Most agencies start with a service and build from there. Yellow Dog Creative started with a plumbing company.

This week on Agency Download, James Williams sits down with Drew VanDrese, president of Yellow Dog Creative, to unpack how the agency grew from a small media operation serving the trades into a full-service creative agency. Drew shares what they learned from years of working in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, why adjacent industries became the next step for growth, and how the team expanded without trying to become everything for everyone.

We also get into private equity in the trades, why authentic content beats stock imagery, where AI fits into creative work, and how Yellow Dog builds a culture that keeps its team connected.

If you're an agency owner thinking about how to grow without losing your edge, or a marketer trying to figure out where authenticity fits in an increasingly AI-driven world, this one's worth a listen.

In this episode:

• How Yellow Dog grew from an in-house media operation at a plumbing company into an independent agency
• Why promoting from within can strengthen culture and develop future leaders
• How to expand into adjacent industries without abandoning your core expertise
• Why adding more services isn't always the right way to grow an agency
• Using strategic partners instead of building departments for services outside your core
• How private equity is changing the trades
• Why real photos and videos of your team can outperform stock imagery
• Where AI creates opportunities and where it can undermine brand authenticity
• Building agency culture through everyday rituals, community, and connection
• Drew's advice on leadership, compassion, and doing the right thing

Connect with the Host: James Williams

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Connect with the Guest: Drew VanDrese

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James sits down with Jade Scherr, Founder and CEO of HexaHive, to discuss her journey from aspiring lawyer to agency owner and the lessons that shaped her approach to business. She shares why building with purpose and making intentional decisions creates a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Together, they explore how trust, clear communication, and solving the right problems help agencies build lasting client relationships instead of chasing quick wins. Jade also explains how refining services, embracing specialization, and focusing on the right partnerships can lead to healthier, more sustainable growth.

The conversation also looks at AI and how agencies can use it to streamline repetitive work while keeping creativity and strategic thinking at the center. If you're an agency owner, marketer, or entrepreneur looking to grow with intention, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply to your own business.

In this episode:

• Jade's journey from law school to founding HexaHive
• Why intentional growth leads to a more sustainable agency
• Building stronger client relationships through trust and communication
• Knowing when to specialize and when to outsource
• Transitioning from project work to long-term partnerships
• Positioning your agency to attract the right clients
• Solving business challenges at the root instead of treating symptoms
• Using AI to support productivity without replacing human expertise
• The importance of mentorship, curiosity, and trusting your instincts as a leader

Connect with the Host: James Williams

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Connect with the Guest: Jade Scherr

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Why do some brands continue to earn attention while others struggle to stay relevant?

In this episode of Agency Download, "Brand Building in a Fragmented World," I sit down with Anna Crowe, CEO of Crowe Media, to discuss how marketing has evolved far beyond traditional PR. We talk about what it takes to build brands today by combining storytelling, social media, influencer marketing, AI, and real-world experiences into one connected strategy that earns trust and keeps people engaged.

We also dive into the growing challenge of fragmented audiences, why authenticity and community matter more than ever, how AI can help marketers create better content for every platform, and what agency leaders need to do to build resilient teams that can thrive through constant change.

In this episode:

• How Crowe Media evolved from a PR agency into an integrated media company
• Why trust and authenticity are the foundation of lasting brands
• Blending storytelling, social media, influencer marketing, and AI
• Creating content that's built for each platform
• Competing for attention in a fragmented media landscape
• Why community and cultural relevance drive long-term loyalty
• Measuring meaningful engagement beyond impressions
• The value of offline activations alongside digital marketing
• Building resilient teams and growing from practitioner to leader
• Preparing agencies for the future of marketing

Connect with the Host: James Williams

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Connect with the Guest: Anna Crowe

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