I recently announced that I am changing IDP’s business model from full-time employees to independent contractors and converting to a virtual agency. Drawing inspiration from such innovative firms as Host Universal of London and jo&co of Salt Lake City, I am abandoning the traditionally slow and paperwork-heavy approach to the “ad agency” business and adopting a more client-focused approach to solving marketing problems.

It was the most difficult decision I’ve ever made. It affected the lives of our employees, their families and their friends. The staff that left that stormy afternoon was the best I’d ever had. My decision was not related to performance or quality — it was about passion. Running a company and managing people exhausted my passion, frustrated my employees and interfered with my ability to be the best at what I do. Struggling with employee turnover for the past two years, I had been looking for a way to build a dynamic organization, generate a more consistent profit margin and create an environment conducive to creative collaboration and freedom. Continue Reading »