How to Scale an 8 Figure Agency 🚀

Jordan Ross
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Jan 26, 2026 • 24min

AI for Agency Growth: Building a Marketing Holding Company with Automation & Diversification

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Jason Shafton, founder of Winston Francois, to unpack how to build a modern marketing agency holding company in the age of AI. From automating agency operations to diversifying revenue through holding structures, they break down what it takes to lead in a world where AI is no longer optional — it's the new baseline.Jason shares how he went from leading growth at Google to building a future-ready consultancy using AI-powered systems, automation strategies, and multi-agency scaling models. If you're a PE-backed founder, agency operator, or just AI-curious, this episode dives into tactical, financial, and strategic shifts needed to stay competitive over the next 3–5 years.Whether you're searching for insights on AI for agency growth, automation in client delivery, or diversification through holding companies, this episode is a blueprint for the next generation of agency leadership.Chapters:Jason Shafton’s Journey: Google to AI ConsultancyEvolving Winston Francois: From Strategy to AutomationMarketing Agency Holding Companies: Structures & DiversificationAI Systems for Operational EfficiencyTactical Upgrades for Agency OpsWhat the Future of Agencies Looks Like in an AI-Driven WorldLong-Term Thinking: Legacy & Financial StrategyTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coReach Jason at :Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshaftonWinston Francois - https://wf.team/podFrank Growth - https://frankgrowth.com
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Jan 19, 2026 • 26min

How AI Is Transforming the Modern Advertising Agency: Automations, MCP Systems & the Future of Media Buying

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Andy Sulhoff, founder of Lodestone Collective, to break down how custom AI systems (not just “vibe-coded” zaps and tools) are becoming the core competitive advantage for performance agencies.Andy shares why he bet early on custom AI development with 8 Figure Agency, how they’re building an internal “AI brain” on top of their data using an MCP server, and how that’s already saving 2–3 hours per client, per week across each pod.They dig into the difference between stacking brittle automations vs. building on a proper data layer, how Lodestone is using AI to power Slack-based reporting, Google Ads performance monitoring, discussion guides, and follow-up workflows, and why Andy believes agencies only have a 1–3 year window to build real IP before the market catches up.If you run a digital marketing or media-buying agency and you’re serious about capacity, margins, and defensible IP going into 2027–2028, this is the blueprint.Chapters & Timestamps— Why Custom AI Will Decide Which Agencies Survive— What Lodestone Collective Does & Why AI Was a No-Brainer— Vibe-Coded AI vs. Real Data Foundations— Capacity, Not Just Productivity: Handling 50 Clients Instead of 15— Inside Lodestone’s AI-Powered Reporting & Slack Performance Hub— Profit, Flexibility, and Keeping Talent Happy— The AI Product Roadmap: Reporting, SEO, CRO & Conversion Gains— People, Process, (Silent) IP: Building a Real Moat With AI— The Innovator’s Curve & Why Waiting Is Dangerous— Final Advice & Where to Find AndyTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coReach Andy on - https://golodestone.com/
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Jan 12, 2026 • 24min

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/
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Jan 6, 2026 • 21min

How to Scale a Marketing Agency Without Losing Quality: Workflow Systems That Actually Work

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Mark Mei, founder of DAHAS Digital, to break down one of the hardest challenges in scaling an agency — maintaining quality while growing fast.They unpack why quality tends to drop as agencies expand, how leaders can structure workflows for accountability, and what systems help ensure client satisfaction at scale. Mark shares how his team at DAHAS Digital uses layered QA checks, feedback loops, and clear ownership across each stage of client work to maintain excellence without slowing down growth.Whether you’re leading a 5-person boutique or managing a 50-person team, this episode gives you a roadmap for building operational resilience without losing creative edge or client trust.🕒 Chapters– Introduction to Mark Mei and DAHAS Digital – Ad Spend and Marketing Funnel Insights – Future Plans and Aspirations – The Biggest Challenge: Maintaining Quality as You Scale – Building a Workflow Where Everyone Owns QA – Creating Feedback Loops and Training for Quality – Why Quality Assurance Protects Client Retention – The Client-Centric Growth Mindset – Closing Thoughts and Key LessonsTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coTo reach Mark Mei go to www.dahausdigital.com
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Dec 29, 2025 • 18min

End-of-Year Recap, Rebuilding After Loss, and Why We Rebranded Into the World’s First AI Consulting Firm for Marketing Agencies

In this end-of-year recap episode, I break down one of the most intense and defining years of my life and business.I cover the lessons learned from losing my home, what that experience forced me to reevaluate about life and business, and why it accelerated a full rebrand of our agency into what we believe will become the world’s leading AI consulting firm for agencies.I also share early details about our 2026 live event, what it’s designed to solve for agency owners, and why the next phase of agency growth will be driven by AI, systems, and leverage—not more people, more clients, or more chaos.This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and where agencies must evolve next.What We Cover in This EpisodeMy honest end-of-year business and life recapWhat losing my home taught me about risk, leverage, and prioritiesWhy adversity forced a faster, clearer rebrandThe decision to reposition into AI consulting for agenciesHow AI will change agency operations, margins, and team structureWhy most agencies will fall behind in the next 12–24 monthsThe vision and intent behind our 2026 live eventWhat agency owners actually need now (and what they don’t)Building a business that survives chaos, shocks, and volatility
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Dec 22, 2025 • 14min

How Marketing Agencies Can Use AI to Boost Valuation & Prepare for M&A

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross dives into the transformative role of AI in determining company valuation, especially for marketing agencies. Drawing on insights from a leading M&A broker, Jordan explains why agencies without AI capabilities risk lower market value and how technology is reshaping mergers and acquisitions in the marketing sector.Key topics include the impact of AI on profit margins, client list valuation, investor interest, and M&A activity. If you own or plan to sell a marketing agency, understanding AI isn’t optional—it’s critical for growth and exit strategies.⏱ Chapters: – Introduction to AI in Agency Operations – The Importance of AI for Business Valuation – How AI Affects Profit Margins – M&A Brokers’ Perspective on AI Capabilities – The Role of Client Lists in Acquisitions – Future Trends in Marketing Agency Valuation – AI as a Must-Have for Growth and Exit StrategiesTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co
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Dec 15, 2025 • 26min

How to Use AI to Maximize Your Agency Valuation: Boost EBITDA, Increase Multiples & Build a Sellable Digital Business

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Todd Taskey to unpack what really drives the value of a digital marketing agency when it’s time to sell. They explore how AI, tech enablement, and recurring revenue models are reshaping business valuations and exit strategies. Todd breaks down the financial levers like EBITDA, buyer types, and strategic acquisitions that can dramatically affect an agency’s sale price. Whether you’re preparing for a near-term exit or planning long-term growth, this episode offers a roadmap to positioning your agency for maximum value in a rapidly evolving market.ChaptersIntroduction to Business ValuationMarket Trends and Valuation MultiplesThe Impact of AI on Agency ValuationStrategic Acquisitions and Market PositioningRevenue and Retention as Key MetricsNavigating the Future of Agency GrowthThe Role of Strategic BuyersConclusion and ResourcesTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coTo reach out to Todd go to www.towerpartners.comTo listen to Todd go to SecondBitePodcast.com
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Dec 11, 2025 • 25min

AI Cold Caller & Call Agent Secrets: Automating Lead Generation for Digital Marketing Agencies

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with Brandon Parker to explore how AI is reshaping business operations, with a special focus on lead generation, automation, and operational efficiency. Brandon shares the behind-the-scenes story of building Land AI, a conversational AI that pre-qualifies leads and dramatically improves conversion rates and workflow efficiency for agencies and sales teams.They break down what it takes to bring an AI product from concept to market, the role of quality assurance and iteration in scaling effectively, and how early adopters of AI can gain an unbeatable competitive edge. The conversation wraps with a live demo of Land AI in action — showing firsthand how conversational AI can automate and optimize client acquisition.Whether you’re a digital marketing agency owner, startup founder, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to practically apply AI to grow your business faster and smarter.Chapters:– The AI Revolution in Business– Building Land AI: The Journey– Quality Assurance and Iteration– Competitive Advantages in the AI Landscape– Live Demo of AI in ActionTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co
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Dec 1, 2025 • 16min

How to Build an AI Marketing Agency: Future-Proof Systems, Automation & Scalable Growth

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross delivers a direct and timely message to digital marketing and SEO agency owners: adapt to AI now—or risk becoming obsolete.Jordan opens up about his own experiences balancing parenthood and leadership, using them as a lens to explore how businesses must evolve with the times. He dives deep into how AI development services are reshaping the industry, why tech-enabled agencies are pulling ahead, and how efficiency through automation is becoming the new competitive edge.Drawing parallels between today’s AI boom and the dot-com revolution, Jordan warns that those who fail to adapt will face the same fate as agencies that ignored the internet two decades ago.This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for agency owners who want to stay relevant, scale smarter, and lead the next generation of digital innovation.Chapters: — The Urgency of Adapting to AI — Balancing Parenthood and Business Growth — The Evolution of AI Development Services — The Competitive Edge for SEO Agencies — Building Tech-Enabled Services — Efficiency and Automation in the AI Era — The AI Revolution and What Comes NextTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co
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Nov 24, 2025 • 10min

6 Steps to Reclaim 10+ Hours a Week with the Wedge Process

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross, founder of 8-Figure Agency Growth Consultancy, breaks down the Wedge Process — a practical six-step framework that helps agency owners and founders reclaim 10+ hours of their week.If your business falls apart when you step away, this episode is your blueprint to building systems, delegating effectively, and automating what keeps you stuck in the weeds. Sean shares the exact tools, frameworks, and AI workflows he’s used to help hundreds of entrepreneurs transition from operator to true CEO.You’ll learn how to track your time, identify what to stop, automate, or delegate, and create SOPs using ChatGPT — so your business can finally work without you.⏱️ Chapters– If your business breaks without you, it’s a liability – Introduction to the Wedge Process – Step 1: Track your time using Toggl – Step 2: Apply the S.A.D. Framework (Stop, Automate, Delegate)– Step 3: Aggregate your training using Loom & Fireflies – Step 4: Use GPT to build SOPs & job descriptions – Step 5: Hire with role clarity – Step 6: Delegate & create visibility with checklists – Reinvest your reclaimed time to scale – Outro: Build a business that works without youTo learn more go to 8figureagency.co

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