Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies

How to Create a Digital Brain for Your Agency and Scale Smarter with Shawn Johnston | Ep #807

Jun 25, 2025
Shawn Johnston, owner of Forge and Smith, a Vancouver web agency, shares his journey from print designer to agency founder. He discusses the importance of documenting processes for smooth operations and scaling. Shawn reveals how AI can create a 'digital brain' for agencies, empowering teams and eliminating bottlenecks. He also focuses on optimizing tasks for greater profitability and the value of shifting to value-based pricing, providing actionable tips for agency owners seeking to create more freedom in their work.
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ANECDOTE

Shawn's Transition to Web Agency

  • Shawn Johnston transitioned from print design to web development by teaching himself to code after hearing debate over CSS.
  • His freelancing quickly grew, turning a hobby into a strategic web agency over 13 years.
ANECDOTE

Craigslist Hustle During 2008 Crash

  • Shawn hustled on Craigslist during the 2008 housing collapse, charging about $1,500 for small WordPress sites.
  • He quickly realized he was making more freelancing than at his day job, prompting him to go all in.
ADVICE

Document Processes and Why

  • Document your entire process from start to finish to manage projects and define responsibility clearly.
  • Codify the "why" behind your work to empower decision-making and ensure consistent culture across your team.
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