Treat the business like an owner with Kelley Gann

Kelley Gann, President and CEO of Freestyle Creative, joined the podcast to share her inspiring journey within the company. Starting her career at Freestyle in 2014 when it was primarily a video production company, Kelley played a crucial role in its transition to a full-service marketing agency. Since then, Freestyle has not only expanded its services but also its impact, landing on prestigious lists like INC 5000 and Metro 50.

 

Kelley discusses her early days at the company, the strategic decisions that spurred growth, and how she navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship influenced by her partner's family history. She highlights the agency’s evolution, its culture-driven approach, and the strategic partnerships that have bolstered its capabilities and resilience, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership and Vision: Kelley’s transition from a partner to CEO was pivotal in scaling Freestyle’s operations and broadening its service offerings.
• Cultural Investment: Freestyle thrives on a culture that values its people, recognizing that employee satisfaction translates directly to client success.
• Strategic Growth: The agency’s growth has been both organic and strategic, focusing on sustainable development and adapting to market needs.
• Community Impact: Freestyle has leveraged its expertise in marketing to make significant social impacts, particularly in public health initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's really exciting to be part of building something from the ground up. You don't realize how exciting it is until you're a part of it." — Kelley Gann
• "Business moves at the speed of relationships." — Kelley Gann
• "We've been through a lot of peaks and valleys that many business owners go through over the years." — Kelley Gann