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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