The New Media Buying Playbook: AI, Performance Models & Agency Profitability

SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Jeff Shannon, co-founder of Pilothouse, 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 Pilothouse?– 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 Pilothouse 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/