Welcome to the Dev Launch podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories of the tech industry’s rising stars: Corporate America employees turned tech entrepreneurs.
Hear how these folks took a risk in leaving their W2 job to build their enterprise, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what they’re doing to revolutionize the industry, one project at a time.
Summary In this episode of the DevLounge Podcast, Tony Wilson and Michael Wark discuss the financial challenges faced by digital agencies in 2023 and 2024. They explore strategies for overcoming financial plateaus, the importance of operational efficiency, and the need for effective cash flow management. The conversation also delves into various pricing models, emphasizing the significance of value-based pricing and the pitfalls of over-servicing clients. Michael shares insights from his experie...
Tony Wilson and Garrett Jestice explore go-to-market strategy, emphasizing audience, offering, messaging, and channels. They highlight sales before marketing to understand customer resonance, discuss B2B growth phases, and stress customer interviews for strategy refinement. The conversation covers replicating best-fit customers and achieving consistency in custom services, providing actionable insights for agency growth and effective marketing. Garrett Jestice shares expertise in market research, client segmentation, and aligning strategies with customer insights, as well as discussing client interviews, challenges with limited data, and paid research value. They explore market research pitfalls, strategic planning integration, and bottom-of-funnel tactics, concluding with targeting strategies for high-value clients.
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Harry Sanders discuss the global expansion of Studio Hawk, the impact of AI on SEO, the importance of original content, and the rise of digital PR as a powerful tool in the SEO landscape. They explore how traditional SEO tactics like keyword research are evolving and the enduring relevance of platforms like WordPress in the face of new technologies. In this conversation, Harry Sanders and Tony Wilson discuss the evolving landscape of SEO, the challen...
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Chris DuBois discuss the intricacies of agency design and growth strategies. They explore the importance of having a clear offer, the challenges agency owners face in defining their ideal client profile (ICP), and the significance of narrowing down their audience to achieve better results. Chris shares insights from his experience running a successful agency and emphasizes the need for agencies to focus on one audience, one service, and one problem t...
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Jeff Cypher discuss the intricacies of project management tools, particularly ClickUp, and the importance of processes and habits in utilizing these tools effectively. Jeff shares insights on the challenges agencies face with expensive tech solutions and emphasizes the need for clarity and structured processes. They delve into ZenPilot's evolution from a tech-focused company to a consulting firm that helps agencies implement effective project man...
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson and Cameron discuss the significance of client immersion in the agency world. Cameron emphasizes the importance of understanding clients deeply to provide effective branding and marketing strategies. They explore practical techniques for client immersion, the unique approach of Agency Of, and the challenges agencies face in maintaining authentic relationships with clients. The conversation highlights the necessity of narrative enrollm...
Summary In this conversation, Chris Yoko discusses the unique approach of his agency, Yoko Co, which focuses on working with purpose-driven clients. He shares insights on how this focus has shaped the agency's culture, growth, and client relationships. The discussion also covers the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a purpose-driven model, the importance of an advisory board in guiding the agency's direction, and the balance between revenue goals and mission-driven work. In this convers...
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Richard from Tyrannosaurus Tech, discussing the evolution of their development agency, the importance of a design-first mindset, and the challenges of scaling beyond seven figures. Richard shares insights on client education, pricing models, and the role of AI in their processes, emphasizing the significance of networking and building relationships for business growth. Keywords Tyrannosaurus Tech, development agency, design...
Summary In this episode of the DevLounge Podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Matt Brown, who shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S. and discusses the importance of AI in business, the value of niching down, and the intricacies of exiting an agency. Matt emphasizes the need for businesses to understand their true value in the context of AI, the practical applications of AI in content creation, and the importance of designing a business with an exit strategy in mind. He also shares insights ...
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Meg Schlabs, co-founder of Wizardly, a design and branding agency. They discuss the importance of brand persona, the intentional growth strategy of Wizardly, and the challenges of navigating client relationships. Meg shares insights on balancing ambition with family life, the significance of communication in partnerships, and the seasonal trends in agency work. They also explore the dynamics of building trust with larger cl...
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Nicholas Petroski discuss the evolving landscape of digital agencies from 2020 to 2024, focusing on the importance of revenue generation, ideal client personas, and understanding buying committees. They emphasize the benefits of specialization in agency services and explore effective pricing strategies. The discussion highlights the need for agility in response to market changes and the significance of maintaining a strong pipeline for agency success...
Summary Tanooki Labs is a dev agency that takes a holistic approach to development, integrating design, product management, and development into one full-service offering. They evolved this approach over time based on the needs of their clients. They have a sprint zero process, which is a product strategy and design process that they do before starting development. They also have a product management role that focuses on the big picture and ensures clear communication and organization. They hire...
Summary The conversation explores the concept of account management as a potential growth driver for agencies. Jenny, an expert in account management, shares her insights and experiences in the field. She emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from account management as client retention to account management as a strategic growth opportunity. The conversation covers the missed opportunities in account management, the need for a dedicated account management team, and the three levers o...
Summary In this part of the interview, Brett Snyder discusses the decision-making process for determining which tasks are handled by full-time staff versus contractors in his agency. He emphasizes the importance of access to subject matter experts and the need for consistency and institutional knowledge in retainer work. He also explains the benefits of having full-time employees for project management and strategic oversight. Brett shares his experience of acquiring a web development shop and t...
Summary Potify is a digital agency that helps podcasters from A to Z, providing services such as podcast direction, production, post-production, distribution, and promotion. They work with a wide range of clients, including businesses, solopreneurs, and B2B companies in various industries. One of the biggest challenges for podcasters is underestimating the amount of work involved in podcasting, which is where Potify comes in to simplify the process. Video podcasting is a low-hanging fruit that c...
Summary Jordan Kastrinsky discusses his initiative, the Colorado Israel Chamber of Commerce, which aims to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Colorado and Israel. He highlights the potential for collaboration and business opportunities between the two regions, beyond just the tech and defense sectors. Jordan emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific market needs and cultural nuances when entering the US market, and advises founders to start with a specific locale rather than...
Summary In this conversation, Melissa Morris discusses the concept of 'up leveling' and how it applies to agencies. She shares her insights on pricing strategies, including the importance of aligning pricing with deliverables and the value provided to clients. Melissa also emphasizes the need for agencies to clarify their target audience and create frameworks for their services. She discusses the benefits of productizing services and implementing a hybrid retainer and hourly billing model. Addit...
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson interviews Alex Sheridan about the state of video and the importance of building a personal brand on LinkedIn. They discuss strategies for starting over on LinkedIn, including short-term social selling and building a strong profile. They also talk about the value of podcasting in building deeper relationships with guests and listeners. Alex emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach and the importance of creating valuable content. In this conver...
Summary Josh Barrett, a lawyer specializing in business law for creative agencies, discusses the importance of clear and concise contracts in agency work. He emphasizes the need for contracts to be written in standard English, rather than filled with legalese, to foster trust and understanding between parties. Barrett also suggests incorporating contract terms into the proposal stage to set expectations and anchor pricing. He advises agencies to be proactive in managing client problems and to in...
Summary Brett Snyder, from Knucklepuck, discusses the importance of recruitment and people-centeredness in professional services firms. He emphasizes the need to find the right people for the right roles and the challenges of transitioning from doing everything yourself to empowering others. Snyder also shares his company's approach to pay transparency and how it helps attract the right candidates. He highlights the importance of clear expectations, accountability, and aligning compensation with...
Summary Mr. Raw, a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey of building and exiting multiple companies. He emphasizes the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return and how it can lead to personal happiness. He also discusses the challenges of penetrating new markets and achieving product-market fit. Mr. Raw highlights the need for agencies to focus on their own marketing and understand their customers' motivations. He advises founders to have business development conve...
Summary Jason Swenk, founder of Agency Mastery, shares his journey from accidentally starting an agency to successfully exiting with an eight-figure deal. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and focusing on profitability rather than just revenue. Swenk also discusses the key metrics to consider when valuing an agency, such as recurring revenue, predictability, stickiness, and audited financials. He shares his strategy for acquiring agencies, which involves allowing them to opera...
Summary Max Traylor, the consultant's consultant, discusses the challenges faced by digital agencies in positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than vendors. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and understanding their business goals in order to have a seat at the decision-making table. Traylor also highlights the need for agencies to productize their services and create a consistent and repeatable process. He advises against having a services menu ...
Jack Ogilvie, founder of Techwood Consulting, shares his experience of implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in his digital agency. The decision to go the ESOP route was driven by a desire to do right by his employees and create a positive impact. The ESOP allowed employees to have equity in the business, providing them with a sense of ownership and the opportunity to build wealth. Jack emphasizes the importance of having the right people in leadership positions and creating a str...
Are you sick of the AI buzzword being thrown around in tech spaces these days? Our guest today shares some no-nonsense tips on how he is implementing AI in his software dev agency. And no, it's not just writing code for them. He understands that the root issue in the development process is not writing code faster. It's about communicating better.
Most of us rise the ranks of the Corporate world, gaining expertise within an organization before launching our own business. Tomé, on the other hand, did quite the opposite. After nearly a decade of multiple entrepreneurial endeavors, he made the calculated decision to work as an employee… for the first time in his career! Let’s listen to how entrepreneurship shaped his life as an employee and ultimately what drove him back into owning his own business.
The allure of retirement is the focus of many a daydream. Working hard your entire life, saving money away, and finally unplugging from the rat-race to enjoy a permanent vacation. Our guest today is bucking that trend. While others coast in their 60s, Jonathan Roth chose to launch a software automation business. In this episode, we’ll discover that work is not just about making money. It’s also about enjoying the limited time we have on this planet.
Many dev agencies are reluctant to hire junior developers. They require a lot of training and precious time. Our guest today, Caleb Woods, has found a way to mobilize these inexperienced workers through his Craftsmanship Academy. Hear how his dev agency is turning this staffing conundrum into a strategic advantage.
In a land that existed before “AI”, “Blockchain” reigned supreme as the tech buzzword on everyone’s lips. Our guest today, Jeff Neasmith, shares his perspective on how “Blockchain” technology and the Web3 space will grow increasingly relevant as AI technology causes us to question reality as we know it.
Have you ever thought about launching your dev agency under the banner of a venture studio? Our guest, Daniel Nice, had the privilege of launching his shop, Rebar, under the parent company (Marrow). Starting up in this ecosystem was rocket fuel for his dev agency, but it hasn't been without its drawbacks and limitations.
