Agency Journey

Is your agency prepared for the cookieless future that threatens to “tank” advertising performance? Paris Childress, CEO of SaaS-focused performance marketing agency Hop Online, was our recent guest on Agency Journey. He shared insights on crafting first-party data strategies that can help agencies avoid disrupted campaigns when third party cookies expire. Paris also discussed expanding service offerings with data science capabilities; making use of new privacy-focused technologies like his AI platform pLTV; specific and actionable personal branding tips; and optimizing operations with tools like ClickUp. Tune in if you want to ensure your agency has a plan to preserve ROI as the digital advertising landscape evolves. Episode Insights: 💡 Why third party cookie loss will cause ad performance to “tank” 💡 The pressing need for agencies to focus on first-party data strategies 💡 Why agencies should start expanding into data science capabilities 💡 How Paris’ pLTV platform leverages AI to predict customer lifetime value 💡 Successfully Hop Online’s entire CRM over to ClickUp 💡 The importance of personal branding for agency leadership 💡 Hiring data scientists as a key recommendation for agencies Resources Mentioned: 📚 Paris’s agency: https://hop.online/ 📚 pLTV – Paris’ Predictive Lifetime Value platform: https://www.pltv.ai/ 📚 ClickUp as a CRM! Watch our full bonus video with Paris about this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdgpnC63az0 If your agency is unprepared for the major privacy shifts underway, don't miss exploring Paris’ actionable insights around optimizing for the cookieless future.

Want to take your agency to the next level? Learn how Matthew leveraged EOS, strategic partnerships, and custom ecommerce solutions to optimize operations and expand offerings over 9 years in business. His proven strategies can help your agency demonstrate ROI and pave the path to sustainable growth. Matthew McIver shares his journey evolving Commence Studio from a service-based creative agency into a productized business selling themes on Shopify. Learn how EOS and Traction shaped their growth, why they partner with larger firms, and how custom ecommerce sites demonstrate clearer ROI for clients. Matthew also explains how virtual tools like Float enable better financial visibility and why you should standardize systems instead of reinventing the wheel. Tune in for a transparent peek behind the scenes at an agency optimizing their operations and expanding their offerings over 9 years in business. Episode Insights: 💡 Implementing EOS framework for meeting cadences, planning, and clearer roles 💡 Transitioning from service-based revenue to product-based revenue with a Shopify theme 💡 Leveraging expertise into products/services others can use 💡 Partnering with larger agencies to provide specialized services 💡 Using custom Shopify themes over off-the-shelf themes to showcase branded experiences 💡 Proving ROI for clients easier with ecommerce sites vs. B2B sites 💡 Embracing a "collaboration over competition" mindset with agency partners 💡 Learning from other successful service firms to constantly improve your own customer experience Resources Mentioned: 📚 Matthew’s agency: https://commence.studio/ 📚 EOS (Entrepreneurs' Operating System) 📚 Traction by Gino Wickman 📚 The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg 📚 Float app for cash flow forecasting 📚 Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) 📚 Shopify Partners If you're a creative agency looking to expand your offerings or prove ROI for clients, don't miss this episode. 👉 Don’t forget to follow and rate us on your preferred podcast platforms. We’re also on YouTube: @ZenPilot

Running a professional services agency? You need compelling case studies to close sales. But most video case studies end up dry, boring, and forgettable. So how do you create video case studies that captivate prospects and accelerate deals? In this episode of Agency Journey, host Gray MacKenzie interviews Ian Garlic, founder of Video Case Story. Ian shares his proven process for producing video case studies that get results. He also talks about writing a book, starting a partnership program, and much more. Episode Insights: 💡 Why emotional storytelling through video builds trust and shortens sales cycles 💡 How to carve out time each week for collecting customer stories 💡 Letting customer stories guide your overall strategy and offerings 💡 Why leadership should always find time to review customer stories 💡 Crafting a compelling video script focused on the client’s journey 💡 Following a clear story framework from problem to solution 💡 Repurposing case study content across multiple channels 💡 Adopting a YouTube strategy focused on becoming an educational resource vs. chasing views 💡 Writing a book to establish yourself as a thought leader 💡 Building a tight-knit partner program community 💡 The importance of process documentation and constant improvement Resources Mentioned: 📚 Ian's book "Video Testimonials That Land the Big Fish" 📚 Immersion by Dr. Paul J. Zak 📚 Snow Leopard by Category Pirates Ian offers fantastic tips and frameworks any agency can apply to create video case studies that truly showcase value and drive sales. Whether you're looking to refine your case study process or get started from scratch, this episode will get your video case studies converting. 👉 Don’t forget to follow and rate us on your preferred podcast platforms. We’re also on YouTube: @ZenPilot

Running a marketing agency is hard. Running one remotely across several time zones? Even harder. So how do you keep a distributed team aligned, motivated, and growing together? In this episode of Agency Journey, host Gray MacKenzie interviews Janet Mesh, CEO and co-founder of Aimtal, a fully remote marketing agency. We dig into the keys that accelerated Aimtal’s growth over the past 5 years. Janet shares how Aimtal has doubled its team and revenue each year through an intentional focus on talent, culture, and streamlined operations. Episode Insights: Resources Mentioned: Whether you're building a remote agency or colocated team, Janet offers fantastic insights into leading with intention, investing in processes and culture, and scaling successfully. 👉 Don’t forget to follow and rate us on your preferred podcast platforms. We’re also on YouTube: @ZenPilot

Ask any agency owner and they’ll tell you—growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategy, systems, and support. So how do you choose the right blueprint to guide your agency’s growth? What if that blueprint could help you smash through plateaus and scale your team 10x? In this episode of Agency Journey, host Gray MacKenzie interviews Tyler Dolph, CEO of Rocket Clicks. We'll dig deep into how EOS (The Entrepreneurial Operating System) helped transform Rocket Clicks into the Agency that it is today. Episode Insights: Resources and People Mentioned: Rocket Clicks WebsiteEOS WebsiteEOS ToolsTraction by Gino WickmanJohn LaFontsee's LinkedInJohn Morriss LinkedInRamsay Innovations WebsiteAvoma

Struggling to get your team aligned on goals and metrics? Wish your company culture was more productive and humane? Mark Abbott, founder and CEO of Ninety, shares how and the importance to implement tools to empower employees and build a resilient organization. In this episode, Mark discusses the specifics of designing effective scorecards, setting targets vs goals, and getting team member buy-in and so much more. Episode Insights: Resources mentioned in this episode: Ninety.ioEOSEOS ToolsTractionThe Great CEO WithinThe E-MythBuilt to Sell

In this episode, Kuba shares his vision for ZenPilot Marketing. He details his strategy to transition ZenPilot's perception from merely a ClickUp implementation partner to a team of agency operations experts. Kuba emphasizes the importance of promoting the ZenPilot team and using platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn to highlight their expertise and unique personalities, fostering a more connected audience. Kuba also offers valuable insights into "low-hanging marketing fruit" for agencies. He discusses the importance of investing in team development and leveraging their individual personalities to build a loyal audience. He highlights the value of using AI tools like ChatGPT for content repurposing, and encourages agencies to focus on creating high-quality content around crucial keywords. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Jakub Grajcar LinkedInZenPilot's WebsiteGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Do you struggle to create work that truly resonates with your audience? The ability to craft stories and messages that forge meaningful connections is what separates good creators from great ones. In today’s episode, host Gray MacKenzie sits down with storytelling expert Jay Acunzo. Jay Acunzo, The founder of the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping you push yourself creatively. He's also an author, speaker, and host of the award-winning podcast Unthinkable, where creative people take us inside the unconventional choices they made to break from best practices. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Unthinkable PodcastCreator Kitchen's WebsiteJay Acunzo's WebsiteJay Acunzo's LinkedInTotal ANNARCHY NewsletterPlaying Favorites NewsletterGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Erika Zeigyte, CEO of a consulting & recruitment agency called Prosana. joins Gray Mackenzie to discuss the intricacies of hiring an A+ talent for your agency. Erika also shares her insights into what makes for great agency candidates, how to build an effective hiring process, the benefits of using a recruiting agency, interview techniques, and recommended tools for recruiting. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Erika Zeigyte's LinkedinProsana's WebsiteClickUpAsanaJeb BlountGray MacKenzie's Linkedin

Misti Ferris holds the “Integrator” seat at digital marketing agency Roger West Creative & Code, which means she ensures that everyone is dancing to the same beat called EOS (even the creatives). In addition to the Integrator role, Misti serves as Vice President of Operations, where her “3 M” mantra: marketer, minimalist and mom (of 4 daughters) is the driving force behind all things requiring structure, process and a firm yet loving nudge. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Misti Ferris LinkedinGray MacKenzie LinkedinRoger West WebsiteEOS WebsiteEOS Tools

William Ferreira is the founder of Social Buff, a full-service digital agency that builds and scales direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce brands. Since its launch in 2019, the business has taken countless companies to multi-million pounds in revenue. In this episode, William and Gray discussed the tools and strategies Social Buff uses to operate efficiently while providing high-impact results, including a focus on metrics, process, and hiring the right talent. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: SocialBuff's WebsiteWilliam Ferreira's LinkedInGray MacKenzie's LinkedInClickUp's Website

In this power-packed episode, we are joined by JJ Rusell, Partner and Director at Best Damn Agency Mastermind. Together with Gray, they delve into the importance of having a clear vision for mastermind groups, the value of strong connections within the community, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. They also discuss strategies for building a successful agency and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in children. Tune in for an insightful conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and motivated to take your agency and personal growth to the next level. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: JJ Russell's LinkedInBest Damn Agency Mastermind WebsiteBest Damn Agency Podcast WebsiteApex Revenue's WebsiteGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Karl Sakas, Author, Speaker, Agency Consultant and Founder of Sakas & Company, joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss strategies & key metrics that agency owners should start tracking, and how it contributes to achieve sustainable growth and increased profits. Karl Sakas helps people at agencies make smarter decisions for smoother growth. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. He is the author of Made to Lead, The In-Demand Marketing Agency, and more than 400 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Karl Sakas LinkedInAgency Articles - Sakas & Company BlogWork Less, Earn More BookMade to Lead BookThe In-Demand Marketing Agency BookSakas & Company WebsiteGray MacKenzie LinkedInEOS

In this episode, Andrew Stern, Partner, and COO at Pilothouse, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps DTC brands scale through performance marketing. Andrew shares insights into Pilothouse's unique partnership model with clients, how they've scaled to over 170 employees in just a few years, and the key sales and marketing strategies that have fueled their growth. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Andrew Stern's LinkedInPilothouse WebsiteDTC PodcastDTC NewsletterGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Mike Rose, Founder and CEO of Return On Energy, is a highly successful entrepreneur who has built multiple profitable agencies that can run without him. With a track record of accolades, including being named INC Best Places in America and a 3X Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company, Mike shares his insights and strategies for creating a sustainable agency that can thrive even when the founder steps back. As a HubSpot Diamond-Certified Partner and DFW American Marketing Association (AMA) Marketer of the Year, Mike's experience and expertise make for a valuable conversation on building a successful and scalable business. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mike Rose's LinkedInReturn On Energy's WebsiteROE Breakthrough WorkshopROE powers ROI BookGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Individuals with soulful character approach leadership with tremendous fervor. They possess a deep understanding of their organization's structure and prioritize bottom-up motivation over top-down. They recognize the importance of all team members. These leaders also value open communication with all employees, recognizing that each person plays a crucial role in the organization and is equally valuable. In this episode, Kenny Lange, CEO of Kenny Lange Coaching, Kenny helps agency owners and their leadership teams find clarity and engineer their culture using proven frameworks. Kenny joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss the impact of being a purpose-driven, people-centric leader and how System & Soul differs from The EOS framework. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Kenny Lange Coaching WebsiteSystem & Soul WebsiteS2 Diagnostic - How Healthy Is Your Organization?EOS WebsiteKenny Lange's LinkedInGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Charles "Charlie" Gaudet II, CEO of Predictable Profits. He is also the author of “The Predictable Profits Playbook" and host of The Beyond 7-Figures Podcast, joins Gray MacKenzie to explore the strategies and best practices for building successful and profitable agency partnerships. In this episode, you'll learn: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Predictable Profits WebsiteThe Predictable Profits PlaybookBeyond 7-figures PodcastCharles Gaudet's LinkedInGray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Anne Shenton, CEO of Ascend Strategy & Design, a HubSpot Diamond and Advanced CMS Implementation certified solutions partner, joins Gray MacKenzie to dig deeper into the impact of implementing EOS. Whether it's self-implementation or with a professional implementer, you will learn how an agency quantifies the impact of implementing EOS. Topics discussed in the episode: Employee NPS Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ninety.io's websiteAscend Strategy & Design WebsiteSlickplan's WebsiteClickUp's WebsiteHeyTaco's WebsiteAnne Shenton's LinkedInGray MacKenzie's LinkedInEOS Tools

Kevin Barber is the Head of Growth at Lean Labs, focused on helping innovative companies make their marketing profitable so they can scale. Father of 3, lives in Tampa, FL, and loves bikes, boats, and building brands. Chris DuBois is the CEO at Lean Labs, helping build growth teams and websites for brands that deserve to win. Father of 2, and husband of 1. Lives in Portland, Maine, and enjoys exploring the outdoors, and reading a good book. In this episode, Chris DuBois, CEO at Lean Labs, and Kevin Barber, Head of Growth at Lean Labs, joins Gray to discuss the challenges and opportunities and the nitty gritty of transitioning from one role to another and the importance of having the right role for each team member. Topics discussed in the episode: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sprocket Rocket WebsiteLean Labs WebsiteThe Growth PlaybookGrowth GraderKevin Barber's LinkedInChris DuBois LinkedInGray MacKenzie's LinkedInEOS Tools

John Heritage is the President at Evenbound, A Diamond-level HubSpot Solutions Partner, in 2012. Evenbound specializes in growth marketing and technical consulting. John discusses the benefits of professional EOS implementation and the importance of aligning your organization's goals and processes. Topics discussed in the episode: Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes. ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Go to zenpilot.com to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: John Heritage's LinkedInEvenbound's WebsiteGray MacKenzie's LinkedInThe Entrepreneurial Operating System WebsiteEOS Tools