Recently, 20 agency owners spoke with Rise25, offering actionable tips from their experiences and discussing the obstacles they regularly encounter. From emphasizing the importance of clarity in audience targeting and fostering resilient agency cultures to advocating for strategic planning and adaptability, these owners provide valuable advice for navigating the dynamic agency landscape. In addition to these discussions, agency owners often struggle with managing remote teams, keeping up with new technologies, and balancing growth with smooth operations. Incorporating strategic vision and hands-on experience, these owners offer invaluable guidance for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities in the competitive world of agency ownership.
The diverse array of services offered by the featured agencies showcases their versatility and creativity. Including traditional full-service agencies and innovative collectives, each agency contributes its unique perspective and expertise. Specializations range from niche-focused marketing for specific industries to cutting-edge approaches utilizing emerging technologies. Whether it’s content creation, digital marketing, branding, or strategic consulting, these agencies demonstrate their adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their clients. As the industry evolves, these agencies remain at the forefront, shaping the future of marketing and branding through their innovative solutions and strategic insights.
Octavia Gilmore, Creative Juice LLC
Octavia Gilmore, the Founder & CEO of Creative Juice LLC, shares invaluable insights into running a successful agency, emphasizing the importance of clarity in audience targeting and brand alignment. With years of experience, Octavia advises agency owners to identify their ideal clients early on to position themselves as experts in their field, thus accelerating growth and fostering long-term success. She reflects on her agency’s evolution from a generalist approach to a more refined focus, stressing the significance of understanding clients’ values and needs to build trust and credibility in the industry.
Creative Juice LLC, under Octavia’s leadership, stands out as a boutique multicultural marketing agency specializing in branding, digital marketing, and web design. What sets the company apart is its global workforce, which brings diverse cultural perspectives to the table, enriching client collaborations and strategies. With a commitment to excellence and cultural sensitivity, Creative Juice LLC continues to thrive by delivering innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in the ever-evolving field of marketing and branding.
Learn more: Octavia Gilmore on LinkedIn, Creative Juice LLC
Lori Highby, Keystone Click
Running a successful agency entails navigating various challenges and implementing essential strategies for sustained growth. According to Lori Highby, Founder & CEO of Keystone Click, one crucial tip is to clarify core offerings, target audiences, and execution processes. Documentation processes ensure consistency, especially amid staff turnover, preventing the need to reinvent the wheel. Additionally, Lori emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals — whether through mastermind groups or supportive networks — to celebrate wins and find encouragement during challenging times. This approach fosters a resilient agency culture conducive to long-term success.
Keystone Click, founded in 2008, has evolved from a website design and development agency to a comprehensive strategic digital marketing firm. Initially focusing solely on website services, the agency expanded its offerings to include social media management, SEO, and more as the digital landscape evolved. Lori underscores the agency’s commitment to strategic planning, leveraging research and insights to tailor solutions for clients across various industries, predominantly B2B and manufacturing. Keystone Click’s holistic approach encompasses website development, social media management, paid advertising, and media production, all intended to increase brand visibility and attract client leads.
Learn more: Lori Highby on LinkedIn, Keystone Click
Will Ockenden, Prohibition PR
Will Ockenden, Director/Owner of Prohibition PR, emphasized the pivotal role of fostering a positive company culture. He stressed the importance of trust and freedom for employees, highlighting the agency’s approach of not micromanaging and offering flexible working arrangements. Prohibition PR ensures its team is motivated to deliver prominent creative work by fostering a culture of excellence and individual ownership. Will’s advice underscores the significance of prioritizing people within the agency, recognizing that a strong culture is fundamental to achieving success.
Prohibition PR, a global relations agency established 12 years ago, distinguishes itself with its insight-led communications approach that consistently converts. The agency crafts campaigns that deeply resonate with consumers using data and market insights. In addition to traditional public relations, Prohibition PR offers a comprehensive suite of services, including influencer engagement, social media content creation, podcasting, and videography. Notably, the agency boasts a diverse client base across various sectors, specializing in food and drink, higher education, luxury goods, and retail.
Learn more: Will Ockenden on LinkedIn, Prohibition PR
David Bell, PCD Group
David Bell, Founder & Director of PCD Group, points out that two key factors are pivotal for running a successful agency. Firstly, assembling the right team is paramount. Trusting skilled professionals to excel in their roles allows agency leaders to focus on core tasks, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality output. Secondly, niche insight is indispensable. David emphasizes the significance of understanding the sector in which an agency operates, as it enables them to provide unparalleled value to clients. When agencies specialize in a particular industry, they can offer tailored solutions and remain relevant in a competitive landscape.
PCD Group, under David’s guidance, has flourished by embracing these principles. Founded initially as a networking group catering to the private wealth industry, PCD Club evolved into a dynamic agency specializing in content creation. Leveraging Bell’s expertise and extensive network, the agency crafts compelling content tailored to the unique needs of the wealth management sector. Moreover, PCD Group boasts a robust distribution pipeline built on its established events and digital presence, ensuring maximum reach for clients’ content. With a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to excellence, PCD Group continues to set new standards for content creation in the financial services realm.
Learn more: David Bell on LinkedIn, PCD Group
Michael Huh, Mobyle
Running a successful agency requires more than just offering outstanding services; it’s about scaling effectively and maintaining a consistent pipeline of clients. Michael Huh, Founder/CEO of Mobyle, emphasizes hiring the right people and implementing structured processes to facilitate growth. One of his key recommendations is the significance of building a firm team and system early on to avoid stagnation. Through experience, he discovered that lacking the appropriate personnel and processes makes it extremely challenging to scale. It highlights the challenge agencies face in balancing growth while ensuring operational efficiency.
Mobyle, which Michael founded in 2017, has evolved into a full-stack digital agency offering a range of services, including website and app development, content marketing, SEO, and advertising. However, their unique “done for you” lead generation and appointment-setting service is where their true expertise lies. This innovative approach provides clients with immediate, qualified leads and appointments, making it their flagship service. Focused on results-driven solutions, Mobyle has established itself as a go-to agency for businesses seeking effective digital marketing strategies. Moreover, strategic partnerships with talent agencies ensure access to top-notch resources, facilitating seamless scalability and growth for the agency and its clients.
Learn more: Michael Huh on LinkedIn, Mobyle
Stephen Ardern, Continuous
According to Stephen Ardern, Managing Director of Continuous, a thriving agency demands a blend of resilience and agility. Stephen emphasizes the importance for agency owners to weather various storms, considering the market, economic, and client conditions. This resilience is crucial for agencies, especially those lacking extensive networking or substantial venture capitalist support. Staying lean and agile enables agencies to navigate challenges effectively, ensuring they remain in the game despite adversities.
Continuous, under Stephen’s leadership, embodies this ethos of adaptability and resilience. Founded to help brands thrive in a rapidly changing world, Continuous offers various services focused on brand strategy, positioning, naming, and more. The agency’s approach emphasizes connecting brands with the emotional needs of customers, ensuring relevance and resonance in evolving markets. With 25 years of industry knowledge from its parent company, Uniform Group, Continuous stands out for its ability to deliver fresh ideas backed by seasoned expertise. Based in Liverpool, the agency has successfully guided world-renowned brands across Europe, showcasing its commitment to driving positive impact amidst dynamic landscapes.
Learn more: Stephen Ardern on LinkedIn, Continuous
Mark Tillison, Tillison Consulting
One key lesson Mark Tillison has learned in his 16 years as Founder and Managing Director of Tillison Consulting is the importance of avoiding flawed business. Mark emphasizes the perils of taking on clients with unrealistic expectations or insufficient budgets. Attempting to deliver high-quality services within limited financial constraints often leads to frustration and disappointment for both the agency and the client. Mark stresses the need for agencies to be brutally honest about what they can and cannot deliver, resisting the temptation to pursue opportunities that ultimately prove unprofitable or unsustainable.
Tillison Consulting has evolved into a comprehensive performance marketing agency. Specializing in search-based strategies initially, the agency has expanded its services to encompass a wide range of digital marketing solutions, including Google Ads, display advertising, shopping campaigns, and Facebook advertising. Mark highlights the agency’s focus on delivering tangible results, be it generating sales or leads for clients. With a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to industry changes, Tillison Consulting remains at the forefront of digital marketing, offering tailored solutions to clients across various sectors.
Learn more: Mark Tillison on LinkedIn, Tillison Consulting
Jim DiPiazza, Area of Expertise
Looking to start your agency? According to Jim DiPiazza, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Area of Expertise, starting your agency requires a combination of tenacity and resilience. Jim emphasized the importance of persistence in the face of setbacks. He highlighted the necessity of being indefatigable, continually pushing forward despite the numerous rejections and failures accompanying agency work. Jim stressed the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on creating opportunities for brands and talent. This emphasis on perseverance resonates deeply within Area of Expertise, a marketing collective founded by Jim to provide high-quality services through a curated roster of freelancers.
Area of Expertise bridges the gap between freelancers and clients by assembling specialized teams tailored to each project’s needs. In response to the challenges faced by freelancers in managing large-scale projects, Jim sought to create a platform where top-tier talent could collaborate seamlessly. With an invite-only roster of 350 vetted professionals covering a wide range of marketing disciplines, Area of Expertise offers a full suite of services, from brand strategy and digital marketing to influencer outreach and content creation. By prioritizing excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, Area of Expertise continually redefines the agency model, empowering freelancers and clients to achieve their goals.
Learn more: Jim DiPiazza on LinkedIn, Area of Expertise
Kristen Sweeney, Every Little Word
Assembling the right team is paramount to building a successful agency, as noted by Kristen Sweeney, Owner of Every Little Word. She emphasized the paramount importance of having the right people on board. Kristen underscored that, without a capable team, agency owners risk becoming entangled in a perpetual cycle of firefighting, impeding growth and progress. By enlisting individuals with the appropriate expertise, agencies not only bolster their capacity but also gain invaluable support in navigating various challenges, from optimizing business models to refining pricing strategies.
Every Little Word reflects the power of strategic content marketing. Specializing in catering primarily to B2B enterprises, with a niche focus on the education sector, the agency thrives on empowering subject matter experts and thought leaders to amplify their industry presence. By crafting compelling content that resonates with audiences, Every Little Word helps its clients position themselves as authorities within their respective fields. Utilizing a tailored approach that encourages collaboration and prioritizes client input, the agency delivers content that engages and enriches discourse within targeted industries. From higher education to healthcare and professional services, Every Little Word remains dedicated to enabling clients to continuously offer valuable insights to their audiences, ensuring enduring relevance and impact in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Learn more: Kristen Sweeney on LinkedIn, Every Little Word
Karen Reyburn, We are PF (The Profitable Firm)
Running a thriving and successful agency isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor, as Karen Reyburn, owner of We are PF (The Profitable Firm), points out. Her top tip revolves around aligning the agency’s goals with the owner’s lifestyle preferences. Karen emphasizes crafting an agency that reflects one’s core values and desired lifestyle. For her, it’s about attaining freedom in time, money, or location. Whether you’re starting or scaling, continually reassessing if the agency serves your personal needs while serving clients and team is crucial for sustained success. One of the challenges Karen faces in running her agency, especially as it grows, is maintaining team motivation and connectivity in a remote work setup. Despite technological advancements facilitating remote work, Reyburn highlights the impact of in-person collaboration and the challenges remote setups present.
We are PF (The Profitable Firm) Consulting, specializing in providing creative marketing services exclusively to accountants and accounting firms worldwide. Drawing from Reyburn’s background as a CPA-qualified accountant, the agency offers comprehensive marketing solutions tailored specifically for the accounting industry. With 12 years of experience, We are PF has developed a structured approach to help accounting firms establish foundational marketing elements and execute ongoing content creation strategies. Their ideal client is an ambitious accountant who values and understands the importance of marketing in attracting their desired clientele.
Learn more: Karen Reyburn on LinkedIn, We are PF (The Profitable Firm)
David Bates, Bokeh Agency
David Bates, CEO & Creative Director of Bokeh Agency, shares a valuable insight into running a successful agency: empathy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients’ perspectives, recognizing that they are not adversaries to creativity but individuals balancing various pressures and priorities. David underscores the need to empower clients to champion creative ideas internally, acknowledging their challenges and constraints while striving to deliver innovative solutions. This top tip reflects Bokeh Agency’s approach, which prioritizes empathy and collaboration to foster long-term client relationships and drive creative success.
Bokeh Agency, a creative consultancy and agency led by David and his team, offers a unique perspective shaped by their backgrounds outside the traditional agency and marketing spheres. With a focus on bridging creative ambition and business practicality, Bokeh excels at partnering closely with clients to deliver impactful campaigns and brand experiences. From content creation and storytelling to comprehensive 360-degree campaigns, Bokeh’s services extend to brand identities, website design, social media strategy, and beyond. Leveraging their expertise in creative direction and marketing strategy, Bokeh Agency strives to innovate and empower clients, contributing to their success for over a decade.
Learn more: David Bates on LinkedIn, Bokeh Agency
Adam Grubb, Adam Grubb Media
When running a thriving agency, Adam Grubb, President and Owner of Adam Grubb Media, says it’s all about the people. Although visions and ideas are crucial, Adam emphasized that individuals within a company make it thrive. He highlighted the organic growth of his agency, explaining how each addition to the team and every new service offered resulted from responding to client needs and finding the right people to fulfill them. Adam acknowledged the expansion challenges, including managing a diverse team across different time zones and ensuring effective communication and processes as the organization evolves.
Adam Grubb Media, a full-service video marketing agency, has undergone significant transformation over its 10-year history. Originally a video production company, it has evolved into a comprehensive agency offering various services, including video production, marketing solutions, digital marketing, SEO, web design, graphic design, and promotional apparel. Adam emphasized the agency’s dedication to telling the experiences and achievements of its clients, whether they are small startups or large corporations, through multiple mediums. By providing a holistic approach to marketing and branding, Adam Grubb Media aims to ensure clients receive cohesive and potent strategies to achieve their goals, avoiding the disjointedness often seen when working with multiple agencies.
Learn more: Adam Grubb on LinkedIn, Adam Grubb Media
Arielle Cohen, Business 411
If you want your agency to be successful, it will entail more than just providing services; it requires a deep understanding of your target audience’s needs and wants. Arielle Cohen, CMO of Business 411, stresses the importance of aligning with your audience and focusing on solutions rather than tasks. By listening to clients and comprehending their business challenges, agencies can position themselves as trusted advisors, going beyond service providers to become educators and mentors. Unlike other approaches, Business 411 takes a holistic view, fulfilling clients’ needs while empowering them through custom-designed training manuals and personalized coaching sessions.
Business 411 stands out in the competitive landscape by specializing in business development, education, branding, and marketing for roofing and construction companies. Their ideal clients are those in the home services space, ranging from startups to established enterprises generating over $50 million in revenue. What sets Business 411 apart is its commitment to education, offering white-label training manuals tailored to each client, a first in the industry. By focusing on a specific niche and delivering exceptional services while emphasizing education, Business 411 has found success.
Learn more: Arielle Cohen on LinkedIn, Business 411
Guy Peires, Kworq
Guy Peires, President and Co-Founder of Kworq, emphasizes that while the talent you hire forms the backbone of your agency, it also represents a significant cost. Vigilance is essential, particularly during downturns in the industry, as failure to monitor resource allocation can lead to detrimental consequences. In turn, Guy emphasizes that running a successful agency requires a keen understanding of how to allocate resources effectively. Guy’s advice underscores the importance of adaptability and preparedness, enabling agencies to navigate fluctuations in the market effectively.
Founded in 2011 by Guy Peires and Chris Sullivan, Kworq emerged from experience in content creation and production. Recognizing the shifting landscape of client relationships in the early 2010s, the duo pivoted to establish direct connections with clients, transitioning from a project-based model to one centered on recurring revenue. Specializing in content creation, Kworq offers services tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clientele, prioritizing quality while adapting to the demand for increased content quantity.
Learn more: Guy Peires on LinkedIn, Kworq
Marco Guasti, Harpa Legal Marketing
Marco Guasti, CEO of Harpa Legal Marketing, emphasizes the importance of finding a niche, a strategy that has propelled Harpa’s growth. Marco’s background as a lawyer has enabled him to deeply understand the needs of law firms, allowing Harpa to specialize in legal marketing services. By focusing on a specific niche rather than catering to a broad range of industries, Harpa can deliver tailored and high-quality services, gaining the respect and trust of its clients.
Harpa Legal Marketing, which Marco founded, emerged from a crucial gap in the legal marketing sector. With a focus on assisting law firms in navigating the intricate world of legal directories and rankings, Harpa rapidly expanded its services to become a full-service marketing firm catering exclusively to lawyers and law firms. With a predominantly legal team, Harpa stands out in its ability to comprehend the nuances of legal work and effectively market its clients’ expertise. From boutique firms specializing in niche areas to large, full-service law firms, Harpa offers various services, including submissions for legal directories, social media management, website development, and branding. Through a blend of legal expertise and marketing savvy, Harpa continues to thrive in the legal marketing industry, serving clients worldwide with tailored and effective marketing solutions.
Learn more:Marco Guasti on LinkedIn, Harpa Legal Marketing
Alex Sardinha, Inonda Marketing
To run a successful agency, you’ll need more than just a focus on profits; it demands a profound sense of purpose and unwavering persistence. Alex Sardinha, Founder of Inonda Marketing, emphasizes the importance of finding a mission that fuels your passion through both the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. According to Alex, this quality is paramount for those venturing into the agency world or striving to grow their existing ventures. Alongside persistence, another challenge he faces is the constant battle of staying present and avoiding the lure of chasing new trends or distractions, a common struggle for founders. By practicing patience and surrounding oneself with a high-quality team, Alex suggests that navigating these challenges becomes more manageable, ultimately contributing to the longevity and success of an agency.
Inonda Marketing, founded in 2017, initially specialized in LinkedIn organic strategies before expanding its offerings to include email outreach and calling services. However, the agency encountered hurdles when LinkedIn imposed limitations during the pandemic, prompting a shift toward discovering reliable methods for generating opportunities. Through rigorous experimentation, Inonda Marketing developed its Demand Drive Events, which focus on delivering relevant insights and valuable client experiences. These events have proven highly effective in attracting leads and ensuring their quality, leading to increased success for the agency’s clients. With a 90-day sprint approach, Inonda Marketing constructs lead flow systems for clients, enabling them to drive business growth and develop their business development capabilities.
Learn more: Alex Sardinha on LinkedIn, Inonda Marketing
Norbert Horvath, Say It Now
Norbert Horvath, Founder of Say It Now, emphasizes the importance of integrating generative AI into the core operations of a creative agency to thrive in the digital landscape. He highlights that, regardless of creativity, having a robust technical arm is essential for agencies to stay competitive. In the era of AI, Horvath stresses the significance of utilizing AI to delve deeper into creative processes, optimize campaigns, and adapt to evolving industry trends. By investing in AI technologies and leveraging them effectively, creative agencies can enhance their capabilities, streamline workflows, and deliver innovative solutions to clients.
Say It Now, founded in 2018, is a pioneering agency focused on leveraging voice technology, particularly within interactive speaker environments like Alexa and Google Assistant. The agency introduced an innovative format called Twin-Inter-Air, which enables consumers to engage directly with advertisements through voice commands on smart speakers or devices. This approach revolutionizes consumer interactions with ads, allowing for seamless engagement and immediate responses. Say It Now has collaborated with renowned clients and partners globally, including media giants like Global and Bauer, showcasing its expertise in ambient advertising and interactive marketing solutions. With a strong presence in London and Asia, Say It Now continues to push boundaries in voice technology and creative advertising strategies.
Learn more: Norbert Horvath on LinkedIn, Say It Now
Kamal Krishna, Mobilise
Kamal Krishna, Founder of Mobilise, has this top tip for aspiring agency owners: recognize that while talent is crucial, it is not the sole factor in success. He stresses the significance of mastering various functions within a business, such as tax management, HR, and company culture, for overall success. Kamal emphasizes that transferring talent to the team and effectively managing operational challenges are essential for long-term sustainability and success in the competitive agency landscape.
Mobilise is a dynamic digital marketing agency specializing in robust B2B marketing creative and strategy for global brands. Established in 2015, Mobilise has provided top-notch services to clients across North America and Asia-Pacific. With a background in B2C marketing, Mobilise brings a unique creative approach to B2B marketing, making it engaging and effective. The agency prides itself on its organic growth strategy, focusing on innovative frameworks like the bio cycle buying cycle and partner marketing algorithms. Mobilise’s current focus includes content marketing, employer branding, and building outreach in the United States to establish a strong presence among senior marketers in the industry.
Learn more: Kamal Krishna on LinkedIn, Mobilise
David Fenlon, Media Exchange Group
David Fenlon, CEO of Media Exchange Group, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that it is easy for clients to purchase your agency’s services. He highlights the need for comprehensive, unbiased data that includes audience demographics and interests, all presented compellingly. David stresses the challenge many agencies face in making their offerings easy to understand and relevant to clients. By simplifying the buying process and aligning services with client needs, agencies can enhance their appeal and effectiveness in the market.
Media Exchange Group (MEG) specializes in gaming and influencer marketing as a broadcast medium. They assist major buying houses and direct brands in accessing the vast gaming world and its 3.4 billion gamers. MEG helps clients navigate this diverse landscape safely, offering various services, including accommodation activation, media brainstorming, and comprehensive reporting. With a focus on serving large buying houses and brands directly, MEG’s expertise lies in guiding clients through the complexities of engaging with gamers effectively and efficiently.
Learn more: David Fenlon on LinkedIn, Media Exchange Group