Episode Summary
In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel Dubree sits down with Tom Malesic, founder of EZ Marketing, to discuss what he’s learned after nearly three decades of navigating change in the marketing industry. From convincing skeptical business owners that websites mattered to helping clients understand AI today, Tom and Russel discuss practical lessons on leadership, adaptability, technology, and business ownership.
Episode Highlights
- Building a web development company in the early days of the internet
- The transition from entrepreneur to business owner
- How EOS transformed leadership and accountability inside the agency
- What Disney princesses can teach us about business
- The similarities between the rise of the internet and the rise of AI
Agency Info
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Company: EZ Marketing
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Guest: Tom Malesic
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Year Started: 1997
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Employees: 11-25
Every master was a disaster at some point in time.
Tom Malesic
Key Takeaways
The Shift from Entrepreneur to Business Owner
Growing a business often requires a transition from creating opportunities to building systems, developing leaders, and creating accountability. The skills that help launch a company are not always the same skills needed to lead it long term.
Why Teams Need Permission to Push Back
Organizations perform better when team members have a framework for challenging ideas and priorities. Healthy accountability creates better decisions and helps teams stay focused on the commitments they’ve already made.
Leadership Needs Structure
Clear priorities, structured communication, and organizational accountability can transform how a business operates. Strong operating frameworks help teams align around goals and execute with greater consistency.
Leadership Requires Self-Awareness
A leader’s words, attitude, and reactions often carry more weight than they realize. Building a strong culture requires intentional leadership and an awareness of how daily interactions influence the people around you.
AI Feels Like the Early Internet
Emerging technologies often follow a familiar pattern of skepticism, experimentation, and eventual adoption. Those who approach change with curiosity and a willingness to learn are better positioned to identify opportunities as new technology matures.
Progress Comes Through Imperfect Attempts
“Every master was a disaster at some point in time” serves as a reminder that growth is rarely a straight path. Meaningful progress comes from trying new things, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward despite setbacks.
Show Notes
Tom’s Personal Website:
https://www.tommalesic.com
Books & Resources Mentioned:
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