Please, introduce yourself and your business.
I am among the original partners of Tok Digital Agency, overseeing operations within the web development department.
How did you start your business?
Our business began with four friends who brought diverse skills to the table: web development, graphic design, online marketing, and business management. Each of us saw an opportunity to combine our expertise and create something meaningful together.
How much revenue was your best year? (include margin if possible)
Regarding revenue, our best year saw significant growth and success for our business. While I can't disclose specific figures, I can say that our revenue substantially exceeded our previous years' performances.
Additionally, we were able to maintain healthy profit margins throughout this period. Our focus remains on continued growth and providing value to our clients.
When did you notice traction when building your business? The “Oh S**t!” moment, what did that feel like?
The 'Oh S**t!' moment for us came when we landed a major client or achieved a significant milestone that exceeded our initial expectations.
It was a mix of excitement, disbelief, and a sudden realization that our hard work was paying off. The feeling was incredibly validating and energizing, but it also brought a sense of responsibility to maintain and build upon our success
What was your childhood like? Were you slinging candy on the playground?
My childhood was filled with fond memories of playing Super Nintendo games. Alongside other activities, spending time with classic games like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country brought me immense joy.
These experiences not only provided fun but also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork when playing with friends.
What has been your best marketing marketing channel?
Word of mouth
How many attempts at building something did you make before you found what you’re working on now? Did you always have an entrepreneurial drive?
I made several attempts at building different projects before finding what I'm currently working on.
Each attempt taught me valuable lessons and helped me refine my vision and approach. They were essential steps in my journey toward discovering the right fit.
As for having an entrepreneurial drive, I've always been curious and inclined towards exploring new ideas and opportunities. Even as a child, I found myself drawn to creating things and finding solutions to problems.
Over time, this drive evolved into a passion for entrepreneurship, fueled by a desire to innovate, make a positive impact, and pursue my vision. While the path to entrepreneurship may have had its ups and downs, my unwavering determination and passion for building something meaningful have remained constant.
What is your biggest overhead expense?
Our biggest overhead expense is employee salaries
What’s the most important skill you’ve learned?
As a tech lead in a digital agency, the most important skill I've learned is the ability to innovate and adapt to new technologies and trends rapidly. In the fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential to providing cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
Whether it's mastering emerging programming languages, understanding the latest development frameworks, or leveraging advancements in AI and machine learning, continuously learning and evolving is paramount. Additionally, strong leadership and communication skills are crucial for effectively guiding my team through complex projects and ensuring alignment with our clients' goals and expectations.
Overall, being adaptable, technically proficient, and able to lead and inspire others are the key skills that have proven invaluable in my role
What do you spend the majority of your time doing, in a given week? (I think a lot of people hear entrepreneurs “work,” but may not understand what that means on a day-to-day basis.
Technical Leadership: I spend a significant portion of my time providing technical leadership and guidance to my team.
This involves setting the technical direction for projects, reviewing code, and ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Project Management: Another significant aspect of my role is project management. I work closely with project managers and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are progressing according to plan, milestones are being met, and any challenges are addressed promptly.
Team Collaboration: Collaboration is essential in a digital agency environment. I spend time collaborating with designers, developers, and other team members to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.
Client Communication: Client communication is a crucial part of my role. I spend time meeting with clients to understand their requirements, provide updates on project progress, and address any concerns they may have.
Building strong relationships with clients is essential for the success of our projects.
Research and Development: Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends is vital in the digital industry.
I dedicate time to research new tools, frameworks, and methodologies that can help improve our processes and deliver better results for our clients.
What is your best advice for someone who feels completely stuck?
Don't feel pressured to have everything figured out from the beginning. Start small and take incremental steps towards your goals. Whether it's conducting market research, creating a prototype, or setting up a basic website, taking action, no matter how small, can help build momentum and confidence.
