Creative Agency Success Show

Hosted by Summit Virtual CFO by Anders

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Has your business scaled beyond $1 million in annual revenue? Do you employ a staff of 20 or more people? If so, you've likely experienced a whirlwind of highs and lows that come with growth. You're not alone in your journey. Since 2002, Summit CPA Group, now Summit Virtual CFO Services by Anders, has helped businesses and creative agencies across America and the globe by providing Virtual CFO Services, cash flow management, business tax planning, financial forecasting, and much more. We've also performed hundreds of 401(k) audits and provided CPA firms with accounting outsourcing services and Virtual CFO consulting. This podcast seeks to help service-based business owners dive deep into the financial side of their business to achieve growth and financial success. Tune in bi-weekly as our hosts—Jamie Nau, Director + Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner at Anders CPAs + Advisors—interview special guests to share knowledge in the digital and creative agency industry, as well as Jody’s experience as a service-based business owner and entrepreneur.

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June 16, 202636 min

The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen

The future of agency growth is not just more automation. It is also a more human connection.In this episode, Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, joins Jamie Nau to talk about agency community, event strategy, thought leadership, organic growth, and the practical ways AI is changing how agency owners work. Jay shares the story behind Agency Builders Retreat, why in-person connection matters more in an AI-driven world, how he thinks about building events that people want to return to, and why consistent thought leadership can create opportunities long before a direct sales conversation begins.Key takeaways:• The future is both autonomous and human. AI can create leverage, but agency owners still need trust, relationships, and real connection.• Community can become a growth engine. Jay explains how Agency Builders grew through connection, referrals, and shared learning.• Events are a form of stage-building. Creating your own event, podcast, or platform can help agency owners build authority.• Thought leadership compounds over time. Consistent content around a real problem can create opportunities that direct outreach may not.• AI works best when it removes real friction. Jay shares how connected tools can support follow-up, email, research, and daily operations.If you are trying to grow an agency in a way that is profitable, sustainable, and ready for the future of AI, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes- Jay Owen: "The future is two things at the same time, highly autonomous and AI driven, for sure, and deeply human."- Jay Owen: "The best way to grow a business is to do a great job for somebody, ask them to tell somebody else, and you will never run out of business."- Jamie Nau: "Sometimes it is a long tail, which is a hard thing for marketers to get their hands around sometimes."Jay Owen is the CEO of Business Builders. He helps businesses and organizations with clear messaging, website and video production, and online promotion. With more than 25 years of experience in web design, marketing communications, and creative direction, Jay also shares ideas with business leaders through events, podcasts, coaching, webinars, and workshops.Website: https://jayowenlive.com/aboutIG: https://www.instagram.com/jayowenFB: https://www.facebook.com/jayowenlive/X: https://x.com/owendesignLi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jayowenlivePodcast: https://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com/about/Business BuildersWebsite: https://businessbldrs.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SN1I1FwktpF_lMqaZveIgIG: https://www.instagram.com/businessbldrs/Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessbldrs/FB: https://www.facebook.com/businessbldrsThe Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages. Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders

June 2, 202631 min

How Agency Owners Can Make AI a Team Sport with Rob Harr

AI adoption gets risky when agency owners move faster than their teams can follow.In this episode, Rob Harr, co-founder and President of Sparkbox, joins Jamie Nau and Tom Wadelton to talk about AI, agency operations, leadership, team adoption, innovation, and business model change. You will hear why AI cannot stay trapped with the owner, how internal communities help teams experiment safely, and why agency leaders need to separate messy exploration from operational execution.You will also learn how Rob thinks about the three main ways agencies use AI, why teams need permission to share failures, and how agency owners can avoid selling AI-driven work before their teams are ready to deliver it.Key takeaways:AI adoption needs team momentum. When the owner gets too far ahead, the agency creates a delivery gap that can become risky.Community helps teams keep up. Internal communities give people a place to experiment, share wins, and learn together.Start with existing problems. Rob recommends using tomorrow’s tech to solve yesterday’s problems before chasing new service lines.Failure has to be safe. Teams need permission to share what did not work if they are going to innovate consistently.Exploration needs a different space. Sparkbox uses expedition-style thinking for open experimentation, then operationalizes ideas with business value.If your agency is trying to turn AI excitement into real adoption, listen to this episode of ▶️ How Agency Owners Can Make AI a Team Sport with Rob HarrFind more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes- Rob Harr: "Step one is using tomorrow’s tech to solve yesterday’s problems."- Rob Harr: "Innovation can’t happen without failure."- Rob Harr: "Stop trying to guess where this is going to end up in three years because you’re wrong."Rob Harr is a developer, software consultant, co-founder, and President of Sparkbox, a web design and development studio focused on long-term client partnerships and creating a better Web through education. Rob has deep experience in agency operations, pricing, leadership, finance, software development, and helping agency teams build stronger businesses.IG: https://www.instagram.com/robert.harr/LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertharr/SparkboxWebsite: https://sparkbox.com/The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages. Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Tom Wadelton is a Partner and Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration. Tom specializes in delivering strategic Virtual CFO services, helping businesses optimize their financial performance through advanced accounting solutions.Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#thomas-d-wadelton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwadelton/

May 19, 202632 min

The Hard Truth About Rebranding and Growth with Amy Maxwell

When your messaging, positioning, and systems stay aligned, you create clarity, trust, and momentum for the next stage of growth.In this episode, Amy Maxwell, Founder and Creative Director at Maxwell Design Co, breaks down the hard truth about rebranding, business growth, brand strategy, thought leadership, positioning, operational systems, and scaling a service-based business. You’ll hear practical insights on how to know when your business has outgrown its current brand, how to align your identity with growth goals, and why brand systems, messaging consistency, and operational structure matter more than just a new logo. Key takeaways:A rebrand should support growth. Without systems and structure behind it, a rebrand becomes “an expensive mood board” instead of a growth tool.Your brand is bigger than your logo. Messaging, positioning, and client experience shape how people understand your business.Consistency builds trust. Inconsistent messaging across marketing, sales, and leadership creates friction that weakens growth.Growth often creates the need for rebranding. Your systems, identity, and positioning need to reflect where you are going.Brand audits reveal hidden problems. Reviewing collateral, messaging, and customer perception.If your brand no longer reflects who you are or where you’re headed, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Pricing Strategy That Unlocks Real Profit Growth with Logan Lyles.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Amy Maxwell: "A successful rebrand starts with auditing what already works and what’s hurting the business."-Jody Grunden: "Business owners often struggle to separate their personal identity from their brand."-Jamie Nau: "Rebranding sounds exciting until you realize how much work and strategy it actually takes."Amy Maxwell is Founder and Creative Director at Maxwell Design Co, a lean, senior-led creative agency she launched in 2019. With 15 years of experience across agencies and in-house teams, Amy specializes in brand strategy, visual identity, and go-to-market systems for growing businesses. She helps companies at inflection points of growth align their brand, operations, and identity so they can scale with clarity and consistency.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwelldesignco/?isSelfProfile=false IG: https://www.instagram.com/maxwelldesignco/ Maxwell Design CoWebsite: https://maxwelldesignco.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/MaxwellDesignCo/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxwelldesignco/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages. Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jody Grunden, CPA, is Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders. Jody revolutionized financial advisory by introducing remote CFO services, helping businesses scale with strategic financial insights. He specializes in guiding companies, especially creative agencies, through financial maturity. Website: https://www.anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/

April 21, 202634 min

Why Most Webinars Fail to Convert and the Two-Step Signup Fix That Changes Everything with Logan Lyles

You put in the work to plan a webinar and still walk away with no sales calls booked, no pipeline, and no clear path forward.In this episode, Logan Lyles, Founder of DemandShift, shares his proven webinar strategy for B2B service-based businesses that want to generate leads, book sales calls, and build pipelines without turning their webinars into a hard sell. You’ll learn how to fix the two biggest webinar mistakes, the registration rut and the conversion cliff, and how a two-step signup process helped Logan 5X his conversion rate from webinar registrants to booked sales calls. This episode gives you a clear, actionable framework for turning your next webinar into a real lead generation engine.Key takeaways:Avoid the two webinar killers. Knowing which problem you have is the first step to fixing your webinar strategy.Use the two-step signup process to capture leads before the event. The two-step signup process captures interest right at registration.Make your CTA outcome-based, not ask-based. Framing your call to action around a clear outcome dramatically improves results.Design your survey to qualify and disqualify leads. Post-registration survey separates your ideal clients from those who aren’t ready yet.Balance brand and demand in every webinar. Your webinar should educate and build trust, but it also needs to drive pipeline.Tune in now to ▶️The Pricing Strategy That Unlocks Real Profit Growth with Logan Lyles.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Logan Lyles: “If your CTA and the prompt you’re giving someone to take the next step is only during the live event, you’re missing 65% of your swings.”-Jody Grunden: "Webinars can educate your audience while also creating real opportunities for leads and clients."Logan Lyles is the Founder of DemandShift, where he helps B2B brands turn underperforming webinars into consistent revenue drivers. After struggling with low conversions early in his career, Logan rebuilt his approach and increased webinar-driven sales calls by 5X. Today, he specializes in aligning content, offers, and conversion strategy to drive real pipeline. His Webinar Fast Track framework focuses on creating clear next steps that translate attention into profit.Website: https://demandshift.co/ , https://demandshift.co/prompt LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganlyles/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/logan.lyles.96/ DemandShiftLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demandshift/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/

April 7, 202640 min

How to Systemize Your Business and Multiply Impact with Kenny Harper

When your processes are structured and your team knows what to do next, you gain time and improve performance.In this episode, Kenny Harper, Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, shares how to systemize your business, simplify operations, and multiply impact using scalable systems, repeatable processes, and a proven framework. You’ll learn how to move from custom work to standardized workflows, shift from service provider to trusted advisor, improve client relationships, build a coaching culture, and scale your service-based business without losing control or quality. You’ll also hear how Jody was featured on the Growth Amplifiers podcast, where deeper insights on building and scaling a successful firm are shared.Key takeaways:Shift from service provider to advisor. Focusing on transformation increases value and improves client retention.Build a coaching culture inside your team. Encouraging questions and solutions reduces bottlenecks.Put the right people in the right roles. Aligning strengths with responsibilities leads to better performance.Follow a clear system for scaling. From vision to diagnosis, each step builds consistency and growth.Co-create solutions with clients. Working together to choose the best path leads to better decisions.Tune in the full episode of ▶️How to Systemize Your Business and Multiply Impact with Kenny Harper.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Kenny Harper: “A clear, documented plan strengthens both execution and client alignment."-Jody Grunden: "Scale comes from systemizing most of your work while keeping flexibility where it matters."Kenny Harper is a Growth Coach at Growth Amplifiers, helping service-based business owners systemize their operations and scale without burnout. Drawing from his experience building and running a marketing agency, Kenny now guides leaders to simplify complexity and focus on what truly drives impact. Through his Amplified Growth System, he helps firms align vision, team, and execution to create consistent, scalable results. Website: https://kennyharper.rocks/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyharper/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.w.harper/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennywharper/ X: https://x.com/KennywHarper Growth AmplifiersLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthamplifiers/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual

March 24, 202634 min

Why Most Service Businesses Struggle to Grow Profitably with Al Zdenek

Growth can feel lighter when your business starts working with you, not against you.In this episode, Al Zdenek, Executive Chair of CakeClub, breaks down why most service-based businesses struggle with profitability, cash flow management, financial planning, and sustainable growth. You learn how to manage cash flow, build cash reserves, improve pricing, make better financial decisions, and align your business goals with your personal financial goals. The focus is on profit strategy, cash flow systems, financial clarity, business growth, and building a service business that supports your lifestyle and long-term wealth.Key takeaways:Cash flow is the foundation of survival. Most businesses fail because they do not track or manage cash flow properly.Breaking even is not enough. Break-even as covering expenses, paying yourself, and covering taxes.Build strong cash reserves and backup plans. Having 2 to 6 months access to lines of credit can protect your business during uncertainty.Pay yourself and diversify. Taking money out of your business reduces risk and increases long-term security.Use other people’s money strategically. Partnerships, private funding, and creative financing can support growth without draining your cash.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️ Why Most Service Businesses Struggle to Grow Profitably with Al Zdenek.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Al Zdenek: "Breaking even means covering expenses, paying yourself, handling taxes, and saving for the future."-Jamie Nau: "Cash is the first thing we look at. Understanding reserves is critical for every business."Al Zdenek is the Executive Chair of CakeClub and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in wealth management and business growth. He is the bestselling author of Master Your Cash Flow and Master Your Business Cash Flow, where he teaches how to grow profitable businesses while living the life you want now. Website: https://alzdenek.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertjzdenek/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/albertjzdenek/ X: https://x.com/alzdenek YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCYeD34e-PybZQHwIvmLCA CakeClubWebsite: https://www.cakeclubapp.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cakeclub/61571930199558/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cakeclubapp/ IG:

March 17, 202640 min

How AI Can Give You Back 80% of Your Time with Greg Boone

Time is one of the most valuable assets in a service-based business. Yet many owners and teams spend most of their week searching for information, copying data, formatting documents.In this episode, Greg Boone, CEO at Walk West, explains how artificial intelligence, AI tools, automation, and agent workflows can give business owners back nearly 80% of their time. You learn how AI transforms marketing, consulting, operations, and knowledge work by reducing manual work, improving research, accelerating analysis, and helping teams move faster with better insights. The conversation focuses on AI adoption, AI strategy, productivity, marketing technology, data analysis, AI agents, and practical ways to integrate AI into everyday business workflows.Key takeaways:AI can eliminate massive time waste. Explains how knowledge workers spend 50–60% of their week searching for information.You can reclaim up to 80% of administrative work. AI can complete weeks of work in minutes by automating research and analysis.AI works best as a thinking partner. Using AI to instruct, analyze data, generate ideas, and support decision making.AI reveals insights hidden in your data. Businesses can analyze meeting transcripts, reports, and unstructured data.Training matters for AI adoption. Without guidance, employees may misuse tools or rely on basic features, leaving most of AI’s real value unused.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️How AI Can Give You Back 80% of Your Time with Greg Boone.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Greg Boone: "We get hyper-focused on the process of how we do things. AI doesn’t care about your process—it only cares about the outcome.”-Jody Grunden: "Most firms struggle with growth because they rely on habits that worked when the company was smaller."Greg Boone is the CEO of Walk West and a technology leader known for building high-performing teams that drive digital transformation. With decades of experience across leadership roles from director to CEO and advisor, Greg champions a people-first approach to business and innovation. His philosophy is simple: build great people first, and they will build a great company. Greg has led teams that served major brands including Charter, Panera Bread, Nascar, and Le Creuset while maintaining exceptional client loyalty. Today, he focuses on helping organizations leverage technology and AI to work smarter, unlock productivity, and give leaders back valuable time.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregboone/IG: https://www.instagram.com/greg.boone/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AIVoiceorVictim Walk WestWebsite: https://walkwest.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/WalkWestLI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/

February 24, 202638 min

Why Half Your Marketing Budget Feels Wasted (And How to Fix It) with Jeff Greenfield

When leads feel inconsistent and results do not match the spend, the problem is rarely effort. The problem is visibility, measurement, and knowing what actually drives growth.In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provalytics, breaks down why so many service-based businesses feel like half their marketing budget is wasted. You hear clear explanations around marketing measurement, attribution, GA4 limits, impressions versus clicks, full-funnel marketing, privacy-driven data loss, AI-driven buyer journeys, and how attention, awareness, and timing impact revenue. The focus stays on fixing what feels broken so your marketing spend works harder.Key takeaways:Clicks do not tell the full story. Last-click attribution hides the real impact of awareness, impressions, and upper-funnel marketing.Attention comes before conversion. You learn how marketing dollars first create attention and awareness before leads.GA4 shows behavior, not influence. Understanding what Google Analytics actually measures helps prevent bad budget decisions.Impressions matter more than most teams think. Tracking impressions over time reveals patterns that clicks alone will never show.Better measurement protects profit. Clear attribution helps you invest in the channels that truly move revenue.Tune in to the full episode of ▶️Why Half Your Marketing Budget Feels Wasted (And How to Fix It) with Jeff Greenfield.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Jeff Greenfield: "Most marketing decisions break because finance and marketing are looking at two different sets of numbers."-Jody Grunden: "Business owners worry that focusing on one offer might hurt their brand but clarity often matters more than variety."Jeff Greenfield is the CEO of Provalytics, a privacy-first attribution platform helping marketers prove impact in a post-cookie world. With over two decades in the industry, Jeff built one of the first multi-touch attribution (MTA) platforms, driving 15–25% ROI growth for major global brands. As shifting privacy laws upended traditional tracking, he saw the need for AI-driven, compliant solutions and launched Provalytics in 2022. Today, his team empowers marketers to make smarter budget decisions with accurate, future-proof insights. Website: https://provalytics.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/provalytics/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website:

February 10, 202640 min

Stop Carrying the Weight Alone: Build Systems That Free You with Steven Ness

A well-built service business creates momentum instead of pressure. With the right systems in place, you allow growth to happen without burning out.In this episode, Steven Ness, founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, explains how business owners can stop carrying the weight alone by building leadership systems, operational structure, and clear processes. The focus stays on delegation, accountability, financial clarity, team alignment, and systems that save time, energy, and money while supporting sustainable growth.Key takeaways:Systems create freedom. Documented processes and repeatable systems give you back control of your time.Leadership starts with you. You learn why personal accountability at the top sets the tone for results across the entire business.Right people in the right seats. Seat ownership helps teams perform better without constant oversight.Delegation without abdication. Clear expectations allow you to step back without losing quality or momentum.Build a business that works without you. Systems reduce owner dependency so the company can grow.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Steven Ness: "Systems save sanity, time, energy, and money. When you use them well, you stop making desperate decisions."-Jody Grunden: "Most leaders brush it off until they’re asked to look at the impact they’re carrying home."Steven Ness is the founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, where he helps leaders cut through business chaos with faith, structure, and a dose of tough love. With deep expertise in operations, training, B2B, retail, and sales, Steven equips teams to lead with clarity and purpose. His approach blends practical systems with people-first values reimagining business as People to People, not Business to Business. As a seasoned consultant, Steven is known for empowering leaders to grow personally and professionally. He’s on a mission to help organizations thrive through authentic leadership and strategic alignment.Website: https://lightingthewayleadership.com/Email: Steven@lightingthewayleadership.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenness/IG: https://www.instagram.com/steven_ness_leadership/X: https://x.com/StevenNessCoach FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lighting-the-Way-Leadership/61568990434856/The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast div

January 27, 202635 min

How to Protect Your Margins Before the Sale Begins with Albert Banks

Many service-based business owners win deals, deliver great work, and still struggle with margins.In this episode, Albert Banks breaks down how service-based businesses can protect margins before work even starts. You get a clear look at pricing strategy, value-based pricing, project profitability, cost awareness, negotiation tactics, and sales frameworks that help agencies and professional services firms grow revenue without burning out their teams. The focus stays on setting every project up for success from day one.Key takeaways:Use floor, table, and ceiling pricing. Learn how to set a pricing range that protects profit while giving flexibility in sales conversations.Move beyond hourly billing. Value-based and fixed-fee pricing create better alignment with clients.Anchor pricing with options. Offering multiple pricing options reframes the decision.Sell expertise, not tasks. Leading with discovery and strategy positions you as the expert.Know your true costs. Understanding fully loaded costs is non-negotiable if you want predictable margins.Tune into the full episode of ▶️How to Protect Your Margins Before the Sale Begins.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO by Anders website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Albert Banks: "Strong margins start before the project begins. Preventative decisions in pricing and scoping protect profitability."-Jody Grunden: "When you know your data, time, cost, and team mix, you can price consistently and still hit your margin targets."Albert Banks is a seasoned agency founder turned consultant, helping businesses boost profitability through strategic pricing, operations, and sales frameworks. With over two decades of experience—including growing, merging, and selling his own agency—Albert now coaches leaders on setting value-based pricing and uncovering hidden risks before a deal even starts. He champions a diagnostic-first approach, ensuring clients position themselves as trusted experts rather than vendors. Albert’s practical systems help agencies increase margins and close better-fit clients.LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbanks/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.