

The Agency Profit Podcast
Parakeeto, Marcel Petitpas
Welcome to the Agency Profit Podcast hosted by Marcel Petitpas, CEO and Co-Founder of Parakeeto.
Finally, an agency podcast that isn't JUST about getting more clients.
On the show, we bring in experts, agency owners and consultants to share their actionable tips for improving profitability and operational efficiency.
Here, you'll learn what systems to implement in your business, what kind of KPI's to track, and benchmarks to aim for. How to manage things like capacity, utilization, billing rates, processes and procedures, what tools to use, mistakes to avoid and so, so much more.
If you're tired of putting out fires, working long hours, and growing revenue but not profits, you're in the right place.
Finally, an agency podcast that isn't JUST about getting more clients.
On the show, we bring in experts, agency owners and consultants to share their actionable tips for improving profitability and operational efficiency.
Here, you'll learn what systems to implement in your business, what kind of KPI's to track, and benchmarks to aim for. How to manage things like capacity, utilization, billing rates, processes and procedures, what tools to use, mistakes to avoid and so, so much more.
If you're tired of putting out fires, working long hours, and growing revenue but not profits, you're in the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 38min
How to Leverage M&A as a Growth Strategy for Your Agency, With Matt Bodnar
Experienced entrepreneur Matt Bodnar discusses leveraging M&A for agency growth, emphasizing creative deal structures and the independent sponsor model. He shares insights on cross-selling opportunities, roll-up dynamics, and the impact of AI on agency valuations. Matt also highlights the benefits of strategic acquisitions for growth and investment opportunities.

Jun 26, 2024 • 46min
Building a Vibrant Agency Culture, With Nicole Greer
Points of Interest00:01 – 00:58 – Introduction: Marcel Petitpas introduces the episode and guest Nicole Greer, founder and CEO of Build a Vibrant CultureTM.00:59 – 02:14 – Guest Background: Nicole shares her journey and experience, highlighting her work with notable brands like State Farm and The Ohio State University.02:15 – 04:05 – Importance of Culture: Discussion on why culture is crucial for any organization and how it impacts team performance and business success.04:06 – 06:27 – Defining Culture: Marcel and Nicole explore what culture means in a workplace context, emphasizing behaviors, actions, and organizational values.06:28 – 08:11 – Challenges in Building Culture: Common challenges agencies face when trying to build and maintain a positive culture, especially as they grow.08:12 – 10:05 – Introduction to S.H.I.N.E. Coaching MethodologyTM: Nicole introduces her SHINE framework, outlining its five components: Self-Assessment, Habit Work, Integrity Work, Next Right Step Work, and Energy Work.10:06 – 12:22 – Self-Assessment: In-depth discussion on the importance of self-assessment for leaders and how understanding oneself can influence team dynamics.12:23 – 14:11 – Habit Work: Exploring the significance of developing good habits and communication skills within a team.14:12 – 16:20 – Integrity Work: Nicole explains how integrity and accountability play a vital role in maintaining a vibrant culture and why feedback is essential.16:21 – 18:34 – Next Right Step Work: The importance of continuous development and career progression for team members to keep them engaged and motivated.18:35 – 20:01 – Energy Work: Nicole discusses the six types of energy (intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, social, financial) and how leaders can harness these to power their teams effectively.20:02 – 32:15 – Leadership's Role in Culture: Marcel and Nicole delve into the responsibility of leaders in shaping and maintaining culture, practical steps for leaders, the importance of feedback and accountability, and personal stories illustrating the impact of a vibrant culture on organizational success.Show Notes:Connect with Nicole through her profile:Nicole on LinkedInVibrant Culture on LinkedInCharacter Traits ListWebsite: https://vibrantculture.com/Love the Podcast?Leave us a review here.

Jun 12, 2024 • 40min
How to Identify the Right Leadership Style, with Audrey Joy Kwan
Points of Interest00:01 – 00:40 – Introduction: Marcel Petitpas introduces Audrey Joy Kwan, a seasoned leadership coach and agency consultant, discussing her extensive experience in agency leadership development. Audrey shares her transition from law to marketing, leading to a significant career in agency leadership.06:57 – 08:26 – Leadership Styles: Audrey discusses the selection of appropriate leadership styles for different agency scenarios, addressing common misconceptions.10:24 – 12:33 – Practical Example: Audrey provides an example from event management to demonstrate how leadership styles are adapted based on team competencies.14:51 – 16:00 – Leadership Framework: Discussion on a quadrant framework that helps identify appropriate leadership styles based on team member confidence and competence.18:50 – 20:09 – Flexibility in Leadership: Emphasis on the importance of adapting leadership approaches to individual team member needs and project dynamics.22:35 – 24:59 – Assessing Competence and Confidence: Audrey elaborates on methods for assessing team members' skills and confidence to select the most effective leadership style.226:28 – 27:50 – Do’s and Don’ts of Leadership Styles: Marcel and Audrey discuss best practices for implementing each leadership style to maximize effectiveness and team satisfaction.29:46 – 31:33 – Directive Leadership in Depth: Detailed breakdown of how and when to employ directive leadership effectively within an agency setting.31:33 – 33:57 – Coaching and Supporting Styles: Exploration of coaching and supporting leadership styles, including how to empower team members through these approaches.36:00 – 37:23 – Identifying Leadership Missteps: Techniques for identifying when a chosen leadership style isn't working and how to pivot effectively to support team success.38:25 – 39:28 – Building Team Confidence: Strategies for boosting team confidence through gradual increases in responsibility, helping team members grow effectively into their rolesShow NotesFree Live Workshop: https://audreyjoykwan.com/leadershipstylesConnect with Audrey through her profile:IG: https://www.instagram.com/audreyjoykwan/LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwanaudrey/Website: https://audreyjoykwan.com/Marcel’s episode in Audrey’s pod: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast-ep86/Love the Podcast?Leave us a review here.

May 29, 2024 • 45min
How to Design the Perfect Client Experience, with Joey Tackett
Points of Interest00:00 – 05:32 – Opening Discussion: Marcel and Joey highlight the critical role of clear communication and the art of building client relationships in agency settings.05:34 – 08:36 – Joey's Insights: Sharing his journey as an agency owner and creative director, Joey delves into why effective communication is foundational to strong client relationships.08:38 – 12:30 – Trust Building: Marcel and Joey explore the importance of understanding client needs and establishing trust at the start of any client engagement.12:33 – 16:34 – Vision and Communication: Early client meetings focus on clear communication and vision setting to foster trust and understand clients’ needs, as emphasized by Joey.16:36 – 20:34 – Managing Scope Creep: The duo addresses the challenges of scope creep, stressing the need for transparent communication and managing client expectations to prevent project pitfalls.20:37 – 25:22 – Strategic Communication: Joey provides tips and strategies for handling scope creep and managing expectations through effective communication and strategic discussions.25:24 – 30:41 – Extracting Value: Discussion on the importance of deriving high-value context from client meetings to fully grasp their pain points and project objectives.30:44 – 36:32 – Ongoing Engagement: The significance of continuous check-ins and communication to maintain trust and enhance the client experience throughout the project.36:34 – 42:14 – Emotional Engagement: Marcel and Joey talk about managing the emotional journey of client engagements, emphasizing the need to sustain excitement and vision.42:16 – 47:58 – Further Learning: Joey shares additional resources and underscores the importance of genuine human interaction in nurturing client relationships.Show NotesDownload the Think Like Your Client POV Guide here: https://www.joeytackett.com/podcastresourcesWebsite: https://Joeytackett.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeytackett (Feel free to DM!)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativejoey (Feel free to DM!)Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeytackett YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HeyJoeyTackett/videosLove the Podcast?Leave us a review here.

May 15, 2024 • 41min
When, Who, and How to Hire for Success, With Jamie Van Cuyk
Join expert in hiring and onboarding, Jamie Van Cuyk, as she shares insights on the challenges and benefits of effective hiring practices. Learn about profitability through hiring, timing for new hires, financial considerations, and strategies for attracting the right candidates.

May 1, 2024 • 39min
Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing, with Kelly Campbell
Points of Interest00:01 – 00:58 – Introduction: Marcel Petitpas introduces the episode and guest Kelly Campbell, a trauma-informed leadership coach. Discussion about Kelly’s new book, “Heal to Lead,” and their approach to trauma, leadership, and consciousness.01:03 – 01:21 – Kelly Campbell’s Professional Background: Kelly shares their professional journey from owning a digital marketing agency to becoming a trauma-informed leadership coach, focusing on the deeper motivations and fears that impact leaders.03:03 – 04:38 – The Importance of Addressing Trauma in Leadership: Marcel highlights the personal relevance of the discussion on trauma in leadership and its impact on personal development and business effectiveness.04:38 – 07:54 – Impact of Trauma on Leadership Styles: Kelly discusses how both small and large traumas shape leadership styles, personal relationships, and professional environments.18:03 – 19:42 – Personal Reflections on Growth and Impact of Trauma: Marcel reflects on his personal development journey, the impact of pausing growth activities, and the importance of continuous self-awareness.23:15 – 28:37 – Healing and Leadership Coaching Techniques: Kelly provides insights into the modalities and processes they use in their trauma-informed leadership coaching, emphasizing the integration of trauma for enhancing personal and professional growth.37:07 – 38:49 – Conclusion and Book Promotion: Where to find Kelly's book, the significance of supporting independent bookstores, and final thoughts on the necessity of addressing trauma in leadership for better overall effectiveness.Show NotesBook Pre-Order: https://klcampbell.com/heal-to-lead-book/Website: https://klcampbell.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.l.campbellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylcampbell/Substack: https://kellylcampbell.substack.com/Leadership Quiz: https://klcampbell.com/leadership/Healing Resources: https://myhealingmenu.comLove the Podcast?Leave us a review here.

5 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 35min
How to Price, Deliver & Sell Performance-Based Retainers, With Chris Rudolph
Guest Chris Rudolph shares insights on adapting agency pricing with performance-based retainers, navigating industry changes, setting performance fees, conducting client audits, and balancing client satisfaction with agency profitability.

Apr 3, 2024 • 35min
Unlocking Profits with Recurring Services, With Pete Everitt
Join Pete Everitt, a multi-agency owner and coach, as he discusses the evolution of agency models, the importance of providing value over cost-cutting, and the shift towards becoming a trusted advisor for clients. Learn how understanding and solving clients' core problems can lead to better retention and expansion opportunities, ultimately driving business growth through strategic client engagement and recurring revenue models.

Mar 20, 2024 • 37min
Building Systems that Grow with Your Agency, With David Jenyns
David Jenyns, a trailblazer in building business systems, shares his insights on systems thinking. He discusses his journey and the inspiration behind his book, SYSTEMology. The conversation dives into the challenges small businesses face when scaling and the importance of identifying key processes. Jenyns introduces the concept of a systems champion to enhance team culture and discusses practical leadership tips to maintain effective systems. Listeners are encouraged to embrace systemization for sustainable growth and efficiency.

Mar 6, 2024 • 39min
How to Build a 5 Million Dollar Agency, With Michael Wark
Points of Interest00:01 – 00:40 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest: Marcel introduces Michael Wark and his expertise in finance for agencies.00:40-01:00 – Michael’s Background and Passion for Agency Finance: Michael shares his excitement for the topic and his background in financial services.01:00-01:45 – The Role of a Virtual CFO for Agencies: Discussion on how Michael serves as a virtual CFO for agencies worldwide, blending operations with finance.02:10-03:18 – Why Michael Started Trimline and Focus on Agencies: Michael’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, focusing on creative agencies.04:15-05:15 – The Importance of Management Accounting Over Tax Accounting: Insights on how focusing on management accounting can better support growth and strategic decision-making.05:15-06:41 – Stages of Agency Growth Towards $5 Million: Michael discusses the growth stages agencies face on their way to $5 million and beyond.06:59-08:00 – Common Financial Pitfalls for New Clients: Challenges new clients face, such as mixing personal and business finances.10:38-11:29 – Restructuring P&L for Operational Profit: Strategies to clean up the P&L for a true look at operational profit, separating out non-operational expenses.14:03-15:42 – Accrual Accounting in Agencies: The complexity of accrual accounting for agencies and the importance of accurate revenue recognition.19:19-22:08 – Investing for Growth and Understanding Unit Economics: The investment mindset required for sustainable growth and the significance of understanding unit economics.33:11-37:02 – Building Real Value and Preparing for Exit: Focusing on building a business that’s attractive to buyers by systemizing operations and documenting processes.Show NotesLink to E-book: https://jo.my/qr/trimline-growthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wark-18627628/Website: https://trimline.co/