Building a 100-Person Agency, Selling It and the Future with John Ghiorso

Episode 93. What’s an agency business and what do you do after building one to 100 people and then selling? Retire?

In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews John Ghiorso, founder of Orca Pacific, an Amazon media agency, which he successfully built and sold. John shares his journey from an accidental agency owner to a seasoned entrepreneur now setting up a venture studio model to launch multiple niche-focused marketing agencies.

Key topics include the dynamics of running and scaling agencies, the importance of aligning company values, the impact of AI on agency businesses, and strategies for hiring and retaining top talent.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:23 John’s Agency Journey
• 01:30 Understanding the Agency Business
• 03:12 Starting and Scaling an Agency
• 05:28 Retirement and New Ventures
• 08:10 Hiring and Retaining Talent
• 12:32 Company Culture and Values
• 19:12 Deciding to Sell the Business
• 22:09 Personal and Market-Based Reasons for Selling
• 23:01 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Amazon Agencies
• 24:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy
• 25:27 The Acquisition Process and Choosing the Right Partner
• 26:49 Life After Acquisition: Working with Media Monks
• 29:11 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Leadership
• 31:23 Advice for Aspiring Agency Professionals
• 34:32 The Future of Agencies in an AI-Driven World
• 43:31 Key Traits for Successful Agency Leaders
• 46:56 Resources and Final Thoughts