Agency Bytes

Ep 088 – Mario Lanzarotti, Zen-Preneurs – Mindful Agency Ownership

Featuring: Mario Lanzarotti, Zen-Preneurs

In this episode of Agency Bites, I sat down with Mario Lanzarotti, a business strategist who transformed his entrepreneurial journey through mindfulness and personal growth to focus on joy and making an impact. Mario shared his powerful story of starting an e-commerce business in New York, experiencing a pivotal panic attack that led him to meditation, and ultimately discovering the importance of emotional processing and redefining success. Through practices like Transcendental Meditation and plant medicine ceremonies, Mario developed his Zenpreneur method, which emphasizes that who you are being is more important than what you are doing. We dove deep into how entrepreneurs can break free from the hustle culture, process underlying emotional barriers, and create a more intentional, fulfilling business path. Mario's journey is a testament to the power of choice, inner work, and understanding that true success goes far beyond financial metrics.

Key Takeaways

• Mario's journey began in New York City with an e-commerce brand.
• Entrepreneurship is often perceived as a path to freedom.
• Stress can lead to a realization that something is off in life.
• Meditation provided Mario with a tool to regain control.
• Success is not just about financial gain but also personal happiness.
• The Landmark Forum helped Mario understand the power of choice.
• Agency owners often feel overwhelmed by information overload.
• Emotional processing is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Redefining success can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Who you are being is more important than what you are doing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zenpreneurship
01:00 Mario's Entrepreneurial Journey
04:31 The Turning Point: From Stress to Meditation
10:30 Discovering the Power of Choice
15:05 The Shift from Hustle to Zen
20:04 Emotional Processing and Personal Growth
25:13 Redefining Success Beyond Money
30:05 The Matrix of Entrepreneurship
32:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Mario Lanzarotti is a pioneer in transforming the way agency owners scale their businesses, combining high-performance strategies with inner peace and sustainable success. After successfully exiting his first company, Awl & Sundry, in 2019, Mario embarked on a global journey that led to the creation of the Zenpreneur method—an innovative approach that empowers entrepreneurs to achieve 7-figure success without sacrificing their well-being.

Today, Mario is leading a movement that redefines entrepreneurial success by integrating wealth creation with self-mastery and mindful leadership. He specializes in guiding agency owners from overwhelmed solopreneurs to confident CEOs who build scalable businesses while maintaining freedom, control, and a lasting impact.

With over 1,000 business owners coached, Mario has left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial community. His TEDx talk, which has amassed over 2 million organic views, underscores his groundbreaking methods for accelerating business growth while fostering a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

Mario’s mission is to help agency owners break free from the grind culture, scale with purpose, and create businesses that not only thrive financially but also contribute positively to their lives and the world around them.

Contact Mario on his website or on LinkedIn.

Ep 087 – Peter Kang, Barrel Holdings – Building an Agency Portfolio

Featuring: Peter Kang, Barrel Holdings

In Episode 087 of Agency Bytes, I had an inspiring conversation with Peter Kang, co-founder and chairman of Barrel Holdings. Peter shared his journey of building Barrel, a standout eCommerce agency specializing in Shopify, and how his vision evolved into creating multiple specialized agencies under the Barrel Holdings umbrella.

We dove into the challenges and rewards of growing an agency, the strategic decisions that shaped his path, and what it’s like to step back from daily operations to focus on the bigger picture. Peter is passionate about investing in the right people and systems to build an ecosystem of agency services that truly thrives and writes about it weekly in his newsletter.

He also opened up about the importance of transparency in communication, their bold Omakase experiment in funnel building, and launching *Agency Habits*, a resource-packed platform for agency operators. Throughout our chat, Peter emphasized the power of relationships in business and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing work you’re truly passionate about.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration—don’t miss it!

Key Takeaways

• Peter Kang co-founded Barrel in 2006 with a focus on digital transformation.
• The agency evolved to specialize in e-commerce, particularly Shopify.
• Barrel Holdings was created to manage multiple agencies under one umbrella.
• Transparency in communication has been a core value for Peter and his team.
• The Omakase experiment allowed clients to receive branding for free, building a portfolio.
• Separate agencies allow for tailored staffing and focused strategies.
• Agency Habits aims to share resources and insights among agency operators.
• Building relationships is crucial for long-term success in business.
• The importance of passion-driven work over purely strategic planning.
• Peter emphasizes the need for a succession plan in agency leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Peter Kang
05:10 Focusing on E-commerce and Shopify
10:16 The Strategy Behind Separate Agencies
14:35 The Importance of Transparency in Communication
16:20 The Omakase Experiment: A Bold Approach
23:01 Building a Diverse Agency Portfolio
24:56 Launching Agency Habits: A New Venture
28:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

Peter Kang is co-founder and Chairman of Barrel Holdings, a portfolio of digital agency businesses that includes Barrel, a leading Shopify agency, and BX Studio, a leading Webflow agency. Peter enjoys working closely with agency leaders both in and outside of Barrel Holdings, being a sounding board and sharing lessons learned from years of operating agency businesses.

Contact Peter at Barrel Holdings, his personal website, or on Agency Habits.

Ep 086 – Christian Banach – Growth with Newsletters

Featuring: Christian Banach

In Episode 086 of *Agency Bytes*, I sit down with Christian Banach, a business development expert with a fascinating backstory—from concert promotions to helping agencies land big-ticket clients. Christian’s journey is packed with lessons for anyone looking to level up their business development game.

We dive into the power of relationship marketing, the magic of positioning and specialization, and how agencies can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Christian shares actionable strategies for building and nurturing an email list and why thought leadership (like newsletters!) is key to staying top of mind with prospects.

We also chat about creating consistent, meaningful content and using LinkedIn to boost visibility and credibility. If you’re wondering how to turn casual readers into real connections, this episode is a goldmine.

It’s a must-listen for agency owners ready to take their business development to the next level!

Key Takeaways

• Asking like an auctioneer involves maximizing potential asks.
• Rejection should be seen as a sign of success, not failure.
• Design your asks based on what you truly want, not what you think you can get.
• Understanding the perceived value is crucial in negotiations.
• The offer inside the ask should benefit both parties involved.
• Mindset plays a significant role in how we approach asking for what we want.
• It's important to communicate your dreams to those around you.
• Asking for more can lead to greater outcomes than anticipated.
• The process of auctioneering provides valuable insights into effective communication.
• Honesty and generosity should guide your asks, not manipulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Asking Like an Auctioneer
05:16 The Connection Between Asking and Auctioneering
10:28 Mindset: Embracing Rejection
15:30 Designing Your Ask
20:57 The Offer Inside the Ask
27:03 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Christian Banach is a seasoned business development expert who began his entrepreneurial journey in high school by running a successful concert promotions business. He's worked with big names like Lady Gaga and Pitbull and led marketing activations for brands like Disney and Toyota. After navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession, Christian pivoted to business development, helping agencies generate millions in revenue with clients like Kohl's and Constellation Brands. Now, he's on a mission to help agencies and consultancies land 6 and 7-figure opportunities predictably. Welcome to the show, Christian!

Contact Christian on his website or on LinkedIn.

Ep 085 – Dia Bondi – How to Ask for More

Featuring: Dia Bondi

In Episode 085 of Agency Bytes, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dia Bondi, a communications expert and author of Ask Like an Auctioneer. Dia shares her fascinating journey from the world of auctioneering to becoming a sought-after communication coach.

We dive deep into the art of asking effectively in high-stakes situations, exploring how to embrace rejection, craft impactful asks, and understand the value behind what you're offering. Dia introduces her powerful framework for building and delivering asks with confidence and clarity.

This episode is packed with insights on training your mindset to recognize what you truly want, articulate it boldly, and go after it fearlessly. Dia inspires us to make our dreams known and actively chase our goals with intention and determination.

If you’ve ever struggled with asking for what you deserve, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways

• Asking like an auctioneer involves maximizing potential asks.
• Rejection should be seen as a sign of success, not failure.
• Design your asks based on what you truly want, not what you think you can get.
• Understanding the perceived value is crucial in negotiations.
• The offer inside the ask should benefit both parties involved.
• Mindset plays a significant role in how we approach asking for what we want.
• It's important to communicate your dreams to those around you.
• Asking for more can lead to greater outcomes than anticipated.
• The process of auctioneering provides valuable insights into effective communication.
• Honesty and generosity should guide your asks, not manipulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Asking Like an Auctioneer
05:16 The Connection Between Asking and Auctioneering
10:28 Mindset: Embracing Rejection
15:30 Designing Your Ask
20:57 The Offer Inside the Ask
27:03 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Dia Bondi is a Communications Catalyst, Speaker, and Author of Ask Like an Auctioneer: How to Ask for More and Get It. She coaches VC-backed founders, executives, and ambitious professionals to speak powerfully when the stakes are high. She helped Rio de Janeiro win the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and has helped countless leaders secure hundreds of millions in decisions and resources. A hobbyist fundraising auctioneer, Dia’s TEDx Talk was selected as a TED Editors’ Pick, showcasing how to make the kinds of asks that can change everything.

 

Learn more about Dia and her services on her website.

Ep 084 - Jacquelyn Laufer & David Yassky, Driver Digital – Fashionable Agency Culture

Featuring: Jacquelyn Laufer & David Yassky, Driver Digital

In this episode of Agency Bites, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Yasky and Jacqueline Laufer, the dynamic duo behind Driver Digital. Let me tell you, their story of building a thriving agency in the fashion and e-commerce space is nothing short of inspiring!

We dove deep into the secret sauce of their partnership, and it's all about knowing your strengths and playing to them. David and Jacqueline shared some golden nuggets on how they've defined their roles and fostered a culture that keeps their team excited to come to work every day. They've cracked the code on maintaining joy in the workplace!

We also got into the nitty-gritty of building those long-lasting client relationships that are the lifeblood of any agency. And if you're looking to level up your leadership game, you won't want to miss their thoughts on effective leadership and the power of mentorship.

If you're ready for a dose of inspiration, practical wisdom, and maybe a laugh or two, tune in to this episode. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Key Takeaways

• Both David and Jacqueline ran their own agencies before partnering.
• Driver Digital specializes in fashion, beauty, and e-commerce.
• Defining roles in a partnership is crucial for efficiency.
• Fostering a positive culture is essential for team morale.
• Maintaining joy in the workplace enhances productivity.
• Building lasting relationships with clients leads to success.
• Effective leadership involves immediate feedback and open communication.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth.
• Success is attributed to strong relationships and quality work.
• Saying no to projects that aren't a good fit is empowering.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Driver Digital
01:01 The Journey to Partnership
02:58 Niche Focus in Fashion and E-commerce
06:16 Defining Roles in the Agency
10:26 Fostering a Positive Agency Culture
15:41 Maintaining Joy in the Workplace
19:31 Building Lasting Client Relationships
22:01 Leadership Styles and Team Management
25:04 The Importance of Mentorship
29:03 Success Through Relationships
33:02 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways

David Yassky is a creative leader and brand developer with over eighteen years of dynamic experience combining the worlds of editorial, fashion, retail and ecommerce. His editorial roots, entrepreneurial acumen, and strong industry relationships make him a unique asset that artfully straddles the creative and business worlds. David began his career as a Fashion Editor at Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine before going on to consult for a variety of iconic brands including Tory Burch, Anthropologie, and Gap. David was the co-founder and President of The Aisle New York, a progressive digital startup in the bridal ecommerce space, and later he served as Fashion and Editorial Director of the large American ecommerce site, IDEELI. He is the founder and creative director of Driver Creative & Driver Digital – helping transform iconic brands including Anne Klein, Bergdorf Goodman, and Joseph Abboud.

Jacquelyn Laufer, is an E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Solutions, and Project Management consultant with over 14 years of experience specializing in the luxury fashion, beauty, and travel industries. Having launched Henri Bendel’s first ecommerce website, Bond No. 9’s second, and built online experiences with Estee Lauder Companies, Coty, Edit New York and Blissworld, Jacquelyn is known for helping companies scale their business. Most notably, Jacquelyn founded e-commerce consulting and project management firm Rebuild Girl, which led the re-platforms for brands such as L’Objet, Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Creed Boutique, Hanky Panky, and more. Jacquelyn enjoys building consensus, effectively motivating and helping teams hit their mark, defining digital solutions and integrations to help brands grow, and most importantly hanging out with her husband and rescue dog.

 

Contact Jacquelyn and David on their website, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Ep 083 – Jody Sutter, The Sutter Company – Build, Win, Scale

Featuring: Jody Sutter, The Sutter Company

In Episode 083, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jody Sutter, owner of Sutter Company, about her journey in business development and our shared mission of supporting small marketing agencies with their sales and marketing efforts. Jody introduces her Build Win Scale System—a practical, step-by-step approach to help agencies identify their ideal clients, improve messaging, and strengthen their teams for business growth.

Throughout our conversation, Jody shares why it's crucial for agencies to focus on sales and marketing fundamentals, like pinpointing the right clients and solving their unique challenges. We also explore how to tackle seasonality in the agency world and the power of prioritizing one thing at a time for sustainable success. Don’t miss this insightful episode!

Key Takeaways

• Focus on the basics of sales and marketing, such as identifying your ideal client and solving their problems.
• Prioritize and focus on one thing at a time to make progress.
• Use the dips in business to work on strategic projects and improve your agency.
• Consider integrating AI tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Reflect on the value you provide to your clients and turn it into a compelling message.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
06:32 The BuildWin Scale System
12:58 Challenges and Pitfalls in Agency Business Development
17:41 Managing Seasonality in the Agency Business
20:12 Prioritization and Focus
25:15 Integrating AI in Agency Operations
31:05 Turning Value into a Compelling Message
32:40 Closing Remarks

Jody is the owner of The Sutter Company, a business development coaching and advisory firm, and the inventor of the BUILD WIN SCALETM system, a step-by-step process designed to help leaders of small marketing agencies identify and activate their natural talents for sales and marketing, leading to a sustainable approach to winning new business.

Contact Jody on her website.

Ep 082 – Chris Martinez, Bloom Partners – Operational Underdogs

Featuring: Chris Martinez, Bloom Partners

In episode 082, I sit down with Chris Martinez, CEO and founder of Bloom Partners, who shares his journey from building a successful marketing agency to transitioning into management consulting. Chris dives into the importance of data-driven strategies and setting clear KPIs for each department, emphasizing how these metrics fuel growth. We discuss the impact of AI on the industry, and Chris encourages agency owners to embrace the new possibilities it brings. He also talks about the critical role of personal fulfillment in business success—how finding joy in all areas of life directly boosts both individual and company performance.

Key Takeaways

• Set clear KPIs for each department in your agency and track them using simple tools like Google Sheets.
• Embrace AI and leverage its capabilities to improve efficiency and productivity in your agency.
• Focus on personal fulfillment in physical health, mental health, relationships, and business to achieve overall success.
• The business is a reflection of you, so ensure that other areas of your life are in balance for optimal performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:08 Building a Marketing Agency and Transitioning to Management Consulting
05:54 Data-Driven Strategies and Clear KPIs
09:00 Embracing AI in the Agency Industry
12:56 The Importance of Personal Fulfillment in Business

Chris Martinez, CEO and Founder of BLOOMAgency.io, has turned his passion for helping underdogs into a thriving business, growing his company from zero to millions in revenue. Recognized with a 2021 Stevie Award for Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Chris also hosts the popular podcast *Operation Agency Freedom*. He is the author of four books, including the Amazon Bestseller *It’s Not JUST A Website*, and his latest release, *Facts Not Feelings*, offers insights on scaling a marketing agency with data-driven strategies.

Contact Chris on his website, on Instagram, or learn about Agency Freedom Live.

Ep 081 – David C. Baker, Punctuation – Preparing to Sell Your Agency

Featuring: David C. Baker, Punctuation

In episode 081, I sit down with David C. Baker, a renowned consultant, author, and speaker in the advertising agency world. We explore David's journey from grad school to founding his consultancy, Punctuation, and later bringing his son into the business. David shares key traits that drive successful agencies—courage, discipline, strategic positioning, and effective team management. We discuss business resets, lead generation, and the science behind agency positioning, along with the advantages of running an agency with future acquisition in mind. Beyond business, David talks about his personal passions like motorcycling, woodworking, and photography. Tune in for valuable insights into managing and scaling a creative agency.

Key Takeaways

• Courage and discipline are key traits for agency leaders
• Positioning is crucial for agency success and requires testing and refinement
• Running an agency as if you're going to sell it can lead to better overall performance
• Woodworking, motorcycle racing, and photography are David's hobbies
• Stop things that no longer serve you and simplify your life

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:07 The Importance of Courage and Discipline in Agency Leadership
06:29 The Process of Positioning and Testing
11:17 Keys to Making an Agency Attractive for Sale
15:16 David's Hobbies: Woodworking, Motorcycle Racing, and Photography
18:20 Advice for Agency Owners: Stop and Simplify

David C. Baker is an author, speaker, and advisor to entrepreneurial creatives worldwide. He has written 6 books, advised 1,000+ firms, and keynoted conferences in 30+ countries. His work has been discussed in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, USA Today, BusinessWeek, CBS News, Newsweek, AdWeek, and Inc. Magazine. He lives in Nashville, TN. His two most recent books are at http://www.expertise.is and https://www.tradecraft.is His work has also been featured in the NY Times, where he was recently referred to as “the expert’s expert”. He co-hosts the most listened-to podcast in the creative services field (2Bobs).

Contact David on his website, or LinkedIn, or learn about his MYOB Conference.