The Deep Specialization™️ Podcast

Struggling to scale your agency and get ahead of your competition? In this episode, Corey welcomes Jacob Baadsgaard, Founder and CEO of Disruptive Advertising and Disruptive University, to break down his strategies for building and scaling a high-performing marketing agency. Jake shares how a strong sales strategy, smarter hiring practices, and a greater focus on clients helped Disruptive Advertising become a leading agency in the marketing world. Stop wasting your budget on strategies that aren’t working. If you want to scale smarter and achieve sustainable growth, get ready to take notes! Episode Highlights: - Grow Your Agency Sustainably: Inbound marketing strategies that fuel sustainable growth - Niching Down: The biggest pitfalls of expanding service offerings—and how to avoid them - Hiring Strategies: Why hiring for adaptability beats hiring for experience - Managing Client Success: Why account managers are powerful drivers of client success - Lead With Purpose: How defining your "why" leads to purpose-driven leadership - Beat the Competition: How to leverage data to give your agency a competitive edge   Key Insights: - Use Data to Make Choices: Data-driven decision-making is crucial for making informed, effective marketing choices that drive agency growth. - Hire for Adaptability: Hiring for drive over experience allows you to build a more adaptable team that can grow with your agency. - Relationships, Retention, Referrals: Strategic client relationships built on trust and understanding lead to better retention and more referrals. - Know Your “Why”: Knowing your agency’s purpose keeps everyone aligned with your vision, fueling motivation and long-term success.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Become the go-to authority in your perfect vertical market - Corey’s 3-Month Intensive Program: http://coreyquinn.com/dsa - Check out Disruptive University: https://www.disruptiveuniversity.com - Check out Disruptive Advertising: https://disruptiveadvertising.com - Connect with Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakebaadsgaard   👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

In this episode, Corey chats with Brandon Wheeler, Founder/President at Marketing Six, about how he helped build Scorpion into a dominant force in legal marketing before stepping away to forge his own path. Brandon shares the lessons he learned scaling a niche agency, the challenges of hiring and leading a sales team, and the strategies that drive long-term client relationships. He also opens up about balancing work and family and why true success goes beyond financial gain. If you want to grow a specialized agency, build strong client relationships, and create a business with real impact, tune in. Episode Highlights: - Scaling Scorpion: How Brandon co-founded and scaled Scorpion into a leading legal marketing agency - Building a Sales Team: The biggest challenges of hiring, training, and managing a high-performing sales team - How to Create Impact: The mindset shift that took Brandon from feeling unfulfilled to making a real impact - Growth Strategies: Why client relationships and trust are the key to long-term agency growth - Finding Alignment: How agency owners can align their business with purpose and long-term vision - Work Life Balance: Strategies for balancing agency growth with personal well-being and family life   Key Insights: - Specialization Drives Growth: Scorpion’s success stemmed from focusing on a niche market (attorneys), proving that serving a well-funded, specific industry can accelerate agency growth. - The Right Business Partner is Critical: Choosing a fully committed partner, not just someone involved, can make the difference between scaling successfully and struggling with misalignment. - Client Intake Can Make or Break Success: A well-optimized intake process is essential for converting leads into high-value clients and ensuring marketing efforts translate into real results. - Take the Leap! There’s Nothing Stopping You: Scaling an agency is daunting, but the biggest barrier is often hesitation—start creating your vision and take action.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Become the go-to authority in your perfect vertical market - Corey’s 3-Month Intensive Program: http://coreyquinn.com/dsa - Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wingmanbrandon - Check out : Marketing Six: https://marketingsix.com - Follow Marketing Six on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingsix - Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketing.six - Check out Scorpion: https://www.scorpion.co 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

Sick of burning out with little growth to show for it? In this episode, Corey welcomes Steve Guberman, an agency coach and Founder of Agency Outsight, to find out what it takes to build and scale a sustainable, thriving agency without burning out. Steve shares wisdom from his journey through the agency world and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, specialization, and long-term success. From niching down to leveraging AI and mastering delegation, Steve breaks down the strategies agency owners need to move from reactive to proactive - and achieve an ROI that reflects that transformation. Episode Highlights: - How Specialization Drives Agency Growth: Why niching down leads to higher profits and long-term success - Avoiding Burnout as an Agency Owner: How to use creative outlets and mindset shifts to stay energized - AI in Agency Operations: How artificial intelligence is changing the way agencies scale and streamline processes - Mastering Delegation & Leadership: Proven strategies to build a strong team and step out of day-to-day operations - Setting Goals That Actually Work: How to align personal values with business objectives for sustainable growth - Proactive vs. Reactive Agency Management: The key to staying ahead and avoiding common scaling pitfalls   Key Insights: - Specialization Drives Success: Focusing on a niche improves efficiency, profitability, and competitive advantage. - Authentic Goals Lead to Sustainable Growth: Avoiding copycat goals and aligning business objectives with personal values creates long-term fulfillment. - Preventing Burnout is Essential: Creative outlets and regular self-reflection help maintain energy and leadership effectiveness. - Delegation Fuels Scaling: Documenting processes and trusting your team frees up time for strategy and growth. - Proactive Leadership Strengthens Agencies: Clear vision, open communication, and strategic decision-making drive long-term success.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Become the go-to authority in your perfect vertical market - Corey’s 3-Month Intensive Program: http://coreyquinn.com/dsa - Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agencycoach - Check out Agency Outsight: https://www.agencyoutsight.com - Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agencyoutsight - Subscribe to their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@agencyoutsight - Listen to the Agency Bytes Podcast: https://www.agencyoutsight.com/podcast - Join Steve’s monthly mastermind: https://www.agencyoutsight.com/sounding-board 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔 😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

In this episode, Corey chats with Stephen Reinstein, Founder & CEO of Market Muscles, about how he scaled his niche web design agency to serve 700+ martial arts and dance studios. Stephen reveals how he built a customer-centric product tailored to his industry and the strategies behind his success—from leveraging trade shows and joint ventures to hiring for empathy and creating a standout sales experience. If you want to grow a deeply specialized agency and build a product clients love, this episode delivers. Episode Highlights: - How dropping out of high school led Stephen to build a thriving specialized agency - The unconventional strategy that helped Market Muscles land its first clients - Why joint ventures with industry leaders are a game-changing strategy for scaling an agency - The secret to creating a SaaS product that anticipates customer needs before they even ask - How hiring for empathy transformed Market Muscles’ customer support and client retention - The $18,000 lifetime value insight—and why satisfying customers goes beyond just good service - Why your customers will only love your business as much as your employees do—and how to build a company culture that reflects that Key Insights: - Niche Down to Scale Up: The fastest way to grow is by owning a specific market where your expertise and passion give you a competitive edge. - Partnerships Accelerate Growth: Strategic collaborations, from joint ventures to trade shows, can open doors to new clients and opportunities you can’t reach alone. - Solve Problems Before Clients Notice Them: The best digital products anticipate customer needs, making the experience seamless, valuable, and effortless. - Your Team Defines Your Success: A company’s culture shapes its client experience—invest in hiring and supporting the right people, and growth will follow.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Become the go-to authority in your perfect vertical market! Join Corey’s 3-Month Intensive Program: http://coreyquinn.com/dsa - Check out Market Muscles: https://marketmuscles.com - Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-reinstein-1790455a - Follow Stephen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sreinstein - Follow Market Muscles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketmuscles - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sreinstein - “Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow” by Chip Conley: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Great-Companies-Their-Maslow/dp/0787988618 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

Over the years, The Deep SpecializationTM Podcast has featured incredible guests and groundbreaking strategies that have helped thousands of agency owners niche down, specialize, and scale their businesses. Today, we’re showcasing the best of the best—the 3 most popular episodes of all time! These episodes deeply resonated with our audience, delivering timeless insights and actionable advice for agency owners looking to stand out in their industry. This episode is perfect for agency owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to niche down and scale up. Here’s a sneak peak into the Top 3: #1 - Million-Dollar Niches with Ryan Golgosky How did Ryan Golgosky turn a generalist marketing agency into a million-dollar success story? In this episode, Ryan shares his journey from humble beginnings to building 180 Sites—a subscription-based, productized web design company for home services businesses. $115,000 in monthly recurring revenue The power of vertical specialization and resilience Lessons from Ryan’s remarkable rise in the face of life-altering challenges Listen to the full episode: https://www.coreyquinn.com/podcasts/the-deep-specialization-podcast/episodes/2147979399 #2 - Scorpion’s $200M Sales Strategy with Jamie Adams Jamie Adams, Chief Growth Officer at Scorpion, reveals how we scaled from $20M to $200M in just seven years. Discover: The game-changing impact of multi-vertical go-to-market strategies Tips for building an outbound sales culture How breaking into the franchise vertical reshaped Scorpion’s success Listen to the full episode: https://www.coreyquinn.com/podcasts/the-deep-specialization-podcast/episodes/2147858953 #3 - Laser-Focused Positioning with Jonathan Stark Jonathan Stark, a champion of value-based pricing, unveils his secrets to standing out in ANY industry: How to craft a razor-sharp positioning statement The key to solving expensive problems How AI is shaping digital agencies and the future of productized services Listen to the full episode: https://www.coreyquinn.com/podcasts/the-deep-specialization-podcast/episodes/2147946742    👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

In this episode, Corey speaks with Todd Taskey, an investment banker with over 20 years of experience specializing in agency M&A transactions. Todd shares invaluable insights about how modern agency transactions work and why vertical specialization can lead to better valuations and opportunities. Episode Highlights: Why traditional "exit and earn-out" deals are being replaced How vertical specialists often command more attention from buyers than generalist agencies The critical metrics buyers evaluate: retention rates and recurring revenue Why having a sales function is crucial for agency growth and valuation Common financial mistakes that can derail transactions The importance of proper financial reporting and accrual accounting How to prepare your agency for a future transaction Key Insights: Most successful agency transactions today involve getting both cash at close and equity upside in the acquiring company Buyers are increasingly focused on creating an "arc of services" rather than just rolling up similar agencies Agencies with $1M+ EBITDA and strong vertical focus often have more strategic options The "fill in the blank" problem each agency needs to solve beyond just money Why running a "good enough" business may be holding you back Looking to sell your agency and maximize its value but not sure where to start? This episode is a must-listen. The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtaskey  - Check out Potomac Business Capital: https://potomacbusinesscapital.com - Listen to SecondBitePodcast: https://potomacbusinesscapital.com/podcast - Email Todd at Todd@PotomacBusinessCapital.com 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔 😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

Struggling to scale your vertically positioned digital marketing agency? Finding it hard to stand out in a crowded market and attract premium clients? There’s a better way to grow your business - and it starts with building a strong foundation of leadership, culture, and strategy. Join Corey Quinn as he sits down with Jason Hennessey, renowned SEO expert and Founder/CEO of Hennessey Digital, to uncover the secrets to building a thriving agency that stands the test of time. With years of experience in scaling and selling agencies and a proven track record in the legal vertical, Jason offers actionable advice tailored to agency owners looking to level up. You’ll discover: How to create a clear vision and roadmap for your agency's growth The art of differentiation: standing out in a competitive market Leadership techniques for building and motivating a high-performing virtual team Strategies for client acquisition and sales, specifically in niche markets like legal Lessons from Jason’s journey, including how to embrace your "zone of genius" and learn from mistakes Advice for hiring excellent salespeople for your agency (and why Jason failed at this in the beginning)  If you’re ready to transform your vertically-focused agency into a legacy business and take your team to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.   “When we sell, we don’t really hard sell. We educate… and we’re so willing to say no if we’re not a right fit.” - Jason Hennessey   Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders: - Understanding your zone of genius helps in effective delegation. By focusing on what you do best and delegating the rest to capable team members, you can unlock significant growth and efficiency for your agency. - Strong leadership is crucial for scaling your agency and ensuring operational excellence. Hiring the right leaders enables you to focus on strategy and big-picture goals. - Maintaining a strong culture in a virtual environment is essential. A thriving culture transcends physical offices. Creating a cohesive and engaging virtual workplace fosters collaboration and loyalty, even in distributed teams. - Sales strategies should focus on education rather than hard selling. Educating your clients and building trust positions your agency as a knowledgeable and client-first partner, leading to long-term relationships and better outcomes. - A vivid vision provides clarity and direction for your company. Clearly articulating your agency’s long-term vision inspires your team, aligns efforts, and attracts clients who resonate with your mission and values.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Check out Hennessey Digital & Book a FREE 1-hour consultation: https://hennessey.com - Connect with Hennessey Digital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hennesseydigital - Check out Jason’s website: https://www.jasonhennessey.com - Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhennessey - Listen to The Jason Hennessey Podcast: https://www.jasonhennessey.com/podcast - Buy his books, “Law Firm SEO” & “Honest SEO”: https://www.jasonhennessey.com/books 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔 😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

Feeling invisible in your agency’s market? Settling for revenue that’s merely “good enough”? Sadly, too many agencies are operating at the lowest level of revenue certainty, but not for long… In this episode, Corey reveals the Deep Specialization™ Maturity Model - a diagnostic tool and roadmap helping agency owners like you understand where they are, where they could be, and what it takes to become the go-to expert in your niche. Just like Apple didn’t stop with the iPod, “good enough” is never enough in today’s competitive environment. Your agency's future depends on pushing beyond your comfort zone. Don’t spend another day unseen and ignored by potential buyers! Learn the Deep Specialization™ Maturity Model today and start leveling up your revenue, reputation, and results. Here’s what we cover in this episode: The 4 zones of vertical maturity - Which zone are you in? How to avoid getting stuck on the “good enough line” What happens when you understand the power of developing deep specialized knowledge in a vertical market  How to become the trusted source of reliable results and guidance in your market Traits of an agency that has mastered their vertical market The #1 problem keeping agency founders stuck in the sales role   Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders: Level 1: Generalist Agency | Level 2: Vertical Vendor | Level 3: Vertical Specialist | Level 4: Vertical Maven What is one step you could take this week to move your agency to the next level? Remember,  your agency's future depends on pushing beyond the comfortable and familiar.   👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.

Are your agency's sales presentations putting prospects to sleep? Tired of competing on features, case studies, and pricing? There's a better way to win clients and command premium rates - and it starts with mastering the art of strategic storytelling. Join us as Corey welcomes Philipp Humm, Founder of Power of Storytelling and 2x bestselling author, who has helped agencies like yours transform their pitch process through narrative techniques that resonate deeply with decision-makers.  As both a business consultant and storytelling coach, Philipp brings practical insights specifically tailored for creative and marketing firms. You'll discover: - How to craft "vertical expertise stories" that showcase your deep industry knowledge - Techniques for turning generic case studies into compelling transformation narratives - Ways to differentiate your agency through strategic storytelling in sales calls - A framework for training your entire team to tell consistent, powerful stories Plus, Philipp shares real examples of how specialized agencies have used storytelling to win major accounts, raise their rates, and eliminate the constant pressure to compete on price. Whether you're leading a full-service digital agency or a specialized boutique firm, this episode delivers actionable strategies to make storytelling your competitive advantage in new business development. Don't miss this masterclass in using narrative techniques to elevate your agency's positioning and close bigger deals with ideal clients. “[Storytelling] is actually much more about making the other person feel comfortable to share a story in return.” - Philipp Humm   Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders: - Craft "vertical expertise stories" that demonstrate your deep understanding of your target industry's unique challenges and opportunities. - Use micro-stories in discovery calls to show you've "been there before" with similar clients in your vertical. - Share connection stories about your agency's journey to specialization to build trust with prospects who are considering working with a specialist. - Highlight client transformation stories that showcase the unique value of working with a specialized agency vs. a generalist. - Address common objections to specialization through stories of how other agencies successfully made the transition from generalist to specialist.   The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Check out Power of Storytelling: https://power-of-storytelling.com - Buy Philipp’s book, “The Storyselling Method”: https://power-of-storytelling.com/the-storyselling-method - Buy his book, “Public Speaking with Confidence”: https://power-of-storytelling.com/public-speaking-with-confidence - Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Philipp-Humm - Connect with Philipp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipphumm 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.   This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

How do you turn decades of passion into a thriving business that dominates a niche? In this episode, Corey sits down with Cris Rodriguez, Founder and Visionary of Grow Pro Agency, to unpack her transformation from martial artist school owner to digital marketing powerhouse. Serving over 450 martial arts schools across the U.S., Cris reveals how her agency carved out a competitive edge through witty strategy, results-driven marketing, and an all-American team. Cris doesn’t hold back as she shares the secrets behind her success—why Facebook ads and word-of-mouth remain unbeatable, how content creation drives engagement, and the role of company culture in retaining top talent. She also opens up about the risks and rewards of going all-in on a single vertical and why hiring the right team is non-negotiable. If you’re looking for real-world insights into building a specialized, scalable agency while staying grounded in your vision, this conversation delivers.   Here’s what we cover in this episode: Benefits of hiring a dedicated sales team for your agency (+ hiring tips) Why developing joint venture partnerships is essential for scaling an agency Leveraging the power of word-of-mouth marketing How to create engaging content that converts The risks and rewards of focusing on one vertical Why Cris uses Facebook ads as her primary marketing strategy Secrets to improving your client and employee retention Why you need an abundance mindset when serving a competitive market   Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders: Hiring a dedicated sales team is essential for systematic growth and allows the agency owner to focus on leadership and strategy. Developing joint venture partnerships can expand reach and bring in higher-quality leads, which is critical for scaling. Client retention is driven by results and strong relationships. Hiring a team aligned with core values ensures better collaboration, productivity, and morale. A strong company culture leads to higher employee satisfaction and reduces turnover. Creating high-quality content helps build brand authority and attract new clients in a competitive market.    The resources mentioned in this episode are: - Connect with Cris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisleerodriguez/  - Check out Grow Pro Agency: https://growproagency.com - Connect with Grow Pro Agency on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-pro-agency 👍If you liked this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to hit the subscribe button! 🔔   😩 Feeling stuck trying to stand out in a noisy market? I’d love to give you my free crash course that will help you go from “just another generalist” to a go-to expert people seek out. In just a few short days, you’ll learn how to position yourself with clarity, authority, and focus. ➡️ Sign up here: deepspecializationcourse.com   This episode is sponsored by E2M, the #1 white-label partner for digital agencies. Visit https://www.e2msolutions.com/the-deep-specialization-podcast to get 20% off your first month.   This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.