Description

Company: Zelen Communications
Owners: Terry Zelen
Year Started: 2005
Employees: 11 – 25

What do marine biology, Macintosh computers, and Outback Steakhouse have in common? Terry Zelen. In this episode, Terry shares how he built a 35-year agency by embracing change, betting on relationships, and staying ahead of marketing tech trends. You’ll learn what it takes to survive and thrive through economic downturns, client loss, and evolving platforms.

Key Takeaways

• The danger of over-relying on one major client (and how to protect your agency)
• Why teaching yourself tech early can shape your agency’s future
• How to spot untapped talent and turn them into top performers
• The mindset shift that helped Zelen Communications grow post-2008
• Why deep service knowledge matters, even for agency owners

Details for an agency planning workshop event November 10th and 11th 2025.