EVAN!
You made it. Thanks for looking me up.
You wrote you were looking for a unicorn. Humility prevents me from calling myself that.
But I’ll let you.
As a fellow agency founder, I know dreaming big about your agency’s future is the easy part—turning the dream into sustainable, scalable success is what takes real work. (It’s an idea I live by; you can see it in my agency bio here.)
That’s where I thrive: defining and translating an ambitious vision into operational reality, turning chaos and disruption (which can be good in agency-land) into smart execution (…better). No one values breakthrough, new-to-the-world work more than me. But having sound footing beneath you is what allows the work to shine, and the awards to multiply. (Congrats on yours BTW!)
You need someone who can embrace change and lead transformation, build high-performing teams, and drive both operational excellence and creative impact—all while keeping the agency happy and agile, and the bottom line healthy.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk.
WHY?
1. Scaling & Growth Leadership
I’ve led my own fast-growing agency through the pandemic and out the other side, doubling revenue and client scope along the way.
I’ve also been part of rocket-like growth at a (now) midsized agency, going from 72 (that was me, #72) to over 225 in 4 years. To get there, I led a re-org, to build, refine, and reinvent delivery models (eg. adding project/product mgmt; moving 200+ people to an agile and new pricing structures, etc.) and support larger, more complex clients/engagements.
2. Founder Collaboration; Vision Execution
I’m not just an managing leader but, as chief strategy officer, also a thought partner to many client founders and entrepreneurs; someone who can take a disruptive, start-up vision and turn it into a scalable, sustainable reality.
I’ve done this at dvk, as well as in previous agency roles and as a marketing director (with some wild and crazy CEOs.) It means I have the gravity and comfort to push back when necessary, ensuring that big dreams translate into strategic, achievable traction.
3. Mastery Multi-Function Mastery
Having the ability to oversee multiple departments (Operations, PMO, HR, Finance, IT, and Legal) and align them to business goals is not common. (OK - unicorn fits.) My journey to learn everything about the agency world has led me here.
Along the way I’ve built high-performing operational leadership teams – eg. instituting an Organizational Health practice at Blue Chip, for example – to ensure smart growth and efficiency through strong teams and individual leaders.
4. Financial & Strategic Planning Expertise
My experience in P&L management, financial planning, and pricing strategies at both large and small agencies is unique; I’ve seen some of the best – and worst – ways to balance growth and profitability. (Hint: huge holding company practices are NOT the answer.)
I’ve been able to instill a team perspective to the tracking of KPIs, like margin and billability, and course-correct when needed – while still having enthusiastic and high-functioning teams.
5. People & Culture Leadership
As an account department lead, I’ve coached, mentored, and developed individuals and teams, ensuring they operate at the highest level, by building a culture of operational excellence while fostering joy, curiosity, creativity, and an ownership (“thought-leaders need to lead”) mentality.
6. Experience inside – and outside – Holding Companies
Lastly, having both the founder-driven agency experience, and as a client and strategy leader with (several) leading large holding companies, I can navigate complexity and bureaucracy while maintaining agility – and my sanity. You?
WHY NOW?
Evan, the time is right for me – and for you – to make this journey together. My agency is in good hands and on solid footing, and I’m looking for the next challenge in a larger spaceship. My partners like and appreciate a smaller, less frenetic ride, which I cannot fault them for.
Also, how often do you catch sight of a unicorn?
If you agree, let’s talk already.