Episode Summary
Savannah Alvarado is the owner of Hancock Group, a full-service advertising agency that serves clients across West Texas. Originally hired as an employee, Savannah’s journey to ownership was sparked by her deep investment in the company, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during COVID, and an unwavering belief in her potential.
In this episode, host Russel Dubree talks with Savannah about her unlikely return to Midland, how she navigated buying the business, and why losing her biggest client early on became a defining moment.
Episode Highlights:
- The mindset shift from employee to agency owner and how Savannah handled it.
- What it was like navigating a business acquisition with no prior experience during COVID.
- How the oil and gas culture of West Texas impacts agency dynamics and client expectations.
- The hard lessons learned after losing a major client, and the systems she put in place as a result.
- Savannah’s mission to create career opportunities for young women in an underserved market.
Agency Info
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Company: Hancock Group
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Guest: Savannah Alvarado
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Year Started: 2020
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Employees: 1-10
I want to create roles for young women like myself, who want a career path in a place where that hasn’t traditionally existed.
Savannah Alvarado
Key Takeaways
Buying a Business Isn’t Just a Transaction, It’s an Education
Savannah didn’t just sign paperwork, she dug into P&Ls, explored funding routes, and built a business plan from scratch.
“I knew nothing about buying a business, but I learned to stop asking for the ‘right’ answer and start making the best decision I could with the information I had.”
Resilience Is Built by Navigating the Lows
Losing her largest client just months after taking ownership could have derailed the business. Instead, Savannah used it as a turning point. She introduced smarter client contracts, diversified her client base, and doubled down on relationships she had personally built.
Respect Isn’t Optional, It’s a Standard
Working in a fast-paced, vendor-driven, male-dominated industry taught Savannah the value of setting boundaries and insisting on mutual respect. “Just because urgency is the norm in oil and gas doesn’t mean we sacrifice communication or culture in our agency.”
Create the Environment You Wish You’d Found
Savannah’s long-term vision goes beyond profitability: she wants Hancock Group to be a place where women can thrive in their careers and personal lives.
As a new mother and agency owner, she’s designing a business where balance isn’t just possible, it’s built in.
Say No So You Can Say Yes to What Matters
Learning to say no, whether to clients, timelines, or opportunities, has become a core part of Savannah’s leadership style. “If I don’t believe we can meet the client’s expectations, I’d rather say no than deliver something that isn’t up to standard.”
Show Notes
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