INspired INsider Podcast

Jason Swenk is the Founder of Agency Mastery 360, a company dedicated to helping digital agency owners grow and scale their businesses. With over 20 years in the agency space, he has built and sold his agency, and he now leverages his experience working with brands like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars to mentor other agencies. 

In addition to hosting the Smart Agency Masterclass podcast, the #1 podcast for digital marketing agency owners, Jason has developed a framework for growing agencies from nothing to eight figures. His unique perspective, shaped by his extensive experience and monthly interaction with over 100 agencies, provides valuable insights into navigating market disruptions and achieving sustained growth.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, agency owners face the daunting challenge of sustaining profitability and positioning their agencies as attractive candidates for acquisition. What factors set apart those agencies that thrive in the competitive market, and how can agency owners ensure they maximize their potential for growth and sale?

This recap dives deep into Jason Swenk’s strategies for growing a digital agency poised for acquisition. A seasoned expert in the agency space, Jason focuses on crucial performance indicators beyond revenue, highlighting profitability, MRR, customer loyalty, and strategic team-building as fundamental metrics. Jason emphasizes that agencies often inflate their revenue to appear more successful, but the true value lies in their profit margins and operational efficiency. Through real-world examples and a personal anecdote about missing out on the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon, he shares a unique acquisition strategy that prioritizes culture fit, autonomy, and shared success.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, revisit Dr. Jeremy Weisz’ earlier interview with Jason Swenk, Founder of Agency Mastery 360, about mastering agency growth and acquisition. Topics include the importance of EBITDA over revenue for agency valuation, acquisition KPIs, Republix's unique approach to acquiring and nurturing digital agencies, and the key trends and challenges in the current agency acquisition landscape.

Tommy Mello is the Owner of A1 Garage Door Service, the largest independently-owned garage door company in North America. Tommy is the author of the Amazon best-seller Home Service Millionaire, which details his story of turning a local garage door service business from $50,000 in debt to a $30 million company in seven years. He also created The Home Service Expert, a leading resource for ambitious home service entrepreneurs. Through The Home Service Expert, Tommy provides services as a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Trainer, and he hosts The Home Service Expert Podcast. 

What drives an entrepreneur to push through adversity and transform a humble business into a multimillion-dollar empire? How do they navigate the challenges, make pivotal decisions, and maintain their passion when faced with what seems like insurmountable obstacles?

Tommy Mello shares his fascinating story of building A-1 Garage Door Service from indebted into a leading $220 million business. He reveals the critical moments when he almost quit and the life-changing decisions he made to turn around struggling markets. Tommy discusses the importance of mentorship and the invaluable insights he gained from industry experts like Al Levi, who taught him the significance of systems and standard operating procedures. His tales of navigating financial challenges, such as handling a bridge loan and making tough calls to close non-performing markets, give listeners a real glimpse into the gritty realities of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Tommy Mello, Owner of A1 Garage Door Service, about growing a multimillion-dollar service business. Tommy shares the pivotal decisions and sacrifices he made to turn around his struggling business ventures, strategies for hiring A-players and building an unstoppable team, continuous employee training, the value of having mentors, and the essential tools and software that propelled their growth.

Paulo Salomao is the Founder and CEO of King Ursa, a full-service advertising agency renowned for its creative-first approach and robust performance-driven strategies. Originally from Brazil, he traveled to Toronto to learn English and ultimately fell in love with Canada, where he cultivated a career in design, art direction, and film. With over a decade of agency experience, Paulo's leadership has rocketed King Ursa to recognition as one of the top creative agencies in Canada. He is passionate about balancing artificial and emotional intelligence in communication and advocates for culture and trust in business relationships.

An agency can begin in a garage and grow into a creative powerhouse to influence an industry. But what does it take to build an agency from the ground up while maintaining an unwavering focus on culture and client relationships?

Entrepreneur and advertising professional Paulo Salomao reveals the intricacies of crafting a top-ranking advertising agency in Canada. He shares his story of evolution, determination, and strategic hires. He walks us through the journey of agency growth, both in staff and workspace, emphasizing the critical role trust plays in client relationships. Paulo also explains the importance of maintaining an agency's culture and how he tackles the challenges he faces as a founder.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Paulo Salomao, Founder and CEO of King Ursa, about cultivating agency culture and maintaining strong client relationships. Paulo discusses the origin of King Ursa, the gradual growth of the agency’s workspace and team size, how to implement effective operations and maintain a vibrant agency culture, and the value of emotion in advertising.

Kamaljit Singh is the CEO and Founder of AMZ One Step, an Amazon creative and marketing agency that enhances product listings to boost sales for Amazon sellers. Starting with retail arbitrage, he quickly moved to establish a successful private label brand, eventually selling it in 2018. Kamaljit's agency has created over 100,000 infographics for Amazon sellers, specializing in conversion optimization and branding. In 2022, he strategically expanded his empire by acquiring Kenji ROI, another leading Amazon agency. He is passionate about leveraging his Amazon expertise to help e-commerce brands enhance their online presence. 

Have you ever wondered if there's a secret to rapidly increasing online sales without spending a fortune? What if the answer lies in a simple tweak to something you might be overlooking? How can such a small change propel your business forward at lightning speed?

Kamaljit Singh, an e-commerce expert, delves into his approach to enhancing Amazon listings for better conversion rates and his journey from an individual seller to acquiring a competing agency. He shares how identifying constraints within an organization can lead to significant improvements, the importance of systemizing operations for growth, and the nuances of structuring a company acquisition. Through his firsthand experience, Kamaljit demonstrates that attention to detail, especially optimizing a product's main image, can dramatically increase sales traffic on Amazon.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kamaljit Singh, CEO and Founder of AMZ One Step, about optimizing Amazon sales and strategic business growth. Kamaljit discusses how AMZ One Step helps Amazon brands elevate their conversion rates, the challenges and successes in selecting products for Amazon retail, essential tools every Amazon seller should master, and his journey of acquiring a competing agency.

Michael Attias is the Founder and CEO of CaterZen, the first web-based catering software for restaurants. Michael has a four-decade journey as a highly successful entrepreneur, restaurateur, and software innovator. Starting as a dishwasher at 16, he progressed to owning a barbecue franchise, where he honed his skills in catering sales using direct marketing. Michael transitioned to teaching other restaurant owners to double their catering profits and then bootstrapped CaterZen to provide comprehensive ERP software to the catering industry.

In the fast-paced world of catering, how do successful businesses turn the chaos of daily operations into a well-oiled machine? Managing orders, streamlining operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction can be overwhelming without the right tools. What’s the secret to maintaining calm amidst catering chaos?

According to Michael Attias, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in the catering industry, the key to transforming chaos into calm lies in leveraging specialized software that addresses the unique challenges of catering. He highlights the importance of efficiency, noting that having an intuitive system in place not only saves time but also significantly boosts sales and profits. By automating repetitive tasks and offering tailored solutions, businesses can focus on delivering quality service and growing their customer base instead of being bogged down by logistical nightmares. Michael’s approach is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of what catering businesses truly need to thrive.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Attias, Founder and CEO of CaterZen, to discuss how to transform catering chaos into calm. They explore the impact of using software to streamline operations, the importance of direct marketing in boosting sales, and the lessons Michael learned from his journey from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur.

Ryan Tomlinson is the Founder and President of Gooder Marketing, a web design agency specializing in creating visually appealing and highly functional websites tailored to clients' needs. Launching the agency in 2011, he leveraged his self-taught web development and SEO skills honed during the online poker boom into providing value for local businesses across various industries. With a focus on SEO and comprehensive digital strategies, Ryan has become an expert at helping clients establish a strong online presence. He believes in fostering relationships and has maintained several client partnerships for over 10 years, signifying his commitment to consistent, quality service.

Have you ever wondered how some businesses keep their clients happy for over a decade? Outdated website and internet marketing strategies could be costing you business. So, what’s the secret behind creating and maintaining a website that drives traffic into conversions and leads?

Ryan Tomlinson, a website and internet marketing guru, dives into the strategic world of digital marketing and web design as he shares the origins and growth of his company. Starting as a self-taught SEO enthusiast during the online poker boom, he transitioned his skills to meet the needs of local businesses, building a web design agency renowned for its quality and custom solutions. Ryan provides candid insights into the nuances of acquiring government contracts, the benefits of niche marketing for property management companies, and the fine-tuning required for successful e-commerce platforms. He also discusses the significance of SEO and how even simple missteps can affect a website's performance, like neglecting proper title tags.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Ryan Tomlinson, Founder and President of Gooder Marketing, about effective web design and SEO strategies. Ryan discusses the full range of services offered by Gooder Marketing, how it obtained and retained its first significant clients, and how to avoid common mistakes made by business websites.

Cory York is the CEO and Co-founder of Webware AI, a digital marketing SaaS platform that helps small businesses grow online. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has successfully launched and scaled two businesses to over $14 million in annual revenue and grown teams to over 350. Cory’s prior ventures include founding Gift Cards India and spearheading Shopify's expansion into the Indian market. Returning to Canada, Cory leveraged his business acumen to transition Webware from a white-labeled Shopify to a leading digital marketing SaaS platform.

Mastering the art of digital marketing is no longer just an option — it is necessary for businesses eager to carve out their niche and capture the attention of their target audience. Yet, navigating this complex terrain poses a unique challenge, demanding a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies and an agile approach to engagement. So, how do entrepreneurs harness the power of digital marketing to propel their startups toward sustainable growth and success?

Cory York, a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing mogul, shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey that started with door-to-door sales and evolved into founding a game-changing digital marketing business. He recounts the challenges he faced and successes he achieved while building companies, including his partnership with Shopify during its early days and his venture into India's digital space. Cory recalls the evolution of Webware AI — from its original concept to a platform now helping thousands of small business owners automate their marketing efforts.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Cory York, Co-founder and CEO of Webware AI, about the challenges and triumphs of building a digital marketing SaaS company. Cory discusses how Webware empowers small businesses with AI-driven marketing, its origin as a white-labeled Shopify, its evolution, and its white-label opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Kirk Allen is the COO and Co-founder of Reshift Media, a Toronto-based digital marketing agency specializing in social media, search engine marketing, and website development for franchises. Under his leadership, Reshift Media has grown from a startup with no clients to an international success story with around 200 clients. Kirk has over three decades of experience in cross-platform media sales within Canada’s largest media companies. With a passion for building long-standing relationships and driving digital innovation, he has also served on many industry boards, including CFA, IAB Canada, INMA, and NADbank.

Have you ever considered the shift from traditional industry expertise to launching your own business in a dynamic, digital landscape? Mastering the art of navigating through these complexities with remarkable prowess is key to success.

Digital marketing expert Kirk Allen delves into his unique journey from the newspaper business to digital marketing and the founding of his successful agency. He discusses the strategic risks he and his partner took in the early days of Reshift Media, including starting with zero clients and relying on initial seed capital to secure their first big customer. With a focus on the ever-growing franchise sector, Kirk reveals the industry trends and how service-based businesses thrive. He shares the pivotal role that the Canadian Franchise Association played in Reshift Media's growth and the importance of reputation and personal branding in building a sustainable business.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kirk Allen, Co-founder and COO of Reshift Media, about transitioning from traditional media to digital marketing entrepreneurship. Kirk talks about Reshift Media's inception and the services it offers, its client acquisition process, trends in the franchising space, and the Brand Amplifier platform for agency owners.

Behdad Jamshidi is the Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, providing access to digital marketing partners ideal for your brand's current and future goals. His unique background in marketing, engineering, consulting, leadership, sales, and strategy makes him the perfect intermediary for connecting business owners with vetted marketing teams that fit their objectives. Behdad's work has been featured in several publications, including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, National Post, and Financial Post. 

Many companies find it challenging to choose the right agency that aligns with their specific needs, often resulting in mismatches and unmet expectations. What is the secret to effectively bridging the gap between businesses and marketing agencies in a way that fosters efficient business growth?

Behdad Jamshidi, a marketing super connector, has mastered matching businesses with marketing agencies by vetting and working closely with over 850 partners. He shares his process of assessing businesses to ensure they are paired with agencies that can meet their unique needs and facilitate their growth journey. Behdad emphasizes the importance of communication and specialization, ensuring that agencies focus on their core strengths to deliver optimal results. By focusing on human interaction as a fundamental aspect of his matchmaking process, he has curated a network of specialized and high-performing partners who will take your firm to the next level.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Behdad Jamshidi, Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, about the nuances of selecting and working with marketing agencies. Behdad talks about the services CJAM Marketing offers, its evolution, criteria for when to work with an agency over in-house teams, tips for choosing your ideal agency partner, and the common mistakes marketing agencies make.

David Pisarek is the CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, a Toronto-based web agency dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations, charities, and NGOs with top-tier digital marketing and website design. With expertise honed since the early days of the internet, David is committed to helping these organizations enhance their impact through innovative and strategic digital solutions. Beyond his agency, David actively contributes to the nonprofit sector by coaching other agencies and sharing his insights as a speaker and workshop host.

When it comes to making a difference, technology and digital solutions are often at the forefront. But is your online presence truly aiding your mission, or could it be holding you back? How can you leverage digital tools to maximize your impact and outreach effectively?

Digital guru David Pisarek explains how web design, branding, and marketing can be tailored to ensure that nonprofits not only reach their goals, but exceed them. With a focus on common pitfalls to avoid and simple, powerful changes that can increase engagement and donations, David emphasizes the importance of a well-structured website, mobile optimization, and expressing gratitude to supporters. He also shares insights on choosing the right niche, building a team that aligns with your organization's culture, and the mutual benefits of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews David Pisarek, CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, about leveraging technology and digital solutions for nonprofit organizations. David delves into detailed strategies to improve digital outreach and discusses the role of technology in expanding the scope of nonprofit work. He emphasizes why it is crucial for nonprofits to adopt a business mindset when it comes to their operations and how to efficiently communicate your value to potential partners and donors.