No Looking Back - The $250K Debt That Changed Everything - The James Agency An Agency Story podcast

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22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

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No Looking Back - The $250K Debt That Changed Everything - The James Agency

5 days ago 35:45

MP3•Episode home

What happens when life throws you a massive financial setback before your career even starts?

Veronique James didn’t just overcome adversity, she used it as fuel to build The James Agency, a powerhouse of creativity and strategy. In this episode, she shares her journey from early struggles to scaling a successful agency, her leadership philosophy, and the game-changing decisions that shaped her business.

If you’ve ever wondered how to weather financial setbacks, grow an agency with intention, or implement open-book management for stronger team buy-in, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

How Veronique turned a financial crisis into the foundation for her success.
Why transparency in finances can empower your team and drive growth.
The simple yet powerful 10% Project that helped TJA stay lean and profitable.
Pivoting in crisis, how her agency rebounded from a 62% revenue loss during COVID without layoffs or pay cuts.

Chapters

1. The James Agency (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:41)

3. A Roadblock to the Fast Track (00:03:20)

4. Pivot or Die (00:14:55)

5. 62% Revenue Loss in an Hour (00:17:14)

6. Empowerment via Open Book Management (00:21:09)

7. Doing Cool Things (00:30:54)

8. Born or Made (00:33:05)

9. Fake it Til You Make It (00:35:05)

130 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Russel Dubree

No Looking Back - The $250K Debt That Changed Everything - The James Agency

An Agency Story

published 5 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text!

What happens when life throws you a massive financial setback before your career even starts?

Key Takeaways

How Veronique turned a financial crisis into the foundation for her success.
Why transparency in finances can empower your team and drive growth.
The simple yet powerful 10% Project that helped TJA stay lean and profitable.
Pivoting in crisis, how her agency rebounded from a 62% revenue loss during COVID without layoffs or pay cuts.

Chapters

1. The James Agency (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:41)

3. A Roadblock to the Fast Track (00:03:20)

4. Pivot or Die (00:14:55)

5. 62% Revenue Loss in an Hour (00:17:14)

6. Empowerment via Open Book Management (00:21:09)

7. Doing Cool Things (00:30:54)

8. Born or Made (00:33:05)

9. Fake it Til You Make It (00:35:05)

130 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Russel Dubree

All episodes

1
No Looking Back - The $250K Debt That Changed Everything - The James Agency 35:45

5 days ago35:45

35:45

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! What happens when life throws you a massive financial setback before your career even starts? Veronique James didn’t just overcome adversity, she used it as fuel to build The James Agency , a powerhouse of creativity and strategy. In this episode, she shares her journey from early struggles to scaling a successful agency, her leadership philosophy, and the game-changing decisions that shaped her business. If you’ve ever wondered how to weather financial setbacks, grow an agency with intention, or implement open-book management for stronger team buy-in, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways How Veronique turned a financial crisis into the foundation for her success. Why transparency in finances can empower your team and drive growth. The simple yet powerful 10% Project that helped TJA stay lean and profitable. Pivoting in crisis, how her agency rebounded from a 62% revenue loss during COVID without layoffs or pay cuts.…

1
Entrepreneurship is a Family Sport - Set Creative Studios 35:21

12 days ago35:21

35:21

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Set Creative Studios Owner(s): Emily Teater Year Started: 2019 Employees: 1 – 10 What if running a business felt more like managing a family team? In this episode, Emily Teater, Owner and Founder of Set Creative Studios in Boulder, Colorado, shares how entrepreneurship and parenting intersect in powerful ways. From leading with intentionality to ensuring your business solves real problems, not just showcases a skill, Emily’s story reveals key lessons that every entrepreneur can apply. Inside this episode: The surprising connection between parenting and leading a team Why your business should be a solution, not just a service The importance of teamwork at home when growing a business How intentionality shapes both your business and family life…

1
Why Investing in Your Brand is More Critical Than Ever - Tributary Design Studio 40:42

19 days ago40:42

40:42

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Tributary Design Studio Owner(s) : Marielle Balogh Year Started: 2017 Employees: 1 – 10 Branding isn’t just about looks, it’s about trust, credibility, and making your business stand out. In this episode, Marielle Balogh, Founder of Tributary Design Studio, discusses branding and the tough challenge to stand out to your best customers. Inside this episode: Why a broad range of experiences can strengthen your brand approach Why your agency should meet customers where they are The innovation needed for growing beyond referrals…

1
Culture Lessons for Building a High Performance Team - Focus Lab 41:05

26 days ago41:05

41:05

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Focus Lab Owner(s) : Erik Reagan , Bill Kenney , & Will Straughn Year Started: 2010 Employees: 26 – 50 In this episode of An Agency Story , Russel Dubree sits down with Erik Reagan, co-founder of Focus Lab, to discuss how intentional culture isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a key driver of business success. Erik shares how Focus Lab went from an unstructured team to a culture-first agency, where values aren’t just words on a wall but integrated into daily operations. From the creative patch ceremony that recognizes team excellence to the power of learning out loud, Erik breaks down actionable strategies any agency owner can use to build a workplace that inspires performance, engagement, and growth. If you’re looking for proven ways to create a culture that fuels success, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.…

1
An Unexpected Email, an Unplanned Deal, and 60 New Clients - Crowd Digital Marketing 32:43

5 weeks ago32:43

32:43

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Crowd Digital Marketing Owners : Alex Schupp Year Started: 2017 Employees: 1 – 10 Most agency acquisitions are long, strategic, and carefully planned—but what if a growth opportunity landed in your inbox out of nowhere? That’s exactly what happened to Alex Schupp, founder of Crowd Digital Marketing. One day, an unexpected email led to an opportunity to acquire another agency’s clients. At first, he almost dismissed it. But after looking closer, he realized he could scale his business overnight. In this episode, we break down: How a single email led to an acquisition deal The smartest way to absorb another agency’s clients The biggest mistakes to avoid in an acquisition Why the best growth opportunities aren’t always obvious If you’re thinking about agency acquisitions—or if you just want to hear a wild business story—this episode is for you.…

1
The Lessons Every Agency Owner Learns Too Late - Prospect Future 28:56

6 weeks ago28:56

28:56

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Prospect Future Owners : Matthew Regenie Year Started: 2019 Employees: 1 – 10 What happens when your biggest client vanishes overnight? Or when you realize—too late—that avoiding sales is holding your agency back? In this episode of An Agency Story , Matt Regenie of Prospect Future shares the raw truth about the challenges of scaling an agency, the mistakes that cost him years of growth, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. From losing a whale client to learning the power of rapid execution, Matt’s story is packed with insights every agency owner needs to hear. Tune in for lessons learned, hard-won wisdom, and strategies to build a stronger, more resilient business.…

1
Do 80% of Agency Goals Fail Before February? 20:42

6 weeks ago20:42

20:42

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Do 80% of Agency Goals Fail Before February? Most agency owners start the year with ambitious goals but many start slipping by February. Why? Because setting a goal isn’t enough. You need the right strategy. In this episode, I break down: The biggest mistakes agency owners make in goal setting How to reverse-engineer success instead of relying on hope Why arbitrary timeframes can sabotage your progress The key to setting goals you’ll actually achieve…

1
The Hard Truths About Transitioning Out of Founder Led Sales - Growth Machine 41:18

7 weeks ago41:18

41:18

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Growth Machine Owners : Nora Schlesinger Year Started: 2017 Employees: 26 – 49 What happens when you take over a business you didn’t start? In this episode of An Agency Story , Nora Schlesinger, CEO of Growth Machine, shares her unexpected journey from first employee to agency leader. From working with Slipknot’s manager to running a baking blog, Nora’s path to agency ownership was anything but conventional. She opens up about the challenges of inheriting a business, navigating a broken sales process, and the delicate balance of trust vs. legalities in a leadership transition. Plus, don’t miss the wildest keyword research project Growth Machine ever tackled—yes, Dude Wipes is involved.…

1
Exploration - Farewell 26:31

8 weeks ago26:31

26:31

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Fare•well Owners : Kevin Watkins Year Started: 2016 Employees: 1 – 10 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel. In this episode, Kevin Watkins of Farewell shares his journey from long term side hustle to full-time agency owner, right as the world shut down in 2020. Faced with a make-or-break decision, he chose to push forward, building a fail forward agency that helps community-driven organizations. Kevin reveals how he balances innovation, leadership, and the ever-changing digital landscape, all while preparing for a future where websites might not even exist. Tune in for a story of resilience, strategy, and bold pivots in the face of uncertainty. Enjoy the story. Show Insights The Breaking Point vs. The Tipping Point Every business owner reaches moments of intense pressure, where the path forward feels uncertain. Kevin Watkins found himself at this crossroads, questioning whether he was at a breaking point, where scaling back would be the safest option, or a tipping point, where pushing forward could unlock new opportunities. By stepping back and evaluating his long-term vision, he made a decisive move to go all in on his agency. This concept is a powerful lens for any entrepreneur facing a major decision: are you on the verge of collapse, or on the edge of a breakthrough? The key is taking the time to assess where the path leads and having the courage to commit. Innovation Requires Adaptability, Not Attachment Kevin’s journey highlights a fundamental truth in digital business, how tools and technology evolve, but strong systems and client-focused strategies endure. Rather than anchoring his agency to a specific platform, he built Farewell with adaptability at its core, embracing change when necessary. His shift from WordPress to Webflow was a bold move that prioritized client success over short-term financial convenience. This approach serves as a reminder that agency growth isn’t about staying comfortable, it’s about staying relevant. Businesses that continuously test, learn, and pivot are the ones that thrive in an industry that moves at lightning speed.…

1
Reputation - Fixel 29:30

9 weeks ago29:30

29:30

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Fixel Owners : Vin Thomas Year Started: 2010 Employees: 1 – 10 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host, Russel. In this episode, we're joined by Vin Thomas, the visionary founder of Fixel, based in Salem, Oregon. Vin shares his journey from aspiring magician to agency owner, carving out a niche in the cybersecurity space focusing on digital design and development. Hear how Vin's early career, a mix of unqualified beginnings and pivotal mentorship, set the stage for his agency’s intentional focus on relationships and creativity. Vin’s story is a testament to a quality first approach and the importance of teaching clients how to work with you. Enjoy the story. Show Notes Insights Invest in Relationships for Long-Term Success: Fixel’s success is rooted in strong, meaningful relationships with clients and team members. Vin emphasizes the importance of ongoing client engagement, treating the agency as an "outsourced in-house design team." His approach ensures consistent communication, trust-building, and the opportunity to adapt to clients’ evolving needs, which has resulted in long-term client retention and satisfaction. Intentional Team Building Enhances Culture and Performance: Vin’s hiring philosophy—prioritizing "A players" and maintaining a lean, cohesive team—has been critical to Fixel’s growth. By being slow to hire and quick to address mismatches, he protects the agency’s culture and ensures high standards. This intentional approach to team dynamics fosters collaboration and a shared sense of purpose, enabling the agency to deliver exceptional results.…

1
Pesky Privacy Policies Simplified: The Easy Path to Compliance 24:47

10 weeks ago24:47

24:47

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Termageddon Owners : Hans Skillrud Year Started: 2017 Employees: 1 – 10 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel. On this episode, we have Hans Skillrud, Co-founder of Termageddon. Termageddon creates and automatically updates all things privacy policies based out of Saint Charles, IL. Hans faced a tough call when he decided to sell his agency and concentrate on building out Termageddon but hasn’t looked back ever since. In this episode we discuss the challenges that agencies, and businesses of all types, face in keeping up with privacy policies. As agencies we’ve dealt with copyright trolls, accessibility trolls, and we’re on the cusp of the era of privacy trolls. Listen how Termageddon, and other similar competitors, have solved this very unsexy but important element in the modern age of website compliance. You’ll also want to listen to the end as he shares an embarrassing story, for the client that is, about their browser history. Enjoy the story. Show Notes Insights The Importance of Compliant Privacy Policies The conversation highlights the significance of having proper privacy policies in place for agency websites. It emphasizes that agencies should not overlook the legal requirements and potential consequences of not having these policies.…

1
Faith - Brand Viva Media 33:48

11 weeks ago33:48

33:48

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Brand Viva Media Owners : Mark Labriola II Year Started: 2007 Employees: 1 – 10 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel. In this episode, we're joined by Mark Labriola II, the dynamic founder of Brand Viva Media, based in Centennial, Colorado. Mark shares his journey from touring as a musician to building a podcast and video content agency known for turning “boring” into beautiful. Not to mention he made it to the Top 50 on American Idol. In this episode we talk a lot about the importance of a positive mindset within the business, especially in the face of adversity and difficult times. This is definitely evident in Mark's story starting out with a traumatic childhood situation all the way to how a pivotal layoff pushed Mark to transform his side hustle into a full-time venture and more. Enjoy the story. Show Notes Insights The Power of Relationships Mark credits much of his success to being present in his previous jobs and nurturing professional relationships. These connections became pivotal when transitioning to agency ownership, often opening doors to new clients and opportunities. This underscores the long-term value of building authentic relationships and maintaining a positive reputation. Mindset and Resilience Entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, and Mark’s story demonstrates the critical role of mindset in overcoming them. His mantra of “living with expectancy” and trusting that hard work will yield results helped him navigate moments of uncertainty, such as financial pressures and setbacks. This mindset serves as a reminder to focus on persistence and optimism while building a business, even during tough times.…

1
Symbiosis - FutureNow Marketing 28:28

12 weeks ago28:28

28:28

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: FutureNow Marketing Owners : Taylor Hill Year Started: 2012 Employees: 11 – 25 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel. In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor Hill, co-founder of FutureNow Marketing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Taylor shares his journey from a successful career as a songwriter to co-creating an agency specializing in the extremely unique, niche market of chimney sweeps and hearth businesses. Learn how a single trade show presentation secured 60 clients overnight and how Taylor’s forward-thinking mindset has driven strategic pivots, including a recent merger and an eye toward AI integration in marketing. Tune in to discover the creative and strategic steps Taylor has taken to build a future-ready agency that’s always one step ahead. Enjoy the story! Show Notes Insights Niche Specialization Can Drive Rapid Growth Taylor Hill’s agency experienced exponential growth after focusing on a specific niche: chimney sweeps. By positioning themselves as experts in this field and leveraging opportunities like trade show presentations, FutureNow Marketing transformed a single client relationship into 60 clients overnight. The lesson? Specializing in a niche not only builds authority but also creates opportunities to scale quickly by tapping into closely connected networks. Strategic Mergers Can Future-Proof Your Business Recognizing limitations in their target market’s size, Taylor and his team merged with another agency to expand into adjacent industries and diversify their offerings. This strategic move allowed the combined company to build resilience while positioning itself for future opportunities, including preparing for AI-driven shifts in marketing. Agency owners can learn from this example by exploring collaborations that strengthen their market position and ensure longevity.…

1
Fusion - Two Octobers 33:34

13 weeks ago33:34

33:34

Were you inspired by this story? Got an idea, thought or otherwise? Let us know, send us a text! Company: Two Octobers Owners : Kris Skavish and Nico Brooks Year Started: 2010 Employees: 11 – 25 Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel. In this episode, we’re joined by Kris Skavish and Nico Brooks, co-founders of Two Octobers, a forward-thinking marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado. Kris and Nico share theior journey from vowing never to follow in her entrepreneurial parents’ footsteps to building an agency that brings clarity to the complex world of marketing and analytics for businesses of all sizes. Learn how they, have fostered a unique team culture rooted in empowerment, analytical rigor, and a drive to make a difference, including becoming a certified B Corporation. Tune in to hear Kris and Nico’s inspiring story and discover how Two Octobers is transforming marketing, one data mess at a time. Enjoy the story. Show Notes Insights Building a Team-Centric Culture: Kris emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and learning. Two Octobers actively hires individuals at various career stages and invests in their development, using analytical tools to ensure workload balance and prevent burnout. This underscores the value of prioritizing team well-being and long-term career development to retain talent and cultivate a motivated workforce. Adopting a Values-Driven Approach: Becoming a certified B Corporation allowed Two Octobers to align their business practices with broader social and environmental values. This not only strengthened their brand but also provided a framework to address internal challenges, such as creating a more diverse team through a certified apprenticeship program.…

1
Diligence - Atomic Idea 35:09

14 weeks ago35:09