The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen

The future of agency growth is not just more automation. It is also a more human connection.In this episode, Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, joins Jamie Nau to talk about agency community, event strategy, thought leadership, organic growth, and the practical ways AI is changing how agency owners work. Jay shares the story behind Agency Builders Retreat, why in-person connection matters more in an AI-driven world, how he thinks about building events that people want to return to, and why consistent thought leadership can create opportunities long before a direct sales conversation begins.Key takeaways:• The future is both autonomous and human. AI can create leverage, but agency owners still need trust, relationships, and real connection.• Community can become a growth engine. Jay explains how Agency Builders grew through connection, referrals, and shared learning.• Events are a form of stage-building. Creating your own event, podcast, or platform can help agency owners build authority.• Thought leadership compounds over time. Consistent content around a real problem can create opportunities that direct outreach may not.• AI works best when it removes real friction. Jay shares how connected tools can support follow-up, email, research, and daily operations.If you are trying to grow an agency in a way that is profitable, sustainable, and ready for the future of AI, tune in to the full episode of ▶️The Future of Agency Growth Is Human and AI-Driven with Jay Owen.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- Jay Owen: "The future is two things at the same time, highly autonomous and AI driven, for sure, and deeply human."- Jay Owen: "The best way to grow a business is to do a great job for somebody, ask them to tell somebody else, and you will never run out of business."- Jamie Nau: "Sometimes it is a long tail, which is a hard thing for marketers to get their hands around sometimes."Jay Owen is the CEO of Business Builders. He helps businesses and organizations with clear messaging, website and video production, and online promotion. With more than 25 years of experience in web design, marketing communications, and creative direction, Jay also shares ideas with business leaders through events, podcasts, coaching, webinars, and workshops.Website: https://jayowenlive.com/aboutIG: https://www.instagram.com/jayowenFB: https://www.facebook.com/jayowenlive/X: https://x.com/owendesignLi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@jayowenlivePodcast: https://buildingabusinessthatlasts.com/about/Business BuildersWebsite: https://businessbldrs.com/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SN1I1FwktpF_lMqaZveIgIG: https://www.instagram.com/businessbldrs/Li: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessbldrs/FB: https://www.facebook.com/businessbldrsThe 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