How to Scale an 8 Figure Agency 🚀

SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Jeff Shan, co-founder of Pilot House, an eight-figure performance digital marketing agency serving e-commerce and DTC brands.Jeff breaks down how they went from affiliate media buyers to building one of the most influential DTC media engines in the space—combining an agency, a newsletter, and a podcast into a single growth flywheel.If you run a digital marketing agency and you’re thinking about newsletters, media, performance-based pricing, or how to position for AI without burning millions on tools, this conversation is a blueprint.⏱ ChaptersChapters & Timestamps – Cold Open & Intro – Who Is Jeff & What Is Pilot House? – From Affiliate Arbitrage to Content-Led Growth – Proving the Newsletter & Going All-In – 150K Subs & Negative CAC for the Agency – Would Jeff Start a Newsletter in 2025? – Jordan’s Newsletter & Monetization Strategy – When Sponsorships Make Sense (and When They Don’t) – Multiple Legs on the Stool: Beyond Newsletters – The Three Biggest Growth Levers to 8 Figures – Performance-Based Pricing & Paying Talent Big Upside – Risk-Reward Models & the New Agency Standard – Life as a Non-Day-to-Day Founder– Founders vs Operators: Knowing Your Seat – How Pilot House Is Positioning for AI (2026–2027 View) – Move Fast or Get Left Behind – Where to Find Pilot House, DTC, and Join Agency – Outro & Event PlugTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coTo reach Jeff - https://www.pilothouse.co/

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Mark Mei, founder of DAHAS Digital, to break down one of the hardest challenges in scaling an agency — maintaining quality while growing fast.They unpack why quality tends to drop as agencies expand, how leaders can structure workflows for accountability, and what systems help ensure client satisfaction at scale. Mark shares how his team at DAHAS Digital uses layered QA checks, feedback loops, and clear ownership across each stage of client work to maintain excellence without slowing down growth.Whether you’re leading a 5-person boutique or managing a 50-person team, this episode gives you a roadmap for building operational resilience without losing creative edge or client trust.🕒 Chapters– Introduction to Mark Mei and DAHAS Digital – Ad Spend and Marketing Funnel Insights – Future Plans and Aspirations – The Biggest Challenge: Maintaining Quality as You Scale – Building a Workflow Where Everyone Owns QA – Creating Feedback Loops and Training for Quality – Why Quality Assurance Protects Client Retention – The Client-Centric Growth Mindset – Closing Thoughts and Key LessonsTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coTo reach Mark Mei go to www.dahausdigital.com

In this end-of-year recap episode, I break down one of the most intense and defining years of my life and business.I cover the lessons learned from losing my home, what that experience forced me to reevaluate about life and business, and why it accelerated a full rebrand of our agency into what we believe will become the world’s leading AI consulting firm for agencies.I also share early details about our 2026 live event, what it’s designed to solve for agency owners, and why the next phase of agency growth will be driven by AI, systems, and leverage—not more people, more clients, or more chaos.This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and where agencies must evolve next.What We Cover in This EpisodeMy honest end-of-year business and life recapWhat losing my home taught me about risk, leverage, and prioritiesWhy adversity forced a faster, clearer rebrandThe decision to reposition into AI consulting for agenciesHow AI will change agency operations, margins, and team structureWhy most agencies will fall behind in the next 12–24 monthsThe vision and intent behind our 2026 live eventWhat agency owners actually need now (and what they don’t)Building a business that survives chaos, shocks, and volatility

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross dives into the transformative role of AI in determining company valuation, especially for marketing agencies. Drawing on insights from a leading M&A broker, Jordan explains why agencies without AI capabilities risk lower market value and how technology is reshaping mergers and acquisitions in the marketing sector.Key topics include the impact of AI on profit margins, client list valuation, investor interest, and M&A activity. If you own or plan to sell a marketing agency, understanding AI isn’t optional—it’s critical for growth and exit strategies.⏱ Chapters: – Introduction to AI in Agency Operations – The Importance of AI for Business Valuation – How AI Affects Profit Margins – M&A Brokers’ Perspective on AI Capabilities – The Role of Client Lists in Acquisitions – Future Trends in Marketing Agency Valuation – AI as a Must-Have for Growth and Exit StrategiesTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Todd Taskey to unpack what really drives the value of a digital marketing agency when it’s time to sell. They explore how AI, tech enablement, and recurring revenue models are reshaping business valuations and exit strategies. Todd breaks down the financial levers like EBITDA, buyer types, and strategic acquisitions that can dramatically affect an agency’s sale price. Whether you’re preparing for a near-term exit or planning long-term growth, this episode offers a roadmap to positioning your agency for maximum value in a rapidly evolving market.ChaptersIntroduction to Business ValuationMarket Trends and Valuation MultiplesThe Impact of AI on Agency ValuationStrategic Acquisitions and Market PositioningRevenue and Retention as Key MetricsNavigating the Future of Agency GrowthThe Role of Strategic BuyersConclusion and ResourcesTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coTo reach out to Todd go to www.towerpartners.comTo listen to Todd go to SecondBitePodcast.com

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Brandon Parker to explore how AI is reshaping business operations, with a special focus on lead generation, automation, and operational efficiency. Brandon shares the behind-the-scenes story of building Land AI, a conversational AI that pre-qualifies leads and dramatically improves conversion rates and workflow efficiency for agencies and sales teams.They break down what it takes to bring an AI product from concept to market, the role of quality assurance and iteration in scaling effectively, and how early adopters of AI can gain an unbeatable competitive edge. The conversation wraps with a live demo of Land AI in action — showing firsthand how conversational AI can automate and optimize client acquisition.Whether you’re a digital marketing agency owner, startup founder, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to practically apply AI to grow your business faster and smarter.Chapters:– The AI Revolution in Business– Building Land AI: The Journey– Quality Assurance and Iteration– Competitive Advantages in the AI Landscape– Live Demo of AI in ActionTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross delivers a direct and timely message to digital marketing and SEO agency owners: adapt to AI now—or risk becoming obsolete.Jordan opens up about his own experiences balancing parenthood and leadership, using them as a lens to explore how businesses must evolve with the times. He dives deep into how AI development services are reshaping the industry, why tech-enabled agencies are pulling ahead, and how efficiency through automation is becoming the new competitive edge.Drawing parallels between today’s AI boom and the dot-com revolution, Jordan warns that those who fail to adapt will face the same fate as agencies that ignored the internet two decades ago.This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for agency owners who want to stay relevant, scale smarter, and lead the next generation of digital innovation.Chapters: — The Urgency of Adapting to AI — Balancing Parenthood and Business Growth — The Evolution of AI Development Services — The Competitive Edge for SEO Agencies — Building Tech-Enabled Services — Efficiency and Automation in the AI Era — The AI Revolution and What Comes NextTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross, founder of 8-Figure Agency Growth Consultancy, breaks down the Wedge Process — a practical six-step framework that helps agency owners and founders reclaim 10+ hours of their week.If your business falls apart when you step away, this episode is your blueprint to building systems, delegating effectively, and automating what keeps you stuck in the weeds. Sean shares the exact tools, frameworks, and AI workflows he’s used to help hundreds of entrepreneurs transition from operator to true CEO.You’ll learn how to track your time, identify what to stop, automate, or delegate, and create SOPs using ChatGPT — so your business can finally work without you.⏱️ Chapters– If your business breaks without you, it’s a liability – Introduction to the Wedge Process – Step 1: Track your time using Toggl – Step 2: Apply the S.A.D. Framework (Stop, Automate, Delegate)– Step 3: Aggregate your training using Loom & Fireflies – Step 4: Use GPT to build SOPs & job descriptions – Step 5: Hire with role clarity – Step 6: Delegate & create visibility with checklists – Reinvest your reclaimed time to scale – Outro: Build a business that works without youTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

Collin Stewart is one of my FAVORITE entreprenuers and is back for his second episode with us - talking about how he scaled to $5 million ARR and then shut down the business after losing passion - and how he's rebuilding smarter. He also talks through his view on product market fit and four funnels that helped fuel his growth at Predictable RevenueConnect with Collin here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinstewart/Get Collins New Book - The Terrifying Art of Finding New Customershttps://www.amazon.com/Terrifying-Art-Finding-Customers-Sleep-Deprived/dp/1774586134>>>Did you know we just released a 5 Hour Masterclass on How To Get Your Next 5 Clients with Cold Email? Grab it herehttps://promotion.revenueboost.net/mini-course-group-join-5926Thanks again for listening! Please give us a review - it helps support the show and we LOVE reading your feedback! >>>Want to connect with me? Email - aj@revenueboost.net Facebook – https://m.me/ajcassata1 Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcassata/ Community members also get a free course on Agency growth and how to land your next 3 Whale clients using only Cold email.

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross (founder, 8Figure Agency) walks agency owners through the three operational concepts Amazon uses in its fulfillment centers, reframed for marketing agencies, so your agency stops being dependent on you, scales predictably, and turns execution into a repeatable system.Episode summary (short)Founder-dependency is the single biggest reason seven-figure agencies stall or collapse. Jordan breaks down a lighthouse management model (vs. the tugboat founder), the Operational Plan (OP) with benchmarks, and the cadence and checklists that create visibility, accountability, and reliable execution. Implement these, and your agency will have clear marching orders, measurable growth, and a team that runs the machine.Chapters— Intro: The Cost of Founder-Dependency— Tugboat vs Lighthouse— Benchmarking Basics— The OP Meeting— Example Dashboard— Treat Yourself Like the Client— Forecast to Marching Orders— Weekly Business Review— Operations Meetings— Standard Work Checklist— Bridge the Gaps — Outro: Next steps and offers for hands-on helpTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, we break down the 13 systems every marketing agency must master to scale beyond 7 figures without burning out. If your agency feels like a 40–70 hour-a-week grind, this episode is for you. We cover financial health, stress management, marketing, sales, client retention, hiring, and strategic planning—everything needed to run a business that works without you.Learn how top agencies create predictability, maximize profits, retain clients, and build teams that deliver results while giving founders the freedom to take real vacations and focus on growth.If you want to see which systems might be silently sabotaging your agency, check out the free custom agency diagnostic linked below—probably the most valuable 10 minutes you’ll spend this year.Chapters – Financial Health – Time & Stress Management – Marketing & Positioning – Predictable, Quality Lead Generation – Sales Operations That Close Efficiently – Cohesive, Documented Core Processes – Delegation and Accountability at Scale – Metrics That Drive Performance – Client Retention and Expansion – Hiring and Training Excellence – Strategic Planning Mastery – Innovation & Product Development – Culture & LeadershipTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

Nick Avaria has acquired and sold 7 agencies and this episode is JAM packed with insights on what it really takes to scale, and the common mistakes agency founders make when scaling to 7-8 figures.Connect with Nick here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickavaria/Nick was generous enough to share some of his best agency-scaling resources with our community, get them here
10M Agency KPI Dashboardhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XX1ldFItl3bkSEEr1HFJN70Lo9Gi6Lx-cH25ILT-KWY/edit?gid=0#gid=0People Management Systemshttps://www.agencyacquisitions.io/scaling-agencies-management-and-systems/

KPI’s to get to 10M
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tlJHpp2VK0jlHCDEeEybuCeCkfqrA_N1brBGKt2K-sk/edit?tab=t.0>>>Did you know we just released a 5 Hour Masterclass on How To Get Your Next 5 Clients with Cold Email? Grab it herehttps://promotion.revenueboost.net/mini-course-group-join-5926Thanks again for listening! Please give us a review - it helps support the show and we LOVE reading your feedback! >>>Want to connect with me? Email - aj@revenueboost.net Facebook – https://m.me/ajcassata1 Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcassata/ Community members also get a free course on Agency growth and how to land your next 3 Whale clients using only Cold email.

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross, founder of 8 Figure Agency, reveals the real reason most seven-figure agencies never reach eight figures—and it’s not about leads, offers, or churn.Jordan breaks down why standards—not new services or more clients—are the foundation of sustainable growth. Drawing from his time at Amazon and experience consulting for countless 8-figure founders, he shares a proven four-step operational system that keeps standards high, even when you step out of the day-to-day.If you're an agency owner tired of micromanaging or worried that quality will drop when you delegate, this episode gives you the roadmap to scale confidently with structure, accountability, and culture-driven performance.Chapters — The myth of growth being about leads or offers — How high-performing agencies use standards as their growth engine — Building a business that works without you—while maintaining quality — How to set quarterly goals and department-level metrics like Amazon — How leaders track performance and adjust weekly — Using data to make smarter, faster changes that move results — How standards cascade through your team and hold everyone accountable — The importance of owning outcomes and creating recovery plans — How daily reporting and checklists create transparency — Turning data into actionable visibility for every team member — How 8 Figure Agency helps founders implement this systemTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

So excited to have Kasim Aslam back for his THIRD interview on the podcast! Every episode is too good to not invite him back again…He’s giving his new book for free for our community - grab your copy here
https://thehirebook.com/>>>Did you know we just released a 5 Hour Masterclass on How To Get Your Next 5 Clients with Cold Email? Grab it herehttps://promotion.revenueboost.net/mini-course-group-join-5926Thanks again for listening! Please give us a review - it helps support the show and we LOVE reading your feedback! >>>Want to connect with me? Email - aj@revenueboost.net Facebook – https://m.me/ajcassata1 Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcassata/ Community members also get a free course on Agency growth and how to land your next 3 Whale clients using only Cold email.

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Alexey Pekovsky, founder of NuOptima, an agency dominating e-commerce with geo SEO and AI search strategies.Alexey shares how he transitioned from building Europe’s largest CBD marketplace to running a leading SEO agency, and why listicles, authority content, and AI-optimized structures are now the secret weapons to visibility on Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or e-commerce brand wondering how to future-proof your traffic strategy, this episode unpacks tactical steps you can implement right now—whether bootstrapped or scaling with an agency partner.Chapters – Why the future of traffic is geo + LLM search – Alexey’s journey: From CBD marketplace to SEO powerhouse – What’s working now in SEO & geo marketing – The rise of listicles: why they dominate AI rankings – Formatting content for AI queries (informational, comparative, transactional) – What makes a good listicle & how to bootstrap one with AI agents – How to choose the right SEO/geo agency – Tools for keyword testing: Ahrefs, AI prompts & scrappy workflows – Turning listicles into revenue streams (media model approach) – Beyond listicles: optimizing collection pages for LLM visibility – Avoiding legal risks in comparative SEO content – Final tip: Why building authority beyond your site is critical – Where to find Alexey onlinehttps://nuoptima.com/https://www.youtube.com/@alexejpikovskyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/To learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross breaks down the rapidly evolving M&A market for digital marketing agencies. What was once expected in 2027 is happening now—the agency M&A Gold Rush. Jordan explains why agency owners must act quickly to capture peak valuations, how exit multiples are shifting, and why AI adoption is no longer optional but essential for commanding top-dollar exits.He also highlights the difference between strategic acquisitions and distress sales, warning that agencies without technology and AI integration risk being stripped for parts. For those ready to adapt, the opportunity to secure 10–20X EBITDA exits is real—but the window is closing fast.Chapters– The M&A Gold Rush for Agencies – Market Dynamics & Exit Multiples Explained – How AI Is Transforming Agency Valuation – Strategic Acquisitions and Industry Implications – Preparing for the Future of Agency ExitsTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Alex Steele, the founder of Opal, a credit card company created specifically for advertising agencies. They dive deep into Opal’s unique value proposition, its rapid growth, and the behind-the-scenes economics of running a credit card business.Alex explains why vertical integration is key to Opal’s success, how agencies can leverage higher credit limits to fuel growth, and why building relationships in the industry matters just as much as software innovation.Whether you run an agency or are curious about fintech disruption, this conversation unpacks the strategies and vision driving one of the most exciting finance tools for modern marketers.Chapters – Introduction to Opal and Alex Steele – The Evolution of Opal and Its Unique Value Proposition – Understanding the Credit Card Business Model – The Importance of Vertical Integration in Business – Operational Insights of a Credit Card Company – Revenue Generation and Business Strategy – Market Positioning and Customer Acquisition – Future Growth and Vision for OpalTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

https://constraintcalculator.scoreapp.com/In this episode, host Jordan Ross interviews Peter Tams, co-founder of Clever Digital Marketing, who scaled his agency from side-hustle beginnings in 2019 to breaking $10M+ in annual revenue within just three years of going all-in.Peter shares how niching down into the home improvement space, restructuring his team around client consultants, and making Net Revenue Retention (NRR) the North Star metric transformed his agency into a referral-driven growth machine. Alongside this, he dives into how Kaizen culture, infrastructure, and incentivized systems helped build a team that thrives and a business that compounds.If you’re an agency owner stuck between $1–3M or dreaming of eight figures, this episode will give you a clear playbook on how to scale with focus, culture, and courage.Chapters – Why only 0.4% of agencies reach 8 figures – Meet Peter Tams & the early days of Clever Digital Marketing – From generalist services to specializing in home improvement – Lessons from niching down: depth vs breadth – Breaking $10M: the three anchors of growth – Specialization & hyper-focus as a scaling strategy – Creating long-term goals and 10-year vision planning – Transforming client success managers into client consultants – Referrals as a leading KPI & NRR as the North Star metric – Incentivizing the team with rewards & culture-building – The power of Kaizen (continuous improvement) in agency growth – Building infrastructure: reporting, onboarding, and L&D systems – Why 65% of their revenue comes from referrals – Diversifying channels beyond referrals for sustainable growth – Reverse-engineering metrics and building meticulous systems – Courage, persistence, and leadership through challenges – Staying two steps ahead in business & client relationships – Where to connect with Peter onlineTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

https://constraintcalculator.scoreapp.com/In this episode, Jordan Ross interviews Megan Balyk, VP at Jive PR and Digital, to share how her team transformed operations by moving from manual, disconnected systems into a Go High Level + Notion + AI-powered workflow.Jive PR was stuck juggling PipeDrive, Beehive, and DocuSign while manually tracking leads, proposals, and onboarding. After implementing automation and consolidating tools, they not only saved tens of thousands of dollars annually but also avoided hiring a $60K/year business development assistant.Instead, they reinvested savings into marketing, content creation, and growth initiatives—compounding results without burning out their team.If you’re an agency owner or operator frustrated by manual work and tool overload, this conversation breaks down how to streamline your workflows, minimize human error, and free up resources to scale.Chapters – The pain of manual tasks & why automation matters – Meet Megan Balyk & Jive PR – Life before automation: PipeDrive & scattered tools – Transition to Go High Level + Notion – Favorite automations that changed the game – From messy notes to automated follow-ups – Consolidating tools & cutting costs – Adding proactive outreach & social listening – Proposal process before vs. after automation – Transition challenges & the simplicity factor – Asking “dumb” questions to learn faster – Building with Alexandra: best practices + customization – Lasting impact: saving time, cutting errors, scaling smarter – Avoiding a $60K hire through automation – Redirecting savings into content & marketing growth – Where to find Jive PR & their services – Closing thoughts: get ahead of the AI + automation waveTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

https://constraintcalculator.scoreapp.com/In this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Matthew Larsen, a marketing strategist and funnel builder behind 1000X Leads, to talk shop on scaling agencies, creating info-product empires, and the challenges of growing through operations and M&A.The conversation spans from engaged life in New York City to building paper-lead businesses, repurposing SOPs into scalable products, and the differences between B2B and B2C roll-up strategies. Matthew shares his experience running rev-share deals with high-performing agencies, his philosophy on LTV-driven industries, and why most agencies struggle to make it past $1M in revenue.If you’re interested in funnels, agency growth, or the reality of acquisitions, this candid conversation offers insider lessons you won’t find in a playbook.⏱️ Chapters– Engaged life updates & life in New York vs. Miami– Funnel building genius: Matthew’s info-product & ad background– Scalable templates vs. coaching/consulting models– Which industries actually have sustainable LTV– Why most marketing agencies struggle long-term– Niche specificity: e-commerce vs. real-world businesses– Rev-share deals: Matthew’s strict criteria & success stories– Structuring growth fees and scaling revenue share– Paper-lead agencies: simplicity, automation, and scale– Roll-ups, M&A, and the “dream team” strategy– B2B vs. B2C roll-ups: challenges and opportunities– Billion-dollar exit vision & assembling top operators– Closing thoughts and next stepsTo learn more, go to 8figureagency.co