In Episode 147 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, your hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald kick off the new year with gratitude, big goals, and a brand-new partnership with HawkSoft — now the official sponsor of the Scratch Agency Podcast.

They reflect on the unexpected journey from two agents "just chopping it up" to building a movement with thousands of listeners and a thriving agent community. This episode dives into personal and business resolutions for 2026, including gifting strategies that drive referrals, improving profit margins, reviewing tech stacks, and building sustainable systems.

🔥 Whether you’re deep in the trenches or levelling up, this episode delivers insight, encouragement, and action items for running a better agency this year.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Our New Podcast Sponsor: HawkSoft

04:38 – Behind-the-Scenes of the Partnership

08:05 – 2026 Goal #1: Gifting & VIP Client Touches

12:44 – Maximizing Paid Leads with Personalization

16:25 – Creative Gifting Ideas Using AI & Custom Cards

21:10 – The Power of Handwritten Notes & Micro-Moments

24:55 – 2026 Goal #2: Scaling from $20K to $30K/Month

28:12 – Stephen’s Focus: Profit Margins, Payroll, and CFO Support

33:17 – Tech Stack Review: Hidden Costs & Smart Replacements

38:28 – Wrapping Up: What’s Coming in 2026

🔧 Sponsored by HawkSoft

Explore the agency management system trusted by independent agents nationwide:

👉 https://www.hawksoft.com

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https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl?si=33a6cfadba084957

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🎯 Thanks for supporting The Scratch Agency Podcast. If you’re ready to reset, refocus, and make 2026 your best year yet — like, share, and subscribe. We’re just getting started. Own your future.