The Sheer Growth Podcast Season 1

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, one of America's leading higher education marketing agencies specializing in community and technical colleges.Cheryl shares her journey from working as a community college marketing director to launching her own agency during the pandemic. What started with two clients quickly grew into a national agency serving more than 150 community colleges across the United States.The conversation explores the unique challenges of higher education marketing, the changing landscape of student recruitment, AI adoption in agencies, and why specialization can outperform even the largest global agencies.We cover:• How Cheryl launched GradComm during the pandemic• Growing from 2 clients to 150+ colleges nationwide• Why community colleges face unique marketing challenges• The rise of larger agencies entering the higher education market• How GradComm maintains a 90% client retention rate• The importance of client experience in agency growth• Why storytelling matters more than ever• How AI is transforming agency operations• Building custom GPT tools for colleges• The future of student recruitment and enrolment marketing• The demographic cliff facing higher education• Why niche expertise often beats generalist agencies• How colleges are adapting to changing student needsIf you're an agency owner, marketer, consultant, education leader, or entrepreneur looking to build a highly specialized business, this episode offers valuable lessons on growth, positioning, client retention, and innovation.🎙️ About Cheryl BroomCheryl Broom is the Founder and CEO of GradComm, a higher education marketing agency specializing in community and technical colleges.Before founding GradComm, Cheryl spent over a decade working inside community colleges as a marketing leader. Since launching the agency in 2020, GradComm has supported more than 150 colleges nationwide through branding, enrollment marketing, media buying, strategic communications, AI implementation, and institutional growth initiatives.GradComm specializes in: • Community College Marketing • Higher Education Branding • Enrollment Marketing • Media Buying & Advertising • Strategic Communications • AI Solutions for Colleges • Program Launch Campaigns • Rebranding & Naming Projects • Student Recruitment Strategies🌐 Website: https://www.gradcomm.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylbroom/⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and innovators discussing growth, AI, leadership, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Sam Anderson, founder of Enso Media Firm, to discuss entrepreneurship, agency growth, podcasting, AI, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.Sam shares his journey from working in the mental health field to becoming a serial entrepreneur and building an agency that has now operated successfully for more than 11 years.The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, why most people quit too early, how podcasting became one of his most effective client acquisition channels, and why AI is creating opportunities rather than replacing businesses.We cover:• How Sam transitioned from mental health services into entrepreneurship• Why Enso Media Firm was created• Building an agency around value instead of selling• How podcasting became a powerful business development tool• Why relationships still outperform cold selling• The importance of systems and operational efficiency• How AI is transforming agency operations• Why most entrepreneurs fail within the first few years• Building the right team and putting people in the right roles• Why consistency matters more than talent• The future of marketing agencies in an AI-driven worldIf you're an agency owner, entrepreneur, marketer, founder, or business leader looking to grow sustainably while adapting to new technologies, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.🎙️ About Sam AndersonSam Anderson is the founder of Enso Media Firm, a performance-focused marketing agency specializing in helping businesses grow through strategic content, social media marketing, video production, influencer marketing, podcasting, and targeted advertising.Before entering the marketing industry, Sam spent over a decade in the mental health field before launching multiple businesses and eventually building Enso Media Firm into a successful agency serving clients across industries.The agency specializes in:• Social Media Marketing• Video Marketing• Influencer Marketing• Podcast Production• Photography• Paid Advertising• Brand Growth Strategy🎙️ Podcast: You Can't Afford Me🌐 Website: https://ensomediafirm.com📱 Follow Sam: @MrPrenuer⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing growth, AI, leadership, systems, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Automate repetitive tasks• Scale without increasing overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Gayle Kalvert, founder and CEO of Creo Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a modern B2B marketing agency.Gayle shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in New York to unexpectedly becoming a founder after being laid off, and how that experience shaped the way she built her agency culture today.The conversation dives deep into agency growth, AI, outsourcing, profitability, hiring, client relationships, and the realities of running a service-based business in 2026.We cover:How Gayle transitioned from corporate life into entrepreneurshipWhy traditional agencies often fail their peopleThe importance of building a healthy agency cultureHow Creo Collective uses a hybrid freelance modelWhy subject matter expertise still matters in the AI eraHow AI is transforming agency operations and workflowsWhy profitability matters more than revenueThe challenges of pipeline generation and agency growthHow outsourced talent in the Philippines helped scale the businessWhy authenticity and transparency matter in leadershipIf you’re an agency owner, marketer, founder, or freelancer trying to grow a sustainable business in today’s AI-driven world, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical lessons.⸻🎙️ About Gayle KalvertGayle Kalvert is the founder and CEO of Creo Collective, a B2B growth marketing agency focused on helping ambitious tech brands scale through strategic marketing and execution.Creo Collective works with B2B technology companies by combining experienced marketing talent with flexible, scalable delivery models.The agency specializes in:• B2B growth marketing• Content and copywriting• Partner marketing• Event marketing• Strategic marketing operations• Demand generation• Fractional marketing supportGayle is also the host of the podcast Work In Progress, where she shares honest conversations around entrepreneurship, growth, work, and life.🌐 Website: https://gaylekalvert.com🌐 Creo Collective: https://www.creocollective.io🎙️ Marketing In Progress Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/marketing-in-progress/id1811403680LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/⸻⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.⸻🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Jim Harenchar, CEO of Response Marketing Group, to explore how data, analytics, and customer insight can turn marketing into measurable growth.Response Marketing Group is a data-driven marketing and analytics firm with nearly 40 years of experience helping brands improve acquisition, retention, cross-selling, attribution, and performance accountability.Jim shares how RMG evolved from the early days of direct mail and telemarketing into a modern analytics-led business helping clients understand not just who their customers are, but how to engage them more intelligently.We cover:• How Response Marketing Group has lasted nearly 40 years• Why data is still the foundation of effective marketing• How segmentation and predictive modelling improve performance• Why attribution matters more than ever• How brands can use data even without a large CRM• Why client relationships and retention drive long-term agency growth• How AI is changing analytics, modelling, and campaign execution• The future of RMG’s growth model in 2026If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder looking to make marketing more accountable, this episode is packed with valuable insight.00:00 – Introduction00:42 – Jim’s background and RMG’s 40-year journey02:15 – How RMG started with direct mail and telemarketing03:45 – Using data to identify and target better customers05:20 – How marketing has evolved across channels06:50 – Working with clients at different sophistication levels08:30 – Why ROI matters at every budget level10:00 – What RMG does differently12:15 – Making campaigns more targeted and accountable14:00 – How RMG generates growth and referrals16:00 – The challenge of awareness as a boutique firm18:15 – Building relationships beyond transactional marketing20:30 – How AI is changing data and analytics23:00 – From seven-day modelling to seven-minute modelling25:00 – The risks and opportunities of AI creative27:00 – RMG’s growth vision for 202629:30 – SaaS model vs managed services31:30 – Where to find Jim and Response Marketing Group⸻🎙️ About Jim HarencharJim Harenchar is the CEO of Response Marketing Group, a data-driven marketing and analytics firm focused on helping brands turn customer insight into measurable growth.RMG helps clients with:• Customer segmentation• Predictive modelling• Attribution• Performance accountability• Campaign optimisation• Data-led growth strategyWebsite:https://www.rmg-usa.comYouTube:Search “Response Marketing Group” or “RMG USA”⸻⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.⸻🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overheadWebsite:https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Marissa Roper, founder of M. Riley Marketing, to talk about what it really takes to build a boutique marketing agency in today’s fast-changing digital world.Marissa shares her journey from Intel to agency life, how burnout pushed her to build her own business, and why she chose a high-touch, boutique model over the traditional volume-driven agency approach.We cover:• Why Marissa left the agency world to build M. Riley Marketing• The problems with outdated agency processes and poor client service• How she balanced a full-time job while launching her business• Why boutique agencies can win by staying close to the client• The power of brand storytelling and authentic content• Why video and reels continue to outperform static content• How AI is helping marketers work faster without replacing strategy• The importance of delegation, systems, and growing the right team• Marissa’s goals for scaling the business in 2026If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder trying to grow without losing quality, this conversation is packed with valuable insight.⸻🎙️ About Marissa RoperMarissa Roper is the founder of M. Riley Marketing, a digital marketing consultancy based in Scottsdale, Arizona.M. Riley Marketing helps businesses grow their online presence through:• Social media management• Content creation• Paid ads• SEO• Website builds and management• Email marketing• Brand strategyMarissa combines paid media, storytelling, and strategic execution to help brands show up more authentically and effectively online.🌐 Website:http://www.mrileymarketing.com📄 Services:https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/poplco.appspot.com/o/42957811711-file-1765484390659905962.pdf?alt=media📝 Service Request Form:https://form.jotform.com/231876460652158?fbclid=IwY2xjawESR-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHae-d5lz_yPC1vTu46v8XlY80tB_h8cRiMAEGuT2rETXReDsFY9hmDJ2xQ_aem_4PiPnzS35b6-9p77oKJFUg🔗 More Links:https://popl.co/card/GdHcKxlZ/1/sLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaroper/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/M-Riley-Marketing/100095197162886/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/m.riley.marketing/⸻⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.⸻🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, host James Sheerin sits down with Mike Barron, Founder of Ikon Digital Media, a fast-growing affiliate and creator marketing agency helping brands unlock scalable revenue through performance-driven partnerships.With over 20 years in sales and business development, Mike shares how he built Ikon Digital Media from the ground up and why affiliate marketing is becoming one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) growth channels in eCommerce today.We dive into:💡 How affiliate marketing can drive 20–30% of DTC revenue💡 Why affiliate is shifting from conversion to discovery💡 The evolution of Amazon’s affiliate ecosystem💡 How to build and scale an agency from scratch💡 The biggest challenges founders face in the early stages💡 Why client retention is the #1 KPI for agency growth💡 How AI is reshaping affiliate and creator marketing💡 Mike’s approach to outbound and client acquisitionWhether you run an agency, an eCommerce brand, or you're exploring affiliate marketing, this episode gives you a clear, practical breakdown of what’s working right now.⸻🎙️ About Mike BarronMike Barron is the Founder of Ikon Digital Media, a full-service affiliate and creator marketing agency specialising in managing performance-driven ecosystems for DTC and Amazon brands.With a background in scaling large affiliate businesses, Mike brings deep expertise in business development, partnerships, and performance marketing.Connect with Mike:🔗 Website: https://ikondigitalmedia.com  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-barron-53385540/⸻⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastSmart conversations to help your agency grow faster.Hosted by James Sheerin, this podcast features agency founders, operators, and leaders sharing real insights on growth, client acquisition, and the future of marketing in the age of AI.🔗 Connect with James:https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sheerin  📩 Subscribe for weekly episodes:https://youtube.com/@TheSheerGrowthPodcast  ⸻🚀 Powered by Sheer AIHelping agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help agencies:• Generate predictable leads• Improve ROI with smarter systems• Replace tools with AI workflows• Scale without increasing overheadLearn more:🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com/

Bussey, founder of Impact Creative, to unpack how branding, digital marketing, and AI-driven strategy are reshaping the future of creative agencies.Melody shares her journey from educator to creative strategist, how she built a business around storytelling and brand clarity, and why the real opportunity with AI is not replacing creativity but enhancing it.We cover:Why AI should be used as a tool, not a replacementHow creative agencies can stay relevant in a crowded marketThe danger of commoditised creativityWhy outcomes matter more than deliverablesHow branding, digital strategy, and AI can work togetherWhat clients still misunderstand about AI and creative workWhy small businesses need accessible, strategic marketingEmerging opportunities like CTV and smarter campaign executionIf you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder trying to balance creativity with performance, this episode is packed with practical insight.🎙️ About Melody BusseyMelody Bussey is the founder of Impact Creative, a business that combines branding, digital marketing, and AI-driven strategy to build brands that connect, convert, and grow.Impact Creative bridges the gap between creative storytelling and measurable results — because marketing should look good and work hard.What Impact Creative does:• Brand Strategy & Visual Identity• Digital Marketing Campaigns (Social, Email, Web, CTV/OTT)• AI-Enhanced Marketing & Analytics• Website and Funnel DevelopmentAfter years in creative strategy and brand development, Melody’s philosophy is simple: a logo isn’t a brand, it’s a starting line. A real brand has clarity, voice, and a plan.🌐 Website:https://impactcreatively.com🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodybussey/⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with agency founders, marketers, and business leaders navigating growth in the age of AI.Hosted by James Sheerin.⸻At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com/🚀 Powered by Sheer AI

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Joe Goetz, the President and Founder of Winning Strategy Group—a specialized marketing and fundraising agency dedicated to helping right-of-center, conservative, and Republican clients achieve their organizational goals.Joe shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a multi-generational family kosher deli in New York to navigating the intense world of political campaigns, data-driven fundraising, and digital marketing. The conversation explores the mechanics of the United States' two-party system, how right-leaning non-profits (C3s and C4s) legally shape public policy, and why hyper-targeted direct response marketing is critical to sustaining modern political movements.We Cover:Joe’s journey from a multi-generational family kosher deli in New York to political marketing.The structural realities and challenges of marketing within a strict two-party system.How right-of-center non-profits (C3s and C4s) legally leverage fundraising to influence public policy.Direct response marketing secrets that convert casual followers into long-term, loyal donors.Managing and scaling a specialized agency while balancing ideological alignment with business operations.The importance of clean data hygiene and donor list retention in modern digital campaigns.Lessons in entrepreneurial grit and business endurance passed down through four generations.🎙️ About Joe GoetzJoe Goetz, CFRE, is the President and Founder of Winning Strategy Group, a marketing and fundraising agency that specializes in helping right-of-center, conservative, and Republican clients achieve their organizational goals. With a background deeply rooted in his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong passion for political strategy, Joe has built a practice focused on data-driven marketing, donor stewardship, and effective advocacy.Areas of Expertise:Political Fundraising StrategyDigital Marketing & Direct ResponseDonor Retention & StewardshipNon-Profit (C3/C4) OperationsPolitical Advocacy & CommunicationsAgency Leadership & Scaling⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, entrepreneurs, and agency leaders discussing growth, AI, marketing, business strategy, and the future of work.Hosted by James Sheerin.🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:Build predictable lead generation systemsImprove campaign ROIReplace unnecessary tools with smarter workflowsScale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Courtney Schwal, founder of Social Script, advertising strategist, copywriter, and author of You Are The Sum Of Your Last Two Moves.Courtney shares how she transitioned from music therapy into entrepreneurship, how AI reshaped her business model, and why creative thinking remains one of the most valuable skills in today's rapidly evolving marketing landscape.The conversation explores AI, copywriting, Meta advertising, entrepreneurship, creativity, marketing strategy, ethical branding, and the future of service-based businesses.We Cover:Courtney's journey from music therapy to entrepreneurshipHow AI changed the copywriting industryWhy creativity is becoming more valuable than executionUsing ChatGPT and Claude as business toolsHow Meta advertising is evolvingThe importance of messaging and positioningWhy many agencies are making costly AI mistakesBuilding ethical brands in a crowded marketplaceThe future of consulting and coaching businessesHow AI can help entrepreneurs scale fasterIf you're a marketer, agency owner, entrepreneur, consultant, or creator trying to navigate the AI revolution, this episode offers practical insights on how to adapt and thrive.🎙️ About Courtney SchwalCourtney Schwal is the founder of Social Script, a marketing strategist specializing in Meta advertising, copywriting, messaging, and brand positioning.She works primarily with ethical and non-toxic brands, helping them grow through stronger messaging, better advertising, and authentic brand storytelling.Courtney is also the author of:You Are The Sum Of Your Last Two MovesA book focused on helping entrepreneurs identify, leverage, and multiply their existing skills to create new opportunities in business and life.Areas of Expertise:• Meta Advertising• Copywriting• Brand Messaging• AI-Powered Marketing• Marketing Strategy• Entrepreneur Coaching• Ethical Brand Growth⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, entrepreneurs, and agency leaders discussing growth, AI, marketing, business strategy, and the future of work.Hosted by James Sheerin.🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Anosh Fazwani, founder of Ignite Marketing, to discuss his journey from corporate marketing roles to building a successful agency serving small and medium-sized businesses.After being laid off twice during his corporate career, Anosh saw an opportunity to help businesses that needed expert marketing support but couldn't justify hiring full-time in-house teams.The conversation explores agency growth, lead generation, SEO, paid advertising, entrepreneurship, client acquisition, and the realities of running a marketing agency in today's competitive landscape.If you're an agency owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to improve lead generation and grow sustainably, this episode is packed with practical insights and lessons learned from eight years of agency ownership.We Cover:How Anosh transitioned from employee to agency ownerWhy being laid off became a turning pointBuilding Ignite Marketing from the ground upThe evolution from SEO services to lead generationFacebook Ads and Google Ads strategiesHow agencies can better serve small businessesClient acquisition and agency growth lessonsEntrepreneurship, resilience, and long-term successThe challenges of scaling a marketing businessWhat founders should focus on in 2026🎙️ About Anosh FazwaniAnosh Fazwani is the founder of Ignite Marketing, a Dallas-based marketing agency specializing in lead generation, paid advertising, and digital marketing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.After building his career in corporate marketing, Anosh launched Ignite Marketing to help companies access high-quality marketing services without the cost of a full in-house team.Areas of Expertise:• Lead Generation• Google Ads• Facebook & Instagram Advertising• SEO• Digital Marketing Strategy• Small Business Growth• Marketing Consulting⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing growth, AI, sales, marketing, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows• Scale without bloated overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Brandi Sims, founder of Brand Inc. PR, to discuss what it takes to build and grow a modern public relations and communications agency.Drawing from more than 15 years of experience in communications, Brandi shares insights into agency growth, brand positioning, media relations, client success, and how PR continues to evolve in today's digital and AI-driven landscape.The conversation explores the realities of agency ownership, building long-term client relationships, creating meaningful brand visibility, and why trust remains one of the most valuable assets any business can build.We cover:• Brandi's journey into public relations and communications• Building and scaling Brand Inc. PR• The importance of strategic communications• How PR impacts business growth• Media relations and brand visibility• Agency leadership and client management• The changing role of PR in the digital age• How AI is influencing communications and marketing• Building credibility and trust with audiences• Lessons learned from 15 years in the industryIf you're a founder, marketer, agency owner, or business leader looking to improve your brand presence and communication strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.⸻🎙️ About Brandi SimsBrandi Sims is the founder of Brand Inc. PR, a communications and public relations agency helping businesses strengthen their brands, build credibility, and increase visibility through strategic communications and media relations.With more than 15 years of experience in public relations, branding, and communications, Brandi has helped organizations develop impactful messaging, build strong reputations, and connect with their audiences more effectively.⸻⭐ About The Sheer Growth PodcastThe Sheer Growth Podcast features conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing growth, AI, leadership, marketing, and the future of business.Hosted by James Sheerin.⸻🚀 Powered by Sheer AIAt Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition.We help marketing and advertising agencies:• Build predictable lead generation systems• Improve campaign ROI• Automate repetitive processes• Scale without increasing overhead🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com