Marketing Agency Power Hour

Calvin Wilder
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.

  1. Creative, Capital, and CPG - Thi Lam - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #42

    5D AGO

    Creative, Capital, and CPG - Thi Lam - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #42

    In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Thi Lam, Founder and Creative Director of Garnish Studios, to unpack what it really takes to build a focused, sustainable creative agency in the competitive world of food and beverage CPG. Thi shares how his background as a CPG founder shaped Garnish Studios’ hyper-focused niche, why industry specialization beats offering “everything to everyone,” and how creative agencies can avoid the common traps of underpricing, scope creep, and burnout. The conversation spans agency positioning, tiered pricing models, hiring and talent development, financial lessons learned the hard way, and Thi’s long-term vision of building an interconnected ecosystem of production, branding, and original products. Takeaways: Niching by industry, not just service, creates clarity, credibility, and stronger long-term positioning.Early underpricing can pigeonhole agencies and limit future growth.Tiered pricing helps protect margins while speeding up client qualification.Creative work must balance “brain power” (strategy and perspective) with “manpower” (production execution).Hiring and investing in people earlier can unlock faster, healthier growth.Founders should hire bookkeeping and accounting support as early as possible to avoid costly mistakes.Long-term agency resilience comes from focus, discipline, and intentional expansion, not chasing every opportunity.Connect with Thi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiqlam/Website: http://www.garnishstudios.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

    42 min
  2. Designing an Agency for Resilience - Hamid Ghanadan - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 041

    JAN 29

    Designing an Agency for Resilience - Hamid Ghanadan - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 041

    In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Hamid Ghanadan, Founder and CEO of the Linus Group, to explore what it really takes to build a focused, resilient marketing agency, especially when serving highly technical industries like life sciences and healthcare. Hamid shares how understanding the psychology of technical buyers creates more impact than leading with features alone, why combining factual accuracy with emotional storytelling drives real behavior change, and how a bold agency pivot in 2019 set Linus Group up for long-term sustainability. The conversation dives into the courage to cut profitable but non-differentiated services, asking clients hard questions, building multidisciplinary teams, and developing the financial discipline needed to navigate uncertainty and change. Takeaways Understanding customer psychology, especially for technical buyers, creates more effective marketing than product-led messaging alone.Data drives decisions only when paired with emotional relevance and real human stakes.Cutting services you’re merely “good at” can sharpen positioning, improve profitability, and strengthen long-term resilience.Asking uncomfortable questions of clients and teams uncovers problems you can actually solve.Financial clarity comes from focusing on balance sheet, cash flow, and forward-looking projections, not just P&L.Building an agency around unique ability, multidisciplinary talent, and scenario planning prepares leaders for constant change.Connect with Hamid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hghanadan/  Company Website: https://thelinusgroup.com/  Personal Website: https://about.me/HamidGhanadan  NEW Book - Not Buying It: The Art of Selling to Scientists, Doctors and Other Professional Skeptics: https://a.co/d/bA6mxrI Persuading Scientists: Marketing to the World’s Most Skeptical Audience Book: https://www.amazon.com/Persuading-Scientists-Marketing-Skeptical-Audience-ebook/dp/B07MZCPPTB  Catalytic Experiences: Persuading Scientists and Clinicians with Effective Digital Marketing Book: https://www.amazon.com/Catalytic-Experiences-Persuading-Scientists-Clinicians/dp/0997523700 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

    51 min
  3. Humanize Your Brand to Win - Steve Fortunato - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 040

    JAN 22

    Humanize Your Brand to Win - Steve Fortunato - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 040

    In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Steve Fortunato, Founder and President of Shovel the Sidewalk, to unpack how brands can break through the noise by leading with authenticity, strong audio, and real human connection. Steve shares why he intentionally works in the business instead of scaling away from client work, how unscripted conversations consistently outperform polished marketing content, and why audio is the most powerful (and overlooked) element of video storytelling. He also explains the philosophy behind “Shovel the Sidewalk” and how small details can make or break a brand. They explore humanizing brands across B2B and service industries, creating content that shows real people doing real work, balancing business growth with family priorities, and why authenticity is the antidote to AI-generated content. Takeaways People connect with people, not products, humanizing your brand creates trust and differentiation in every industry.Audio quality and natural sound matter more than visual perfection when it comes to emotional connection.Unscripted conversations lead to more authentic, engaging content than rigidly planned messaging.Working hands-on in the business can drive better results and greater client satisfaction than scaling too early.Small brand details matter just as much as big campaigns, everything impacts perception.Being genuinely yourself won’t attract everyone, but it will attract the right audience. Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefortunato/  Shovel the Sidewalk Company Website: https://shovelthesidewalk.com/ Sidewalk Talk Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@sidewalktalkpodcast/featured  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

    52 min
  4. Redefining Agency Growth - Mary Dunn - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 039

    JAN 15

    Redefining Agency Growth - Mary Dunn - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 039

    In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Mary Dunn, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Stratagess, to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable, high-performing marketing agency, without burning out your team or yourself. Mary shares how she and her co-founder intentionally built a “small but mighty” agency made up of seasoned marketers, why they reversed the traditional agency growth model, and how prioritizing people, flexibility, and client fit has led to exceptional retention on both the client and employee side. The conversation dives into responsible growth, pricing with confidence, balancing work-life demands (especially as a working parent), and why scaling at all costs isn’t the only, or best, path to success. Takeaways Building your team before pursuing new clients creates better outcomes, stronger retention, and less operational chaos.Matching experienced talent with clients who value quality work is a competitive advantage that fuels long-term success.“Responsible growth” focused on sustainability and retention often outperforms scale-at-all-costs strategies.Hiring strategic generalists with deep experience creates flexibility, reduces silos, and improves client service.Flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance are powerful retention tools, especially for senior talent and working parents.Staying partially involved in client work helps leaders make better strategic decisions and stay connected to their team’s reality. Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygreen2/  Company Website: https://stratagess.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

    46 min
  5. Building a Creator-First Agency - Taylor Adams - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 038

    JAN 8

    Building a Creator-First Agency - Taylor Adams - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 038

    In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, host Cal Wilder sits down with Taylor Adams, Co-Founder of The Creative Agency, to break down how influencer management is redefining modern marketing. Taylor shares how starting as a content creator herself led to an unexpected pivot from social media management to building a fast-growing talent agency. The conversation explores how influencer marketing actually works, why brands are shifting budgets away from traditional advertising, and what it takes to scale an agency while protecting culture and avoiding burnout. Taylor also discusses the importance of listening to market signals, prioritizing communication, and building flexible opportunities for both creators and team members.   Takeaways: Following market demand instead of forcing a fixed business model creates faster, more sustainable growth.Personal experience can be a powerful competitive advantage when it directly informs how you serve clients.Influencer marketing is a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising because creators handle production and audience engagement themselves.Treating creators like professionals through contracts, branding, and reliability unlocks greater monetization opportunities.Strong communication and culture are essential to scaling without burnout or sacrificing client satisfaction. Connect with Taylor: Taylor:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorcolemanadams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorcolemanadams/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorcolemanadams The Creative Agency:Company Website: https://www.thecreativeagencyboston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeagencyhq/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreativeagencyhq  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

    43 min
  6. PR for Women-Led Brands - Johanna Bates & Erin Fogel - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Re-Air

    JAN 1

    PR for Women-Led Brands - Johanna Bates & Erin Fogel - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Re-Air

    On this special re-air episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, we take a journey back in time to learn the importance of prioritization with Johanna Bates and Erin Fogel, Co-Founders of DevCollaborative, a web development firm focused on the nonprofit sector.  The conversation explores how organizations, regardless of size or budget, face endless ideas and “wish lists,” and how the discipline of prioritization is essential for focusing on what truly drives impact. The episode breaks down what effective prioritization really requires today: ongoing alignment of resources with goals, transparent communication about trade-offs, and the courage to say “no” when necessary. Takeaways: Prioritize values alignment and mission over short-term profitDesign accessible, sustainable solutions for long-term client impactInvest in community and client relationships instead of traditional marketingDiversify revenue streams to weather uncertaintyBuild a supportive culture that protects team work-life balance Connect with Johanna & Erin: DevCollaborative: https://devcollaborative.com/  Email: hi@devcollaborative.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

    54 min
  7. Holiday Reflection from the Power Hour - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 036

    12/25/2025

    Holiday Reflection from the Power Hour - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 036

    This week, it’s just me, Cal Wilder, closing out the year with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for you, the agency owners, leaders, and listeners who’ve made this podcast what it is. No guest this time, just a heartfelt holiday episode about community, purpose, financial clarity, and why the work you do truly matters. After eight months of conversations, lessons, and connection, this episode is a chance to pause, look back, and look ahead together. In this episode: 🛠 Smashing the Myth: You Do Matter: Agency ownership can feel isolating, but your work makes an impact. From client wins to hard lessons, every step of the journey matters, for your team, your clients, and the industry as a whole.🎄 Holiday Gratitude: A sincere thank-you to the listeners, guests, and partners who’ve supported the show this year. This podcast was created to better understand and serve agency owners, and your engagement has made it meaningful and fun.💡 Marketing, Finance, and Leadership That Matter: Reflections on standout conversations from the past year, covering purpose-driven agencies, financial clarity, authentic communication, people-first leadership, and the evolving role of AI. Technology matters, but human expertise and relationships still set great agencies apart.🌟 Planning for the Year Ahead: Why even a simple financial plan can be transformational. Cal shares encouragement to start planning now, looking toward 2026, and highlights resources like The Financial Operating System for Marketing Agencies to help agency leaders gain clarity and confidence.🙌 Human Connection & Community: From peer support to honest conversations, this episode reinforces the need for real connection in business. There’s a growing opportunity, and need, for agency owners to learn together, share openly, and build community without competition. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and as we move into 2026, let’s continue smashing myths, making a real impact, and connecting in ways that matter. ✨ Happy Holidays! Wishing you all peace, love, and gratitude this season.  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

    9 min
  8. PR Strategies for Women-Led Brands - Laura Henson - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 035

    12/18/2025

    PR Strategies for Women-Led Brands - Laura Henson - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 035

    Get an inside look at what it really takes to build an authentic, purpose-driven PR and branding agency in this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour with Laura Henson, Founder and CEO of HVM Communications. From her beginnings in luxury fashion to leading a values-based communications firm, Laura shares how narrowing her focus to women-led and mission-driven organizations became a catalyst for growth, not a limitation. Laura breaks down what modern PR actually requires today: intentional audience targeting, human-first storytelling in an AI-driven world, and the courage to align business practices with personal values. This conversation dives into the realities of agency ownership, from financial growing pains to preserving culture at scale, and why purpose and profitability can, and should, coexist. Takeaways Be intentional with audience targeting. Effective PR isn’t about mass pitching, it’s about reaching the right audience and media outlets that drive real business impact.Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI can improve efficiency, but authentic, human-driven messaging is what earns trust from editors and audiences.Specialization fuels growth. Focusing on women-led, purpose-driven organizations led to stronger relationships, more referrals, and clearer positioning.Align values with action. Authenticity matters more than ever, leaders must consistently “walk the walk” to build credibility and trust.Delegate outside your strengths. Outsourcing financial management allows creative leaders to avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what they do best. Connect with Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahensonhvm/  HCM Communication’s Website: https://www.hvmcommunications.com/  How Women Lead Website: https://www.howwomenlead.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

    39 min
See All (43)

Trailer

About

This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.

Information