Building a values-first agency doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode, the host sits down with Johanna Bates and Erin Fogel, Co-Founders of DevCollaborative, a web development firm focused on the nonprofit sector.

Johanna and Erin share how they built their agency from the ground up, guided by a commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and people-first practices. Instead of chasing rapid growth or flashy marketing tactics, they leaned into community engagement and long-term client relationships to scale their impact. They talk candidly about diversifying revenue, setting boundaries to protect team well-being, and staying true to their mission—especially in an industry shaped by constant change.

Whether you’re launching your own agency or looking to lead with more intention, Johanna and Erin’s story is a masterclass in sustainable, values-aligned growth.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize values alignment and mission over short-term profit
• Design accessible, sustainable solutions for long-term client impact
• Invest in community and client relationships instead of traditional marketing
• Diversify revenue streams to weather uncertainty
• Build a supportive culture that protects team work-life balance

Connect with Johanna & Erin:

• DevCollaborative: https://devcollaborative.com/
• Email: hi@devcollaborative.com

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour

Asking the right questions is often the first step toward building a successful agency. In this episode, Cal sits down with Nick Francis, Founder and Visionary Officer of The Franchise Group, an award-winning creative and strategic marketing agency.

Nick shares how his team delivers high-impact events by focusing on early planning, intentional post-event follow-up, and a tailored approach that meets the needs of both large enterprises and smaller clients. See how his agency minimizes risk by leveraging a flexible freelancer network and why maintaining work-life balance is central to leading a resilient team. From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to staying connected through community nonprofit work, Nick offers honest, actionable advice on what it takes to lead with clarity and purpose.

Whether you're managing events, scaling a creative business, or building culture into your operations, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply right away.

Takeaways:

• Use early client touchpoints to set the stage for event success
• Follow up with clients to strengthen relationships and reinforce value
• Customize your process for both large and small clients
• Minimize overhead and stay nimble by leveraging freelancers
• Protect work-life balance to lead with intention and avoid burnout
• Ground your business in values that endure through change and growth

Connect with Nick:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpfrancis/
• Instagram: instagram.com/the_franchise or instagram.com/thefranchisegroup
• The Franchise Group: thefranchisegroup.com

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour

Finding the right niche can be a game changer for your agency. In this episode, the host sits down with Natalie Nathanson, Founder & CEO of Magnetude Consulting and Host of the Shift and Thrive podcast.

Natalie shares how focusing on ideal clients and verticals like cybersecurity and IT services has propelled her firm’s growth. She dives into the evolving role of AI in marketing and how her team integrates it thoughtfully to maintain authenticity and quality. From internal marketing and change management to financial reporting and evolving leadership, Natalie offers a transparent look at how she balances strategy, execution, and self-care.

Whether you're refining your client focus, integrating AI, or managing internal growth, Natalie’s insights offer a grounded, strategic approach to modern agency leadership.

Takeaways:

• Focus on ideal clients and specialized verticals to accelerate growth
• Use AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human creativity and quality
• Build strong financial planning and reporting systems for long-term success
• Redefine success as your agency evolves—and protect your work-life balance along the way

Connect with Natalie:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienathanson/
• Magnetude Consulting: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com/
• Shift and Thrive Podcast: https://shiftandthrivepodcast.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour