An Agency Story

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!From Ukraine to Colorado: Building a Family-First Agency Against All OddsWhen rejection closes doors, grit builds new ones. In this episode, Kateryna Quinn, founder of aStash Web Design & Marketing, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring tennis pro in Ukraine to running a thriving digital agency in the U.S. You'll hear how she built a company rooted in resilience, family values, and relentless positivity—all while navigating immigration challenges, early financial constraints, and growing pains.Inside this episode:Why rejection can be the greatest gift and how to turn it into fuelHow Kateryna grew her agency with a family first purposeThe real challenges behind immigration and entrepreneurship and the creative solutions she used to push throughWhy agency growth depends on a positive mindset 

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Faceted MediaGuests: Kimberly HogateYear Started: 2000Employees: 25-50What if losing everything was exactly what you needed to build something better? In this episode, Kimberly Hogate, founder of Faceted Media, shares the raw truth about starting over after being fired from the law firm she helped built from the ground up and how that moment became the catalyst for a 10+ year agency journey.She opens up about the realities of burnout, boundary-setting, and building a business with emotional resilience. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or undervalued, this conversation is for you.Inside This Episode:Why being fired from her own business became the best thing for her careerHow a pineapple became the most unexpected branding storySimple ways to set boundariesWhy emotional clarity is just as important as strategyHow she created “Business Therapy” to meet a real client need

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Moxie SozoGuests: Derek SpringstonYear Started: 2000Employees: 25-50From Unpaid Intern to Owner: The Moxie Sozo JourneyWhat happens when you bet on yourself, move across the country, and work for free. All just for a shot at doing meaningful work? In this episode, Derek Springston, Partner at Moxie Sozo, shares how that bet paid off, leading him from an unpaid intern to co-owner of a 25-year-old agency. You’ll hear what it really takes to grow into leadership, maintain culture through change, and figure it out, even when you’re not sure how.Inside this episode:The mindset shift required when you lead the people you once worked besideWhy trust, not title, is the real foundation for leadershipHow to build a culture people want to return to, even after they leave

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Local ImageGuests: Holly Bruns and Amber McDonaldYear Started: 2019Employees: 11-25When Hope Meets StrategyWhat happens when you leap before you’re ready and figure out the strategy later? In this episode, Holly Bruns and Amber McDonald, founders of Local Image, share how daring moves, deep faith, and smart planning fueled their agency’s successful trajectory. If you're weighing risk and reward, this conversation will change how you think about betting on yourself.Inside this episode:Why hope without strategy isn't enough (and how to balance both)The hiring mistake that almost cost them their cultureHow betting on themselves created faster success than "waiting for perfect"

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Growth Marketing WerksGuest: Suzanne CoriellYear Started: 2011Employees: 1-10What happens when you build an agency around energy, intentionality, and a deep sense of why? Suzanne Coriell, Founder of Growth Marketing Werks, shares her journey from Chicago’s ad scene to Colorado’s mountaintops where a single ski lift conversation sparked the creation of a mission-driven media agency. This episode is packed with fresh perspective on building a sustainable agency fueled by purpose, real relationships, and personal freedom.Key TakeawaysHow defining your “why” can sharpen focus, reduce distractions, and guide major business decisionsWhy financial freedom early on gave Suzanne the confidence to build an agency her wayHow consistent relationship-building (like handwritten notes and thoughtful gifting) drives long-term loyaltyThe role of energy and “flow” in building a thriving, values-aligned team cultureA simple weekly ritual to stay in tune with team morale and avoid being blindsided by turnover

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: BubbleUpGuest: Lee TottenYear Started: 2004Employees: 50-99Working with rockstars sounds glamorous but behind the scenes is a high-stakes, high-pressure world where websites crash, fans demand instant support, and one missed detail can derail a global livestream. In this episode, Lee Totten, co-founder of BubbleUp, shares how his agency became the digital backbone for artists like Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, and The Lumineers. Key TakeawaysWhy building trust with fans (or customers) matters more than flashy techWhy shared experiences, not just content, build lasting engagementThe best way to turn service slip-ups into raving fan moments

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Mountaintop Web DesignOwners: Josiah BussingYear Started: 2013Employees: 1-10Ever felt like you accidentally backed into entrepreneurship? That’s exactly how Josiah Bussing’s journey began. In this episode, he shares how helping his dad fix a website sparked a passion that became Mountaintop Web Design and how he plans to grow his agency while staying rooted in value, ethics, and continuous improvement.Inside this episode:A different way to think about your interview questions. Why you should never undervalue vacation as a leadership testThe difference between providing a service and solving a problem

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: Trace Brand BuildingOwners: Tracey Felicidade JonesYear Started: 2022Employees: 1-10What do a cross-country road trip in an old ambulance and global brand strategy have in common? Tracey Felicidade Jones, founder of Trace Brand Building, shares her wild entrepreneurial journey from escaping danger in South Africa to building a purpose-driven agency in the U.S.Inside this episode:How Tracey built an international agency rooted in clarity, creativity, and courageWhy visual equity is a must-have for brands that want to be rememberedThe common branding mistake that leads to costly reworkHow brand archetypes shape messaging—and why your agency should lean into themA global perspective on doing business and what the U.S. gets surprisingly right

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: LFG Media GroupOwners: Jonathan DanieleYear Started: 2022Employees: 1-10What happens when you stop playing it safe and go all-in on performance? In this episode, Jonathan Daniele, founder of LFG Media Group, shares how he built a $2M+ agency in under two years by shifting from monthly retainers to a bold pay-per-call model.From call center grit to entrepreneurial growth, Jonathan opens up about the risks, rewards, and mindset shifts that come with putting your money where your mouth is.Inside This Episode: Key TakeawaysThe emotional and financial realities of scaling fastHow to treat every client’s business like your own (and why it matters)Why working “on your own dime” builds better marketers

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!Company: The James AgencyOwners: Veronique JamesYear Started: 2005Employees: 50 – 99What happens when life throws you a massive financial setback before your career even starts? Veronique James didn’t just overcome adversity, she used it as fuel to build The James Agency, a powerhouse of creativity and strategy. In this episode, she shares her journey from early struggles to scaling a successful agency, her leadership philosophy, and the game-changing decisions that shaped her business.If you’ve ever wondered how to weather financial setbacks, grow an agency with intention, or implement open-book management for stronger team buy-in, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Key TakeawaysHow Veronique turned a financial crisis into the foundation for her success.Why transparency in finances can empower your team and drive growth.The simple yet powerful 10% Project that helped TJA stay lean and profitable.Pivoting in crisis,  how her agency rebounded from a 62% revenue loss during COVID without layoffs or pay cuts.