Episode Summary
In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel sits down with Beth Romer, founder of L&L Collective, a marketing agency based in Dayton, Ohio that delivers flexible and innovative marketing solutions with a special focus on small businesses. Once immersed in the fast-paced world of fashion and traditional agencies, Beth opens up about the personal and professional decisions that led her to start her own shop on her terms.
Episode Highlights:
- Beth’s transition from a dream of NYC fashion to leading a farm-based agency rooted in family-first values.
- Why small businesses light her up and how they fuel her agency’s creative engine.
- The challenges of early growth and how setting boundaries transformed her client relationships.
- Social media strategy done right: treating every client like an individual, not a template.
- The awkward client pitch story you need to hear.
Agency Info
-
Company: L&L Collective
-
Guest: Beth Romer
-
Year Started: 2021
-
Employees: 1-10
Where I can win as a mom and win as a woman in business without giving less of myself to either.
Beth Romer
Key Takeaways
Agency Life Doesn’t Have to Be Rigid
Beth left traditional agency life in search of flexibility and balance and she found it by starting her own. Her story is a reminder that you can build a business that fits your lifestyle, not just your resume.
Boundaries Are Good for Business
Early on, Beth struggled to set limits with clients. But learning to define scope clearly and respectfully turned chaotic client relationships into productive, respectful partnerships.
Small Business = Big Creative Energy
While large clients may bring big budgets, Beth believes small businesses bring something just as valuable: diverse creative opportunities and genuine passion.
Be a Specialist, Not a Guru
When it comes to social media strategy, Beth’s advice is clear: “Stay true to yourself.” Rather than follow every trend, she tailors strategies to each client’s goals, audience, and capacity…no one-size-fits-all plans here.
Hire Before You’re Ready (Within Reason)
Beth took the leap and hired early, betting on her team’s ability to help her scale sustainably. Her philosophy? “I can bring in the clients, but I need a team to keep them.”
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.
