Episode Summary
In this episode, host Russel Dubree sits down with Jonathan Shepley, the new owner of Tagline Media, a Tucson-based full-service agency. After spending nearly two decades scaling his family’s international archery business, Jonathan acquired Tagline Media in 2023 to start a new chapter in entrepreneurship. What followed was a strategic blend of behavioral profiling, hands-on leadership, and fearless expansion plans.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why Jonathan sees agency ownership as the ultimate “5D chess game” of business.
- How behavioral profiling and team chemistry drive both hiring and client success.
- The vision behind launching Southern Arizona’s best podcast studio as a growth lever.
Agency Info
-
Company: Tagline Media
-
Guest: Jonathan Shepley
-
Year Started: 2001
-
Employees: 1-10
I don’t motivate people. I hire motivated people and make sure I don’t demotivate them.
Jonathan Shepley
Key Takeaways
Behavior Profiling Makes Better Businesses
Jonathan leans heavily on behavioral science to build strong internal teams and decode customer motivations. He credits PDP (Personal Dynametric Programs) as his go-to personality profiling system for hiring, retention, and high-performance culture.
Agencies Aren’t Vendors—They’re Strategic Partners
Jonathan insists on deep collaboration with clients. If a client treats his agency as a tactical vendor, it usually leads to poor results. His goal? Become a long-term, trusted advisor sitting in on strategic planning meetings.
Podcasting = Business Development Engine
Jonathan’s new in-house podcast studio isn’t just a content play—it’s a lead magnet. By making the experience turnkey, he’s using it to attract business owners, spark conversations, and drive agency growth.
Acquisition Can Be a Smart Entry Point
With millions of business owners retiring without a succession plan, Jonathan saw acquisition as a smart way to leverage his experience and hit the ground running. A simple dinner conversation turned into a seamless transition.
Growth Without Burnout Is Possible
Despite ambitions to scale Tagline Media nationally, Jonathan’s focus remains on sustainability. By emphasizing process, team fit, and autonomy, he’s laying the groundwork for an agency that thrives whether he’s in the room or not.
Enjoy this Episode?
Subscribe to An Agency Story on your favorite podcast app for more real stories from agency owners. Loved what you heard? Leave a review or share this episode with someone building their agency from the ground up.
