7 Years of 20/20 Digital: A Strategy & Design Company Built on Vision, Values & Partnerships

After starting 20/20 Digital seven years ago, I knew I wasn't just launching a business—I was building something I'd dreamed about, even during my most successful days working in government, at a marketing agency, and at a tech startup. I wanted to build something of my own, creating a foundation based on my vision rather than someone else's.

Creating Something Different

My vision for building 20/20 Digital was clear: I wanted to take everything I loved about my previous work—the teamwork, the relationships, and the projects that made a difference—and build it on my terms. After spending almost 20 years working across government, marketing agencies, and tech companies, I learned something important: businesses do best when they take care of their team and how they work together while also focusing on their customers and marketing.

With experience in operations, HR, marketing, and product strategy, I could have tried to do everything. Instead, I decided to start small and focus on what I loved most at that time: user experience and digital product design, especially the strategy behind it. I wanted to be smart about choosing what services to offer. I looked at job postings, noted what skills companies wanted, and mapped out the common themes across different roles. This helped me build services that matched what I loved doing and what companies needed.

Beyond Traditional Consulting

"I'm not a Businessman, I'm a Business, Man." -Jay-Z

My path to building 20/20 Digital was different from most. I started my career in the public sector, working in the library system, where I learned about research, operations, and HR from the ground up. Those years taught me valuable lessons about how teams work, how to help them grow, and what makes work processes successful.

Moving to the private sector—first to a marketing agency, then to a tech startup—added new layers to this experience. I saw how bringing in new technology, putting customers first, and keeping operations smooth all connect. More importantly, I learned firsthand how teamwork leads to happier employees and more satisfied customers.

Today, I create meaningful strategies and solutions for government and private companies through software design, digital marketing, customer experience, and strategic business consulting. I partner with Product, Marketing, Development, and Operations teams to create and understand how their products and services are used. One of my proudest achievements has been introducing Product Design and UX skills to over 140 professionals from cross-functional teams across 35 companies.

Annual Reflection and Renewal

Each December, I take time to reflect on the year. I look at what worked and what didn't, which services made money, and what work I truly enjoyed—even if it wasn't the most profitable. I also think about what's coming next, where the market is heading, and what changes I should make.

January is my month to reconnect. This isn't about pushing for sales. Instead, it's about making time for good conversations that don't always have to be about business. I focus on building community, sharing helpful ideas, and growing my network. I've never done cold calls or chased proposals. Instead, I build authentic relationships that naturally grow into work opportunities.

7 Critical Lessons from Seven Years as an Entrepreneur

1. Work on your business, not just in it. Balance the behind-the-scenes work like bookkeeping and networking with the work you love.
2. Be kind to yourself. Starting slow or missing goals is part of the journey.
3. Build your network. Find your communities, both local and online. Show up regularly, share what you know, and build relationships naturally.
4. Keep improving your services. Watch how markets change, how technology grows, and what work brings both joy and profit.
5. Save for tomorrow. Good times don't last forever. Track your spending and consider each expense carefully.
6. Find good partners. Work with people whose skills complement yours and whose company you enjoy.
7. Be ready to change. Monitor the direction of your market and adapt your offerings accordingly.

Our Partners in Growth

None of this journey would have been possible without the amazing partners and clients who've been part of the 20/20 Digital story. Thank you to the more than 45 companies that trusted us with their teams' growth and development and our clients and partners who trusted us with their digital transformation, customer experience, and business strategy work. Your trust and collaboration have made these seven years meaningful and impactful.

I want to give a special thanks to those who've been there from the beginning—from my early days going by Jamie Gerrard Consulting, speaking at conferences and attending networking events to those who asked for support and became long-term partners. You've shown me that the best business relationships grow from genuine connections and shared values.

To everyone who's been part of this journey—thank you for helping build 20/20 Digital into what it is today. Here's to many more years of creating meaningful work together.

Creating What's Next

"Allow me to reintroduce myself." -Jay-Z

Looking toward the year ahead, I see big changes in how work is done. Jobs that used to be separate are coming together, mainly because technology makes it easier to do more things well. For 2025, I'm focusing on building three main areas: expanding our marketing work, creating better product designs for larger companies, and helping more businesses improve how they serve their customers.

After seven years of building 20/20 Digital, I'm just getting started. Success isn't about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about building relationships, sharing knowledge, showing up, and helping others when they ask.

Whether you're just starting out, starting over, or looking for a change—just start building. After all, real connections and good conversations are what help us grow. ??

I'm Jamie Gerrard, the founder of 20/20 Digital. I'm passionate about helping organizations navigate the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) world of digital transformation.

We believe that putting people at the centre of the decision-making process is key to creating service experiences and digital products that drive business results and truly resonate with customers and employees.

Let's connect if you want to explore how 20/20 Digital can support your digital transformation journey. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific goals and explore how we can help you achieve them.

LinkedIn: Jamie Gerrard and 20/20 Digital.