Expert to Know: Ryon Gross

August 25, 2025

What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?

I began my journey as a web designer in 2002, taking on side projects for friends and family running their own businesses. For over a decade, I balanced my primary role as a project manager while supporting various companies with their marketing and website needs. The growing demand for my expertise and a passion for creating impactful digital solutions inspired me to launch my marketing agency in 2013. Since then, we’ve scaled steadily, building a strong team and delivering results for clients across the US.

What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?

I was always mowing lawns as a kid or doing odd projects for anyone that needed help. I really loved construction and building something from nothing. I also loved being the one with a solution to a problem and always finding  a way to figure it out.

What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?

Three years ago, I believed that a one consistent marketing strategy could work for most clients, as long as it was executed well. After seeing mixed results and diving deeper into data-driven campaigns, I realized that hyper-personalized strategies tailored to each client’s audience are far more effective. This shift has transformed how my agency approaches projects, leading to stronger client results and more creative, targeted campaigns.

When do you feel most energized at work?

Our Friday morning team meetings, where we tackle the week’s biggest client challenges and brainstorm, generate incredible energy for everyone. The breakfast tacos help, I’m sure. Leading these sessions, I love watching my team’s diverse ideas spark and evolve into bold campaigns or website redesigns that drive results. We always leave with actionable plans and shared excitement to keep pushing the boundaries for our clients.

What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?

I kick off each day with a workout. No coffee, just protein shakes. Before I head into the office, I list my top priorities so I can make sure these items are knocked out first. Then I dive into calls with potential and existing clients, hashing out marketing strategies and website changes. Lunch at 11, because I am an early eater. It's my moment to step out and reset my brain. Afternoons bring meetings with my team or clients, and I push to clear my inbox so very few items are pending the next day.

What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?

I make it a habit to surround myself with the right people, a practice that’s been key to my success. Building a great team took years, but now we share a growth mindset that drives innovation and client results. This ritual of fostering collaboration and open-mindedness keeps our agency thriving.

What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?

Early on, I didn’t invest enough time in finding the right people for my team. Rushing hires led to misaligned skills and slowed our progress on client projects. This mistake taught me to prioritize building a team with shared vision, a lesson that’s shaped our agency’s success ever since.

What’s something people get wrong about you?

People might mistake my direct, transparent style for being overly serious or blunt, especially in initial client meetings. In reality, what you see is what you get. I really love helping clients succeed, and I lay it all out to build trust fast. Once they work with me, they see my passion for finding solutions that drive real results.

What do you do to recharge outside of work?

I recharge by coaching my kids’ sports teams and taking family trips, which keep me grounded and energized. I also dive into landscaping or home repair projects around the house. These hands-on projects are a great opportunity to learn something new, stay active, and clear my mind.

What’s your definition of “success” right now?

Success for me right now means raising my three kids to be good people and being a great husband. My family’s support fuels my energy and focus, which drives our agency’s achievements. Balancing a thriving home life with a growing business is what defines my success.

What makes your agency different from others in your space?

Our agency stands out because we turn clients into advocates through exceptional, hands-on customer support. We offer more than a great product. Our focus is making sure the experience with every interaction is a great one.

What type of clients or projects are a 'no' for you?

We say ‘no’ to PPC ads, as our agency thrives on building lasting, organic growth for clients. Like constructing a strong foundation, we focus on strategies like SEO, content marketing, and website redesigns. This ensure clients show up everywhere naturally.

What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?

Improve every day, provide value, be efficient, and always do more than you’re asked. If it’s a win for our clients, it’s a win for us.

How do you hire? What do you look for in people?

When hiring, I seek honest individuals with a genuine passion for helping clients succeed, as these qualities build the foundation of our agency’s success. There are  a lot o f qualities on the list, but these are the non-negotiables.

How do you foster creative thinking on your team?

Our weekly Friday meetings encourage everyone to brainstorm innovative solutions for client challenges, from SEO strategies to website redesigns. By celebrating diverse perspectives and testing ideas, we consistently push boundaries and drive client success.

What trend in marketing/advertising do you think is overhyped?

Right now, trusting AI Audits and what some random guy on Tiktok said about SEO.

What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?

Video content. It's authentic and helps easily answer questions that provide a lot of value.

What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?

Audits. Whether it's internal product audits or audits for client websites, they all matter. It allows us to see what's working and where the issues are. It also helps create consistency with all of our services and eliminate issues down the road.

What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?

Don't try to be everything to everyone. You can always grow your services down the road. Start small and become the expert. Great things will happen if you take care of your customers.

What’s something you’d do differently if you were starting from scratch?

I put in a lot of long hours to start this business and I wouldn't change a thing. Every day is an opportunity to learn and you can only learn by trying.

How do you approach pricing — any rules you live by?

Our rule is to create straightforward, value-driven packages tailored to each client’s goals. Whether it’s organic growth through SEO or a website redesign, we create a flat rate package without any hidden fees.

How do you prioritize growth vs. sustainability?

I prioritize sustainability as the foundation for growth, much like building a house that stands the test of time. Our agency focuses on steady, organic growth through tailored SEO and website strategies, ensuring long-term client success without overextending resources.

Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?

I admire Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, for building a fast-food empire grounded in unwavering principles. His commitment to quality, community, and a people-first culture (while staying closed on Sundays) created a brand that thrives 75 years later.

What software or tool do you swear by?

We use quite a few and the top 5 could change tomorrow if I find something that works better. I stick with an "Always be testing" mentality.

What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?

I heard Mark Cuban say “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it all away from you.” That's a pretty powerful statement especially if you have employees who depend on you. I approach every day with that same mentality.

Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?

We use a hybrid solution where all of our employees work from home, but meet in person every Friday. We also try to schedule team and family events throughout the year.

What is your most controversial or unpopular belief?

You can survive without coffee.

What’s one thing you wish clients understood better about agency work?

Our best results come from open communication and shared goals, not just handing off tasks. The more we collaborate as a team, the better the results.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?

Seeing businesses thrive and hire additional people. It's a sign that they are benefitting from the work we are doing and that our work is truly life-changing for everyone.

What is one (1) fact or statistic about your industry that most people don't know?

Many don’t realize that 75% of consumers judge a business’s credibility based on its website, a critical insight in our industry. This statistic underscores why a professional website is the cornerstone of business success, often transforming visitors into loyal customers.

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