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An Agency Story Podcast is now live! Want to hear candid, inspiring, and entertaining interviews of marketing agency owners from all over the US and beyond. Then look no further, An Agency Story is now live and available on all of your favorite podcast apps. Are you an agency owner? Would you like to be a guest on the show? Comment below or send an email to [email protected] and we'll take it from there! Every episode contains so many wonderful insights of hard working, successful owners and founders of agencies of all shapes and sizes. Every one has a great story to tell and that's why we launched this podcast. Enjoy the stories! You can find updated episodes here and links to your podcast app of choice: https://lnkd.in/guqbHR3i

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 112 - Devotion Welcome to?An Agency Story, where marketing agency owners share their inspiring journeys of growth, grit, and innovation. Hosted by Russel Dubree, this podcast brings real-world lessons and engaging discussions to help agency leaders craft their own success stories. This week’s episode,?Devotion, features Luke Eggebraaten of Phaser Marketing, whose passion and creativity have revolutionized marketing for the excavation industry—lovingly dubbed the “Dirt World.” From flipping go-karts in college to building a thriving niche agency, Luke’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, tenacity, and the power of slow, deliberate growth. He candidly shares his method of “bringing the boat to the dock”—minimizing risk while transitioning to full-time agency ownership. Listeners will learn how Luke embraced delayed gratification, avoided desperation-based selling, and found success by committing to a highly specific niche. His decision to exclusively serve excavation clients has allowed Phaser Marketing to scale sustainably while delivering immense value to an underserved industry. Highlights of this episode include Luke’s humorous recounting of flying to a conference two weeks early (and salvaging the day with ice cream), the launch of?The Dirt Bags Podcast, and how Phaser Marketing has become a cultural and professional hub for its team. Luke’s heartwarming fundraiser story—a black-tie gala supporting his hometown’s Boys & Girls Club—epitomizes his philosophy of giving back and making a lasting impact. Listeners will leave inspired by Luke’s unwavering commitment to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, his team’s remarkable culture, and his ambitious goals, including raising $100,000 for charity and growing Phaser Marketing into a $5M business. Tune in to hear why Luke believes success is a mix of being “born and made” as an entrepreneur—and why he’ll never stop refining his craft. This episode will leave you contemplating how your own business can create value, foster community, and make the world a better place. https://lnkd.in/gT7pWdHj #MarketingAgency #Entrepreneurship #NicheMarketing #BusinessGrowth #PodcastEpisode #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 111 - Continuity In this episode of An Agency Story, we sit down with Karolyn Raphael, Owner of Winger Marketing, for an insightful journey through the evolution of her agency and her own career. Winger Marketing, originally a small PR firm, has transformed under Karolyn’s leadership into a full-service marketing agency. Her story begins with a passion for theater and performing arts, which unexpectedly led her into the world of public relations. Karolyn’s early experiences, including running the radio news line at Indiana University, honed her storytelling skills and ignited a passion for PR, ultimately shaping her career trajectory. Karolyn shares candid lessons from her transition from employee to owner of Winger Marketing, including the challenges of updating a legacy business to meet modern needs. From the days of standing at the fax machine at 6:30 AM to today’s digital-first strategies, she reflects on how the industry has changed and the adaptations required to stay competitive. A particularly fascinating part of her story is the evolution from traditional PR to integrated digital marketing, driven by shifting media landscapes and the need to demonstrate measurable value to clients. Listeners will enjoy hearing Karolyn’s humorous anecdotes, including a memorable moment when a client’s phone rang during a live TV appearance. Her honest insights about the pitfalls of being the bottleneck and the importance of replacing yourself as an agency leader provide valuable takeaways for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs. Karolyn’s philosophy of continuous learning and her commitment to balancing growth with quality service stand out as key themes of this episode. Her approach to embracing new technologies and training her team reflects her forward-thinking mindset. As the conversation wraps up, Karolyn shares her thoughts on the future of Winger Marketing and the delicate art of scaling a high-touch, customized service business. Tune in to this episode for a compelling look at Karolyn Raphael’s journey, filled with practical advice, industry insights, and a few good laughs along the way. Whether you’re an agency owner, marketer, or someone curious about the dynamic world of PR and digital marketing, this episode offers plenty of food for thought and inspiration. Don’t miss it! https://lnkd.in/gecSrsQa #MarketingAgency #PRInsights #LeadershipJourney #DigitalMarketing #AgencyLife #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 110 - Zeal This week’s episode of?An Agency Story?features a vibrant conversation with Mandy Idol, Founder of Indigo Collective Group, an up-and-coming marketing agency. This episode offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to launch and grow a creative business in today’s fast-paced landscape. From humble beginnings to her first anniversary, Mandy shares her entrepreneurial journey with honesty and energy, revealing the pivotal decision points that led her from a corporate marketing career to starting her own agency. The episode dives deep into Mandy’s experiences in launching new business lines within large organizations, which equipped her with unique skills and confidence to take the leap into agency ownership. Her knack for blending creativity with strategic insight is highlighted through anecdotes about handling clients across various industries—from B2B fintech startups to consumer goods. Listeners will appreciate Mandy’s candid reflections on early struggles, including the challenge of managing the less glamorous aspects of the business like bookkeeping. She shares small memorable moments that capture the excitement of starting out like her first business expense—a coffee and croissant—which felt like a monumental step on her entrepreneurial path. There’s also a heartwarming nod to family influence, as the name “Indigo” pays homage to her mother’s business, connecting her current venture to deeper personal roots. Whether you’re curious about the nuances of early agency life, interested in the dynamics of family business partnerships, or just appreciate the energy you likely had when you started your own agency, this episode has something for everyone. Mandy’s commitment to adapting her skills across diverse client needs, her early focus on building a strong support system, and her thoughtful approach to balancing creativity with business operations offer valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned agency owners. Tune in to hear why Mandy believes that staying true to your strengths and leaning into your passion can be the ultimate game changer for any agency. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her story is a powerful reminder of the excitement, challenges, and rewards of building something from the ground up. https://lnkd.in/g8gAPJxP #EntrepreneurJourney #MarketingAgency #BusinessGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneur #AgencyLife #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 109 - Seeds On this episode of “An Agency Story” podcast, we are joined by Kathleen Sarpy, Founder of Agency H5, a PR and marketing agency that serves clients on a national and global scale. Kathleen shares her journey, reflecting on her beginnings as an ambitious, driven individual who never envisioned herself as an agency owner. She highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability, citing her persistence in getting hired at top agencies and her decision to step out on her own when corporate life conflicted with her values and family goals. Kathleen speaks candidly about founding Agency H5 in her basement in 2001, equipped with just a Rolodex and a “prayer and a week.” Despite early financial challenges, Kathleen’s creative and scrappy approach paid off, gaining traction with high-profile clients through standout campaigns, such as her idea for Coleman’s 100th anniversary celebration involving a giant s’more. She explains that her early years were marked by a rollercoaster of highs and lows, yet her commitment to providing exceptional, personable service helped Agency H5 stand out among larger competitors. A defining theme of the episode is Kathleen’s dedication to cultivating a values-driven workplace. She recalls intentionally building a culture around “kindness, creativity, passion, hustle, and integrity” and implementing a “no-asshole policy” to ensure that only supportive, respectful clients and team members formed part of Agency H5. She discusses how her role as a mother influenced this approach, creating a flexible, empathetic environment where employees could prioritize personal milestones as well as professional ones. Kathleen emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships, both within her team and with clients. Over the years, these connections have consistently helped her agency grow, with many clients bringing her into new projects as they transitioned to new roles or companies. Russel and Kathleen discuss the unique, lasting value of building and maintaining meaningful relationships in business, viewing them as a “garden” that blossoms over time. She also touches on the evolution of agency culture, particularly through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and explains how Agency H5 adapted to virtual operations while retaining its core values. For Kathleen, this evolution means remaining open to input from her team on how to keep the company’s culture strong and relevant, emphasizing flexibility and a supportive environment. Toward the end of the episode, Kathleen reflects on her future with Agency H5. With almost 25 years under her belt, she sees the agency as a continual work-in-progress, evolving with new talent, fresh ideas, and growing relationships. https://lnkd.in/gSuxmksh #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #AgencyLife #Resilience #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 108 - Distinction On this episode of An Agency Story, Sarah Jolly, Co-founder of Jolly Creative Agency, takes us on a fascinating journey of entrepreneurship, creativity, and family. From an early hustle selling her neighbors’ flowers back to them as a child to her stint as a musician, Sarah’s path to running a successful web design and digital marketing agency has been anything but conventional. Alongside her business partner and mother, Wren, Sarah has built Jolly Creative into a thriving family-run agency that specializes in WordPress websites and digital marketing for mid-sized businesses. In this episode, Sarah shares insightful stories about the evolution of her agency, from its humble beginnings to the challenges of the early days, including convincing companies why having a website was essential—a battle they no longer have to fight in today’s digital-first world. She reflects on the pivotal moment when they decided to niche down and focus on doing one thing exceptionally well, allowing them to slowly expand while maintaining a commitment to quality and transparency. Sarah’s emphasis on creating a genuine, client-centered experience shines through as she describes their unique team dynamic and the importance of fostering trust, both internally and with clients. Listeners will also enjoy Sarah’s humor and honesty, like her lighthearted tale of mishaps on Zoom calls, reminding us that even in a remote business, unexpected moments can bring a smile. She also dives into the intricacies of hiring and training in a fully remote agency, explaining why slow, intentional processes yield the best results for both the team and the client. Sarah’s blend of creativity, determination, and family values makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of digital marketing or looking for inspiration on building a meaningful business. Tune in to hear more about Jolly Creative’s journey and what’s next for this tight-knit, dynamic team. https://lnkd.in/g4q6SwYU #EntrepreneurJourney #DigitalMarketingTips #FamilyBusiness #AgencyLife #RemoteWork #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 107 - Transition Welcome to “An Agency Story,” a podcast series that explores the journeys and insights of agency owners and leaders. Each episode offers a fresh perspective on the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in building an agency, featuring conversations that delve into the personal stories behind thriving businesses. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Jonathan Shepley, the current owner of Tagline Media, a Tucson-based marketing agency with a dynamic vision for growth. Jonathan shares his unique path, beginning with his experience running his family’s multimillion-dollar archery equipment business before acquiring Tagline Media in 2023. This episode explores Jonathan’s transition from manufacturing to marketing, highlighting his passion for creating scalable processes, building strong client relationships, and preparing his agency for the future. Central themes include the lessons learned from navigating the complexities of a family-owned business, his drive to avoid becoming the “hub” of his current agency, and his belief in the power of in-person collaboration in a digital world. With fascinating anecdotes, Jonathan reflects on the challenges of balancing chaos and order in agency life. He also reveals his long-term strategy for using Tagline Media as a launchpad to acquire other businesses in industries like HVAC and charter schools—areas he believes offer recession-proof opportunities. One memorable moment includes Jonathan’s candid advice to agency owners: avoid naming a business after yourself unless you’re prepared for the implications when it comes time to sell! Tune in to hear Jonathan Shepley’s insightful story and learn how Tagline Media is set to grow in both innovation and impact. This episode will leave you considering the delicate balance of control and freedom in agency ownership, as well as the importance of scalability in long-term success. Don’t miss out on the valuable lessons Jonathan has to share! https://lnkd.in/g737UWXV #AgencyLeadership #Entrepreneurship #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #AgencyOwners #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 106 - Distrupt On this episode of An Agency Story, we explore the remarkable path of Brook Jay, Founder of All Terrain, the first female-founded experiential marketing agency in the U.S. Brook’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a knack for creating unforgettable brand experiences. From an early passion for international trade, Brook’s career took unexpected turns through film production and event planning, eventually leading her to launch All Terrain. Today, the agency specializes in designing immersive brand activations for top global companies, redefining how brands engage with audiences on a personal level. A central theme of this episode is Brook’s commitment to scaling with purpose and maintaining a vibrant company culture. Brook shares her experience in building and evolving All Terrain’s “hybrid collective model,” which combines the agility of freelance talent with a core team, allowing her agency to maintain high standards of creativity and efficiency without the traditional large-scale agency structure. Her candid reflections on the challenges of growth, from finding the right hires to managing client relationships, provide an inside look at the balancing act of agency leadership. Brook’s story comes to life with intriguing anecdotes that capture her adventurous spirit and dedication to her craft. From a groundbreaking campaign for the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas that transformed in-flight marketing to an unforgettable encounter with George Clinton that affirmed her path, her journey is filled with moments that would inspire any entrepreneur. Brook’s advice to stay true to core values, embrace flexibility, and trust your instincts in business is both motivational and practical. Listeners will be drawn into Brook’s engaging perspective on building an agency that adapts to changing industry trends while remaining deeply connected to its roots. With insights on scaling culture, pushing creative boundaries, and embracing the unknown, this episode offers inspiration for agency owners, creatives, and business leaders alike. Tune in to hear Brook’s incredible story, her lessons learned, and her reflections on how staying fearless and resilient has fueled All Terrain’s success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Brook’s story will remind you of the power of bold ideas and the magic of persistence. https://lnkd.in/gRGK3j2h #AgencyLeadership #ExperientialMarketing #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #CreativeLeadership

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 105 - Boundless On this episode of An Agency Story, we dive into the fascinating journey of Amanda J. Garcia, MBA, StoryBrand Certified Guide, Founder of ColorWord Creative, Inc., a full-service marketing agency. Amanda’s story, like many entrepreneurial paths, is a mix of serendipity, passion, and determination. What began as a spark during her college days in communications, combined with early experiences in nonprofit fundraising, eventually evolved into a full-fledged agency specializing in brand identity development and messaging. Amanda shares her love of storytelling, honed through interviews with C-suite executives, and her belief that everyone has a story worth telling. A major theme in this episode is the balance between creativity and the realities of business ownership. Amanda discusses the challenges of starting her agency from scratch, particularly learning to navigate the intricacies of running a business, from taxes to client management. Her openness about saying “yes” to almost everything in the early days, and the relief of learning to say “no” as the business grew, is relatable for many business owners. Amanda’s candidness shines through as she recounts her journey to finding her lane and the significance of pivotal moments such as becoming a StoryBrand Certified Guide—a milestone that transformed her agency, offering her both new resources and a supportive community. One of the most engaging aspects of this episode is Amanda’s humorous and heartfelt reflections. From the early days of working at Starbucks, where a quirky customer with “extra horsepower” mustang jokes helped her land her first nonprofit job, to her experiences with growing pains and success in implementing the Profit First framework, Amanda’s stories are filled with authenticity and wit. Her reflection on how “getting that first check was magic” but quickly became a stressful necessity as the agency grew offers a real glimpse into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Listeners will be intrigued by Amanda’s dedication to celebrating wins—whether it’s throwing a birthday party for the agency each year or acknowledging daily victories, big or small. This celebration of success, amidst the grind of agency life, is a refreshing reminder that entrepreneurs should stop and appreciate their progress. Tune in to this inspiring and insightful episode to discover more about Amanda’s journey, her thoughts on business growth, and her perspective on how entrepreneurs are both born and made. Whether you’re starting your own agency or looking for ways to grow, Amanda’s story will leave you thinking about the importance of embracing your path—no matter how curvy it gets. https://lnkd.in/g_8wq_wp #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #BrandIdentity #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #AnAgencyStoryPodcast

An Agency Story Podcast - Episode 104 - Community Welcome to another episode of “An Agency Story.” Today, we are excited to feature Mal Alder from Alder & Co., a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits thrive in their respective markets. Mal’s journey is a fascinating blend of passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, Mal shares her evolution from aspiring lawyer to creative writer and finally, to digital marketing agency owner. She delves into the inspiration behind starting Alder & Co. after the unexpected closure of her previous workplace. With a focus on small businesses and nonprofits, Mal explains how her upbringing, with parents who were also small business owners, deeply influenced her mission and values. Listeners will find unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a small agency. Mal discusses the importance of honesty in digital marketing, the delicate balance of managing client expectations, and the need for agility in an ever-changing industry. She also highlights the significant growth of her agency, from working solo at her dining table to managing a team and securing high-profile clients like a local public transit system. A particularly engaging moment in the episode is when Mal recounts the humorous anecdote of her office’s “memorial wall” for client-killed design concepts, a common pain point many in the industry can relate to. Her candid discussion about dealing with anxiety and imposter syndrome while leading a business offers a powerful and relatable narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear Mal’s inspiring story, filled with practical advice, heartfelt moments, and a clear passion for supporting small businesses. This episode leaves listeners contemplating the importance of community, the value of honest work, and the resilience required to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. Don’t miss this compelling episode of “An Agency Story” as Mal Alder shares her journey, insights, and the questions that drive her to continually push for success. https://lnkd.in/gm8ukE64 #DigitalMarketing #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AnAgencyStoryPodcast #AgencyLife