The Agency Hour

Hosted by Agency Mavericks

Business Entrepreneurship Management Education

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Episodes

175

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Agency Hour is for digital agency owners like you who want to start, grow and scale their businesses. It’s like hanging out with friends while getting a masterclass in how to tackle the most significant obstacles you’re facing as an entrepreneur.

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60 recent

June 5, 202618 min

Headless: The Future of Work

If you want to increase capacity, improve margins, reduce operational drag, and build a business that scales without becoming dependent on more headcount, click the link below and apply to work with us. https://mvrx.link/headless-podcast In this episode, Troy Dean reads his new manifesto, Headless: The Future of Work, and explores one of the biggest shifts in business since the internet itself. For decades, we've built companies around a simple assumption: if you want more output, you hire more people. That assumption is breaking. AI agents, wearables, voice interfaces, and headless software are changing the way businesses operate. The question is no longer how many people work for you. The question is how much value each person can create. In this episode, Troy explores: Why headcount is becoming a misleading measure of success How AI is replacing execution while humans focus on strategy Why the office may become obsolete The collapse of the traditional agency growth model How "headless businesses" will outperform their competitors The future of work, leadership, productivity, and leverage Why value per human will become the most important business metric of the next decade This isn't a conversation about prompts, tools, or hacks. It's a conversation about what happens when the interface leaves the desk. If you're a founder, operator, executive, consultant, or agency owner trying to understand where work is heading, this episode is for you.

May 15, 202658 min

AI, Automation, and the Headless Agency Model with Melissa Elizondo

Discover how Melissa Elizondo, a solo marketing agency owner, leverages AI and automation to run her entire business with minimal human input. In this episode, we explore cutting-edge AI tools, the concept of headless agencies, and how businesses can massively increase productivity while reducing costs. If you want this system installed in your agency, apply here: https://headless.agencymavericks.com/schedule (We’re only taking a small number of agencies right now.) Listen now and discover how the next generation of agencies are being built. Connect with Melissa Elizondo: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Handy Links: E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericks The Headless Agency - https://headless.agencymavericks.com/schedule Viktor - https://mvrx.link/get-viktor

May 12, 2026Episode 17316 min

$1M Year. No Staff. 10 hours a week (part two)

What if you could run a 7-figure agency… without a team? In this episode, Troy pulls back the curtain on the headless agency model, a radically different way to deliver agency services using AI-powered systems instead of traditional staff. We’re not talking theory. We’re talking real clients, real deliverables, and a live system already in motion. From zero to 10 clients in just a few weeks, with a clear path to $1M in recurring revenue, Troy breaks down exactly how the model works, from onboarding and strategy to content production, project management, and client communication. You’ll learn: The difference between AI “tools” and AI “systems” (and why it matters) How to build a team of specialized AI agents that run your agency operations The step-by-step client journey from onboarding to fully autonomous delivery How to maintain quality and brand voice without producing “AI slop” What your role becomes as the agency owner in this new model This isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about removing the bottlenecks that stop agencies from scaling. If you’ve ever felt stuck in delivery, overwhelmed by team management, or curious about what AI actually makes possible… this episode will change how you think about your agency. If you want this system installed in your agency: Apply here: https://headless.agencymavericks.com/schedule(We’re only taking a small number of agencies right now.) Listen now and discover how the next generation of agencies are being built.

May 8, 2026Episode 17218 min

$1M Year. No Staff. 10 hours a week (part one)

A couple of weeks ago, I posted something that got a lot of attention: “$1M agency. No staff. 10 hours a week.” I didn’t expect it to blow up… but it did. Hundreds of comments, a flood of DMs, and one question kept coming up: “How is that actually possible?” So in this episode, I’m answering that properly. I’m walking you through the exact system I’m building right now, in real time, to run a digital agency with no team. Not a lean team. Not offshore support. Literally just me and AI. Right now, I’ve gone from zero to 10 clients in about four weeks, and I’m capping growth at one new client per week. The model gets to $1M a year at 28 clients, and I’m showing you exactly how the math works, how the delivery works, and what’s actually changing in the agency space.If you want this system installed in your agency: Apply here: https://headless.agencymavericks.com/schedule(We’re only taking a small number of agencies right now.)

May 1, 202644 min

From Freelancer to 15 Staff: The Real Story with Josh Moore.

What actually changes when you commit to building a real agency? In this episode of The Agency Hour, Troy Dean sits down with Josh Moore from DuoPlus to unpack what growth really looks like behind the scenes, not the highlight reel, but the decisions, pressure, and trade-offs that come with it. Josh shares how he went from solo operator to a 15-person in-house team, why he doubled his overhead overnight (on purpose), and what it takes to keep moving forward when the numbers get uncomfortable. If you’re trying to grow your agency without burning out or wondering what the next level actually demands, this is worth your time. If you want the full step-by-step plan to implement this inside your agency, follow Agency Mavericks on Instagram and DM the word “TRUST.” Because the agencies that win next… won’t be the loudest. Handy Links: Beanbox - https://www.beanbox.app DuoPlus - https://www.duoplus.nz New Zealand Innovation & Export Podcast - https://www.duoplus.nz/podcast

April 24, 202631 min

From $0 to $3M: The Ultimate Agency Success Checklist

So many agency owners are just guessing their way to growth. This is the exact checklist we use to help agencies go from $300K to $4M+ and today, you’re getting it for free. Inside this episode, Troy Dean breaks down the Grow → Package → Scale framework that’s helped thousands of digital agencies build authority, increase revenue, and remove themselves as the bottleneck. This isn’t theory. It’s the step-by-step system we use with clients every week. If you want a clearer path to your first (or next) seven figures - this is where to start. Download the Agency Success Checklist and follow along step-by-step. If you want the full step-by-step plan to implement this inside your agency, follow Agency Mavericks on Instagram and DM the word “TRUST.” Because the agencies that win next… won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the most trusted. Handy Links: Agency Mavericks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agencymavericks E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericks HighLevel - https://gohighlevel.com/troy-dean Score App - https://www.scoreapp.com Personalised Agency Growth Game Plan - https://gameplan.agencymavericks.com

April 17, 202617 min

Stop Chasing Clients: Build a Trust Engine That Attracts Premium Agency Work

If your pipeline feels inconsistent right now, you’re not alone. Referrals aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Cold outreach feels like shouting into the void. And even when you do get a response, you’re stuck competing on price. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: The era of cheap outbound is over. In fact, recent insights suggest it can take thousands of cold emails to generate a single lead. And even then, prospects will Google you… and choose the agency that shows up with authority. So the question becomes: Are you building visibility… or are you invisible? If you want the full step-by-step plan to implement this inside your agency, follow Agency Mavericks on Instagram and DM the word “TRUST.” Because the agencies that win next… won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the most trusted. Handy Links:Agency Mavericks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agencymavericks E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksHighLevel - https://gohighlevel.com/troy-dean

April 2, 202624 min

How to Use UTM Parameters for Effective Marketing Tracking

In the world of digital marketing, understanding where your traffic comes from is crucial. Yet, many marketers struggle to identify which campaigns are truly effective. This will guide you through the use of UTM parameters, a powerful tool for tracking the success of your marketing efforts. By the end, you’ll know how to implement UTM parameters to gain insights into your campaigns and improve your marketing strategies. What Are UTM Parameters and Why Do They Matter? UTM parameters, or Urchin Tracking Module parameters, are snippets of text that you can add to the end of a URL to track the performance of campaigns across different traffic sources. They help you understand where your visitors are coming from and how they interact with your content. This is essential for optimizing marketing efforts and ensuring your budget is spent effectively. Why Tracking Matters Many marketers face the challenge of not knowing which advertising dollars are working. A staggering 33% of marketers cannot determine the effectiveness of their campaigns, according to a HubSpot report. This uncertainty can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. Key Takeaways - UTM parameters are essential for tracking the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. - Understanding the five key components helps you gain insights into your traffic sources and campaign performance. - Utilizing tools like utm-builder.net can simplify the process of creating UTM links. Conclusion Tracking your marketing efforts is crucial for optimizing your strategies and ensuring that your resources are being used effectively. By implementing UTM parameters, you can gain valuable insights into your campaigns and improve your overall marketing success. Work with us. If you’d like to work with us to scale your agency, without becoming the bottleneck, book a call to chat with our team and we’ll help you get it done. Handy Links: E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericks UTM Builder - https://utmbuilder.net Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com Follow us on the socials: YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

March 19, 202651 min

Why 2026 is the Best Time to Run a Digital Agency with René Spijker

In this episode, Troy Dean sits down with René Spijker, a veteran agency owner from the Netherlands who has successfully navigated over 30 years of technological disruption. From the early days of desktop publishing to the current AI revolution, René shares his journey of adaptation and why he believes now is the most exciting time to run an agency. You will learn how to shift your focus from low-value production tasks to high-value strategy, effectively "training" AI tools to act as productive interns, and why the human element remains the most critical part of the client relationship. We also dive deep into "vibe coding," the future of WordPress, and how to confidently serve mid-market clients. What You'll learn: Technology changes, but the need for client strategy remains constant. Treat AI tools like new interns: invest time in training them for consistent quality output. The most valuable role in the ecosystem is sitting between the client and the technology. Don't just sell deliverables; sell paid discovery and planning upfront to secure better clients. "Vibe coding" with AI allows agencies to prototype and build faster than traditional methods. Avoiding burnout requires intentional downtime and hobbies outside of the digital space. If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you.To find out about working together, 1. Follow us on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/agencymavericks) 2. Send me the message MAVERICK, and I’ll send you all the details Handy Links: E2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com Follow us on the socials: YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

March 12, 202647 min

Building a Category of One with Taylor McMaster

It is the start of a new era for Agency Mavericks in 2026! In this season opener, Troy Dean sits down with Taylor McMaster, founder of DOT & Company. Taylor shares her incredible journey from a frustrated agency owner to creating a "category of one" by specializing in fractional account management. We also dive deep into the recent breaking news: DOT & Company has been acquired by E2M Solutions. In this episode, you will learn the critical difference between a struggling generalist agency and a scalable specialist. Taylor reveals the math behind successful account management (hint: 80 clients is too many), how to maintain premium service standards, and why her due diligence process during the acquisition was actually a breeze. Plus, we discuss how AI is shaping the future of client services and why playing the long game is your biggest competitive advantage. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ How to position your agency as a 'Category of One' to eliminate competition and command premium pricing✅ Leverage fractional account management to remove yourself from daily operations without the risk of full-time hiring✅ Identify the critical client-to-manager ratios that prevent employee burnout and ensure high-level service✅ Streamline agency efficiency by adopting proven SOPs and frameworks used by specialized industry leaders✅ Navigate the acquisition process with insights on due diligence, valuation, and successful team integration✅ Capitalize on the AI revolution by positioning your agency as the essential bridge between new technology and client outcomes✅ Adopt a long-game entrepreneurial mindset to build a business that is inherently scalable and attractive to buyers If you’re ready to scale your agency and reclaim your time, join our new community for just $1. Every week, Troy goes live with actionable strategies to help you build a business that works - for you Handy Links: DOT & Co - https://www.dotandcompany.co/Piixel Studios - https://www.piixel.ca/studioE2M Solutions - https://www.e2msolutions.com/agency-mavericksWP Remote - https://wpremote.com Get a Personalised Game Plan to Grow Your AgencyTake this online assessment and get recommendations based on more than 10 years of experience helping 4K+ agencies. This stuff works. Reduce the overwhelm and know exactly what to do next. Gameplan.agencymavericks.com Follow us on the socials: YouTube | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin