On joining Modus Create as a Partner

One of the things I’ve prided myself in my career is being ahead of the curve. 

For the last 2-3 years of Savvy, I saw that curve and noticed a handful of companies ahead of it and us. We became a very large “boutique” agency. Yet we didn’t have the scale of a management consultancy. 

It is for that simple reason that I decided to join forces with Modus Create as a Partner to the two existing founding partners.

Why Modus?

To start, I’ve know the two partners of Modus for 10+ years. I ran an influential Meetup with Pat Sheridan in the DC area in the late 2000s. We also crossed paths during our work on PBS for iPad. I was impressed then and continued to admire his work from afar. 

“Afar” being not so far since both of our businesses had a location in Reston. At one point, we were literally in the same office complex. 

On the other side, Jay Garcia was one of my first customers. Ironically, after I helped him reposition his business presence for his website, he scrapped it shortly thereafter to start Modus with Pat. Jay, like me, is a published author and thought leader. He was one of the foremost experts on Sencha and a JavaScript guru before that was cool.  

They started a remote-first agency moving into the 2010s just like I did with Savvy. But their model was more robust right away. They scaled out their leadership team more quickly, were much more platform agnostic, and organizationally, are designed more comprehensively. Having seen how many consultancies operate, their approach in this aspect alone showed me that Savvy reached its max potential by itself. 

Modus also has fully owned and operated entities in Costa Rica and Romania respectively, which allows them to offer a global delivery model for those customers in the market that want or value that. Comparatively, Savvy had to turn down maintenance work that required 24-7 support. Or, we would lose out on deals due to our rates not being competitive enough. Modus figured out how to keep quality high while using a global talent pool in engagements that benefit from it.

As you can imagine, it’s humbling joining as a partner at this stage of Modus’ own journey. For those at Modus, know I realize that. My goal is to earn your trust and help keep pushing us forward. 

Modus is also at a distinct advantage to immediately leverage what was built at Savvy and my skillset specifically. With 50+ new hires this year and closing in on 250 "Modites", they continue to grow rapidly and win work for well-known U.S. and international brands alike. With our combined portfolio and either new or revamped offerings, we’re ready to charge the market in ways other firms can’t.

Some of the places Modus will be bolstered include native capabilities on iOS and Android, a renewed emphasis on UX and design, and growth services across apps and web. There’s more to come but that’s the 30,000 foot view. 

A Grateful Heart 

To my team…keep being savvy.

I know everyone will “Stay Savvy” and land well at Modus or elsewhere. Through the years, Savvy alumni have gone on to work at firms such as Uber, Twitter, Google, Instacart, Bank of America, and comparable names. 

To my customers…get ready for new possibilities.

Savvy was ultimately about people. Not just the great people doing the work but the amazing people who trust us with their businesses and in many cases, their careers and dreams. I’ve already briefed many of you and sincerely appreciate the expression of excitement for what we can do together at Modus. I expect to continue to reconnect with people into 2021. Within Modus, we can serve you better. That’s a large part of why I decided to make this move versus forging on as Savvy.

To Pat and Jay…bring it.

I’m pumped for what’s coming next. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of something I see as uniquely positioned in the market. Together, I believe we can achieve possibilities we couldn’t by operating independently.

To any entrepreneur who has a dream…pursue it.

I never thought I could be where I’ve been and where I’m going. There will be haters, there will be tough times, and there will be lonely decisions. But you’ll never be left asking, “What if...”

To my family...you are my rocks and my trusted advisors.

You’ve let me talk, you’ve helped me laugh, you’ve watched me grow. And then you let me do it again. Modus is not a new chapter. It’s a new book. Chapter 1.