PODCAST · business
The DevLaunch Podcast
by Tony Wilson, CPA, CMA
Welcome to the Dev Launch podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories of the tech industry’s rising stars: Corporate America employees turned tech entrepreneurs.Hear how these folks took a risk in leaving their W2 job to build their enterprise, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what they’re doing to revolutionize the industry, one project at a time.
Episodes
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25-Practice What You Preach: Luke Frazier's Take as a Brand Pastor
SummaryIn this episode of the Dev Lounge podcast, Tony Wilson speaks with Luke Frazier, Chief Growth Officer at GoodAgency, about the importance of branding in the digital age. They discuss the significance of consistency in branding, the concept of being a 'brand pastor', and the disconnect that...
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24-Breaking Through the Agency Plateau
SummaryIn this episode of the DevLounge Podcast, Tony Wilson and Michael Wark discuss the financial challenges faced by digital agencies in 2023 and 2024. They explore strategies for overcoming financial plateaus, the importance of operational efficiency, and the need for effective cash flow...
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23-Sell First, Market Later: Agency Go-to-Market Strategy Advice with Garrett Jestice
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Garrett Jestice delve into the intricacies of go-to-market strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding foundational elements such as audience, offering, messaging, and channels. Garrett shares his philosophy of prioritizing sales before...
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22-SEO in 2025: Trends, Tactics, and What's Changing in Search
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Harry Sanders discuss the global expansion of Studio Hawk, the impact of AI on SEO, the importance of original content, and the rise of digital PR as a powerful tool in the SEO landscape. They explore how traditional SEO tactics like keyword research...
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21-An Offer You Can't Refuse: Positioning Your Agency for Growth with Chris DuBois
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Chris DuBois discuss the intricacies of agency design and growth strategies. They explore the importance of having a clear offer, the challenges agency owners face in defining their ideal client profile (ICP), and the significance of narrowing down...
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20-The Affordable Agency Ops Hack: ClickUp and ZenPilot vs. Overpriced Tools
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Jeff Cypher discuss the intricacies of project management tools, particularly ClickUp, and the importance of processes and habits in utilizing these tools effectively. Jeff shares insights on the challenges agencies face with expensive tech solutions...
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19-Into the Fire: What 3 A.M. Pit Master Training Taught Us About Client Success
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson and Cameron discuss the significance of client immersion in the agency world. Cameron emphasizes the importance of understanding clients deeply to provide effective branding and marketing strategies. They explore practical techniques…
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18-Purpose Over Profit: How Yoko Co Drives Impact with Mission-Driven Clients
Summary In this conversation, Chris Yoko discusses the unique approach of his agency, Yoko Co, which focuses on working with purpose-driven clients. He shares insights on how this focus has shaped the agency's culture, growth, and client relationships. The discussion also covers the challenges…
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17-Jurassic Times Call for Design Measures: How Tyrannosaurus Tech is Leading the Pack
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Richard from Tyrannosaurus Tech, discussing the evolution of their development agency, the importance of a design-first mindset, and the challenges of scaling beyond seven figures. Richard shares insights on client…
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16-Niche It to Win It: Matt Brown’s Guide to AI and Agency Exits
Summary In this episode of the DevLounge Podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Matt Brown, who shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S. and discusses the importance of AI in business, the value of niching down, and the intricacies of exiting an agency. Matt emphasizes the need for businesses to...
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15-From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Wizardly Mastered Conflict and Intentional Growth
Summary In this episode of the DevLaunch podcast, Tony Wilson interviews Meg Schlabs, co-founder of Wizardly, a design and branding agency. They discuss the importance of brand persona, the intentional growth strategy of Wizardly, and the challenges of navigating client relationships. Meg shares...
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14-Navigating the Choppy Waters of 2023, 2024 & beyond w/Nick Petroski
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson and Nicholas Petroski discuss the evolving landscape of digital agencies from 2020 to 2024, focusing on the importance of revenue generation, ideal client personas, and understanding buying committees. They emphasize the benefits of specialization in…
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13-Beyond Client Retention: Transforming Account Management into a Growth Engine
Summary The conversation explores the concept of account management as a potential growth driver for agencies. Jenny, an expert in account management, shares her insights and experiences in the field. She emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from account management as client…
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12-Unlocking Sprint Zero: Ensuring a Flawless Start to Every Project
Summary Tanooki Labs is a dev agency that takes a holistic approach to development, integrating design, product management, and development into one full-service offering. They evolved this approach over time based on the needs of their clients. They have a sprint zero process, which is a product...
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11- The Acquisition That Almost Broke Us: An Agency Owner's Candid Reflection
Summary In this part of the interview, Brett Snyder discusses the decision-making process for determining which tasks are handled by full-time staff versus contractors in his agency. He emphasizes the importance of access to subject matter experts and the need for consistency and institutional...
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10-Building a Global Podcasting Agency: Lessons from Podify’s Success)
Summary Potify is a digital agency that helps podcasters from A to Z, providing services such as podcast direction, production, post-production, distribution, and promotion. They work with a wide range of clients, including businesses, solopreneurs, and B2B companies in various industries. One of...
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09-Navigating Global Markets: Lessons from Tel Aviv to Colorado (w/ Jordan Kastrinsky)
Summary Jordan Kastrinsky discusses his initiative, the Colorado Israel Chamber of Commerce, which aims to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Colorado and Israel. He highlights the potential for collaboration and business opportunities between the two regions, beyond just the tech and...
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08- Boosting 6-Figure Agency Profits (w/ Melissa Morris)
Summary In this conversation, Melissa Morris discusses the concept of 'up leveling' and how it applies to agencies. She shares her insights on pricing strategies, including the importance of aligning pricing with deliverables and the value provided to clients. Melissa also emphasizes the need for...
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07-The Power of Video Content (w/Alex Sheridan)
Summary In this conversation, Tony Wilson interviews Alex Sheridan about the state of video and the importance of building a personal brand on LinkedIn. They discuss strategies for starting over on LinkedIn, including short-term social selling and building a strong profile. They also talk about…
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06 - Is your Lawyer a profit center? (With Josh Barrett)
Summary Josh Barrett, a lawyer specializing in business law for creative agencies, discusses the importance of clear and concise contracts in agency work. He emphasizes the need for contracts to be written in standard English, rather than filled with legalese, to foster trust and understanding...
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05-Building a People-First Digital Agency (w/ Brett Snyder))
Summary Brett Snyder, from Knucklepuck, discusses the importance of recruitment and people-centeredness in professional services firms. He emphasizes the need to find the right people for the right roles and the challenges of transitioning from doing everything yourself to empowering others.…
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04 - Raw Thoughts on Agencies (w/ Mr. Raw)
Summary Mr. Raw, a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey of building and exiting multiple companies. He emphasizes the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return and how it can lead to personal happiness. He also discusses the challenges of penetrating new markets and...
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03 - Crushing Your Agency Exit: Insider Tips on Selling Well with Jason Swenk
Summary Jason Swenk, founder of Agency Mastery, shares his journey from accidentally starting an agency to successfully exiting with an eight-figure deal. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and focusing on profitability rather than just revenue. Swenk also discusses the key...
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02 - From Vendor to Visionary: Max Traylor on Productizing Services and Elevating Client Relationships
Summary Max Traylor, the consultant's consultant, discusses the challenges faced by digital agencies in positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than vendors. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and understanding their business goals in order to have a...
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01 - ESOP to Exit: The Journey of Techwood's $10M Valuation
Jack Ogilvie, founder of Techwood Consulting, shares his experience of implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in his digital agency. The decision to go the ESOP route was driven by a desire to do right by his employees and create a positive impact. The ESOP allowed employees to have...
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018 - Venture Miner
Are you sick of the AI buzzword being thrown around in tech spaces these days? Our guest today shares some no-nonsense tips on how he is implementing AI in his software dev agency. And no, it's not just writing code for them. He understands that the root issue in the development process is not...
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017 - Penguin Objective
Most of us rise the ranks of the Corporate world, gaining expertise within an organization before launching our own business. Tomé, on the other hand, did quite the opposite. After nearly a decade of multiple entrepreneurial endeavors, he made the calculated decision to work as an employee… for…
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016 - Roth Automation
The allure of retirement is the focus of many a daydream. Working hard your entire life, saving money away, and finally unplugging from the rat-race to enjoy a permanent vacation. Our guest today is bucking that trend. While others coast in their 60s, Jonathan Roth chose to launch a software...
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015 - Role Model Software
Many dev agencies are reluctant to hire junior developers. They require a lot of training and precious time. Our guest today, Caleb Woods, has found a way to mobilize these inexperienced workers through his Craftsmanship Academy. Hear how his dev agency is turning this staffing conundrum into a...
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014 - Troon Technologies
In a land that existed before “AI”, “Blockchain” reigned supreme as the tech buzzword on everyone’s lips. Our guest today, Jeff Neasmith, shares his perspective on how “Blockchain” technology and the Web3 space will grow increasingly relevant as AI technology causes us to question reality as we...
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013 - Rebar
Have you ever thought about launching your dev agency under the banner of a venture studio? Our guest, Daniel Nice, had the privilege of launching his shop, Rebar, under the parent company (Marrow). Starting up in this ecosystem was rocket fuel for his dev agency, but it hasn't been without its...
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012 - Devvco
Do you remember how you made your break into the software development world? If it involved breakdancing, you are in good company with our guest, Josh Hardman. Listen in to hear his story transitioning from Corporate America into the world of entrepreneurship, the obstacles he has encountered...
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011 - The Refinery
For nearly two decades, Dave Goerlich has been delivering software solutions to his clients in the Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing industries. In that time, Dave has learned a lot about what it takes to build a successful team and bid successful projects. Listen in as we hear him share his...
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010 - SelfDisrpt
Sales & marketing is one of the greatest business challenges facing today's software companies. Our guest, Zack Toyota, is an entrepreneur who catapulted his growth by embracing the ins and outs of sales. He even cold-called his way into his role as Head of Business Development! Take a listen to...
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009 - Matt Watson
As a founder of several startups (one of which sold for $150M), Matt has a wealth of experience for what it takes to build successful businesses. Listen to how he built his various startups and hear the biggest lessons he learned along the way.
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008 - Automation Helpers
Dan Leeman, the Co-Founder of Automation Helpers, isn't who you'd imagine when you think of a "traditional" software developer. Starting his career as a high school band teacher, Dan eventually worked his way into an account management role at an ed tech company. This was his foray into software...
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007 - Classic City
Chris got his start as a freelance Wordpress developer, and that eventually evolved into a full-blown development agency. But his company ran up against some serious challenges from 2016 through 2019. Listen in as Chris recounts this difficult season, what he did to turn the ship around, and what...
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006 - My Panda
Founder and CEO, Tamara Lucas, started a platform to help working moms everywhere (called My Panda). As a non-technical founder of a tech company, however, she has learned A LOT. But one thing is clear - none of her prior experiences were wasted. Every interaction she had in social work and…
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005 - Cloudburst SBC
What does a serial entrepreneur and non-technical founder have to say about starting a software development agency? Listen to Zack Steven recount the 9 years of ups and downs with his venture before hitting his flywheel which launched a number of successful businesses.
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004 - Integrity Inspired Solutions
As a software development agency with an emphasis on Agile development, Integrity Inspired Solutions stands out from the competition by improving the lives of everyone who comes into contact with the software development process, not only the people who want the software, but also the people who...
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003 - Bamboo Software
Michael Harris started his career off in the Investment Banking world before discovering his proclivity and passion for software development. 3 years into building his software development agency, Michael shares his experience in the first days in the business and what he's been learning as he...
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002 - Crema
George Brooks is the creative genius and co-founder of the Kansas City-based design agency, Crema. In this episode, we explore his path to launching and the 15+ years of lessons he has learned running this agency.
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001 - APG Emerging Tech
In our inaugural episode of the DevLaunch podcast, we sat down with Justin Cullifer, co-founder of APG Emerging tech. With 5 years into building this software development agency, listen in as Justin shares about his journey transitioning from management consulting into entrepreneurship, what he...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Dev Launch podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories of the tech industry’s rising stars: Corporate America employees turned tech entrepreneurs.Hear how these folks took a risk in leaving their W2 job to build their enterprise, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what they’re doing to revolutionize the industry, one project at a time.
HOSTED BY
Tony Wilson, CPA, CMA
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The DevLaunch Podcast have?
The DevLaunch Podcast currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The DevLaunch Podcast about?
Welcome to the Dev Launch podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories of the tech industry’s rising stars: Corporate America employees turned tech entrepreneurs.Hear how these folks took a risk in leaving their W2 job to build their enterprise, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what...
How often does The DevLaunch Podcast release new episodes?
The DevLaunch Podcast has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The DevLaunch Podcast?
You can listen to The DevLaunch Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The DevLaunch Podcast?
The DevLaunch Podcast is created and hosted by Tony Wilson, CPA, CMA.
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