Expert to know: Josh Webber (Q&A Interview)
Josh Webber is the co-founder at Big Red Jelly (based in Provo, Utah), listed on 50Pros as a top 50 firm in Web Design & Development, Branding, and Graphic Design.
How did you get into your industry?
I have been engaged in #agencylife ever since finishing college. I have been attracted to marketing and the creative field ever since I was in high school. It's a beautiful combination of creative freedom and object science.
What inspired you to start your agency?
There is a lot of "fluff" in the creative industry. I have worked for several of these agencies. Inefficiencies and unnecessary "deliverables" and processes lead to a confusing and bloated industry. We wanted to build something different: a team of experts, driven with a common purpose of applied and efficient creativity in branding and building better businesses.
How do you manage work-life balance as an agency owner?
Consistency. Purpose. Saying "no".
What activities or hobbies outside of work do you enjoy that help you recharge and stay creative?
Engaging the body: Exercise, the outdoors, pushing the limits in terms of physical exercise.
What do you like most about your industry?
Innovation, creativity, and disruption.
What do you dislike most about your industry?
Low barriers to entry lead to many "hollow" agencies that end up burning and hurting businesses. Especially small businesses.
What do you wish people knew about your industry?
Agency life in the creative space requires a lot more than "creativity". You need to have refined skills and ambition in technical skills, project management, and account management. It's not good enough anymore to just be a talented "designer."
Can you share a situation where you had to make a tough business decision and the impact it had on your agency?
Deciding to niche down and off-board over half of our clients so we can focus our services and people on what we do best. Branding and building better online experiences.
What is your approach to continuous improvement and learning within your agency?
You CAN create internal processes of "innovate or die" and push for learning, going out and getting new knowledge.
What changes have you seen occur since you got into this business?
AI, Globalization, Freelancing, New Generations entering the workforce (Gen Z).
Who do you see having a competitive edge in the future?
Leverage what makes HUMANS different: originality, creativity and strategy. More importantly, bringing those three areas together for a client to achieve real, measurable success.
How do you maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure long-term partnerships?
Treat them like people. Show and express genuine interest in the success of their company and their people. Make valuable introductions for them.
When a company is interested in hiring your firm, how should they approach you and how should they do business with you?
Schedule a complimentary discovery call with myself or one of our experts.
What else would you like to publicly share about your firm or agency?
Bigredjelly.com!
