Creative agency growth gets harder when overhead, burnout, weak client fit, and unclear culture start shaping the business. In this episode, Scot Keith joins Jamie Nau to talk about creative agency growth, advertising agency culture, low-overhead operations, client fit, and why the best creative work often comes from failure. Scot shares how ONE23WEST started in a garage in 2013, why the agency chose a low overhead, high talent model, how culture is built through people instead of office perks, and why agency leaders need to know exactly who they are for. Key takeaways: A lean agency model can be a strategic advantage. Scot explains why ONE23WEST focused on laptops, phones, internet, ideas, sweat, and talent instead of expensive offices.Agency culture is built through people, not perks. A foosball table or cool office does not replace trust, collaboration, and a better way of working.More hours do not always mean better work. Jamie and Scot discuss diminishing returns, burnout, and the importance of knowing your best thinking window.Client fit matters. Scot explains why agencies need to know who they are for and avoid turning into something else just to win the wrong work.Creative work requires failure. In the ideas business, most ideas will not be the answer, but quantity helps lead to quality. If you are trying to build a creative agency with stronger culture, sharper client fit, and better creative work, tune in to the full episode of ▶️How To Build a Top Ad Agency From a Garage: ONE23WEST’s Founding Story with Scot Keith Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources: ● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes -Scot Keith: "The whole operating business model for this day is low overhead, high talent." -Scot Keith: "I don't mind working hard. I just hate working stupid." -Scot Keith: "When you're in the ideas business, you're really in the failure business." Scot Keith is the Founder and CEO of ONE23WEST, an idea and design collective that uses strategy and creativity to drive business results for its clients. Under his leadership, the agency was named Canada's Small Agency of the Year for both 2020 and 2021, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and quality of work through two of the toughest years in the industry's history. With 34 years of experience in communications, Scot has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their goals and grow their brands. He has also been a keynote speaker at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, sharing his insights on the changing landscape of the industry. His main motivator is doing great work with great people, which is why he built ONE23WEST on a unique business model that redirects overhead savings into hiring the very best and most experienced talent. The agency works differently from most, with 16 working Creative Directors who do the actual work rather than just overseeing it, giving clients access to highly skilled talent and giving the team a diverse, collaborative environment. Connect with Scot Keith: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-keith-9560125/ Learn More About ONE23WEST: Website: http://one23west.ca IG: https://www.instagram.com/123w.ca FB: https://www.facebook.com/onetwentythreewest/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages. Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders