In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with serial entrepreneur Erik Olson, CEO of several thriving digital marketing agencies. Erik pulls back the curtain on his journey from running a single agency to building a powerful network under a holding company model.
Erik shares the bold choices behind specialization versus diversification, and how each path impacts growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability for agencies. His entrepreneurial insights offer both a blueprint and a forecast for agency leaders eager to explore new frontiers.
What you will learn in this episode:
-
The decision-making process behind choosing to niche and the fear of alienation
-
Challenges and lessons learned from spinning off and growing multiple agencies
-
The importance of maintaining a financial safety net when considering business expansions or changes
-
Insights into the creation and successful operation of a holding company that includes multiple specialized agencies
-
The balance between specializations and diversification in building a resilient marketing agency
-
The role of intellectual capital in expanding agency capabilities
-
The future of agencies in light of technological advancements like AI
Bio
Erik J. Olson is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of a growing portfolio of digital marketing agencies, including Array Digital, Rival Digital, and Crush Digital. While each agency specializes in helping specific industries such as law firms, HVAC contractors, and medical professionals, Erik’s vision extends far beyond day-to-day marketing. His ultimate goal is to build a $100M holding company by 2030.
Resources:
-
Website: https://linktr.ee/erik.j.olson
-
LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerikjolson/
-
LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-agency-mastermind/
- Million Dollar Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Journey-seven-figure-business/dp/B08X6DXB3M
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!