Agency Journey

Misti Ferris holds the “Integrator” seat at digital marketing agency Roger West Creative & Code, which means she ensures that everyone is dancing to the same beat called EOS (even the creatives).

In addition to the Integrator role, Misti serves as Vice President of Operations, where her “3 M” mantra: marketer, minimalist and mom (of 4 daughters) is the driving force behind all things requiring structure, process and a firm yet loving nudge.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How EOS provides structure and discipline that still allows for creativity in agencies and marketing firms.
• Why providing transparency into the company's vision and goals builds trust and helps employees understand the purpose behind operational changes.
• How bi-directional feedback between managers and employees improves communication and relationships but takes time to implement fully.
• What tools are available for managing EOS, so companies should evaluate options based on their needs and preferences.
• Best practices on continuously documenting processes and procedures prepares agencies for growth opportunities like new clients, ventures, and services.

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Misti Ferris Linkedin
• Gray MacKenzie Linkedin
• Roger West Website
• EOS Website
• EOS Tools

William Ferreira is the founder of Social Buff, a full-service digital agency that builds and scales direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce brands. Since its launch in 2019, the business has taken countless companies to multi-million pounds in revenue.

In this episode, William and Gray discussed the tools and strategies Social Buff uses to operate efficiently while providing high-impact results, including a focus on metrics, process, and hiring the right talent.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Overview of Social Buff and their growth over the past few years
• The key marketing channels Social Buff focuses on
• The sales process and how Social Buff finds and onboards new clients
• Tips for effective cold email outreach and positioning your agency
• How Social Buff competes against larger agencies and freelancers
• Identifying the point where e-commerce brands make the transition to hiring an agency like Social Buff
• The tools that power Social Buff’s operations
• The most important tips William would offer to other agency owners
• How Social Buff tracks metrics and KPIs to evaluate the health and performance of their business

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SocialBuff's Website
• William Ferreira's LinkedIn
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn
• ClickUp's Website

In this power-packed episode, we are joined by JJ Rusell, Partner and Director at Best Damn Agency Mastermind. Together with Gray, they delve into the importance of having a clear vision for mastermind groups, the value of strong connections within the community, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. They also discuss strategies for building a successful agency and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in children. Tune in for an insightful conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and motivated to take your agency and personal growth to the next level.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The importance of having a clear vision and purpose for mastermind groups
• How to build a strong community with meaningful connections
• Strategies to overcome self-limiting beliefs in agency owners and leaders
• Key elements for building a successful agency, including niching and operational efficiency
• The benefits of a mixed staffing model with contractors and full-time employees
• Ways to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in children from an early age
• The significance of scheduling consistent one-on-one time with children for their development and nurturing relationships

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

If you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• JJ Russell's LinkedIn
• Best Damn Agency Mastermind Website
• Best Damn Agency Podcast Website
• Apex Revenue's Website
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Karl Sakas, Author, Speaker, Agency Consultant and Founder of Sakas & Company, joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss strategies & key metrics that agency owners should start tracking, and how it contributes to achieve sustainable growth and increased profits.

Karl Sakas helps people at agencies make smarter decisions for smoother growth. Drawing on his background in agency operations, Karl has personally advised hundreds of agencies on every inhabited continent. He is the author of Made to Lead, The In-Demand Marketing Agency, and more than 400 articles on agency management. When he’s not helping clients, Karl volunteers as a bartender on an antique train.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to focus on aligning incentives between your agency and clients to build a true partnership. 
• Why transparency and communication are key to maintaining client relationships. 
• Why frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Operating System to your agency's unique culture and goals and what not to do.
• How content creation helps establish your agency as a thought leader.
• How to empower your team through the right tools and processes to help them work efficiently and collaboratively.
• Why Referrals and word-of-mouth are important to your agency's success.
• How to consistently reassess how you can build a more profitable and client-centric agency through your hiring, growth plan, and using the right tools.
• The important key metrics to track your agency's growth.

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Karl Sakas LinkedIn
• Agency Articles - Sakas & Company Blog
• Work Less, Earn More Book
• Made to Lead Book
• The In-Demand Marketing Agency Book
• Sakas & Company Website
• Gray MacKenzie LinkedIn
• EOS

In this episode, Andrew Stern, Partner, and COO at Pilothouse, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps DTC brands scale through performance marketing.

Andrew shares insights into Pilothouse's unique partnership model with clients, how they've scaled to over 170 employees in just a few years, and the key sales and marketing strategies that have fueled their growth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to Focus on true alignment of incentives between the agency, clients, and internal team.
• How Pilothouse Brings clients into the process as true partners with transparent and ongoing communication. 
• Why implementing frameworks like EOS to improve processes but adapt them to suit your unique culture and goals.
• How to build authority and generate new opportunities through content like newsletters, podcasts, and thought leadership. 
• How to empower your teams, streamline work with the right tools, and continually look for new tools that can help improve productivity and collaboration.
• Key lessons and insights for building a high-growth agency.
• Why referrals and word-of-mouth were key for early growth. 

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Andrew Stern's LinkedIn
• Pilothouse Website
• DTC Podcast
• DTC Newsletter
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Mike Rose, Founder and CEO of Return On Energy, is a highly successful entrepreneur who has built multiple profitable agencies that can run without him. With a track record of accolades, including being named INC Best Places in America and a 3X Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Company, Mike shares his insights and strategies for creating a sustainable agency that can thrive even when the founder steps back.

As a HubSpot Diamond-Certified Partner and DFW American Marketing Association (AMA) Marketer of the Year, Mike's experience and expertise make for a valuable conversation on building a successful and scalable business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Three factors mike considered before selling Mojo Media Labs to Gravity Global 2:15
• The acquisition timeline and exit process 3:44
• An overview of Mojo Media Labs and Gravity Global 7:05
• How Mike empowered the Mojo Makers to make better business decisions 9:30
• The importance of training your team on how business works 12:20
• Mike's strategies to help create an agency that works like a well-oiled machine and fire yourself 15:40
• The psychology behind exiting as an owner 20:55
• How does micro mentorship works 30:15
• What's next for Mike Rose? 32:00
• ROE Breakthrough Workshop 34:30

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mike Rose's LinkedIn
• Return On Energy's Website
• ROE Breakthrough Workshop
• ROE powers ROI Book
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Individuals with soulful character approach leadership with tremendous fervor. They possess a deep understanding of their organization's structure and prioritize bottom-up motivation over top-down. They recognize the importance of all team members. These leaders also value open communication with all employees, recognizing that each person plays a crucial role in the organization and is equally valuable.

In this episode, Kenny Lange, CEO of Kenny Lange Coaching, Kenny helps agency owners and their leadership teams find clarity and engineer their culture using proven frameworks. Kenny joins Gray MacKenzie to discuss the impact of being a purpose-driven, people-centric leader and how System & Soul differs from The EOS framework.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why it is important to have the right framework for your agency
• What is S2 in The System & Soul Framework
• The differences and similarities between System & Soul and The EOS framework
• What System & Soul's S2 focuses on
• The importance of having consistent 1-on-1's with your employees
• How purpose-driven leadership impacts your agency's growth in productivity and effectivity

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Kenny Lange Coaching Website
• System & Soul Website
• S2 Diagnostic - How Healthy Is Your Organization?
• EOS Website
• Kenny Lange's LinkedIn
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Charles "Charlie" Gaudet II, CEO of Predictable Profits. He is also the author of “The Predictable Profits Playbook" and host of The Beyond 7-Figures Podcast, joins Gray MacKenzie to explore the strategies and best practices for building successful and profitable agency partnerships.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why it is important to understand the benefits of agency partnerships
• How to identify the right partners for your agency
• How to establish clear expectations and goals
• The best methods to maintain open communication and fostering trust
• Ways to measure the success of your agency partnerships and continuously improving the process.

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Predictable Profits Website
• The Predictable Profits Playbook
• Beyond 7-figures Podcast
• Charles Gaudet's LinkedIn
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

In this episode, Anne Shenton, CEO of Ascend Strategy & Design, a HubSpot Diamond and Advanced CMS Implementation certified solutions partner, joins Gray MacKenzie to dig deeper into the impact of implementing EOS.

Whether it's self-implementation or with a professional implementer, you will learn how an agency quantifies the impact of implementing EOS.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• How Ascend balances using ninety.io and ClickUp and their approach on how to leverage using both tools
• Ascend's quick background story and how they first discovered EOS
• Anne's career journey, her passion for websites, and how she navigated her career growth
• How Ascend Pivoted from being just a department to being its own agency
• The Impact of EOS on culture development and the downside of self-implementation
• How Ascend's screening process involves its core values.
• One of the unusual metrics that Ascend has is "Employee NPS."
• Anne's own tech stack and tool recommendation

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ninety.io's website
• Ascend Strategy & Design Website
• Slickplan's Website
• ClickUp's Website
• HeyTaco's Website
• Anne Shenton's LinkedIn
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn
• EOS Tools

Kevin Barber is the Head of Growth at Lean Labs, focused on helping innovative companies make their marketing profitable so they can scale. Father of 3, lives in Tampa, FL, and loves bikes, boats, and building brands.

Chris DuBois is the CEO at Lean Labs, helping build growth teams and websites for brands that deserve to win. Father of 2, and husband of 1. Lives in Portland, Maine, and enjoys exploring the outdoors, and reading a good book.

In this episode, Chris DuBois, CEO at Lean Labs, and Kevin Barber, Head of Growth at Lean Labs, joins Gray to discuss the challenges and opportunities and the nitty gritty of transitioning from one role to another and the importance of having the right role for each team member.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• How agencies are adjusting to the shifts brought about by the pandemic.
• The criticality of having the appropriate chief executive officer for Lean Labs.
• Chris's journey to becoming the CEO of Lean Labs.
• The effect of the transition to Kevin's leadership.
• The responsibilities that were delegated during the transition.
• Kevin's perspective on the distinctions between being an agency owner/business owner and a CEO.
• Chris's personal path before joining the Lean Labs team.
• Who Lean Labs is intended for.
• The purpose and function of Sprocket Rocket.
• Lean Labs' future partnerships with Impact.
• Lean Labs' priorities for the year 2023.
• The most vital skills that Chris was able to swiftly acquire.
• The growth priorities for 2023.
• Strategies for keeping the team aligned in the face of change and innovation.

Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilot

Check out ZenPilot, where we help agencies optimize their operations using our proven systems and processes.

ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sprocket Rocket Website
• Lean Labs Website
• The Growth Playbook
• Growth Grader
• Kevin Barber's LinkedIn
• Chris DuBois LinkedIn
• Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn
• EOS Tools