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

Embracing change and innovation can be a catalyst for agency growth and long-term resilience. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Lysa Miller, Founder & CEO of Ladybugz Interactive Agency, a boutique firm known for its personalized approach and commitment to creativity, adaptability, and women’s empowerment.

Lysa shares her journey from launching the Metro West Women’s Network to revitalizing her agency with a renewed focus on agility and innovation. She emphasizes how staying open to change has allowed her to build a flexible team, integrate emerging technologies like AI, and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market. Lysa also discusses the use of the Profit First financial model to drive sustainable profitability, as well as how pricing flexibility supports both growth and client relationships.

Whether you're leading a small team or scaling a creative agency, Lysa’s insights on resilience, client experience, and strategic adaptation offer a powerful blueprint for navigating change and building a purpose-driven business.

Takeaways:

• Embrace innovation and agility to stay competitive in a fast-changing market
• How Lysa’s agency uses the Profit First model to drive profitability and financial clarity
• Leverage freelance talent to stay nimble and scale strategic ally
• Offer personalized experiences and pricing flexibility to deepen client relationships

Connect with Lysa:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lysapreneur/
• Ladybugz Interactive Agency: ladybugz.com
• MetroWest Women's Network: metrowestwomen.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

Creating meaningful content and embracing social impact can set your agency apart in a crowded market. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Rich Maiore, CEO & Founder of Rocket Social Impact, a purpose-driven agency that helps companies elevate their philanthropic and employee engagement strategies.

Rich shares his transition from big-agency life to founding a nimble, cost-effective firm that works with both Fortune 100 companies and emerging brands. He highlights how content marketing is central to building lasting client relationships and how a focus on social impact can boost brand reputation and attract top talent. Rich also opens up about agency hiring practices, measuring ROI on social initiatives, and balancing the personal with the professional- from local politics to refereeing high school lacrosse.

Whether you're scaling a purpose-driven firm or looking to deepen client relationships through impactful strategy, Rich’s insights offer a roadmap to long-term agency success.

Takeaways:

• Use content marketing as a tool to build trust and long-term client relationships
• Offer social impact strategy as a value-add to attract and retain top-tier clients
• Embrace agility and cost-efficiency as advantages in competing with larger firms
• Balance work and life to stay grounded and connected to your community

Connect with Rich:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-maiore-567b80/
• Rocket Social Impact: https://rocketsocialimpact.com/
• Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs: https://advanced.jhu.edu/

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

Clarity in your agency’s target market is the foundation for scalable growth and long-term success. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Tom Shapiro, CEO of Stratabeat Inc., a specialized B2B agency focused on marketing for technology and SaaS companies.

Tom shares his journey in refining Stratabeat’s market focus, highlighting how a tightly defined ideal customer profile enhances growth, efficiency, and service quality. He details the agency’s strategic pivot to B2B tech and SaaS, and how original research has become a cornerstone of their marketing success. From designing and promoting proprietary studies to driving lead generation and thought leadership, Tom explains how data-backed insights elevate both agency credibility and client results. The conversation also explores the evolving role of SEO in the age of generative AI, financial best practices for agencies, and the power of a learning-focused culture.

Whether you’re considering a niche pivot or looking to scale with greater precision, Tom’s expertise in focus, research, and positioning offers actionable guidance for agency growth.

Takeaways:

• Narrow your agency’s focus to your ideal customer profile for greater efficiency and client success
• Use original research to build authority, generate leads, and fuel content strategy
• Evaluate the changing landscape of SEO and adapt to tools like generative AI
• Maintain strong financial management and cultivate a learning-centric company culture

Connect with Tom:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomshapiro/
• Stratabeat: https://stratabeat.com/
• Personal Website: https://tomshapiro.com/
• Rethink Lead Generation Book: https://stratabe.at/rethinklgen
• Rethink Your Marketing Book: http://stratabe.at/rethink

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

Narrowing your agency’s niche can unlock significant impact and reliable lead generation. In this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Elizabeth Chabe, CEO of High Touch Group, a specialized agency focused on marketing advanced science, engineering, and technology.

Elizabeth shares her journey in defining and honing her agency’s niche, emphasizing how a clear market focus improves pricing, staffing, marketing, sales, and client quality. She discusses her firm’s approach to hiring industry experts, measuring success through client impact, and managing financial efficiency. Beyond business, Elizabeth’s passion for dog rescue, hiking, and international living shines through, alongside her book The Giants Ladder, which supports dog rescue efforts.

Whether you’re refining your agency’s focus or aiming for sustainable growth, Elizabeth’s insights on patience and niche specialization offer valuable guidance for long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Narrow and define your niche to drive impactful lead generation and higher client quality
• Leverage industry experts to enhance credibility and service delivery
• Measure success through client impact and financial efficiency
• Cultivate patience and stay focused on your niche for sustainable growth

Connect with Elizabeth:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eviselli/
• High Touch Group: https://hightouchgroup.com/
• Personal Website: elizabethchabe.com
• Book: https://amzn.to/3ReRmNP

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

Blending brand building with performance marketing can be a powerful formula for agency growth. In this episode, the host sits down with Erin Regan, Managing Partner & Co-Owner of Full Contact Advertising and a seasoned leader in the marketing agency space.

Erin shares how her team works with major clients like Cumberland Farms, Honda, and Body Armor by integrating ‘branded performance’- combining long-term brand equity with short-term sales urgency. She dives into the strategic frameworks that guide their work, from deep client collaboration to ongoing optimization that drives real business outcomes. Erin also contrasts the operational realities of independent vs. holding company agencies and offers advice on staying true to your vision, choosing the right clients, and preparing for industry shifts like AI.

Whether you're scaling your agency, refining your client partnerships, or navigating industry disruption, Erin’s journey offers practical insights and inspiration for agency leaders at every stage.

Takeaways:

• Merge brand building with performance marketing to drive both equity and sales
• Build strong, strategic client partnerships that evolve with business needs
• Stay selective and intentional in the opportunities you pursue
• Embrace adaptability to stay competitive- especially as AI reshapes the industry

Connect with Erin:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-regan-6a766417/
• Full Contact Advertising: https://www.gofullcontact.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gofullcontact/

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