Episode Summary
This episode features Austin Dandridge, founder of Cobble Hill, a Charleston-based digital marketing agency known for its elevated creative approach and focus on hospitality and luxury e-commerce brands. Austin shares his unconventional path from culinary school and surfing in Australia to running a thriving agency alongside his wife, Carter. Through cadid personal stories and agency milestones, Austin reflects on the grit, creativity, and evolution that have shaped Cobble Hill into the powerhouse it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- How living in Australia and working as a photographer sparked Austin’s creative direction
- The origin of Cobble Hill’s name and why the Brooklyn connection still matters
- Lessons from two business partnerships, including the dynamics of working with his wife
- Why Cobble Hill shifted from broad creative services to hyper-focused digital advertising
- A nerve-wracking, real-life site reveal to Reese Witherspoon and what it taught Austin about pressure and presentation
Agency Info
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Company: Cobble Hill
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Guest: Austin Dandridge
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Year Started: 2012
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Employees: 26-50
No one is going to care that you started the agency as much as you do.
Austin Dandridge
Key Takeaways
Your Background Doesn’t Define Your Path—Your Actions Do
Austin’s early aspirations had little to do with marketing. With stops in culinary arts, event management, and live music, he eventually landed in digital media thanks to a creative spark and a stint shooting school dances in Sydney. His story proves that nonlinear paths often yield the richest insights, especially in creative industries.
Partnerships Work—Until They Don’t
Cobble Hill began with a partner, and later, welcomed another. While each brought something valuable to the table, Austin learned a hard truth:
“No one will care as much as the founder.”
Whether it was misaligned expectations, financial pressure, or emotional ownership, Austin shares candid lessons on how to approach partnerships with eyes wide open.
Marrying Your Co-Founder Has Perks and Pitfalls
Austin runs Cobble Hill with his wife, Carter. What started as her helping with writing and HR turned into a full business partnership. The benefit? Shared context and strategic alignment. The challenge? “Pillow talk” about employee issues. The key: mutual respect and clear roles.
Specialization Builds Trust
Early on, Cobble Hill did everything from web design and branding to photography. But over time, they narrowed their scope to focus solely on digital advertising and email marketing for established brands.
Austin explains: “The more specific you get in what you offer and who you offer it to, the more clients trust you.”
Show Notes
- Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James: A former Cobble Hill client, whose Southern roots played a key role in their agency selection
- Neighborhood inspiration: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
- Follow Cobble Hill on social:
- Instagram: @cobble_hill
- Twitter: @cobble_hill
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