t realize how long they’ve been operating in survival mode, it becomes default. In this episode, Kelly Gordon of Dapper Codes shares what it really took to move from reacting to everything to leading with intention. You’ll hear the turning points, the mindset shifts, and the cost of staying in “hard mode” too long.

Key Takeaways

• The unseen impact of staying in survival mode
• Why hard things take much longer than we expect
• How positioning evolves over time, not overnight
• The danger of selling services you shouldn’t
• What changes when vision finally replaces urgency

Company: Norbella

Guest: Stephanie Noris

Year Started: 2009

Employees: 1-10

Running an agency means solving problems every day, but what if one lesson could make most of them easier? In this episode, Stephanie Norris of Norbella shares how mastering tough conversations, focusing on people, and tackling root challenges have shaped her 16-year journey in business.

Key Takeaways

• Why learning to have difficult conversations solves more problems than any process or tool
• The pursuit of happy people and great work
• How focusing on team growth and culture leads to stronger client results
• Why chasing shortcuts often backfires

Company: Visible Logic

Guest: Emily Brackett

Year Started: 2001

Employees: 1-10

Financial Clarity and the Creative Journey with Emily Brackett

 In this episode Emily Brackett, founder of Visible Logic and Branding Compass, shares how a pivotal moment reshaped the way she runs her business. From building a branding agency rooted in clarity to developing a software tool that helps businesses define their message, Emily’s story is a reminder of adhering to the fundamentals of business.

Inside this episode:

• Why understanding financials is essential for every agency owner
• The surprising statistic Emily uncovered about how few businesses invest in branding
• What she learned from transitioning from freelancer to agency leader
• How innovation with Branding Compass set her agency apart

Guest: Jarod Spiewak

Year Started: 2018

Employees: 1-10

In this episode, Jarod Spiewak, founder of Comet Fuel, shares his unconventional journey, the pivotal shifts in his business model, and the hard-earned lessons behind building a system of value. 

Key Takeaways

• Why saying “yes” strategically can unlock bigger client opportunities
• Ensuring you have R&D happening in your business
• The importance of tracking customer acquisition cost (CAC) for long-term growth

Company: Inovāt

Guest: Doug Logan

Year Started: 2006

Employees: 1-10

What happens when a 14-year-old builds an agency and later finds himself running a burrito shop on the side? In this episode, Doug Logan of Inovat shares his journey from teenage entrepreneur to seasoned agency owner, offering candid lessons on leadership, letting go, and staying in love with the work.

Key Takeaways

• Why imposter syndrome never fully disappears and how to manage it
• The hidden cost of holding on to too many hats as a founder
• Gaining leverage in new business conversations
• How in the world Doug started a burrito side hustle 

Company: Enleaf

Guest: Adam Chronister

Year Started: 2009

Employees: 1-10

Adam Chronister took his time on his path to entrepreneurship. Struggling in school and unsure of his future, he took the long road—gaining experience, building a side hustle, and creating financial runway before finally making the leap. In this episode, Adam shares how that deliberate approach shaped the ethos of Enleaf, where focusing on the business, not just the work, became the foundation for growth and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Why struggling in school gave Adam a different perspective on learning, problem-solving, and building a business
• The importance of creating financial runway before taking the full leap into entrepreneurship
• How being intentional about “working on the business” shaped Enleaf’s direction and growth
• The role of autonomy and trust in building a culture where people love to work
• Why letting go of control is essential for long-term agency success

Guest: Jason Di Vece

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 26-50

What happens when you walk away from security and take the leap into the unknown? In this episode, Jason Di Vece, Co-Founder of Bytes.co, shares how selling everything to move abroad reshaped his mindset and set him on the path to building a 25-person agency serving hundreds of clients. 

Key Takeaways

• The risky move that built lasting confidence and shaped Jason’s entrepreneurial journey
• Why hiring mistakes can cost years
• Hard decisions every agency leader must face (and why the hardest ones are usually right)
• How rethinking failure can open the door to innovation and growth

Guests: Ryan Ellis

Year Started: 2009

Employees: 26-50

What happens when an agency depends too much on its founder? In this episode, Lora Kratchounova, Founder of Scratch Marketing and Media, shares how she built a 40-person B2B tech agency by shifting from founder-dependence to team empowerment. From mastering positioning to embracing deep tech and climate tech, Lora’s story highlights an ever present learning mindset and team focused leadership.

Key Takeaways

• The “school bus test” what is it and why it matters
• The role of positioning as the most critical agency “hack”
• How empowering your team leads to better leadership and client results
• Why primary data and customer insight outperform assumptions
• A lesson in climate tech and passion

Guests: Ryan Ellis

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 11-25

Growing an agency doesn’t always come from chasing the newest trends, it often comes from mastering the basics. In this episode, Ryan Ellis, Founder of Red Egg Marketing, shares how focusing on client relationships, intentional growth, and sticking to fundamentals helped him build a business that lasts. 

 Key Takeaways

• How low expenses gave Ryan the freedom to experiment and gain experience
• Why retention and consistency matter more than chasing quick wins
• The overlooked value of knowing when to let go of the wrong client

Guests: Alyssa Ash

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 25-50

What if your journey to owning an agency started without you even knowing it? In this episode, Alyssa Ash, Partner at AOR, shares how she went from junior designer to co-owner of a leading creative and digital agency. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of a years-long leadership transition, the lessons learned along the way, and how she’s navigating an unpredictable business landscape.

Key Takeaways

• How to spot and develop future leaders from within your team
• Why a long runway is essential for a smooth ownership transition
• The role of curiosity and initiative in creating career-defining opportunities
• How to lead confidently while still embracing discomfort
• An insider’s perspective on what it takes to transition from team member to owner

Guests: Gwen Hammes

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 50-100

Gwen Hammes, Co-CEO of Cro Metrics, shares her journey of taking over leadership, not by replicating the past, but by evolving it. In this episode, Gwen shares what happens when you step into a founder’s shoes and choose to grow the team before the business.

Key Takeaways

• The biggest risk in leadership transitions
• Why growing your people first leads to better client outcomes
• The “micro-step” mindset that unlocks clarity in career growth
• A creative approach to training the team
• How to build a leadership structure that complements, not competes

Guests: Dylan Steven

Year Started: 2017

Employees: 1-10

The Secret to a Smarter, Stronger Team? Build a Learning Culture
What if the best agency investment isn’t more tech or tighter processes, but more learning? In this episode, Dylan Steven of 118Group shares how embedding education and autonomy into his team’s DNA has elevated their work and strengthened their connection. He unpacks how letting go of control actually led to better outcomes and why systems should support people, not restrict them.

Inside this episode:

• How a team book club turned into a powerful cultural cornerstone
• The subtle difference between structure and rigidity and why it matters
• The one shift that helped Dylan take a real vacation without disruption
• The journey of building autonomy without losing consistency
• Dylan and Russel make the case for shorter books. 

Guests: Cara Chatellier

Year Started: 2020

Employees: 1-10

When your brand is an extension of who you are, the work becomes deeply personal and powerful. In this episode, Cara Chatellier, founder of Bubbly Creative, shares how she built a values-driven agency that puts relationships first and strives to deliver marketing that actually connects. If you're tired of generic content and ready to build something more authentic, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights

• Why saying yes to everything early on creates long-term problems
• The hidden cost of generic marketing, especially in the age of AI
• A simple but effective approach to building trust through brand authenticity
• How knowing your own values makes it easier to attract the right clients

Guests: Alison Gardner

Year Started: 2014

Employees: 1-10

What if building your agency meant more boundaries, not more burnout? In this episode, Alison Gardner, Founder of Perspektiiv Design Co, shares how she transformed her solo design practice into a collaborative agency without sacrificing her creativity, identity, or personal life. You'll hear how she built a system that supports her, even through major life changes like motherhood.

Key Takeaways

• Why documenting and delegating specific roles is key to stepping out of day-to-day work
• How to use slow seasons to strengthen systems, processes, and relationships
• What it really takes to trust your team and build autonomy
• A repeatable method to evaluate what to remove, automate, delegate, or own in your business
• The power of running a business with joy as your focus. 

Guests: Omid Mousaei

Year Started: 2008

Employees: 11-25

What does it take to build a creative agency from nothing…without connections, experience, or a safety net? In this episode, Omid Mousaei of Mad Mind Studios shares how his journey from immigrant to agency founder shaped the values, mindset, and grit behind his business. If you've ever faced setbacks or felt alone in the chaos of agency life, this episode will remind you you're not the only one and that grit can become your greatest asset.

Inside this episode:

• Why betting on yourself with a have to is often the most strategic move you can make
• The overlooked mindset shift that changes how clients perceive value
• What AI can and can’t replace in creative strategy
• Why comfort is the enemy of creativity

Guests: Sarah Giffrow

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 1-10

What if staying un-niched was your more niche than you think? In this episode, Sarah Giffrow of Upswept Creative shares why she chose variety over specialization, and how it’s helped her build a values-driven agency that aligns with who she is. From helping mission-focused clients to overcoming the challenge of marketing her own business, Sarah offers honest insights agency owners can relate to.

Key Takeaways

• How there are many forms to niching, including just being your authentic self
• How to align your marketing voice with your values (without turning off ideal clients)
• A practical way to carve out time for your agency’s own brand work

Guests: MaryAnn Pfeiffer

Year Started: 2001

Employees: 1-10

What happens when an agency owner stops doing it all and decides to go all in on what truly works? In this episode, Maryann Pfeiffer of 108 Degrees shares how becoming a recognized expert, through years of focused effort, transformed her agency’s positioning, visibility, and lead generation. You'll hear a candid take on the real investment required to build credibility and why saying no can be the smartest move you make.

Inside this episode:

• Why doing everything for everyone dilutes your expertise (and what to do instead)
• How an investment around a tool like Mailchimp led to unexpected business opportunities
• The importance of community and certification in building authority
• What most agency owners overlook when refining their services
• A refreshingly honest view of the emotional and strategic pivots behind agency growth

Guests: Michelle Abdow

Year Started: 2003

Employees: 11-25

From Seatmate Stranger to Business Catalyst
Launching a business while raising twins? That’s just the start of Michelle Abdow’s remarkable journey. In this episode, she shares how a chance encounter on a flight led to a game-changing client and why building a resilient, feedback-driven culture has helped her agency thrive through decades of change.

Inside this episode:

• The bold moment she launched her agency with newborn twins
• How a stranger on a plane became a major turning point in her business
• Why “automate the ordinary and humanize the extraordinary” drives her AI adoption
• The feedback philosophy that keeps her team aligned and evolving

Guests: Jessica Munday

Year Started: 2001

Employees: 11-25

How Employee Turnover is a Growth Strategy

Letting go of great team members may feel like a setback, but what if it’s the key to long-term growth? In this episode, Jessica Munday, founder of Trio Solutions, shares how she’s built a thriving agency by empowering her team, embracing turnover, and creating opportunities beyond the walls of her business.

Inside this episode:

• Why mentorship is your agency’s hidden retention strategy
• How former employees can become future partners
• What agency owners get wrong about loyalty and team-building
• The culture shift that turns short-term hires into long-term advocates
• A refreshing perspective on navigating change and evolving with your team

Guests: Ralitsa Carter

Year Started: 2018

Employees: 11-25

What do ice cream, spreadsheets, and an Emmy have in common? In this episode, Ralitsa Carter, Co-Founder of Twelve Legs Marketing, shares how financial discipline, intentional growth, and creativity built her agency from the ground up. If you're an agency owner chasing sustainable success, this episode is your speed.

Key Takeaways

• The financial rule they follow every month (and reward with ice cream)
• Why slow, intentional growth beat chasing fast scale
• How a passion project became an Emmy-winning mini-doc

Guests: Stacey McCormack

Year Started: 2013

Employees: 1-10

The Ballad of the Reluctant Owner
What if the path to entrepreneurship wasn’t planned, but pushed?
In this episode, Stacey McCormack, founder of Musimack Marketing, shares how a layoff, a government grant, and a deep desire to help others led her from corporate life to agency ownership. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about your journey, Stacey’s story will remind you that reluctance doesn’t mean you're not ready.

 Key Takeaways

• Why reluctance might be a sign you’re on the right path
• The underrated power of staying in your lane when working within a partnership
• How AI is reshaping content creation without replacing the human touch

Guests: Kateryna Quinn

Year Started: 2018

Employees: 1-10

From Ukraine to Colorado: Building a Family-First Agency Against All Odds

When rejection closes doors, grit builds new ones. In this episode, Kateryna Quinn, founder of aStash Web Design & Marketing, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring tennis pro in Ukraine to running a thriving digital agency in the U.S. You'll hear how she built a company rooted in resilience, family values, and relentless positivity—all while navigating immigration challenges, early financial constraints, and growing pains.

Inside this episode:

• Why rejection can be the greatest gift and how to turn it into fuel
• How Kateryna grew her agency with a family first purpose
• The real challenges behind immigration and entrepreneurship and the creative solutions she used to push through
• Why agency growth depends on a positive mindset 

Guests: Kimberly Hogate

Year Started: 2000

Employees: 25-50

What if losing everything was exactly what you needed to build something better? In this episode, Kimberly Hogate, founder of Faceted Media, shares the raw truth about starting over after being fired from the law firm she helped built from the ground up and how that moment became the catalyst for a 10+ year agency journey.

She opens up about the realities of burnout, boundary-setting, and building a business with emotional resilience. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or undervalued, this conversation is for you.

Inside This Episode:

• Why being fired from her own business became the best thing for her career
• How a pineapple became the most unexpected branding story
• Simple ways to set boundaries
• Why emotional clarity is just as important as strategy
• How she created “Business Therapy” to meet a real client need

Guests: Derek Springston

Year Started: 2000

Employees: 25-50

From Unpaid Intern to Owner: The Moxie Sozo Journey

What happens when you bet on yourself, move across the country, and work for free. All just for a shot at doing meaningful work? In this episode, Derek Springston, Partner at Moxie Sozo, shares how that bet paid off, leading him from an unpaid intern to co-owner of a 25-year-old agency. You’ll hear what it really takes to grow into leadership, maintain culture through change, and figure it out, even when you’re not sure how.

Inside this episode:

• The mindset shift required when you lead the people you once worked beside
• Why trust, not title, is the real foundation for leadership
• How to build a culture people want to return to, even after they leave
  
  

Guests: Holly Bruns and Amber McDonald

Year Started: 2019

Employees: 11-25

When Hope Meets Strategy

What happens when you leap before you’re ready and figure out the strategy later? In this episode, Holly Bruns and Amber McDonald, founders of Local Image, share how daring moves, deep faith, and smart planning fueled their agency’s successful trajectory. If you're weighing risk and reward, this conversation will change how you think about betting on yourself.

Inside this episode:

• Why hope without strategy isn't enough (and how to balance both)
• The hiring mistake that almost cost them their culture
• How betting on themselves created faster success than "waiting for perfect"

Guest: Suzanne Coriell

Year Started: 2011

Employees: 1-10

What happens when you build an agency around energy, intentionality, and a deep sense of why? Suzanne Coriell, Founder of Growth Marketing Werks, shares her journey from Chicago’s ad scene to Colorado’s mountaintops where a single ski lift conversation sparked the creation of a mission-driven media agency. This episode is packed with fresh perspective on building a sustainable agency fueled by purpose, real relationships, and personal freedom.

Key Takeaways

• How defining your “why” can sharpen focus, reduce distractions, and guide major business decisions
• Why financial freedom early on gave Suzanne the confidence to build an agency her way
• How consistent relationship-building (like handwritten notes and thoughtful gifting) drives long-term loyalty
• The role of energy and “flow” in building a thriving, values-aligned team culture
• A simple weekly ritual to stay in tune with team morale and avoid being blindsided by turnover

Guest: Lee Totten

Year Started: 2004

Employees: 50-99

Working with rockstars sounds glamorous but behind the scenes is a high-stakes, high-pressure world where websites crash, fans demand instant support, and one missed detail can derail a global livestream. In this episode, Lee Totten, co-founder of BubbleUp, shares how his agency became the digital backbone for artists like Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, and The Lumineers. 

Key Takeaways

• Why building trust with fans (or customers) matters more than flashy tech
• Why shared experiences, not just content, build lasting engagement
• The best way to turn service slip-ups into raving fan moments

Owners: Josiah Bussing

Year Started: 2013

Employees: 1-10

Ever felt like you accidentally backed into entrepreneurship? That’s exactly how Josiah Bussing’s journey began. In this episode, he shares how helping his dad fix a website sparked a passion that became Mountaintop Web Design and how he plans to grow his agency while staying rooted in value, ethics, and continuous improvement.

Inside this episode:

• A different way to think about your interview questions. 
• Why you should never undervalue vacation as a leadership test
• The difference between providing a service and solving a problem

Owners: Tracey Felicidade Jones

Year Started: 2022

Employees: 1-10

What do a cross-country road trip in an old ambulance and global brand strategy have in common? Tracey Felicidade Jones, founder of Trace Brand Building, shares her wild entrepreneurial journey from escaping danger in South Africa to building a purpose-driven agency in the U.S.

Inside this episode:

• How Tracey built an international agency rooted in clarity, creativity, and courage
• Why visual equity is a must-have for brands that want to be remembered
• The common branding mistake that leads to costly rework
• How brand archetypes shape messaging—and why your agency should lean into them
• A global perspective on doing business and what the U.S. gets surprisingly right

Owners: Jonathan Daniele

Year Started: 2022

Employees: 1-10

What happens when you stop playing it safe and go all-in on performance? In this episode, Jonathan Daniele, founder of LFG Media Group, shares how he built a $2M+ agency in under two years by shifting from monthly retainers to a bold pay-per-call model.

From call center grit to entrepreneurial growth, Jonathan opens up about the risks, rewards, and mindset shifts that come with putting your money where your mouth is.

Inside This Episode: Key Takeaways

• The emotional and financial realities of scaling fast
• How to treat every client’s business like your own (and why it matters)
• Why working “on your own dime” builds better marketers

Owners: Veronique James

Year Started: 2005

Employees: 50 – 99

What happens when life throws you a massive financial setback before your career even starts? 

Veronique James didn’t just overcome adversity, she used it as fuel to build The James Agency, a powerhouse of creativity and strategy. In this episode, she shares her journey from early struggles to scaling a successful agency, her leadership philosophy, and the game-changing decisions that shaped her business.

If you’ve ever wondered how to weather financial setbacks, grow an agency with intention, or implement open-book management for stronger team buy-in, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

• How Veronique turned a financial crisis into the foundation for her success.
• Why transparency in finances can empower your team and drive growth.
• The simple yet powerful 10% Project that helped TJA stay lean and profitable.
• Pivoting in crisis,  how her agency rebounded from a 62% revenue loss during COVID without layoffs or pay cuts.

Owner(s): Emily Teater

Year Started: 2019

Employees: 1 – 10

What if running a business felt more like managing a family team?

In this episode, Emily Teater, Owner and Founder of Set Creative Studios in Boulder, Colorado, shares how entrepreneurship and parenting intersect in powerful ways.

From leading with intentionality to ensuring your business solves real problems, not just showcases a skill, Emily’s story reveals key lessons that every entrepreneur can apply.

Inside this episode:

• The surprising connection between parenting and leading a team
• Why your business should be a solution, not just a service
• The importance of teamwork at home when growing a business
• How intentionality shapes both your business and family life

Owner(s): Marielle Balogh

Year Started: 2017

Employees: 1 – 10

Branding isn’t just about looks, it’s about trust, credibility, and making your business stand out. In this episode, Marielle Balogh, Founder of Tributary Design Studio, discusses branding and the tough challenge to stand out to your best customers.

Inside this episode:

• Why a broad range of experiences can strengthen your brand approach
• Why your agency should meet customers where they are
• The innovation needed for growing beyond referrals

Owner(s): Erik Reagan, Bill Kenney, & Will Straughn

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 26 – 50

In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel Dubree sits down with Erik Reagan, co-founder of Focus Lab, to discuss how intentional culture isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a key driver of business success.

Erik shares how Focus Lab went from an unstructured team to a culture-first agency, where values aren’t just words on a wall but integrated into daily operations. From the creative patch ceremony that recognizes team excellence to the power of learning out loud, Erik breaks down actionable strategies any agency owner can use to build a workplace that inspires performance, engagement, and growth.

If you’re looking for proven ways to create a culture that fuels success, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Owners: Alex Schupp

Year Started: 2017

Employees: 1 – 10

Most agency acquisitions are long, strategic, and carefully planned—but what if a growth opportunity landed in your inbox out of nowhere?

That’s exactly what happened to Alex Schupp, founder of Crowd Digital Marketing. One day, an unexpected email led to an opportunity to acquire another agency’s clients. At first, he almost dismissed it. But after looking closer, he realized he could scale his business overnight.

In this episode, we break down:

• How a single email led to an acquisition deal
• The smartest way to absorb another agency’s clients
• The biggest mistakes to avoid in an acquisition
• Why the best growth opportunities aren’t always obvious

If you’re thinking about agency acquisitions—or if you just want to hear a wild business story—this episode is for you.

Owners: Matthew Regenie

Year Started: 2019

Employees: 1 – 10

What happens when your biggest client vanishes overnight? Or when you realize—too late—that avoiding sales is holding your agency back? In this episode of An Agency Story, Matt Regenie of Prospect Future shares the raw truth about the challenges of scaling an agency, the mistakes that cost him years of growth, and the mindset shifts that changed everything.

From losing a whale client to learning the power of rapid execution, Matt’s story is packed with insights every agency owner needs to hear. Tune in for lessons learned, hard-won wisdom, and strategies to build a stronger, more resilient business.

In this episode, I break down:

• The biggest mistakes agency owners make in goal setting
• How to reverse-engineer success instead of relying on hope
• Why arbitrary timeframes can sabotage your progress
• The key to setting goals you’ll actually achieve

Owners: Nora Schlesinger

Year Started: 2017

Employees: 26 – 49

What happens when you take over a business you didn’t start? In this episode of An Agency Story, Nora Schlesinger, CEO of Growth Machine, shares her unexpected journey from first employee to agency leader. From working with Slipknot’s manager to running a baking blog, Nora’s path to agency ownership was anything but conventional.

She opens up about the challenges of inheriting a business, navigating a broken sales process, and the delicate balance of trust vs. legalities in a leadership transition. Plus, don’t miss the wildest keyword research project Growth Machine ever tackled—yes, Dude Wipes is involved.

Owners: Kevin Watkins

Year Started: 2016

Employees: 1 – 10

What happens when you quit your job, launch your agency, and become a new parent all in the same month during a global pandemic? In this episode, Kevin Watkins, founder of Farewell, shares how he made bold choices in uncertain times, built a mission-driven business, and stayed focused on what truly matters.

Inside this episode:

• The mindset shift Kevin used to decide between burning out or building up
• How to design an agency that grows beyond yourself
• The surprising way he evaluates whether new tools are worth adopting
• Why his team is encouraged to “get distracted” at work

Owners: Vin Thomas

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 1 – 10

When creativity meets intention, big things happen. In this episode, Vin Thomas, founder of Fixel, shares how one standout client relationship helped define his agency’s direction and how trust, clarity, and sharp instincts shaped every decision along the way.

Inside this episode:

• How to protect your team culture with a “slow to hire, fast to fire” mindset
• The simple onboarding move that immediately builds client trust
• Why choosing a niche felt risky but became their greatest asset
• How strong relationships turned into 26 long-term clients

Owners: Hans Skillrud

Year Started: 2017

Employees: 1 – 10

Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.

On this episode, we have Hans Skillrud, Co-founder of Termageddon. Termageddon creates and automatically updates all things privacy policies based out of Saint Charles, IL.

Hans faced a tough call when he decided to sell his agency and concentrate on building out Termageddon but hasn’t looked back ever since. In this episode we discuss the challenges that agencies, and businesses of all types, face in keeping up with privacy policies.

As agencies we’ve dealt with copyright trolls, accessibility trolls, and we’re on the cusp of the era of privacy trolls. Listen how Termageddon, and other similar competitors, have solved this very unsexy but important element in the modern age of website compliance.

You’ll also want to listen to the end as he shares an embarrassing story, for the client that is, about their browser history.

Enjoy the story.

Show Notes Insights

The Importance of Compliant Privacy Policies
The conversation highlights the significance of having proper privacy policies in place for agency websites. It emphasizes that agencies should not overlook the legal requirements and potential consequences of not having these policies.

Owners: Mark Labriola II

Year Started: 2007

Employees: 1 – 10

What do you do after your dream music career ends and you’re laid off with no backup plan? Mark Labriola II went from the national spotlight on American Idol to building a successful content agency driven by grit, creativity, and an unshakable positive mindset. This episode explores the mindset shifts and tough moments that shaped his agency journey.

Key Takeaways

• Why having nothing to lose can be your biggest advantage in business
• The unexpected connection between childhood adversity and entrepreneurial drive
• How saying no more often helped Mark build a better business
• A practical mindset shift to stay present and calm, even when the money isn’t there yet
• Why podcasting became his agency’s most effective tool for building trust and authority

Owners: Taylor Hill

Year Started: 2012

Employees: 11 – 25

What happens when your niche hits a ceiling and the future of marketing shifts under your feet? In this episode, Taylor Hill shares how he built a dominant agency in the chimney and hearth industry, the wild moment that landed 60 clients from one event, and why he’s betting big on AI. You’ll hear hard-won lessons on building resilience, preparing for change, and thinking ahead, way ahead.

Inside this episode:

• The one decision that turned a niche into a nationwide client base
• How to prepare your agency for industry disruption before it hits
• What most small business clients truly need from AI (and what they don’t)
• Why merging with a competitor was the smartest move for longevity
• The unexpected power of showing up when others say no

Owners: Kris Skavish and Nico Brooks

Year Started: 2010

Employees: 11 – 25

What happens when two analytically minded leaders who swore off entrepreneurship build an agency that challenges everything about traditional leadership? In this episode, Kris Skavish and Nico Brooks of Two Octobers share how they’ve created a people-first marketing agency rooted in empowerment, data discipline, and meaningful work. Learn how they built a strong team culture, became a B Corp, and created a unique apprenticeship program to change hiring from the ground up.

Inside this episode:

• The hiring trap most agency owners fall into and a smarter alternative
• How to avoid burning out your team while still delivering high-value work
• The overlooked benefit of apprenticeships for talent and diversity
• Why autonomy (not hierarchy) builds stronger teams
• The real business impact of becoming a B Corp

What happens when your agency co-founder is the one literally holding things together like a couch cushion during a shoot? In this episode, Duane Ciacco, co-founder of Atomic Idea, shares how an unexpected layoff led to building an agency rooted in creativity, no-jerks hiring, and real client partnerships. Learn how he’s built a team that gets results without compromising on culture.

Key Takeaways

• Why being laid off was the best thing that happened to his career
• The unexpected but essential quality he looks for when hiring new team members
• How Atomic Idea avoids bad-fit projects and builds long-term client relationships
• The operational move that saved them from financial overwhelm
• Why culture is stronger when leadership isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty

Owners: Eric Elkins

Year Started: 2007

Employees: 11 – 25

How Teaching Made Him a Better CEO (And Saved His Agency)
In this episode, Eric Elkins, founder of WideFoc.us, shares how his journey from biochemistry labs to elementary classrooms ultimately shaped the way he leads his social media agency. Eric reveals the critical leadership mistake that nearly cost him his team and how embracing a teacher’s mindset changed everything. If you’ve ever struggled with giving feedback or building loyalty in your agency, this episode delivers practical, honest insight.

Inside This Episode:

• The painful lesson that taught Eric how not to lose great employees
• A simple mindset shift that transformed how he gives feedback
• How to create stronger loyalty through coaching instead of managing
• The big change that helped WideFoc.us price their services more profitably
• What most agency owners get wrong about social media strategy in 2025

What happens when your agency’s biggest client is a billion-dollar adult toy brand and your team is expected to test the products? In this episode, Hayden Van Hulzen of HVH Media & Marketing shares her unexpected path from pre-med student to agency owner, the wild client moments that shaped her journey, and how she built a business rooted in authenticity and boundaries.

Key Takeaways

• The surprising moment that pushed Hayden from a corporate role to founding her agency
• Why she walked away from "great" clients to protect her team
• The bold marketing tactic that led to a billion-view campaign
• What to do when trying your client’s product becomes an HR risk
• Her #1 tip for building loyalty in both clients and team members

What if going all-in on a niche could transform your agency and your purpose? In this episode, Luke Eggebraaten, founder of Phaser Marketing, shares how he went from flipping go-karts in college to leading a mission-driven digital agency serving the Dirt World. Discover how a clear focus, smart business model, and community-driven values helped him grow both a successful company and a meaningful cause.

Inside this episode:

• The overlooked danger of selling from desperation
• Why specificity beats versatility in agency positioning
• How a podcast and a book helped attract ideal clients
• A creative approach to building a mission-led team
• Why picking a niche that “cuts big checks” is smart strategy

Karolyn Raphael didn’t start Winger Marketing, but she made it her own...right after coming back from maternity leave. In this episode, she shares how she went from performer to PR agency owner, what she learned the hard way about leadership, and the uncomfortable truths behind growing a business that lasts.

Key Takeaways

• The mindset shift needed to go from doing the work to leading the business
• Why delaying your first key hire can quietly damage momentum
• The biggest trap for agency owners trying to “be liked”
• How she transformed a family-run PR firm into a modern marketing agency
• A simple team habit that keeps them ahead in a fast-changing industry

The Energy You Forgot You Had
Starting a business is electric. Filled with purpose, adrenaline, and scrappy wins. In this episode, Mandy Idol of Indigo Collective Group brings us back to that rare energy of year one and why it still matters long after you’ve "made it."

Inside this episode:

• The bold mindset shift that helped Mandy leave corporate for agency life
• How a family legacy became the foundation for a modern brand
• Why many agency owners lose their edge and how to get it back
• The smartest move Mandy made in year one (that most wait too long to do)
• What celebrating your business like a client actually teaches you

Key Takeaways

• The “no-asshole policy” that shaped her agency’s long-term success
• Why hiring for values beats hiring for skills—and what questions reveal the truth
• How to protect culture as your team gets bigger and leadership layers increase
• What most agency owners get wrong about balancing motherhood and ambition
• A memorable campaign that took her agency from $5K in revenue to CNN headlines

What happens when quality, transparency, and intention become your business strategy? In this episode, Sarah Jolly of Jolly Creative Agency shares how a decade of thoughtful decisions, from hiring to service delivery, created a trusted and lasting agency. You’ll hear real lessons on growing a values-driven business that actually works.

Inside this episode:

• The #1 mistake agency owners make when hiring (and how to avoid it)
• How slow hiring leads to high-performing, long-term teams
• Why project debriefs can dramatically improve client satisfaction
• The overlooked impact of training new hires with purpose
• How to grow services without compromising quality

Key Takeaways

• Why clients who treat you like a vendor are hurting your business
• How behavior profiling can help you build a more effective team
• A fresh way to think about marketing as a “five-dimensional chess game”
• What really motivates high performers (hint: it’s not money)

What Happens When a Brand Activation Blows Up Overnight?
When a bold idea for General Motors takes off, Brooke Jay suddenly finds herself growing a team from 6 to 75 across the country. In this episode, Brooke shares the raw moments, biggest hiring missteps, and the framework that helped her agency stay creative under pressure.

You’ll hear what really happens behind the scenes when big names come calling and how staying true to your values becomes your best strategy.

Inside this episode:

• The #1 mistake agency owners make when bringing in senior leadership
• How to keep your culture intact as your team expands fast
• A clever hiring lens that filters for curiosity and ownership
• What a luxury hotel brand learned by handing out free gifts at 30,000 feet
• How Brooke’s hybrid collective model gives her access to elite talent without the full-time cost

In this episode, Amanda Garcia, founder of ColorWord Creative, shares her journey from nonprofit fundraising to running a messaging-first agency. We talk about finding clarity, building community through StoryBrand, and how frameworks like Profit First helped her grow until they didn’t.

Inside this episode:

• The surprising downside of saying yes to every client request
• Why joining StoryBrand transformed Amanda’s confidence, community, and client work
• How Profit First created stability and what had to change as the agency grew
• A creative approach to celebrating agency milestones that reinforces culture
• The mindset shift needed to turn lived experience into long-term clarity

Key Takeaways

• The surprising benefit of acknowledging anxiety as a business owner
• Why transparency and trackable results matter more than buzzwords
• A flexible approach to retainers that clients actually prefer
• How being selective about services leads to better client outcomes
• Why focusing on your own marketing presence isn’t selfish, it’s strategic

How often have you heard of someone walk in with a briefcase full of $1 bills to buy a company? In this episode, Craig Huey, founder of Creative Direct Marketing Group, shares how he went from teacher-in-training to direct response marketing veteran. You’ll hear what it really takes to stay relevant, adapt to massive change, and build a multi-decade agency legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Why training future entrepreneurs may be your biggest legacy
• The lesson Craig learned after losing a $500K client payment
• How he transitioned agency leadership to his son
• What hiring friends taught him about boundaries in business

Inside this episode:

• Why chasing everything early on is sometimes the right move
• The biggest misconception about white-label strategy work
• A surprising reason agencies fail at sustainable growth
• How Shane accidentally landed on the perfect agency name (over drinks)
• The key question to ask before entering any business partnership

Inside this episode:

• Why building a sales process before needing it can save your business
• The real reason they reduced their team from 33 to 11
• How client experience became their strongest growth engine
• The turning point when referrals dried up and what happened next
• What most agencies miss when they say yes to the wrong work

What does it really take to go from scrappy beginnings in a dusty cotton mill to building and selling a multi-million dollar agency? In this milestone 100th episode, An Agency Story host Russel Dubree sits down with longtime business partner and Lifeblue co-founder Phillip Blackmon to unpack the raw, unfiltered truth behind their entrepreneurial journey from missteps, near-burnout, bold decisions, to the defining moments that shaped it all.

Inside this episode:

• The “yes to everything” mindset that nearly broke the business and what changed
• Why selling the agency created more pressure than running it
• How roles, ego, and risk evolved over 15+ years of partnership
• The overlooked cost of launching a product company inside a service business
• A candid take on what they'd absolutely do differently the next time around

What do cocktails, James Blunt, and media training have in common?

In this episode of An Agency Story, Jennifer Fortney shares how her background in broadcast journalism, a spontaneous band performance, and a little green cocktail helped launch Cascade Communications. We explore what it takes to build a long-lasting PR agency grounded in storytelling, adaptability, and entrepreneurial grit.

Key Takeaways

• Why credibility and curiosity matter more than credentials in winning big clients
• How the Appletini became a surprising catalyst for a PR wave
• The biggest mindset shift needed to go from agency employee to founder
• A simple method Jennifer used to turn a workshop deck into a published book
• Why personal brand matters and how agency owners often overlook it

Key Takeaways

• Why their first business failed and what they did differently the second time
• The sales mistake that nearly stalled their agency (and how DeAnna fixed it)
• How to work with your spouse without driving each other crazy
• The overlooked benefit of treating your team like humans, not hustlers
• What entrepreneurs really learn when they lose everything

What happens when profit feels like a moral compromise? In this episode, Chris Manley, CEO of Engenius, shares how a nonprofit mindset shaped the early days of his agency and how a pivotal shift in 2014 changed everything. From co-founder exits to building a business that serves both clients and employees for the long haul, Chris offers a refreshing look at purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

• Why profit felt like a “dirty word” and what finally changed
• The surprising risk of outgrowing your own team
• How to part ways with a business partner on great terms
• A practical take on open-book management that actually works
• Why staying small on purpose might be the best long game

Inside this episode:

• How losing her corporate job led to building something better
• The overlooked revenue strategy that helped during COVID
• Why staying broad might be costing your agency more than you think
• How Lori brings her entire team into financial and strategic decisions
• What agency growth looks like when you’re running out of time and don’t want to waste any

What do you do when a client relationship crashes and they follow it up with a four-page takedown? In this episode, Andi Dunn, founder of Honey Creative, shares how a painful experience redefined her boundaries, her hiring philosophy, and how she chooses who to work with. You’ll hear how clarity, collaboration, and stubbornness kept her agency moving forward.

Inside this episode:

• The boundary-crossing client story that changed her business
• How to avoid red-flag clients before a contract is signed
• Why she says passion matters more than credentials when building a team
• What “working with, not for, clients” really looks like in practice
• How motherhood reshaped her view of success and business rhythm

Key Takeaways

• The hidden cost of hiring without understanding the real job of social media
• Why breaking social media work into three teams improves outcomes and morale
• How Holly turned $30K of free advice into paying clients
• The simple mindset shift that makes burnout less inevitable
• Why “don’t post and ghost” should be every agency’s engagement rule

Inside This Episode:

• The moment three freelancers realized they were stronger together
• Why most small businesses don’t want strategy and what they really want instead
• How productizing services made selling and fulfillment easier
• The power of staying curious, especially in sales
• How one avocado dip became a symbol of team culture

Inside this episode:

• Why treating a partnership like a marriage is the key to success
• The surprising advantage of hiring people with an “entrepreneur’s heart”
• How to protect your culture when expanding your team
• The moment they knew they’d found the perfect agency niche (and why it matters)

Inside this episode:

• Why legacy clients rarely buy into your new service
• The quiet power of letting go of old business models
• How family values can guide leadership (without limiting it)
• The mindset shift Weston used to double revenue in a year

Inside this episode:

• Why one strong hire let her step away from her agency for three years
• The hidden value of joining the right organizations (and how it drove all her growth)
• How she built an “alumni network” that benefits her agency long after people leave
• A client moment that still makes her laugh and what it says about trust in business

Key Takeaways

• The unexpected upside of launching an agency in the middle of a pandemic
• Why hiring fast is tempting but building the right team matters more
• How storytelling became her agency’s edge in a highly regulated industry
• A creative way her team keeps company culture alive (hint: stairs and Spartan races)
• The overlooked power of purpose in running an agenncy

Key Takeaways

• Why staying too long in delivery work holds back agency growth
• How a single client relationship reshaped their entire positioning
• What most agency partnerships get wrong (and how she got it right)
• A creative yet structured process for growing within a niche
• How intentional career pivots build long-term success

Key Takeaways

• The #1 mistake agency owners make when hiring (and how it leads to internal friction)
• How to avoid partnership pitfalls with clear expectations and structure
• Why confidence is key to scaling your agency culture and leadership
• How Jennifer turned a painful split into strategic clarity
• A practical way to think about “living softly” vs. showing up strong as a founder

What happens when saying "yes" to clients turns into a growth trap? In this episode, Eric Morgan of Morgan & Co shares what nearly broke his agency and the exact steps he took to rebuild it stronger than ever. From scaling culture to systematizing chaos, Eric gives a transparent look at what it really takes to grow an agency that lasts.

Inside this episode:

• Why saying "yes" can cost your agency more than it earns
• The intern story every agency owner will never forget
• How Eric’s team-centered playbook keeps culture and quality intact
• The mindset shift that turned 27 years of agency experience into a competitive edge
• Why hiring for offline media feels impossible and how they solved it

Key Takeaways

• How military structure helped navigate agency uncertainty
• Why defining roles saved their business and their marriage
• What losing 93% of revenue taught them about survival and reinvention
• The conversation that triggered a major business pivot
• Using the Kolbe Index to build a stronger, more aligned team

When Chris Majernik lost her dream job, she didn’t crumble, she started a marketing agency the same week. In this episode, Chris shares how a setback led to not one, but two thriving businesses, including her niche firm serving transactional law firms. If you’ve ever considered niching down or starting over, this episode delivers the real, raw path to getting it right.

Inside this episode:

• Why getting fired can be the push you didn’t know you needed
• The reason she launched a second agency instead of rebranding
• How niching into transactional law gave her a competitive edge

What happens when two lifelong friends and former musicians stumble into the world of marketing? In this episode, CJ Ogle and Brent Matthews of Citizen Advertising share how an in-house project turned into a full-service agency. Their story is packed with lessons on slow growth, intentional culture, and serving small businesses with big impact.

Inside This Episode:

• The hiring gamble that almost backfired (and what saved it)
• Why a long runway might be your agency’s biggest advantage
• How Citizen Advertising keeps its team culture strong without micromanagement
• Why working with small businesses brings outsized rewards
• The surprising role their former boss played in helping them grow

Key Takeaways

• The unexpected customer service lesson that reshaped her business philosophy
• How Nicole turned a side hustle into a full-time agency
• Why flexibility isn’t a luxury, but a business model (especially for working moms)
• The secret to hiring friends and keeping both your friendship and standards intact
• How to structure remote teams for async communication and lasting culture

What starts as a spontaneous road trip turns into a national spotlight moment on Shark Tank. In this episode, Kristin Chambers, founder of Meerkat Media Group, shares how unexpected exposure fueled her agency’s growth and the hard-won lessons she learned navigating burnout, grief, and business ownership. 

Key Takeaways

• Why starting with just $5K didn’t stop her from scaling
• The surprising moment her client work ended up on Shark Tank
• How gratitude became her secret weapon for staying grounded
• The hidden cost of not marketing your own agency
• A fresh perspective on building a team that aligns with your values

Do you like this personality?

What happens when you realize your biggest client is draining your agency? In this episode, Kelly Gohm, co-founder of Glo Creative Co., shares how cutting misaligned clients and saying no helped her team scale intentionally, doubling revenue while staying true to their creative core. Packed with honest insights, unexpected stories, and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for agency owners navigating the tension between growth and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

•  Why rushing to fill roles (even unpaid ones) can backfire—and how to hire smarter.
•  The power of shared values, intentional decisions, and authentic communication.
•  Why saying no to misaligned work creates room for dream clients and better margins.
•  How Glo made a bold shift away from full-service to creative-only—and why it paid off fast.

What happens when an old-school agency leader outlasts the digital revolution? In this episode, Ginger Peterson shares her 28-year journey at the helm of PCF International, from fax machines and TV spots to interactive campaigns and international clients. You’ll hear how she navigated outdated partnerships, embraced change, and built a loyal team that stuck with her for decades.

Key Takeaways

• Why she’ll never have a business partner again 
• How a slow digital transition nearly broke the agency  and what finally forced the shift
• The 3 rules that kept her agency profitable and sane (even in the chaos)
• How she built a team with 20-year loyalty  without micromanaging
• The one weekly ritual that holds her team accountable and aligned

• Get more insights from Jack on Medium
• Purchase a discounted copy of “Unmanaged: :Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations”
• Get additional insights and resources from the book website

Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.

Dive into a captivating special episode of "An Agency Story," featuring the recently released book “Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations” by Jack Skeels, the trailblazer behind Agency Agile, based out of Los Angeles, California.

Discover how Agency Agile's unique approach to dismantling traditional management structures has revolutionized the way agencies operate, leading to happier teams and improved margins.

Jack shares the journey from his early skepticism of management roles to pioneering a new paradigm in organizational agility. Laugh along with a humorous anecdote about Jack's realization that, despite his initial disdain for management, he was destined to redefine it.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to scale their business without drastically increasing their “management tax.”

Tune in to uncover the magic behind creating empowered and happy organizations – it might just change the way you think about leadership and success.

Be sure to go to performancefaction.com/podcast and click on the post for this episode to purchase a discounted copy of the book.

Enjoy the story.

Show Insights

Redefining Management for Creativity and Efficiency: Jack Skeels emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional management methods to foster a more agile and responsive organizational culture. His approach, which focuses on empowering teams rather than micromanaging them, can lead to improved operational efficiency, increased happiness among team members, and better profit margins. Agency owners can benefit from adopting a mindset that values autonomy and creativity, allowing their teams to innovate and execute projects with greater freedom and responsibility.

The Power of Unmanagement: Skeels introduces the concept of "unmanagement," advocating for a leadership style that minimizes bureaucratic oversight in favor of empowering employees to take charge of their work. This approach challenges the conventional wisdom that more management equals better outcomes, suggesting instead that strategic "unmanagement" can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Agency owners can apply these principles by critically evaluating their management practices and looking for opportunities to reduce unnecessary oversight, thereby fostering a culture of trust and self-direction.

What did you find insightful or inspiring about this episode?   Send an email at russel@performancefaction.com to share.

Are you interested in a conversation to build specific strategies for your business like the ones mentioned in this episode?

Schedule a 15 minute introductory conversation here to learn more.

What happens when raw ambition meets heart-centered leadership? In this episode, Megan Killion shares how she turned early adversity, including teen motherhood and a “rage quit” moment, into a thriving agency that prioritizes both sales results and social impact. Her story blends real-world grit with a powerful mission to create opportunity for others often overlooked.

Inside this episode:

• Why hiring on potential (not pedigree) can transform your agency
• The surprising reason most marketing fails to generate ROI
• How Megan scaled to $20K MRR in 30 days after quitting her job
• The mindset shift that turns rejection into momentum
• How sales and marketing alignment drives client success

Building a creative agency is one thing, navigating partnerships, evolving your focus, and presenting your work to a celebrity is another. In this episode, Austin Dandridge of Cobble Hill shares how a band-playing, chef-trained creative became the founder of a boutique digital agency, and the surprising turning points that shaped their growth. From awkward website reveals to partnership lessons, this one’s packed with real agency wisdom.

Inside this episode:

• The partnership red flag that showed up just 6 months in
• Why niching down created better work, better clients, and more fulfillment
• The unexpected benefit of hiring your spouse (and the challenges)
• What a celebrity website reveal actually feels like
• The kind of client Cobble Hill now turns away and why

What do you learn from building an app used by half a million parents? For Robyn Spoto, it shaped a people-first approach to running her agency, SpotOn Digital Media. In this episode, she shares how she scaled a 30-person team without ever posting a job while avoiding burnout and staying true to her values.

Key Takeaways

• How to grow a strong team culture using contractors
• Why product thinking can be your agency’s edge in scaling service delivery
• How personality testing and self-awareness create high-performing project teams
• The overlooked power of autonomy and flexibility in agency retention

What if the words you choose could reshape not just your brand but your entire reality? In this episode, Rachel Allen, founder of Bolt from the Blue Copywriting, shares her journey from a $3.25 writing gig to leading a global agency. Learn how she turned a side hustle into a sustainable business and why language might be your most powerful business tool.

Inside this episode:

• The biggest mental shift needed to go from freelancer to agency owner
• Why “words make worlds” and how that shapes customer behavior
• The truth about AI and what most people get wrong about using it
• How to grow a team and scale down when needed without losing momentum
• The one interview question Rachel uses to uncover a client’s true purpose

What if you could grow a successful agency without 60-hour weeks or compromising your lifestyle? In this episode, Frank Rodriguez, founder of Mighty Fine, shares how his unconventional journey, from a ninth-grade dropout to agency owner, shaped a business rooted in freedom, quality, and purpose. Hear how Frank built a brand-forward agency that values attention to detail, creative culture, and the power of saying no to the hustle.

Inside this episode:

• Why structure, not credentials, was the turning point in Frank’s journey
• The overlooked value of copywriting in building a brand that actually connects
• How separating service lines improved clarity, branding, and client results
• Why grinding it out isn’t a badge of honor and how Frank protects flexibility without sacrificing excellence
• The unique cultural roots and creative energy of Ybor City, and how it fuels Mighty Fine’s work

Meet Frank Rodriguez

What happens when a values-driven PR veteran leaves a global agency to start from scratch and then beats that very agency in a major pitch? In this episode, Jennifer Risi, Founder of The Sway Effect, shares how she built a purpose-led agency with DEI at the core and landed Fortune 200 clients in her first year. You'll hear how instincts, relationships, and bold standards can shape lasting success.

Key Takeaways

• Why starting with purpose, not profit, can lead to stronger growth
• The surprising pitch strategy that helped a startup agency beat global giants
• How to build a team culture that thrives in a hybrid environment
• What happens when you say “no” to misaligned clients (and why it matters)
• Why inclusive teams consistently produce better, more profitable work

Most agencies talk about culture, BKN Creative lives it. In this episode, married co-founders Kevin and Brandon Tydlaska-Dziedzic share how they grew from a headshot side hustle to a thriving boutique agency with offices in Tampa, NYC, and Denver. They dive deep into trust, transparency, and why leading with humanity has been their greatest advantage.

Inside this episode:

• The $5K mistake that almost sank their agency (and how they recovered)
• Why full transparency, yes, even salaries, boosted retention and trust
• How they scaled as both partners in business and in life
• The underestimated value of culture for small teams
• Why they won’t work with clients who don’t respect their team

What happens when a Hollywood dreamer returns home to run the family agency? In this episode, Daniel Weinbach, CEO of The Weinbach Group, shares his candid journey from film school to leading a specialized healthcare marketing firm. You'll hear how embracing niche expertise, facing family dynamics, and a personal health crisis shaped both his agency and leadership.

Inside this episode:

• Why focusing on just making more than you spend is more powerful than it sounds
• The painful but common tension in family business transitions (and how they resolved it)
• How niche positioning in healthcare transformed their growth—without limiting variety
• A deeply personal story that forever changed how Daniel views marketing’s impact
• Why financial clarity, not creativity, is often the missing piece in agency growth

What if staying ahead of SEO trends wasn’t about hustle, but a habit? In this episode, Jesse Ringer shares the one simple rhythm that keeps his agency sharp, agile, and client-focused. Learn how a culture of curiosity, and a few hard lessons, helped him build a thriving team that delivers real results.

Key Takeaways

• The daily habit that transformed how his team stays ahead of SEO trends
• The mistake of hiring for charisma instead of character and how to fix it
• Why being ranked #1 on Google doesn’t guarantee leads or sales
• How to say “no” to clients without losing trust or revenue
• Using AI the right way: where it helps and where it can hurt

Building an agency that doesn’t burn you out isn’t luck, it’s discipline. In this episode, Lyndsi Edgar, founder of eLuminate Marketing, shares how she built a sustainable agency over the last 10 years by staying laser-focused, saying no to the wrong clients, and protecting her time like her business depended on it (because it did).

Inside this episode:

• The discipline that saved her from burnout (and gave her mornings back)
• A simple structure for working on the business without losing client momentum
• How to qualify the right clients and confidently turn down the wrong ones
• Why hiring the right account manager is the turning point for freedom
• The powerful mindset shift she made with help from a business coach

Can the mindset of a pro athlete help you grow a thriving digital agency? In this episode, Daniel Griggs, former arena football player turned founder of ATX Web Design, shares how the same grit, research, and outreach that got him NFL tryouts became the foundation for his multimillion-dollar business. If you're struggling to get traction or wondering how to win more ideal clients, this one’s packed with practical inspiration.

Key Takeaways

• How NFL-level prep turned into a winning client acquisition strategy
• The scrappy sales method that landed his first 9-year client
• Why direction matters more than speed when growing your agency
• What athletes understand about performance that agency owners often miss
• How one lunch meeting tripled his revenue in 90 days