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

Core values aren't just internal slogans—they're strategic tools for building strong client relationships and lasting agency success. In this episode, Cal sits down with Evan Zall, Founder and President of Longview Strategies, a strategic communications firm with deep expertise in the industry.

Evan shares how grounding his firm in values like leading the way and embracing lifelong learning has shaped Longview’s culture, client outcomes, and long-term growth. Learn how he navigates complex topics like sustainability and diversity with clarity, and why authenticity is key to standing out in today’s crowded media environment. From managing client relationships to embracing AI and balancing virtual collaboration with in-person connection, Evan offers real-world strategies for staying relevant and resilient in a changing industry.

Whether you’re running a communications firm, building client trust, or redefining your agency's impact, this episode delivers practical insight and inspiration you can apply today.

Takeaways:

• Lead with core values to shape agency culture and client success
• Navigate complex, often politicized terms with clarity and purpose
• Use AI to enhance strategy, not replace it
• Measure communication efforts by business impact—not vanity metrics
• Balance virtual efficiency with in-person connection to strengthen relationships

Connect with Evan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanzall/
• Longview Strategies: https://longviewstrategies.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

Technology alone won’t run your agency. Success comes from connecting the right systems with the right people. In this episode, the host sits down with Jared Novack, Co-founder, CFO, and COO of Upstatement, Boston’s premier digital agency.

Jared shares how he and his team transformed their agency by centralizing data, leading to smarter financial forecasting and tighter operational control. See why connecting data systems to the human side of a business is essential for sustainable growth and how creativity and structure can successfully coexist. From leading a high-performing creative team to navigating uncertainty and staying grounded in personal values, Jared offers real-world advice on building a resilient, forward-thinking agency.

Whether you're leading an agency, building a team, or looking to align your tech stack with your culture, this episode offers sharp insights and actionable strategies you can apply today.

Takeaways:

• Centralize and integrate data systems to improve financial accuracy and decision-making
• Connect data-driven insights with human elements to lead more effectively
• Balance creative excellence with operational discipline
• Adapt to economic uncertainties without compromising quality
• Prioritize continuous learning, networking, and personal well-being

Connect with Jared:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-novack/
• Upstatement: https://upstatement.com
• Timber: https://upstatement.com/timber

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

Gain fresh perspectives on how to build a thriving digital marketing agency by leaning into authentic connections, strong leadership, and purpose-driven strategies. In this episode, Cal chats with Casey Cheshire, an innovative entrepreneur, seasoned marketing strategist, author, and Founder & Chief Evangelist of Ringmaster.

Explore how Casey launched and scaled his previous company into a leading marketing automation consultancy, and how his latest venture, Ringmaster, empowers agencies to grow through podcasting, partnerships, and vibrant communities. He discusses why meaningful conversations should be at the heart of every marketing strategy. Casey also opens up about the realities of running a business—from setting smart financial targets and hiring the right team, to building a healthy company culture.

Whether you're an agency founder, marketing executive, or just passionate about the future of marketing, this episode delivers actionable advice, hard-won wisdom, and a reminder to keep the human element front and center.

Takeaways:

• Leverage podcasting and partnerships to create deeper client relationships
• Let technology support—rather than replace—real human interactions
• Be intentional about financial planning and team growth
• Cultivate a strong internal culture to sustain long-term success
• Make time for personal passions to maintain energy and perspective as a leader

Connect with Casey:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycheshire/
• Company Website: https://ringmaster.com/
• Personal Website: https://caseycheshire.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1599327384
• Podcasts: https://www.hardcorpsmarketing.com/ | https://www.creatingthegreatestshow.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

Unlock powerful insights into what it really takes to grow a successful digital marketing agency in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this episode, Cal sits down with David Reske, Founder and CEO of Nowspeed, a Boston-based agency that helps B2B tech firms thrive.

Learn how David built his agency by focusing on one core mission—helping clients succeed—and how this mindset continues to drive growth and profitability. Discover how AI is transforming digital marketing, from boosting efficiency to slashing costs, and why staying ahead of the tech curve is no longer optional. David also opens up about his personal journey, balancing leadership with an active lifestyle and global travel.

Whether you're a marketing leader, agency owner, or just curious about where the industry is heading, this episode is packed with strategy, inspiration, and real-world advice.

Takeaways:

• Focus on client success as the foundation for long-term agency growth
• Use AI to streamline operations and improve results without ballooning costs
• Maintain strategic financial oversight to ensure profitability
• Blend business success with personal fulfillment and balance
• Stay agile and proactive as technology reshapes the marketing landscape

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidreske/
• Company Website: https://nowspeed.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Marketing-Zone-Ultimate-Success/dp/168350268X/ref=sr_1_1
• Podcast: https://nowspeed.com/in-the-now/

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

This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.