Consistent lead generation and niche specialization are key drivers for success in restaurant marketing. In this episode, the host sits down with Deborah Smith, marketing thought leader, social media expert, award-winning author, and Owner of Foxtrot Media LLC and Jersey Bites.

Deborah shares how her 20+ years of experience in digital marketing, focused on the food and beverage industry, shaped her boutique agency’s approach to working with restaurants. She dives into the unique challenges restaurants face, like high turnover and tight budgets, and how her team delivers hands-on, personalized service through evolving marketing strategies from print ads to daily digital engagement. Deborah also discusses how COVID-19 pivoted their strategy, the value of specializing early, and the importance of strong financial management in agency operations.

Whether you’re building a niche agency, managing client relationships in tight-margin industries, or looking to refine your marketing tactics, Deborah’s insights offer valuable lessons and inspiration for agency owners at every stage.

Takeaways:

• Specialize early to build deep expertise and streamline operations
• Prioritize consistent lead generation tailored to niche challenges
• Invest in reliable financial support and forward-looking planning
• Build lasting client relationships through value and personalized service

Connect with Deborah:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahleesmith/
• Foxtrot Media LLC: FoxtrotMediaLLC.com
• JerseyBites Instagram: instagram.com/JerseyBites
• Book: https://a.co/d/3PtskaP

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

Shifting from tech to tailored marketing, this episode’s guest proves that strategy-first thinking can redefine how agencies serve their clients. In this episode, host Cal Wilder sits down with Xhulio Jamaku, Co-Founder of Rootless Agency and former full-stack software engineer, to unpack what it means to build a customer-centric agency from the ground up.

Xhulio shares how Rootless Agency prioritizes strategic consultation over standard service delivery- focusing on solutions customized to each client’s needs. He explains how the agency leverages partnerships for specialized services, offers transparent fixed pricing, and intentionally phases out traditional project-based quotes to foster trust. The conversation also explores how Xhulio navigates niche markets, scales through networking, and builds community through Rootless Social, a platform connecting entrepreneurs without industry ties.

Whether you're rethinking your pricing model, exploring new ways to build client trust, or fostering authentic community, Xhulio’s story delivers valuable lessons for agency leaders building with intention.

Takeaways:

• Lead with strategy, not just services, to deliver real value to clients
• Use transparent, fixed pricing to build trust and reduce friction
• Partner for specialized services to scale without stretching your core team
• Focus on relationship-driven growth- strategic networking can outperform paid lead gen

Connect with Xhulio:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xhulio-jamaku-792642112/
• Rootless Agency: https://rootlessagency.com/
• Rootless Social: https://www.rootless.com/
• Xhulio Cooks: https://xhuliocooks.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

Sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead to the greatest success. In this episode, host Cal Wilder sits down with Geraint Clarke, CEO of Ellusionist and Co-Founder of MTHD Marketing, to explore how a passion for magic transformed into a thriving career in marketing leadership.

Geraint shares how his early days performing close-up magic sparked his curiosity about marketing, driving him to develop strategies that grew his illusion business before pivoting into full-service digital marketing. He dives into the impact of Google Ads, the importance of understanding client pain points, and the strategic advantage of focusing on higher-ticket products to optimize profitability. Along the way, Geraint discusses managing remote teams across different countries, respecting cultural differences in international business, and why zeroing in on a niche market can deliver more impactful results.

Whether you’re a marketing professional, agency leader, or entrepreneur, Geraint’s story offers valuable lessons on adaptability, goal setting, and blending creativity with data to build lasting business success.

Takeaways:

• Harness the power of Google Ads to drive scalable growth
• Prioritize high-value products to reduce acquisition costs and boost profits
• Embrace pivoting as a key to staying relevant and successful
• Focus on a niche to deepen client relationships and outcomes

Connect with Geraint:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraint-clarke/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraint_clarke/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geraintclarkeofficial/
• MTHD Marketing: https://www.mthdmarketing.com/
• Ellusionist: https://ellusionist.com/
• Ellusionist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ellusionist

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