In episode 104, I sit down with Adam Nathan, the CEO and co-founder of Blaze.ai, the AI-powered marketing tool that’s making big waves—especially for small teams. Adam and I get into his wild journey of scaling Blaze to over $10 million in revenue in just 15 months with a lean team of 25. We talk about how AI is no longer just for the big guys—it’s helping small businesses, solopreneurs, and yes, even agencies, punch way above their weight.

We also explore some of the trickier topics like AI’s ethical impact, the looming question of government oversight, and even the ecological footprint of AI technology. Adam shares some powerful stories from real users—including how one guy was finally able to take a vacation after 13 years because Blaze gave him time back. Whether you’re excited or anxious about AI, this conversation is packed with useful insights—and a refreshing take on where the future of marketing might be heading.

Key Bytes

• Adam Nathan's entrepreneurial background influenced the creation of Blaze.

• Blaze serves as a virtual marketer for small businesses.

• AI helps small businesses produce high-quality content efficiently.

• Many small businesses were previously doing little to no marketing.

• AI allows small businesses to compete with larger companies.

• The impact of AI on marketing is largely positive for small businesses.

• Agencies can scale their client base using AI tools like Blaze.

• Ethical considerations around AI usage are important for agencies.

• Government oversight should focus on outputs rather than inputs.

• The ecological impact of AI may decrease as technology advances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blaze and Adam Nathan's Journey

03:00 The Need for AI in Marketing

06:02 Blaze's Rapid Growth and Team Structure

08:54 AI's Impact on Small Businesses vs. Large Corporations

11:54 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation

14:48 Ethics and Disclosure in AI Usage

17:57 The Future of Work and AI's Role

20:59 Government Oversight and Ecological Impact of AI

24:05 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Adam Nathan is the CEO and co-founder of Blaze, the #1 marketing AI tool for teams of one.

Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyperscaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people.

Learn more here: https://www.blaze.ai/

Subscribe here: https://startuptycoon.com

In episode 103 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Greg Hickman, founder of Alt Agency and an expert at helping agency owners break free from the time-for-money grind. Greg shares his fascinating journey from the world of big agencies to building his own seven-figure business—while working just 25 hours a week! We dive deep into the pitfalls of the traditional agency model and explore how the Alt Agency approach helps owners productize their services, streamline operations, and reclaim their time.

Greg and I also unpack the difference between productizing and commoditizing agency work (hint: you don’t have to sacrifice creativity for efficiency!). We talk about scaling smart, building systems that don’t drain your soul, and why redefining wealth goes beyond the numbers in your bank account. Plus, Greg shares some personal stories and life lessons about being present for the moments that really matter, in business and at home.

If you’re looking to run a more sustainable and rewarding agency, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Key Bytes

• Greg Hickman transitioned from traditional agency roles to founding AllAgency.

• The Alt Agency model focuses on monetizing expertise rather than just labor.

• Productization of services can lead to greater scalability and efficiency.

• Wealth is defined not just by money, but by time and health.

• Agencies can benefit from creating multiple service tiers to cater to different client needs.

• The lines between agencies, SaaS, and coaching are increasingly blurred.

• Building a scalable business requires a shift in mindset and operations.

• Automation and systems are key to reducing workload and increasing profits.

• Greg's journey highlights the importance of adapting to market needs.

• The impact of helping 800 agencies showcases the ripple effect of effective coaching. 

• Productized services focus on specific outcomes.

• Systematization helps agencies improve efficiency and profitability.

• Lead generation is crucial for agency success.

• Productization simplifies marketing and client management.

• Agencies often lose money due to inefficient pricing models.

• Creativity can thrive within a productized framework.

• Differentiation is key to avoiding commoditization.

• Personal growth involves learning from past experiences.

• Being present in personal life enhances overall happiness.

• Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background

01:30 Greg's Journey in the Agency World

04:21 Transitioning to the Alt Agency Model

07:37 The Evolution of Services and Client Focus

10:40 Impact and Scale of the Alt Agency Model

12:59 Defining Wealth Beyond Money

13:31 Understanding the Alt Agency Model

19:54 Building a Scalable Offer Suite

21:31 Transforming Agency Services into Productized Offerings

24:33 The Importance of Systematization in Agencies

27:52 Lead Generation and Client Retention Challenges

30:19 Differentiating Productization from Commoditization

33:21 Personal Insights and Life Lessons

Greg Hickman helps agency owners and consultants escape the trap of trading time for money. After nearly two decades working with brands like Pepsi, AT&T, and the NY Jets, Greg built his own marketing automation agency and built funnels and systems for entrepreneurs like Dan Martell, Chris Ducker, John Lee Dumas, Jasmin Star, Nerd Fitness, and more. Now through AltAgency, he's helped over 800+ service providers build profitable, sustainable businesses by productizing their services and monetizing their expertise. Greg runs his 7-figure business working 3-4 days per week (most weeks), taking Fridays off for mountain biking, and wants to help others learn how to do the same. His unique approach helps owners ‘scale’ profits without scaling the complexity or sacrificing their lives.

Contact Greg: 

altagency.com

gregsvideos.com

In this episode, Wayne Pelletier, founder of Resonant Pixel Co, discusses the process of productizing agency services and the benefits it brings. He shares his journey from being a marketing assistant to launching his own agency and explains why he chose to focus on Squarespace as the platform for his services. Wayne emphasizes the importance of niching down and serving a specific audience, as well as the mindset shift required to transition from a project-based model to a subscription-based model. He also highlights the challenges and rewards of productization and the potential for scalability and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Productizing agency services involves niching down and focusing on a specific audience or platform.

• A subscription-based model can provide more predictable revenue and eliminate the feast and famine cycle of project-based work.

• Choosing the right platform, such as Squarespace, can offer stability, scalability, and the ability to hire predictably for talent.

• Productization requires a mindset shift from being a designer to being a business owner, focusing on access to expertise and lifetime value.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation

08:10 Transitioning to a Subscription-Based Model

12:54 The Benefits of Productization and Lifetime Value

23:04 Serving Small Businesses and Providing Relief