Shows
An Agency StoryThe Discipline of Reducing Friction - Help.AgencyCompany: Help.AgencyGuest: John BalauatYear Started: 2020Employees: 11-25Growth doesn’t usually fail because of effort, it fails because of friction. In this episode, Russel sits down with John Balauat of Help.Agency to unpack why forcing outcomes creates pressure, bad decisions, and stalled momentum, and how the discipline of reducing friction leads to clearer sales, better partnerships, and healthier agencies.Key TakeawaysWhy forcing growth often creates more problems than progressHow reducing friction in sales bu...
2026-01-1942 min
An Agency StoryPredictability Is the Real Flex - BrolikCompany: BrolikGuest: Jason BrewerYear Started: 2004Employees: 11-25You can never underestimate the ability to measure your business. In this episode, Russel sits down with Jason Brewer of Brolik to unpack what 22 years of agency ownership actually teaches you about predictable revenue, leadership, and long-term decision-making. Key TakeawaysThe mindset shift required to invest in growth before results show upHow “being your own best client” creates consistency and confidenceThe difference between chasing momentum and building durabilityWhy empathy and l...
2026-01-1241 min
An Agency StoryYou Don’t Start Certain, You Become Certain - 30|90 MarketingCompany: 30|90 MarketingGuest: Rachel LedetYear Started: 2018Employees: 1-10Clarity in business doesn’t arrive all at once, it’s built through decisions, experience, and commitment. In this first ever "Where are they now?" episode, Russel reconnects with Rachel Ledet, Founder of 30|90 Marketing, to explore how her agency evolved over the past few years and what changed once she fully committed to a clear focus.This episode is a candid look at confidence earned over time, the hard tradeoffs behind positioning, and...
2026-01-0552 min
An Agency StoryFinding the Unexpected Tip of the Spear - North StreetCompany: North StrettGuest: Tom ConlonYear Started: 2010Employees: 1-10In this episode, Russel sits down with Tom Conlin of North Street to unpack how an unexpectedly narrow offer became a mechanism for opening doors, reducing stress, and creating better opportunities across the business.Key TakeawaysHow a narrowly defined offer can become a powerful door-opener for bigger workWhat it really means to “see the machinery of the business” and why it changes decision-makingThe difference between being busy and...
2025-12-2142 min
An Agency StoryThe Untapped Differentiator: Your Story - An Agency StoryCompany: An Agency StoryGuest: Russel DubreeYear Started: 2022Employees: 1-10Most agency owners underestimate the most powerful differentiator they have, their personal story. In this episode, Russel breaks down why your authentic “why” matters and how sharing it can deepen connection with your team, attract the right clients, and clarify your purpose.Key TakeawaysWhy your personal story is the strongest positioning tool you’re not usingHow authenticity creates instant connection and builds trust with your team and cl...
2025-12-0817 min
An Agency StoryFrom Cookies to Code Before Age 25 - 118GroupCompany: 118 GroupGuests: Dylan StevenYear Started: 2017Employees: 1-10The Secret to a Smarter, Stronger Team? Build a Learning Culture What if the best agency investment isn’t more tech or tighter processes, but more learning? In this episode, Dylan Steven of 118Group shares how embedding education and autonomy into his team’s DNA has elevated their work and strengthened their connection. He unpacks how letting go of control actually led to better outcomes and why systems should support people, not...
2025-07-2839 min
An Agency StoryCulture Lessons for Building a High Performance Team - Focus LabCompany: Focus LabOwner(s): Erik Reagan, Bill Kenney, & Will StraughnYear Started: 2010Employees: 26 – 50In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel Dubree sits down with Erik Reagan, co-founder of Focus Lab, to discuss how intentional culture isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a key driver of business success.Erik shares how Focus Lab went from an unstructured team to a culture-first agency, where values aren’t just words on a wall but integrated into daily operations. From the creative...
2025-02-2440 min
An Agency StoryPesky Privacy Policies Simplified: The Easy Path to ComplianceCompany: TermageddonOwners: Hans SkillrudYear Started: 2017Employees: 1 – 10Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.On this episode, we have Hans Skillrud, Co-founder of Termageddon. Termageddon creates and automatically updates all things privacy policies based out of Saint Charles, IL.Hans faced a tough call when he decided to sell his agency and concentrate on building out Termageddon but hasn’t looked back ever since. In this episode we discuss the challenges that agencies, and busine...
2025-01-1324 min
An Agency StoryDo or Die? An 8 Figure Decision - Lifeblue - A Special 100th EpisodeCompany: LifeblueFounders: Phillip Blackmon & Russel DubreeYear Started: 2006Employees: 51-100 What does it really take to go from scrappy beginnings in a dusty cotton mill to building and selling a multi-million dollar agency? In this milestone 100th episode, An Agency Story host Russel Dubree sits down with longtime business partner and Lifeblue co-founder Phillip Blackmon to unpack the raw, unfiltered truth behind their entrepreneurial journey from missteps, near-burnout, bold decisions, to the defining moments that shaped it all.Inside this episode:
2024-09-0256 min
An Agency StoryHow a Handshake Agreement Almost Cost Her the Agency - Bright MarketingCompany: Bright MarketingOwners: Jennifer SuttonYear Started: 2013Employees: 11-25When Jennifer Sutton hit a career ceiling in corporate America, she didn’t just quit, she built something better. In this episode, Jennifer shares the serendipitous birth of Bright Marketing, the highs and lows of leadership, and what it really takes to grow a team-driven, scalable agency. Key TakeawaysThe #1 mistake agency owners make when hiring (and how it leads to internal friction)How to avoid partnership pitfalls with clear expectations and...
2024-06-0331 min
An Agency StoryHe Hit a Wall, Then Made a Playbook for Everything - Morgan & CoCompany: Morgan & Co.Owners: Eric MorganYear Started: 1997Employees: 11-25 What happens when saying "yes" to clients turns into a growth trap? In this episode, Eric Morgan of Morgan & Co shares what nearly broke his agency and the exact steps he took to rebuild it stronger than ever. From scaling culture to systematizing chaos, Eric gives a transparent look at what it really takes to grow an agency that lasts.Inside this episode:Why saying "yes" can cost your agency more t...
2024-05-2728 min
An Agency StoryThe Military, Marriage, and a Marketing Pivot - Fortibus MarketingCompany: Fortibus MarketingOwners: Michael PaulYear Started: 2005Employees: 1-10 What happens when military discipline meets entrepreneurial chaos? In this episode, Michael Paul shares how an unexpected opportunity launched him and his wife into the agency world, testing their marriage, mindset, and resilience. From leading through a 93% revenue loss to redefining roles at work and home, this story is anything but ordinary.Key TakeawaysHow military structure helped navigate agency uncertaintyWhy defining roles saved their business and their marriageWhat losing 93% of r...
2024-05-2021 min
An Agency StoryShe Started Her Agency the Week She Got Fired - Lawsome DigitalCompany: Lawsome DigitalOwners: Chris MajernikYear Started: 2013Employees: 1-10 When Chris Majernik lost her dream job, she didn’t crumble, she started a marketing agency the same week. In this episode, Chris shares how a setback led to not one, but two thriving businesses, including her niche firm serving transactional law firms. If you’ve ever considered niching down or starting over, this episode delivers the real, raw path to getting it right.Inside this episode:Why getting fired...
2024-05-1326 min
An Agency StoryTheir Agency Started with a Mattress and a Band - Citizen AdvertisingCompany: Citizen AdvertisingOwners: C.J. Ogle and Brent MatthewsYear Started: 2008Employees: 1-10 What happens when two lifelong friends and former musicians stumble into the world of marketing? In this episode, CJ Ogle and Brent Matthews of Citizen Advertising share how an in-house project turned into a full-service agency. Their story is packed with lessons on slow growth, intentional culture, and serving small businesses with big impact.Inside This Episode:The hiring gamble that almost backfired (and what saved it)W...
2024-05-0633 min
An Agency StoryWhy Teaching Facebook Beat Selling Chocolate - Monomoy Social MediaCompany: Monomoy Social MediaOwners: Nicole PorterYear Started: 2017Employees: 1-10 What do chocolate truffles and social media management have in common? For Nicole Porter, founder of Monomoy Social Media, they’re both chapters in her journey from hands-on hustle to building a fully remote agency designed for flexibility and impact. In this episode, Nicole shares how a simple act of helping a friend with Facebook launched a new career and how she now empowers women and nonprofits through thoughtful, scalable marketing services.Key...
2024-04-2925 min
An Agency StoryHow a Shark Tank Surprise Sparked Agency Growth - Meerkat Media GroupCompany: Meerkat Media GroupOwners: Kristin ChambersYear Started: 2017Employees: 1-10 What starts as a spontaneous road trip turns into a national spotlight moment on Shark Tank. In this episode, Kristin Chambers, founder of Meerkat Media Group, shares how unexpected exposure fueled her agency’s growth and the hard-won lessons she learned navigating burnout, grief, and business ownership. Key TakeawaysWhy starting with just $5K didn’t stop her from scalingThe surprising moment her client work ended up on Shark TankHow gratit...
2024-04-2224 min
An Agency StoryWhat a Catfished Intern Taught Us About Hiring - Glo Creative CoCompany: Glo Creative Co.Owners: Kelly GhomYear Started: 2022Employees: 1 – 10What happens when you realize your biggest client is draining your agency? In this episode, Kelly Gohm, co-founder of Glo Creative Co., shares how cutting misaligned clients and saying no helped her team scale intentionally, doubling revenue while staying true to their creative core. Packed with honest insights, unexpected stories, and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for agency owners navigating the tension between growth and fulfillment.Key Takeaways Why rus...
2024-04-1523 min
An Agency StoryWhat a Fax Machine Taught Her About Innovation - PCF InternationalCompany: PCF InternationalOwners: Ginger PetersonYear Started: 1996Employees: 11-25 What happens when an old-school agency leader outlasts the digital revolution? In this episode, Ginger Peterson shares her 28-year journey at the helm of PCF International, from fax machines and TV spots to interactive campaigns and international clients. You’ll hear how she navigated outdated partnerships, embraced change, and built a loyal team that stuck with her for decades.Key TakeawaysWhy she’ll never have a business partner again How a slow...
2024-04-0828 min
An Agency StorySpecial Episode: Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations - Jack SkeelsCompany: AgencyAgileOwner: Jack SkeelsYear Started: 2012Employees: 11-25 (Intermediate)Additional links and resources:Get more insights from Jack on MediumPurchase a discounted copy of “Unmanaged: :Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations”Get additional insights and resources from the book websiteWelcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.Dive into a captivating special episode of "An Agency Story," featuring the recently released book “Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations” by Jack Sk...
2024-04-0444 min
An Agency StoryCan You Build a Business on Vengeance and Values? - MKC AgencyCompany: MKC AgencyOwners: Megan KillionYear Started: 2017Employees: 11-25 What happens when raw ambition meets heart-centered leadership? In this episode, Megan Killion shares how she turned early adversity, including teen motherhood and a “rage quit” moment, into a thriving agency that prioritizes both sales results and social impact. Her story blends real-world grit with a powerful mission to create opportunity for others often overlooked.Inside this episode:Why hiring on potential (not pedigree) can transform your agencyThe surprising reason most marke...
2024-04-0128 min
An Agency StorySouthern Charm and Celebrity Presentations - Cobble HillCompany: Cobble HillOwners: Austin DandridgeYear Started: 2012Employees: 26-50 Building a creative agency is one thing, navigating partnerships, evolving your focus, and presenting your work to a celebrity is another. In this episode, Austin Dandridge of Cobble Hill shares how a band-playing, chef-trained creative became the founder of a boutique digital agency, and the surprising turning points that shaped their growth. From awkward website reveals to partnership lessons, this one’s packed with real agency wisdom.Inside this episode:The par...
2024-03-2525 min
An Agency StoryWhat 500,000 Parents Taught Her About Building a Business - SpotOn Digital MediaCompany: SpotOn Digital MediaOwners: Robyn SpotoYear Started: 2015Employees: 11-25 What do you learn from building an app used by half a million parents? For Robyn Spoto, it shaped a people-first approach to running her agency, SpotOn Digital Media. In this episode, she shares how she scaled a 30-person team without ever posting a job while avoiding burnout and staying true to her values.Key TakeawaysHow to grow a strong team culture using contractorsWhy product thinking can be your a...
2024-03-1722 min
An Agency StoryWhy She Almost Quit at the Peak of Her Career - Bolt from the Blue CopywritingCompany: Bolt from the Blue CopywritingOwners: Rachel AllenYear Started: 2009Employees: 1-10 What if the words you choose could reshape not just your brand but your entire reality? In this episode, Rachel Allen, founder of Bolt from the Blue Copywriting, shares her journey from a $3.25 writing gig to leading a global agency. Learn how she turned a side hustle into a sustainable business and why language might be your most powerful business tool.Inside this episode:The biggest mental shift n...
2024-03-1119 min
An Agency StoryWhat a Ninth-Grade Dropout Learned About Premium Branding - Mighty FineCompany: Mighty FineOwners: Frank RodriguezYear Started: 2010Employees: 1-10 What if you could grow a successful agency without 60-hour weeks or compromising your lifestyle? In this episode, Frank Rodriguez, founder of Mighty Fine, shares how his unconventional journey, from a ninth-grade dropout to agency owner, shaped a business rooted in freedom, quality, and purpose. Hear how Frank built a brand-forward agency that values attention to detail, creative culture, and the power of saying no to the hustle.Inside this episode:W...
2024-03-0420 min
An Agency StoryWhat One Founder Did to Outpitch a Global PR Titan - The Sway EffectCompany: The Sway EffectOwners: Jennifer RisiYear Started: 2019Employees: 11-25 What happens when a values-driven PR veteran leaves a global agency to start from scratch and then beats that very agency in a major pitch? In this episode, Jennifer Risi, Founder of The Sway Effect, shares how she built a purpose-led agency with DEI at the core and landed Fortune 200 clients in her first year. You'll hear how instincts, relationships, and bold standards can shape lasting success.Key TakeawaysWhy s...
2024-02-2620 min