Episode Summary
On this episode of An Agency Story, host Russel Dubree sits down with Jeff Gapinski, founder and president of Huemor, a Pittsburgh-based digital agency specializing in immersive web experiences. Jeff opens up about his agency’s humble beginnings in his parents’ basement, how he rebounded from losing 90% of his revenue, and why his team now spans across the globe.
Episode Highlights:
- How Huemor evolved from a freelancing gig to a 75-person agency
- The massive financial blow that nearly ended the company and the savings strategy that saved it
- Lessons learned from managing a globally distributed team post-COVID
- Jeff’s surprising shift from creative work to people and process
- The bold vision to become “the number one agency to work with and work for”
Agency Info
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Company: Huemor
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Guest: Jeff Gapinski
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Year Started: 2011
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Employees: 1-10
I always said I didn’t want more than 50 people. Now we’re at 75. Turns out, every stage brings new problems, you just trade them up.
Jeff Gapinski
Key Takeaways
Start Lean, But Think Big
Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit started with childhood hustles and scaled with freelancing in college. But it was his ability to think long-term, even while operating out of a basement, that helped Huemor grow. “We were building websites, not saving lives—we wanted to bring levity and color into what we did.” That mindset helped Jeff develop a brand (Huemor) that stood out in a sea of bland firms.
Don’t Bet It All on One Client
Huemor’s near-collapse came when their main client, responsible for over 80% of revenue, paused payments indefinitely. Jeff’s early financial discipline (saving profits, keeping overhead low) allowed them to survive.
Scaling Means Letting Go (And That’s Hard)
As Huemor grew past 60+ people, Jeff had to step back from day-to-day creative execution. He’s now focused on building systems, leadership layers, and culture, a big adjustment for a creative founder.
Culture is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage
From offering a 4-day workweek to full healthcare coverage, Jeff believes investing in his team is non-negotiable. His north star? Becoming the agency both clients and employees rave about. “The goal isn’t just growth, it’s building an equitable, healthy place for our team.”
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