Episode Summary
In this episode of An Agency Story, we’re joined by Patricia and Brenda Boral, co-founders of Boral Agency, a Houston-based marketing agency that serves B2B clients in construction, tech, and education.
The sisters share how their journey started long before the agency by managing a family business after losing their mother at a young age, navigating a failed business partnership, and overcoming major setbacks like Hurricane Harvey. Their story is one of survival, strength, and strategic thinking that any agency owner can learn from.
Inside the episode:
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- How grief became a catalyst for entrepreneurial purpose
- The exact moment they pivoted their agency for sustainable growth
- A business coach’s advice that doubled their revenue
Agency Info
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Company: Boral Agency
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Guests: Patricia Boral & Brenda Boral
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Year Started: 2011
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Employees: 1-10
When we got a business coach, everything changed. We doubled our business that year.
Patricia Boral
Key Takeaways
Structure Prevents Conflict—Even in Family
Before launching their agency together, Patricia and Brenda created a written operating agreement that outlined everything from vacation time to decision-making authority.
“If we’re going to do this, we’re going to put things in writing,” Brenda shares. That agreement wasn’t just smart, it preserved their relationship.
You Can’t Scale on Hustle Alone
In the early years, they worked late nights and weekends, but it wasn’t sustainable. The turning point? Hiring a business coach who helped them organize their operations, clarify roles, and ultimately double their business within a year.
Pain Is Preparation—If You Let It Be
After losing 50% of their clients during Hurricane Harvey, the Borals could have shut down. Instead, they pivoted to larger clients, developed a crisis-proof business model, and were ready when the pandemic hit.
“We didn’t know what we were preparing for, but when COVID came, we were ready,”
Certification Can Open Doors
Minority- and woman-owned business certifications helped them land major clients like the NFL, Shell, and Kroger. It wasn’t a shortcut—it was a smart strategic move that gave them access to conversations they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Show Notes
Mentioned in the episode: WBENC Certification for women-owned businesses
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