Description

Company: Engenius
Owners: Chris Manley
Year Started: 2008
Employees: 11-25 

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

Want a more clarity and control for your agency in 2026? An Agency Story has three coaching spots available for 2026. Let’s see if one of those spots is right for you. Visit AnAgencyStory.com and click “Let’s Talk.”