Episode Summary
After launching Farewell in April 2020—yes, that April—Kevin navigated economic uncertainty and new parenthood while scaling a design-forward Webflow agency that serves nonprofit organizations with sustainable revenue models. His methodical, mission-first approach proves that even in chaos, clarity can thrive.
Biggest Takeaways:
- Build before you leap: Kevin spent four years building systems and MRR on the side before going full-time.
- Embrace evolution: He transitioned Farewell from WordPress to Webflow, despite short-term financial costs, to better serve clients.
- Don’t fear pivots: Kevin learned to view hard moments not as breakdowns, but as tipping points toward bigger growth.
Agency Info
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Company: Fare•well
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Guest: Kevin Watkins
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Year Started: 2016
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Employees: 1-10
You can keep building and suddenly realize you’re not building the business you actually want.
Kevin Watkins
Key Takeaways
Growth Starts Before You Quit Your Job
Kevin didn’t leap blindly into entrepreneurship—he spent four years building systems and recurring revenue on the side before making the jump. That foundation gave him confidence, clarity, and a financial cushion when launching Farewell during the pandemic.
“I didn’t want to just be slinging WordPress sites at 2 a.m. forever. I needed to build something bigger than me.”
Strategy Over Software
Farewell transitioned away from WordPress to Webflow to offer clients a cleaner, more reliable editing experience—even though it cost them in the short term.
“We’re still paying for our old WordPress tools. It wasn’t a great financial move at first, but it was the right one for our clients.”
This reflects Kevin’s long-term thinking: a better client experience > quick wins.
Know When You’re at a Breaking Point—Or a Tipping Point
At one of Farewell’s toughest moments, Kevin had to decide whether to scale back or scale up. Thanks to an accountability group and deep conversations with his wife, he chose to double down and delegate leadership—a move that changed everything.
“If I don’t trust others to lead, I can’t step away. That’s the future I’m building toward.”
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Kevin isn’t building just to build—he wants Farewell to be an asset for his family, a career path for his team, and a dependable partner for nonprofit clients. His mission doesn’t even mention websites—because it’s about solving problems, not selling tools.
Show Notes
- Book Mentioned: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
- Platform: Webflow
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