#48: Independent at scale: the Tombras playbook with Dooley Tombras
Description
Welcome to Agency Business.
This week, Olivia and Brian talk with Tombras president Dooley Tombras, who leads one of the industry’s few scaled, family-owned independent agencies. Dooley explains why Tombras built its full-service model by zigging against industry convention, how independence enables long-term investment in AI and first-party data, and why today’s consolidation cycle is pushing top talent toward indies.
He also discusses the agency’s hub-and-spoke staffing strategy, what “independence with scale” looks like across Knoxville, New York, Atlanta, and Buenos Aires, and why cultural stability at the top helps Tombras maintain an 83% new-business win rate.
In News of the Week:
- Majority of R&CPMK staff exit IPG to join Michael Nyman’s ACC
- Alex Lubar leaves DDB amid broader Omnicom consolidation.
- FutureBrand’s global leadership departs as the agency is folded into McCann.
- WPP Media wins the Henkel account across roughly 30 European markets.
The episode also features a brief mention of Olivia's new subscription PR model offering agencies a weekly hour of senior strategic thinking. For details, email olivia@fusionfrontmedia.com.
Subscribe to the Agency Business newsletter for episode notes and analysis. It’s free and drops every Monday.
Reach Out
Agency Business features agency CEOs and financial decision-makers alongside third party experts including agency pitch consultants. We are always accepting pitches, and are particularly interested in hearing from women and leaders of color.
📬 Pitch a guest or inquire about sponsorships:
📩 Brian at brian@madisonandwall.com
📩 Olivia at olivia@fusionfrontmedia.com
Follow Madison and Wall and FusionFront Media on LinkedIn for updates.
Explore Our Other Podcasts:
📊 The Madison and Wall Podcast – Brian opens up about his latest work — plus crucial economic, financial, and industry trends.
🎬 Screen & Sponsor – Olivia & VaynerMedia's Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.
United States
