Episode Summary
In this episode, Russel interviews Eric Elkins, founder of WideFoc.us, a Denver-based agency that’s been laser-focused on social media strategy since 2007. Eric’s unconventional journey—from science labs to restaurant kitchens to elementary classrooms—laid the foundation for his deeply human, coaching-centric approach to leadership.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How embracing a teaching mindset helped Eric transform his leadership style—and keep great talent.
- Why staying in your lane and saying “no” can be a business superpower.
- What the future holds for social media—and why AI and authenticity must coexist.
Agency Info
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Company: Wide Foc.us Social Media
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Guest: Eric Elkins
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Year Started: 2007
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Employees: 11-25
One of my key values for the company has always been, how do I nurture and cultivate talent and help them become better versions of themselves?
Eric Elkins
Key Takeaways
Leadership Requires Listening, Not Just Directing
Eric learned the hard way that top-down feedback wasn’t working. Losing great team members forced him to reflect and pivot. With help from his sisters (an HR expert and a strengths-based leadership coach), Eric adopted a coaching mentality rooted in curiosity and encouragement.
“You need to show that you understand what their strengths are before you start criticizing. Start with compliments. Build trust first.”
Data > Gut When It Comes to Pricing
WideFoc.us transitioned from intuition-based pricing to a data-driven pricing guide using time-tracking tools like Harvest. This gave the team confidence, prevented scope creep, and improved client transparency.
Bold move: Pricing now starts with actual time-on-task data, not a “gut feel.”
Social Media May Change, But Strategy Endures
Despite evolving platforms, Eric maintains a strategic anchor: content and conversation. Every platform, from MySpace to TikTok, is evaluated based on those principles.
“The platforms evolve, but the fundamentals stay the same—who are you talking to, what do you want them to do, and how are you starting the conversation?”
Culture is Your Long Game
Celebrating WideFoc.us’s 15-year anniversary by reuniting the remote team and revisiting their first Starbucks “office” wasn’t just nostalgic—it reaffirmed the power of intentional culture. StrengthsFinder exercises, shared meals, and face-to-face connection led to deeper cohesion and retention.
Show Notes
- Denverlicious – A food and lifestyle blog spotlighting Denver’s hidden gems
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