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...
Feb 07, 2025•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 17, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 03, 2025•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 29, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 01, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 18, 2024•54 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 08, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 20, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 06, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Aug 23, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 09, 2024•54 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Jun 07, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Apr 12, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Mar 29, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you remember how you made your break into the software development world? If it involved breakdancing, you are in good company with our guest, Josh Hardman. Listen in to hear his story transitioning from Corporate America into the world of entrepreneurship, the obstacles he has encountered building his dev agency, and how he's incorporating AI into the products he develops for his clients.
Dec 15, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast For nearly two decades, Dave Goerlich has been delivering software solutions to his clients in the Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing industries. In that time, Dave has learned a lot about what it takes to build a successful team and bid successful projects. Listen in as we hear him share his philosophy on hiring "T-shaped" people and what the Refinery is doing to implement Value-Pricing without falling into the trap of scope creep.
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sales & marketing is one of the greatest business challenges facing today's software companies. Our guest, Zack Toyota, is an entrepreneur who catapulted his growth by embracing the ins and outs of sales. He even cold-called his way into his role as Head of Business Development! Take a listen to the lessons that Zack learned on his journey to starting his tech startup, SelfDisrpt.
Nov 17, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast As a founder of several startups (one of which sold for $150M), Matt has a wealth of experience for what it takes to build successful businesses. Listen to how he built his various startups and hear the biggest lessons he learned along the way.
Nov 03, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dan Leeman, the Co-Founder of Automation Helpers, isn't who you'd imagine when you think of a "traditional" software developer. Starting his career as a high school band teacher, Dan eventually worked his way into an account management role at an ed tech company. This was his foray into software development. Dan's nontraditional path into tech entrepreneurship may very well be the special sauce that's bringing his software development agency such strong inbound traffic ...
Oct 23, 2023•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chris got his start as a freelance Wordpress developer, and that eventually evolved into a full-blown development agency. But his company ran up against some serious challenges from 2016 through 2019. Listen in as Chris recounts this difficult season, what he did to turn the ship around, and what he's learned in the process.
Oct 06, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
