Beyond the Creative: The Raw Reality of Running an Agency Solo

In this episode of Creative Outcomes, Craig Baldwin sits down with Prentice Howe, owner of Door No. 3, for a candid conversation about the realities of running a creative agency.

Prentice shares a pivotal moment in his career - sneaking into his own office at midnight to steal his own financial records - that became a turning point in how he approached business leadership.

From his transition from award-winning creative director to agency owner, Prentice reveals the challenges of managing a team, maintaining motivation, and staying true to your values even when it means walking away from money.

This conversation tackles:

0:00 - Introduction and background

13:35 - The financial breaking point that changed everything

17:20 - Building and empowering a leadership team

21:50 - Maintaining motivation after a decade of ownership

30:10 - Embracing AI in the agency model

36:15 - The value of outside perspective

40:25 - Standing by your values when money is on the line

If you're an agency owner or creative leader feeling the weight of responsibility, this conversation offers both practical insights and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in your struggles.

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