Built a $100M Agency in 3 Years—Then It Went Bankrupt. Here’s What I Wish I Knew

Jason Swenk discusses the pitfalls of scaling an agency through acquisition, drawing from his experience with a $100M agency rollup that ultimately failed. He highlights key mistakes such as prioritizing monetary goals over a clear vision, lack of integration between acquired agencies, and the dangers of debt-fueled growth and misaligned board members. He contrasts this with advice on how to scale correctly by focusing on specialization, productizing services, building a strong culture, and designing a business that the owner enjoys, emphasizing the importance of systems, clarity, and control over chasing quick exits or unsustainable growth.