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Hi, my name is Andy Strote. I’ve been a copywriter, creative director and founder of three creative agencies in Toronto.
Before that, I worked for six different ad agencies, small and large, where I wrote TV, radio and print ads.
Then, for six years as a solopreneur, I operated my first creative agency, Red Line Design, out of my home.
Why Did I Start My Second Creative Agency?
Red Line Design was so successful, I wanted to have graphic designers and programmers as part of the company.
I found a compatible business partner, and we started Fireworks Creative. Fireworks was one of the first fully-integrated creative agencies in Canada, delivering campaigns in all media.
In five years, we grew Fireworks to 30 people.
Soon we were on the radar of two companies interested in buying our firm. We were pursued by Havas, a global advertising network (they flew us to New York for a meeting—how exciting!), and also Cognicase, a multi-national IT company based in Montreal. We chose to sell to Cognicase for $3 million.
After a Successful Exit, My Third Creative Agency
Six months later I was asked to leave, typical for those kinds of deals. I started the next agency, Context Creative with one partner and one employee. We grew that company to 28 people.
After 15 years, I was ready for a change. At that point, I sold my shares to my partners which allowed my wife and I to travel extensively for years. Context still operates successfully today.
Why Did I Write This Book?
I don’t have a business degree. I’m a writer. I learned business by doing. I found good partners and accountants, and lawyers only when necessary.
If you’re thinking of starting your own agency, whether as a solopreneur or a larger company, this book will help you. It’s packed with useful information about running a business, finding the best clients, managing your finances, and the most practical ways to work with staff and partners.
You’ll run into a few bumps in the road. But it will be a much smoother ride if you follow the advice in this book.
Great, Detailed Information
Great book that covers every area related to starting and running an agency. Provides lots of examples you can use for your own business.
John Paul Hernandez, Verified purchase, Amazon.com
How to Start a Successful Creative Agency is the essential business guide for graphic designers, copywriters, filmmakers, photographers, and programmers. With over 300 pages and 23 chapters, it’s available at Amazon (Paper & Kindle), Kobo (ebook), Apple Books (ebook), and Gumroad (PDF).
The book is packed with useful information to help creatives start and grow their business.
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Questions? On Twitter I’m @StroteBook. DMs are always open. Ask away.