Creative Agency Success Show

Hosted by Summit Virtual CFO by Anders

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Oct 2026

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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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October 20, 202621 min

Top Agency Trends from SoDA Prague on Trust, AI, and Talent with Mikala Page

Every agency conference talks about AI. At SoDA Prague, the conversation that kept coming back was trust. In this episode, Mikala Page, Virtual CFO at Anders, joins Jamie Nau to recap their week at the SoDA event in Prague. They share why agencies are hiring senior talent over entry-level roles, why trust has become the theme driving agency growth, and how AI has shifted from writing and design to building full tools. Jamie breaks down the buy versus build question every agency now faces, and Mikala walks through their interactive breakout, where 10 agency volunteers shared real financial metrics to compare effective rates and capacity live. Key takeaways: Entry-level roles are disappearing. Agencies are hiring senior talent and outsourcing junior work, and many leaders now miss the fresh ideas new hires used to bring. Plan for tomorrow’s senior talent. If no one does the entry-level work today, agencies need a new path to build the experienced people they will need in 10 years. Trust is the new growth strategy. Clients hire agencies they already know, so trustworthy content and thought leadership shorten the sales process. AI is now a builder, not just a writer. The real question is which tools to buy at 70% of the way there and which to build at 100% and maintain yourself. If you want to keep up with agency trends, build the kind of trust that shortens your sales cycle, or decide what your team should build with AI, tune in to the full episode of ▶️ Top Agency Trends from SoDA Prague on Trust, AI, and Talent with Mikala Page Find more podcast episodes on our website: https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: Anders Virtual CFO Services: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/all-vcfo-services/ Anders Creative Agency Services: https://anderscpa.com/industries/creative-agencies/ Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ Quotes Mikala Page: “Trustworthy content that people are putting out as agencies is just more important than ever.” Mikala Page: “We’re all in this. How can we learn from each other?” Jamie Nau: “It almost feels like whatever your imagination can come up with, AI can build for you.” Jamie Nau: “Creativity is such an asset that not all companies have.” Mikala began her career with Anders as a tax intern and has grown with the firm for more than eight years. She now serves as a Virtual CFO, partnering with founders and leadership teams, particularly in creative and marketing agencies. In this role, she helps bring clarity to financial data and guide confident business decisions. Mikala works closely with clients on budgeting and forecasting, revenue recognition and operational strategy. She translates complex financial information into practical insights that strengthen cash flow, improve profitability and support sustainable growth. She also shares her insight through webinars, workshops and industry events, offering practical financial guidance for growing businesses. Connect with Mikala Page: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikala_page/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikala-page Learn More About Anders Virtual CFO: Website: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/all-vcfo-services/ Website: https://anderscpa.com/industries/creative-agencies/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/Virtual CFO 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, is the Director of Virtual CFO Services and a Virtual CFO at Anders. As the show’s primary interviewer, he brings hands-on financial expertise to every stage of agency growth. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders

September 22, 202631 min

How to Predict Your Ad Campaign's ROI Before You Spend a Dime with Skip Wilson

Most businesses pour money into ads with no real idea what they will get back. Skip Wilson built a way to predict that answer before the first dollar goes out the door. In this episode, Skip Wilson, founder of DRAFT Media Partners, joins Jody Grunden and Tyler Bryant to discuss predictable ad spend, growing ad platform fragmentation, and the future of fractional CMOs. Skip shares how DRAFT predicts campaign performance, why rising platform minimums are driving outsourcing, how to focus on one vertical before expanding, and why your homepage may be your least important page. Key takeaways: Predictable ad spend: DRAFT uses landing page conversion rates and CPC benchmarks to forecast campaign performance. Ad platform fragmentation: Rising platform minimums are creating more opportunities for agencies that can manage multiple platforms. Fractional CMO growth: Fractional CMO work is one of DRAFT’s fastest growing use cases. Customer acquisition cost matters: Track the cost to acquire customers and aim for at least a 3:1 ROAS. If you are trying to make your ad spend more predictable, build a stronger fractional marketing model, or figure out which vertical to focus on first, tune in to the full episode of ▶️ How to Predict Your Ad Campaign's ROI Before You Spend a Dime with Skip Wilson Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: DRAFT Media Partners website: draftmediapartners.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 Skip Wilson: "The zombies always win." Skip Wilson: "It's your least important of all your pages." Jody Grunden: "You at least have to have 10% of your annualized revenue in the bank at all times." Skip Wilson began his advertising career at 16 as a copywriter, later moving into web design and entrepreneurship. His work in digital media led him to CNN Special Projects and Clear Channel Radio, where he helped build and expand its digital division before becoming Vice President of Digital Media at iHeartMedia. Skip later founded DRAFT Media Partners, an advertising execution company serving over 100 clients across four locations. A bestselling author and host of The Advertising Podcast , he continues to share practical insights on achieving predictable marketing results and improving business operations. DRAFT has also received recognition at the Innovation in Business MarTech Awards, including "Most Intuitive Software Developer" in 2023 and "Best Marketing Software Developer" this year. Connect with Skip Wilson: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skipwilson Learn More About DRAFT Media Partners: Website: https://draftmediapartners.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. For this episode, Tyler Bryant, CPA, Virtual CFO Controller at Anders, fills in as guest host. 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 Tyler Bryant, CPA, is a Virtual CFO Controller with Anders Virtual CFO. He works directly with creative agency clients as a hands-on financial partner, and this episode marks his debut as a host on the Creative Agency Success Show. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jody Grunden, CPA, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, introduced remote and virtual CFO services to the industry and is a founder-level voice on the show. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders

September 8, 202641 min

Why Every Agency Needs a Niche and a Fractional CMO Mindset: Switch's Richard Muscat Azzopardi

Most agencies say they have a niche. Few actually built one after being told, in blunt terms, that they looked exactly like everyone else. In this episode, Richard Muscat Azzopardi joins Jamie Nau and Jody Grunden to discuss niching down, the fractional CMO model, and what it takes to become part of a client’s team rather than just another vendor. Rick shares how a single LinkedIn comment from industry expert David C. Baker pushed Switch to find its true positioning, how losing 70% of its business in one month during COVID forced a pivot to B2B, why his team never signs contracts longer than a month, and why Switch treats marketing and sales as one shared problem rather than two separate departments. Key takeaways: A blunt outside opinion can be the push an agency needs. One comment on LinkedIn was the catalyst for Switch to finally commit to a real niche instead of trying to serve everyone. Trust gets built in short cycles, not long ones. Switch never signs a contract longer than a month, which keeps the team accountable and keeps clients from feeling locked in. A fractional CMO role changes the entire client relationship. Rick's team asks clients business questions, not marketing questions, and handles the strategy internally. Marketing and sales should never be positioned against each other. The strongest agencies act as the bridge between the two instead of taking sides. If you are trying to build an agency with a real niche, stronger client trust, and a better relationship between marketing and sales, tune in to the full episode of ▶️ Why Every Agency Needs a Niche and a Fractional CMO Mindset: Switch's Richard Muscat Azzopardi Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: Switch website: switch.com.mt 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 Richard Muscat Azzopardi: "An industry is only boring if you're boring about it." Richard Muscat Azzopardi: "We want the meeting with Switch to be the best hour of your week." Richard Muscat Azzopardi: "Marketing results mean nothing unless you have sales." Richard Muscat Azzopardi is CEO of Switch, a Malta-based B2B communications agency he runs alongside his brother. Founded in 2004 as a traditional agency, Switch has spent the years since narrowing its focus onto founder-led B2B companies in the US and UK, working across complicated, technical industries where clarity and positioning make the biggest difference. Rick and his team of about 15 people, spread mostly across Europe, take on fractional CMO style roles for their clients, treating themselves as an extension of the client's own team rather than an outside vendor. Connect with Richard Muscat Azzopardi: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmuscatazzopardi/ Learn More About Switch: Website: https://switch.com.mt IG: https://www.instagram.com/switchmalta/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/switchmt/ LI: https://mt.linkedin.com/company/switchmt 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/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jody Grunden, CPA, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, introduced remote and virtual CFO services to the industry and is a founder-level voice on the show. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders

August 25, 202636 min

How To Build a Top Ad Agency From a Garage: ONE23WEST's Founding Story with Scot Keith

Creative agency growth gets harder when overhead, burnout, weak client fit, and unclear culture start shaping the business. In this episode, Scot Keith joins Jamie Nau to talk about creative agency growth, advertising agency culture, low-overhead operations, client fit, and why the best creative work often comes from failure. Scot shares how ONE23WEST started in a garage in 2013, why the agency chose a low overhead, high talent model, how culture is built through people instead of office perks, and why agency leaders need to know exactly who they are for. Key takeaways: A lean agency model can be a strategic advantage. Scot explains why ONE23WEST focused on laptops, phones, internet, ideas, sweat, and talent instead of expensive offices. Agency culture is built through people, not perks. A foosball table or cool office does not replace trust, collaboration, and a better way of working. More hours do not always mean better work. Jamie and Scot discuss diminishing returns, burnout, and the importance of knowing your best thinking window. Client fit matters. Scot explains why agencies need to know who they are for and avoid turning into something else just to win the wrong work. Creative work requires failure. In the ideas business, most ideas will not be the answer, but quantity helps lead to quality. If you are trying to build a creative agency with stronger culture, sharper client fit, and better creative work, tune in to the full episode of ▶️How To Build a Top Ad Agency From a Garage: ONE23WEST’s Founding Story with Scot Keith 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 -Scot Keith: "The whole operating business model for this day is low overhead, high talent." -Scot Keith: "I don't mind working hard. I just hate working stupid." -Scot Keith: "When you're in the ideas business, you're really in the failure business." Scot Keith is the Founder and CEO of ONE23WEST, an idea and design collective that uses strategy and creativity to drive business results for its clients. Under his leadership, the agency was named Canada's Small Agency of the Year for both 2020 and 2021, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and quality of work through two of the toughest years in the industry's history. With 34 years of experience in communications, Scot has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their goals and grow their brands. He has also been a keynote speaker at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, sharing his insights on the changing landscape of the industry. His main motivator is doing great work with great people, which is why he built ONE23WEST on a unique business model that redirects overhead savings into hiring the very best and most experienced talent. The agency works differently from most, with 16 working Creative Directors who do the actual work rather than just overseeing it, giving clients access to highly skilled talent and giving the team a diverse, collaborative environment. Connect with Scot Keith: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-keith-9560125/ Learn More About ONE23WEST: Website: http://one23west.ca IG: https://www.instagram.com/123w.ca FB: https://www.facebook.com/onetwentythreewest/ 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

August 11, 202642 min

How Brands Build Trust with Podcasts with Roger Nairn

Earning client trust is one of the hardest things a service-based business can do. In this episode, Roger Nairn, Co-Founder and CEO at JAR Podcast Solutions, breaks down how brands use podcasting as a long-form trust-building engine and why it works better than almost any other marketing channel available today. You'll hear how to measure podcast ROI beyond download numbers and why authentic storytelling is the one thing AI cannot replace. Whether you're a service-based business owner thinking about starting a podcast or trying to get more out of the one you already have, this episode is for you. Key takeaways: Every branded podcast needs a clear job. Before anything else, define what the podcast is meant to do. The best branded podcasts don't sound like ads. Framework focuses on making a genuinely great podcast first. Audience quality beats audience size every time. Target 80 to 85% listen-through rates rather than chasing raw download numbers. Grow your show through earned, owned, and paid channels simultaneously. Cross-promotion with aligned podcasts. Tune in to the full episode of How Brands Build Trust with Podcasts with Roger Nairn and get a clear, practical look at how to use podcasting to build trust, grow your audience, and turn long-form content into a real business asset. 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 -Roger Nairn: "Trust is earned in drips but lost in buckets. Podcast is a drip, but it is the best medium for building that trust." -Hannah Hood: “Many podcasts deliver value over time, even when the ROI isn't immediately tied to revenue.” Roger Nairn is the Co-Founder and CEO of JAR Podcast Solutions, a global branded podcast agency working with brands like Amazon and lululemon. He helps brands turn podcasts into business assets and leads strategy and growth at JAR. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogernairn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogernairn/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogernairn604/?isSelfProfile=false YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rut2SVKGDRI JAR Podcast Solutions Website: https://jarpodcasts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jar-podcasts/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaraudio2392 Blog: https://jaraudio.com/blog/ 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 Hannah Hood, CPA is a Principal at Anders Virtual CFO, where she helps business owners gain financial clarity and make confident decisions that drive long-term growth. Having advanced from Senior Accountant to Virtual CFO and now Principal, Hannah brings hands-on experience in financial strategy, accounting, and business operations. Her background spans leadership roles in manufacturing, retail, and financial services, giving her a practical perspective on building strong client relationships. LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahchood/?isSelfProfile=false Adam Hale, CPA, Partner and Managing Director of Advisory at Anders, dedicated to transforming traditional accounting practices through innovative Virtual CFO services. With over 20 years in public accounting, Adam has been instrumental in the ideation and development of CPA training courses. Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#adam-hale LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhalecpa/

July 28, 202631 min

Med Tech Marketing with Rachel Knutton

Most agency owners say they serve everyone. The ones building real, sustainable profit say the opposite. In this episode, Rachel Knutton, CEO and Founder of Alluvia Studio, shares how she built a thriving niche agency in one of the most regulated and complex industries in the world: MedTech. You'll hear how her background inside hospital C-suites, operating rooms, and medical device sales became the foundation of everything her agency does today. Rachel also covers her conference strategy for LSI Life Science Intelligence events, how she built a referral network with investors and strategic partners, and why core values like Joy and Continuous Improvement are two of her most powerful business tools. Key takeaways: Deep industry experience. Rachel Knutton built Alluvia Studio on firsthand knowledge of hospital systems. Niching in a highly regulated industry. MedTech marketing requires understanding regulatory issues, reimbursement systems, and payer complexity. Conference strategy is a long game worth playing. Sit in sessions and generate media assets through sponsorships. Your best referral sources may not be your current clients. Most valuable relationships at industry events. Pitch deck expertise in the MedTech space. Ability to simplify complex data clearly. If your agency is still trying to be everything to everyone, this episode is your wake-up call. Tune in to the full episode of Med Tech Marketing with Rachel Knutton. 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 -Rachel Knutton: "Once you identify your core values, you're going to attract the right clients, partners, and team members." -Jamie Nau: "You're only as good as the work you've done, the people you've met, and the books you've read." Rachel Knutton is a medtech marketing strategist and founder of Alluvia Studio. She has 30+ years in healthcare and leads a 17-person team serving startups and global medtech brands. Rachel is the CEO and Founder of Alluvia Studio, a MedTech marketing agency based in Cookeville, Tennessee. With a background spanning hospital C-suite leadership, medical device launches, and direct device sales, Rachel brings rare, firsthand industry knowledge to every client engagement. Alluvia Studio specializes in branding, content development, and presentation design for medical device startups, investors, and large strategics in the life science space. LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/rachelknutton Company: Alluvia Studio Website: http://www.alluviastudio.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/alluviastudio/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alluviastudio/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alluviastudio/?hl=en 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

July 14, 202634 min

Legal Foundations That Actually Drive Agency Profit with Sharon Toerek

The most profitable agencies do more than deliver great work. In this episode, Sharon Toerek, Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, shares how legal foundations, intellectual property, agency contracts, AI risk management, marketing compliance, data privacy, value-based pricing, agency profitability, and business growth work together to strengthen your agency. You’ll learn why legal should be viewed as a profit generator, how agencies can manage AI-related risks, and what business owners need to do to protect and grow their firms in a rapidly changing market. Key takeaways: Legal foundation is a profit generator, not a cost center. Stop treating it as an expense. AI introduces new legal risks for agencies. Intellectual property ownership and data privacy require careful attention. Data privacy compliance is becoming more complex. Agencies must navigate varying state regulations. Contracts remain one of your most important business tools. Regular contract reviews help protect profitability. AI works best when paired with human expertise. Professional judgment still drives results. Learn how to turn legal strategy and smarter business decisions into a stronger, more profitable future. Tune in to the full episode of Legal Foundations That Actually Drive Agency Profit with Sharon Toerek. 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 -Sharon Toerek: “Legal foundation for marketing service firms should be a profit generator, not a cost center.” -Jamie Nau: “The safest compliance strategy is often to follow the most conservative regulations.” -John C. Scott: “AI should handle repeatable tasks so professionals can focus on higher-value work.” Sharon Toerek is the Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, a law firm built exclusively for independent marketing and creative agencies. She specializes in intellectual property law, contract development and negotiation, marketing regulation compliance, and AI risk management for agency clients. Sharon is also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast, a forward-looking resource for independent agency owners navigating innovation, business model evolution, and the future of the industry. Website: https://legalandcreative.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/?isSelfProfile=false https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-creative/ 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 John C. Scott, CPA, AEP, is a Partner in Tax and a leader in legal industry financial strategy by Anders. He helps law firms win high-stakes cases with smart strategy by delivering clear financial insights, identifying key performance indicators, and strengthening decision-making at every level. With deep expertise in estate planning and financial analysis, John works closely with attorneys and firm leaders to align financial goals with long-term business success and case readiness. His approach brings scalability, flexibility, and data-driven clarity to complex legal environments, helping firms stay focused, prepared, and competitive. Connect with John C. Scott: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-scott-cpa/ X: https://x.com/JohnScottCPA

June 30, 202633 min

Adapt or Fall Behind: The New Rules of Business Growth with Rachel Ody

The rules of business growth are changing faster than ever. The businesses that adapt will find new opportunities. The ones that resist change risk falling behind. In this episode, Rachel Ody, Project Management Operations Consultant and Coach at Hello Rachel, talks about what it takes to grow a service-based business in today’s rapidly shifting environment. You’ll hear why the project management role is evolving beyond task execution, how AI and automation are squeezing project budgets and timelines, why value-based pricing, niching, and strategy are now the three non-negotiables for agency growth, and how businesses can close the growing talent gap when the traditional path to developing senior-level expertise no longer exists. Key takeaways: Project management is no longer just about getting tasks done. PMs now need to think and operate strategically. There is a real counter-argument to the strategy-first approach. Some clients are overwhelmed by strategy and just need someone to execute well. Simplicity may be the next competitive edge. a return to simplicity — and businesses that can offer clarity, connection. AI needs a human operating system. Project managers are becoming the connective tissue of the business. Value-based pricing, niching, and strategy. The three things separating growing agencies from struggling ones. Your business is not going to grow by waiting for the market to stabilize. Tune in the full episode of ▶️Adapt or Fall Behind: The New Rules of Business Growth with Rachel Ody. 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 -Rachel Ody: “You have to be able to read underneath the surface, not just the logical way to solve a business problem, but what you actually know to be true.” -Jamie Nau: “The three things that are going to separate you right now are value-based pricing, niching, and strategy.” Rachel Ody is a Project Management Operations Consultant and Coach at Hello Rachel. She is the co-founder of Louder Than Ten, a respected project management training company, and has spent years helping agencies and small businesses build operational systems that actually work. Rachel now focuses on supporting business owners through strategic change, operational clarity, and the kind of honest leadership thinking that drives real, sustainable growth. Website: https://hellorachel.ca/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ody-coach/?isSelfProfile=false IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestraymuse 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://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/the-creative-agency-success-show/ 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 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/about IG: https://www.instagram.com/jayowen FB: https://www.facebook.com/jayowenlive/ X: https://x.com/owendesign Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jayowenlive Podcast: https://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com/about/ Business Builders Website: https://businessbldrs.com/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SN1I1FwktpF_lMqaZveIg IG: https://www.instagram.com/businessbldrs/ Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessbldrs/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/businessbldrs 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

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 Harr 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 - 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/ Sparkbox Website: 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/

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