In this episode of The Breakdown Podcast by Gravity Forms, host Matt Mederios chats with David Ries, Account Director at Vaulted Oak, about agency life, managing WordPress and Shopify projects, and the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit space. David shares his insights on balancing long-term client relationships, the evolution of web technologies, and how Vaulted Oak has positioned itself uniquely within the agency world.

David brings us into the unique structure of Barrel Holdings, the parent company of Vaulted Oak, and explains how their network of sibling agencies specializes in different platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, and Framer. This specialization ensures that clients are matched with the right team and technology for their needs, rather than trying to fit every project into one model. Vaulted Oak stands out as the agency focused on ongoing support and maintenance, providing a critical service for clients after their websites are launched.

The conversation also highlights the pros and cons of working with WordPress versus Shopify. David explains that while Shopify offers seamless out-of-the-box solutions for e-commerce, WordPress excels in flexibility and customization, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit clients often leverage Gravity Forms for essential functionalities like donation pages, user registration, and volunteer management. David emphasizes how Gravity Forms provides a reliable, cost-effective solution compared to the high fees associated with many other platforms targeting nonprofits.

The discussion concludes with insights into Vaulted Oak’s quarterly pricing model, which encourages long-term relationships and better planning for clients. David also shares advice for freelancers and boutique agencies, stressing the importance of valuing time, setting boundaries, and building sustainable business models.

Chapter Markers

1. 
   [00:00:00] Introduction
   Matt welcomes David Ries to the podcast and sets the stage for a discussion on agency life, WordPress, and Shopify.
2. [00:01:00] Life as an Account Director at Vaulted Oak
   David shares his day-to-day responsibilities, including client relationship management, external partnerships, and fostering long-term trust with clients.
3. [00:02:30] The Structure of Barrel Holdings
   David explains how Vaulted Oak operates within Barrel Holdings alongside sibling agencies like BX Studio and Bolster, offering unique expertise across platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow.
4. [00:06:00] Agency Collaboration and Handoffs
   How Vaulted Oak and its sibling agencies collaborate to meet client needs and ensure they use the right platform for their projects.
5. [00:09:00] WordPress vs. Shopify: A Comparison
   David contrasts the two platforms, highlighting Shopify's streamlined e-commerce features and WordPress’s flexibility and open-source ecosystem, especially for nonprofit organizations.
6. [00:13:00] Choosing the Right Platform for Clients
   David discusses how Vaulted Oak evaluates client needs to determine whether WordPress, Shopify, or another platform is the best fit.
7. [00:18:00] Apps vs. Plugins: Pricing and Functionality
   A deep dive into the cost and functionality differences between Shopify apps and WordPress plugins, and how each affects client budgets and site performance.
8. [00:20:00] Leveraging Gravity Forms for Nonprofits
   David shares how Gravity Forms is a critical tool for Vaulted Oak’s nonprofit clients, enabling solutions like donation pages, user registration, and custom workflows.
9. [00:24:00] The Unique Needs of Nonprofits
   A discussion about the challenges nonprofits face with out-of-the-box solutions and how Gravity Forms offers a tailored, cost-effective alternative to expensive donation platforms.
10. [00:26:30] Vaulted Oak’s Quarterly Pricing Model
    David explains Vaulted Oak’s transparent and long-term-focused pricing approach, which prioritizes building relationships and sustainable workflows with clients.
11. [00:31:00] Closing Thoughts on Agency Best Practices
    David and Matt discuss the importance of valuing time, setting boundaries, and building mature, long-term client relationships for agencies and freelancers alike.
12. [00:33:00] Final Remarks and Contact Information
    David invites listeners to visit Vaulted Oak and connect on LinkedIn for thought leadership and insights.

Important Links Mentioned

• 
  Vaulted Oak Website
• Gravity Forms Website
• Connect with Vaulted Oak on LinkedIn
  
  

This episode is packed with actionable advice for agency owners, freelancers, and anyone navigating the worlds of WordPress, Shopify, and nonprofit digital strategy. Don’t miss it!