An Agency Story
First hand interviews of creative, digital, advertising, and marketing agency owners that have walked the talk of running an agency business. These are riveting stories of the thrill of starting up, hardships faced, and the keys to a successful business from agency owners around the world.
Episodes
208 episodes
The Best Stories Come Last Vol. #1
Some of the best stories on An Agency Story come after the business conversation is over. This compilation of stories shared on past episodes brings together funny, unexpected, and occasionally uncomfortable moments that reveal the lig...
Wisdom from the Archives Vol. #1
This first edition of Wisdom From the Archives revisits standout ideas and lessons from past conversations with agency owners and experts. Russel adds his perspective to each clip, highlighting practical concepts worth bringing back in...
Grow on Profit, Not Hope - Zacharin Consulting
Revenue alone doesn't build a stronger business. In this episode, Russel sits down with Natalia Zacharin, Founder of Zacharin Consulting, to discuss why profitable growth, financial forecasting, and better decision-making matter more than simpl...
The Perfect Crime That Builds Trust and Clients - Indie Books International
Writing a book isn't about becoming an author, it's about becoming the authority your ideal clients already trust. In this episode, Henry DeVries of Indie Books International shares why a book is one of the most powerful business development to...
The Long Game of Entrepreneurship - Polyglot Labs
Building a business isn't about avoiding challenges, it's about learning how to adapt when they inevitably come. In this episode, Russel sits down with Garrett Massey, founder of Polyglot Labs, to discuss what 20 years in business has taught hi...
When Hustle Stops Working - An Agency Story
When hustle is behind what ignited your business, it's easy to assume more hustle is the answer to every challenge. But there comes a point where working harder produces less progress. In this solo episode, An Agency Story host, Russel...
From Agency to Esports: Building Two Businesses That Fuel Each Other
Building one business is challenging enough. Building two that look very different on the outside is a completely different approach. In this episode, Russel Dubree sits down with Sam Kulikov, Partner at Social Apex Media, to explore how an age...
Special 200th Episode - The Other Side of the Agency Story
What does building a successful business look like from the other side? In this special 200th episode, host Russel Dubree sits down with his wife , Nicole, to share the untold side of building an agency, the spouse's journey. From the sacrifice...
Becoming the Leader Your Business Needs - Stevie Social
Branding and marketing tactics matter, but the businesses that endure are built on something deeper. In this episode, Kelsie Downs and host Russel, chat about how personal hardship, intentional leadership, and a commitment to long-term thinking...
You Can't Delegate Conviction - Foster Consulting
Building a better agency is about creating better outcomes for your clients. In this episode, Tom Foster, Founder of Foster Consulting, shares lessons from more than 30 years in the marketing industry, including why founder involvement still ma...
Selling Less by Teaching More - KDE Technology
Clients often know the result they want, but not the right path to get there. In this episode, Tony Brown of KDE Technology shares how his role shifted from selling websites and digital marketing to educating business owners on what they actual...
Finding Value Close to Home - Fencepost
Finding value doesn’t always require looking farther away. In this episode, Ross McDaniel, Founder of Fencepost, shares how his search for bigger opportunities ultimately led him back to the people, businesses, and community closest to home. Hi...
The Missing Piece of Compassionate Leadership - Wheelhorse Web
Building a successful agency often requires reinventing yourself along the way. In this episode, Julia Wilk of Wheelhorse Web shares her journey from translator to agency owner, explores the challenges of narrowing a niche, and reflects on the ...
What a Disney Princess Can Teach Agency Owners - EZ Marketing
In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel Dubree sits down with Tom Malesic, founder of EZ Marketing, to explore what it takes to stay relevant through decades of change. From selling websites before businesses understood the internet...
Building the Playbook on 2AM Dunkin’ Donuts Sessions - Nexus Marketing
Brand positioning is more than a marketing exercise—it can become the foundation for growth, partnerships, and long-term differentiation. In this episode, Rafi Norberg, Founder of Nexus Marketing, chats with Russel on how a highly focused niche...
The Agency AI Moment: Less Panic, More Leverage
AI has become the defining conversation in the agency world. In this episode, An Agency Story host Russel Dubree shares his experience attending Vistara, an AI-focused conference for agencies, and unpacks what’s real, what’s hype, and ...
Always Listen for the Wish - VANCE
Public relations is no longer just about messaging, it’s about trust. In this episode, Kelly Vance, Founder of VANCE, shares a few simple but powerful philosophies on helping organizations communicate more effectively in a world filled with mis...
The Story Advantage for Better Clarity and Positioning - The Business of Story
In this episode, Russel sits down with Park Howell, founder of The Business of Story, to explore storytelling frameworks, positioning, and clarity, Park shares practical insights on how agencies can cut through the noise and build stronger conn...
The Right Amount of Awesome - Punch
Brian Tillman went from writing random product descriptions in a freezing warehouse to building a 50-person agency serving cybersecurity and tech companies. In this episode, he unpacks the shift from selling features to selling outcomes, why he...
The Breakdancer Who Built a People-First Agency - Milli
In this episode, Michael Huang shares his story on how focusing on culture, creativity, and mentorship can shape not just a business, but an entire talent pipeline. Key Takeaways Expecting polished talent instead ...
The Journey of a Swiss Army Knife Skillset - 232 Creative
What does it really take to build an agency from scratch and keep it going for over a decade? In this episode, Ryan Stets of 232 Creative shares the unfiltered journey of evolving from freelancer to agency owner, navigating uncertainty, and ada...
The Kind of Creativity That Doesn’t Fade - WORK Labs
Great creative work doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built on fundamentals. In this episode, Cabell Harris shares decades of perspective on how the creative industry has evolved and what actually separates meaningful work from noise. <...
The Case for Catch and Release Engagements - Arlington Strategy
Building a better agency is about building people, culture, and meaningful impact. In this episode, Jennifer Mulchandani of Arlington Strategy shares a refreshingly honest perspective on hiring, leadership, and why a better practices might be t...
Rethinking Podcasting: A More Purposeful Approach for Agencies - Interview Valet
In this episode, Tom Schwab of Interview Valet breaks down how to use podcasting as a focused, intentional channel to build authority and attract the right results. If you’ve ever wondered whether podcasting is worth your time, this will change...
.jpg)