Agencies That Build

Pete Baumgartner is the Founder of Lincoln Loop, a full-service software development agency specializing in Python and Django development for web and mobile systems. They value transparent partnerships in order to produce straightforward solutions.   Takeaways: Advertising yourself as a niche agency starting off is a great strategy to get your foot in the door and be successful as a new agency. Fi...

Jason Clark is the Owner of VIA Studio, an agency focused on transforming brands through strategy, design, development and marketing. They apply their core values of partnership, dedication and connection to drive value for their clients.   Takeaways: When interviewing, it is important to make note of an individual’s soft skills to understand if they will be successful in an agency role. Utilizing...

Josh Eaton is the CEO of Reaktiv Studios, a boutique WordPress agency focused on making the web better through quality development and creative solutions. They are dedicated to problem solving and overcoming obstacles.   Takeaways: Having a paid discovery vs. pre-sales process allows an agency to scope out the project, manage expectations better, and give the client a good feel for the team before...

Chad Pytel is the Founder and COO of thoughtbot, small studios of designers and developers collaborating closely with clients. They are dedicated to pushing the bar by continuously improving for themselves, the company and their clients.   Takeaways: To close any productivity and communication gaps, remove the middleman between the founder and project team. “We fundamentally believe in having a sm...

Michael Coogan is the President and Managing Partner of MC2 Design Group Inc., a strategic and digital marketing agency, working as integrated partners with our clients to plan, execute, and achieve business goals. They are committed to producing the best partnership-based results for their clientele.   Takeaways: We spend so much time mindlessly taking in content. Why not take that time and put i...

Jim Babcock is the President of SPM Services Inc., who build custom and packaged applications for Startups and Enterprises. He specializes in consulting people to take their ideas and turn them into business.   Takeaways: Top 3 ways to better manage your offshore team: Get to know your team on a personal level Develop a good specification for your product Meet with them in the same duration you wo...

Ben Callahan is the Founder of the Build Right workshop series and President of Sparkbox, a group of web makers that develop their client’s product and team during projects and through their Build Right training.    Takeaways: It is easy to get distracted by our technology rather than having personal conversations. However, that one on one connection builds relationships further than any piece of...

Phillip Tiongson is the founder and CEO of Potion, an independent studio dedicated to transforming the world of interactivity.    Takeaways: How do we communicate our unique value in a way that scales, is surprising, is reciprocal, and truly accessible? These four qualities are important to keep in mind with the call for connection in a technology demanding environment. The physical world is rich...

Carl Smith owns and runs the Bureau of Digital, an organization that supports agencies and provides the leadership training necessary to survive and thrive. Their focus on Digital Leadership, Business Development, Design Leadership, Operations, and Project Management has been invaluable to the digital agency landscape. Takeaways:   In today’s climate, it is important to cater to your clients’ evol...

Entrepreneur, Strategic thinker, roll up sleeves with multiple hats Jason Williams busts the myth that an agency can’t be formed with independent contractors only! Jason’s personal philosophy is to live a life of abundance, and works towards that for all of his customers and colleagues.  “Listening, collaboration only works when you listen… sit down and listen, because you are always going to lear...

Business builder, marketing agency owner, author and podcaster Jay Owen’s discusses his take on finding a balance between building and growing companies and growing his family and personal life.    “Building a business that lasts is not that complicated to me, but to do that and care for the other people around me well that’s hard work, and that requires intentionality, focus, and I mess it up ple...