Shows
Marketing Agency Power HourThe Promotional Muscle Behind Research - Tom Shapiro - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #015Clarity in your agency’s target market is the foundation for scalable growth and long-term success. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Tom Shapiro, CEO of Stratabeat Inc., a specialized B2B agency focused on marketing for technology and SaaS companies.Tom shares his journey in refining Stratabeat’s market focus, highlighting how a tightly defined ideal customer profile enhances growth, efficiency, and service quality. He details the agency’s strategic pivot to B2B tech and SaaS, and how original research has become a cornerstone of their market...2025-07-3151 min
Marketing Agency Power HourSuccessful Agencies Narrow Their Niche - Elizabeth Chabe - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #014Narrowing your agency’s niche can unlock significant impact and reliable lead generation. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Elizabeth Chabe, CEO of High Touch Group, a specialized agency focused on marketing advanced science, engineering, and technology.Elizabeth shares her journey in defining and honing her agency’s niche, emphasizing how a clear market focus improves pricing, staffing, marketing, sales, and client quality. She discusses her firm’s approach to hiring industry experts, measuring success through client impact, and managing financial efficiency. Beyond business, Elizabeth’s passion for dog...2025-07-241h 02
Marketing Agency Power HourRelationships Are King In Marketing - Erin Regan - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #013Blending brand building with performance marketing can be a powerful formula for agency growth. In this episode, the host sits down with Erin Regan, Managing Partner & Co-Owner of Full Contact Advertising and a seasoned leader in the marketing agency space.Erin shares how her team works with major clients like Cumberland Farms, Honda, and Body Armor by integrating ‘branded performance’- combining long-term brand equity with short-term sales urgency. She dives into the strategic frameworks that guide their work, from deep client collaboration to ongoing optimization that drives real business outcomes. Erin also contrasts the operational real...2025-07-1738 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#39 Meals, Entertainment & Travel Tax Deduction RulesThis episode's topic is near and dear to many business owners. There are probably a lot of misconceptions about it. There's a lot of gray area about it. Just because the business spends money on something doesn't necessarily mean it is tax-deductible on the tax returns. There are documentation, compliance considerations. Greg Reed, CPA joins the show to discuss the tax deductibility of:MealsEntertainmentTravelGreg can be reached at smartbookstax.com or greed@smartbookstax.com.Send us a textThanks for listening! Host Cal Wilder can be reached at:cal...2025-07-1421 min
Marketing Agency Power HourYour Agency Growth Depends On Who You Hire - Cam Brown - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #012Hiring self-starters and leveraging generative AI are key to scaling a modern agency. In this episode, the host sits down with Cam Brown, Founder and CEO of KingFish + Partners.Cam shares how building a team of self-motivated individuals and empowering them without micromanagement has been central to his firm’s success. He dives into how he evaluates talent rigorously, balances full-time and contract roles, and integrates emerging MarTech tools to future-proof the agency. From performance management and subject matter expertise to town governance and outdoor passions, Cam offers a transparent look at how he balances strategic growth wi...2025-07-1055 min
Marketing Agency Power HourA Marketer’s 6 Lessons of Life & Business - Joel Kaplan - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #011Six leadership lessons focused on listening, curiosity, and transparency guide effective team growth and change. In this episode, Cal sits down with Joel Kaplan, Principal & Founder at MK3 Creative, to explore innovative strategies, team leadership, and industry trends shaping the future of marketing.Joel shares how redefining his team’s approach to sales led to meaningful growth. He highlights the importance of relationship-building as a foundation for long-term success, along with using tools like the Culture Index to align team strengths. The conversation also touches on financial management, leading through uncertainty, and using AI to support, not re...2025-07-0347 min
Marketing Agency Power HourPivoting with Purpose Through Change - Jillian Weston - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #010Adapting quickly and leading with innovation are key to thriving in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. In this episode, the host sits down with Jillian Weston, digital marketing expert and Owner & Founder of Jillian's Circus.Jillian shares how her leadership style, grounded in trust and adaptability, has driven her success in building and managing a forward-thinking marketing agency. She dives into the importance of staying nimble—especially during unexpected events like COVID-19—and how her approach to pricing, talent management, and client education has evolved over time. Jillian also opens up about the operational tools that keep her bu...2025-06-2648 min
Marketing Agency Power HourTurning Passion Into Action - Kathryn Wilson - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #009Transforming passion into performance can set your agency apart, especially in complex, regulated industries. In this episode, the host sits down with Kathryn Wilson, Founder & CEO of VUE Health, an independent healthcare marketing agency.Kathryn shares how a strong sense of mission and passion for healthcare has shaped her agency’s culture and success. She discusses how VUE Health navigates the challenges of regulation, builds lasting client relationships, and uses action-driven KPIs to stay focused on results. Kathryn also reflects on the early days of launching her agency and the importance of staying intentional while scaling a hig...2025-06-1936 min
Marketing Agency Power HourEnjoying Your Work Is The Best Policy - Mitch Tobol - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #008When your team enjoys what they do, everything else starts to fall into place. In this episode, the host sits down with Mitch Tobol, Owner of CGT Marketing and a seasoned leader in the marketing and social media space.Mitch shares how aligning marketing strategy with broader business objectives can transform agency effectiveness. He emphasizes the power of understanding the full sales funnel, educating sales teams, and focusing on vertical markets to drive consistent results. Mitch also dives into client selection, the impact of emerging tech like AI, and how agency culture plays a crucial role...2025-06-1248 min
Marketing Agency Power HourGrow Fast By Giving Back! - Johanna Bates & Erin Fogel - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #007Building a values-first agency doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode, the host sits down with Johanna Bates and Erin Fogel, Co-Founders of DevCollaborative, a web development firm focused on the nonprofit sector.Johanna and Erin share how they built their agency from the ground up, guided by a commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and people-first practices. Instead of chasing rapid growth or flashy marketing tactics, they leaned into community engagement and long-term client relationships to scale their impact. They talk candidly about diversifying revenue, setting boundaries to protect team well-being, and staying true to their mi...2025-06-0553 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#38 Tax Changes in the "Big Beautiful Bill"With the Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill" working its way through Congress, Greg Reed joins us to discuss expected tax changes including:Overview of the "Big Beautiful Bill"SALT Deduction and Tax BenefitsBonus Depreciation and Section 179Tips, Medicaid, and Clean Energy ChangesKey Takeaways and Quarterly RemindersReach Greg Reed at greed@smartbookstax.com or book a meeting with him at smartbookstax.comSend us a textThanks for listening! Host Cal Wilder can be reached at:cal@empoweringhealthybusiness.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinwilder/ 2025-06-0314 min
Marketing Agency Power HourLeading with Questions and Conversation - Nick Francis - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #006Asking the right questions is often the first step toward building a successful agency. In this episode, Cal sits down with Nick Francis, Founder and Visionary Officer of The Franchise Group, an award-winning creative and strategic marketing agency.Nick shares how his team delivers high-impact events by focusing on early planning, intentional post-event follow-up, and a tailored approach that meets the needs of both large enterprises and smaller clients. See how his agency minimizes risk by leveraging a flexible freelancer network and why maintaining work-life balance is central to leading a resilient team. From navigating the challenges...2025-05-2941 min
Marketing Agency Power HourRedefining Success Beyond Profit - Natalie Nathanson - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #005Finding the right niche can be a game changer for your agency. In this episode, the host sits down with Natalie Nathanson, Founder & CEO of Magnetude Consulting and Host of the Shift and Thrive podcast.Natalie shares how focusing on ideal clients and verticals like cybersecurity and IT services has propelled her firm’s growth. She dives into the evolving role of AI in marketing and how her team integrates it thoughtfully to maintain authenticity and quality. From internal marketing and change management to financial reporting and evolving leadership, Natalie offers a transparent look at how sh...2025-05-2237 min
Marketing Agency Power HourNavigating Core Values and Communication - Evan Zall - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #004Core values aren't just internal slogans—they're strategic tools for building strong client relationships and lasting agency success. In this episode, Cal sits down with Evan Zall, Founder and President of Longview Strategies, a strategic communications firm with deep expertise in the industry.Evan shares how grounding his firm in values like leading the way and embracing lifelong learning has shaped Longview’s culture, client outcomes, and long-term growth. Learn how he navigates complex topics like sustainability and diversity with clarity, and why authenticity is key to standing out in today’s crowded media environment. From managi...2025-05-1540 min
Marketing Agency Power HourSoftware Can’t Run Your Business For You - Jared Novack - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #003Technology alone won’t run your agency. Success comes from connecting the right systems with the right people. In this episode, the host sits down with Jared Novack, Co-founder, CFO, and COO of Upstatement, Boston’s premier digital agency.Jared shares how he and his team transformed their agency by centralizing data, leading to smarter financial forecasting and tighter operational control. See why connecting data systems to the human side of a business is essential for sustainable growth and how creativity and structure can successfully coexist. From leading a high-performing creative team to navigating uncertainty and staying grou...2025-05-0830 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#37 Managing Payroll Tax WithholdingIn this episode, Cal sits down with tax expert Greg Reed to uncover hidden risks that business owners often miss when it comes to payroll tax withholding. As your income shifts, whether from business profits, life changes, or other sources, your W2 withholding may no longer be enough. Without regular adjustments, this can lead to surprise tax bills, penalties, or even overpayments. Greg explains why reviewing your withholding yearly (ideally in January) is essential, especially after major life or income changes. He also dives into strategies like year-end bonus withholding to avoid penalties, though these come with extra payroll...2025-05-0610 min
Marketing Agency Power HourCulture Eats Strategy For Lunch! - Casey Cheshire - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #002Gain fresh perspectives on how to build a thriving digital marketing agency by leaning into authentic connections, strong leadership, and purpose-driven strategies. In this episode, Cal chats with Casey Cheshire, an innovative entrepreneur, seasoned marketing strategist, author, and Founder & Chief Evangelist of Ringmaster.Explore how Casey launched and scaled his previous company into a leading marketing automation consultancy, and how his latest venture, Ringmaster, empowers agencies to grow through podcasting, partnerships, and vibrant communities. He discusses why meaningful conversations should be at the heart of every marketing strategy. Casey also opens up about the realities of...2025-05-0143 min
Marketing Agency Power HourDon’t Let AI Replace Your Expertise - David Reske - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #001Unlock powerful insights into what it really takes to grow a successful digital marketing agency in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this episode, Cal sits down with David Reske, Founder and CEO of Nowspeed, a Boston-based agency that helps B2B tech firms thrive.Learn how David built his agency by focusing on one core mission—helping clients succeed—and how this mindset continues to drive growth and profitability. Discover how AI is transforming digital marketing, from boosting efficiency to slashing costs, and why staying ahead of the tech curve is no longer optional. David also opens...2025-04-2440 min
Marketing Agency Power HourMarketing Agency Power Hour Trailer!This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.2025-04-1700 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#36 Tax To Dos After April 15thThink tax season is over? Think again. In this episode, Cal sits down with tax expert Greg to talk about what savvy business owners should be doing after April 15th. From maximizing deductions to planning for upcoming tax law changes, this conversation is packed with insights for those who want to stay ahead—not just compliant.Greg shares real-world strategies to avoid tax-time surprises, reduce penalties, and keep more of your hard-earned cash. Plus, he breaks down estimated taxes, business structure reviews, and how to fund retirement accounts strategically. He even clears up myths around the home of...2025-04-1520 min
Tales from Davidstown - Supernatural Werewolf Audio DramaEpisode 12: The Blue Moon - Season One FinaleThe Blue Moon rises over Davidstown, but will everyone survive the night? As Emily's werewolf transformation reaches its terrifying peak, the town risks descending into chaos. Secrets that have been simmering beneath the surface finally erupt, and no one escapes unscathed. Mei Ling and Seraphina make a last, desperate attempt to contain the storm, but forces beyond their control have already been set in motion. Meanwhile, Jess races against time to find Emily but what she discovers may break her trust beyond repair. And in the shadows, someone watches everything unfold, just as she planned. This is...2025-03-3057 min
Agency BlueprintSeason 15 | Ep 174 | Agency Investment – The Dos and Don'ts with Calvin WilderAre you making the right financial decisions to scale your business effectively? Financial decision-making for business owners can be complex but differentiating expenses from investments and focusing on risk assessment and ROI can make a difference. In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Calvin Wilder to discuss the dos and don’ts of agency investments. Cal is the founder and CEO of SmartBooks, where their team empowers business owners to run financially healthy businesses through a mix of bookkeeping and accounting, financial reporting, and CFO advisory services. He started his career journey as an in...2025-03-0722 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#35 Beneficial Ownership Reporting Update and Tax Planning WinThe US Treasury Department announced a major change to beneficial filing requirements affecting most small business owners in the U.S. In this episode, Greg Reed, head of tax at SmartBooks, shares important updates. He also shares a tax planning success story about how he saved a client $29,000 in tax.We also discuss important informational filings that still must be made by many U.S. businesses that do business internationally that have major penalties if not done.Reach Greg Reed at greed@smartbookstax.com or book a meeting with him at smartbookstax.com.2025-03-0309 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#34 Benefits of Proactive Tax Planning vs. Reactive Tax FilingI’m excited to announced that SmartBooks Head of Tax Greg Reed is now officially a Certified Tax Coach. Tax planning and minimization has been a core part of our tax practice. With advanced study with the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners, Greg will be able to do even more to help business owners pay less tax.More specifically, this episode includes:Accountants, CPAs, and other roles to fill in your accounting teamBenefits of working with a Certified Tax Coach The right time to do tax planningTax tactics vs. a comprehensive tax strategyGreg saves a Sma...2025-02-1119 min
Empowering Healthy Business: The Podcast for Small Business Owners#33 The Founder as Chief SalespersonA challenge all businesses face is setting up the sales function for success. In this episode, Christopher Filipiak explores why it is critical for the Founder to master the sales process regardless of whether the plan is to hire salespeople or for the founder to continue to be the primary salesperson.More specifically, this episode includes:The core of the sales process is creating and having conversationsChallenges of delegating sales when the founder has not mastered itThe sales mindset founders need to embraceAre salespeople born or made?Pitfalls of founders as salespeopleFounder sales mastery is...2025-01-2836 min