How to Build (and Scale) a Successful Agency: Insights from a Veteran Entrepreneur

Apr 23

Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/ZSHLUS8Z79U?feature=shared

In this episode, I chat with Ed Lazarowitz, my longtime mentor and co-founder of Medical Knowledge Group, about the highs and lows of building and scaling a business. Ed’s career spans decades in finance, technology, and marketing, and he’s helped grow companies from the ground up—including one that sold for over a billion dollars.

Whether you’re a startup founder, agency owner, or content creator dreaming of your next big move, this episode is packed with timeless business insights and a behind-the-scenes look at the power of mentorship.

Inside This Episode, We Discuss:

How Ed shifted careers at 50 to co-found a billion-dollar business
Why mentorship is essential for growth and how we met through SCORE
Ed’s simple yet powerful mindset for handling worst-case scenarios
The business formula Ed swears by to keep finances in check
Why you should always be growing your business (or risk falling behind)
Ed’s honest take on social media’s power—and its risks for society
What marketers need to know about trust, authenticity, and future regulation
How word-of-mouth and community-driven marketing still reign supreme

About Ed Lazarowitz:

Ed Lazarowitz is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and mentor with a background in finance, marketing, and tech. After building value for others for decades, he co-founded Medical Knowledge Group in 2004, helping transform it into a billion-dollar analytics-driven healthcare communications agency. Known for his strategic thinking and operational expertise, Ed continues to advise and consult, bringing wisdom from years of leadership to new ventures.

Guest’s Story:

Ed started in finance, but after years of climbing the corporate ladder, he took a leap at age 50 to co-found his own agency—Medical Knowledge Group. Under his leadership, MKG revolutionized pharmaceutical marketing by integrating advanced analytics, driving measurable results for top clients in the biopharmaceutical space. Today, Ed’s retired from day-to-day business but remains deeply involved in consulting, chairing Chronius Health, and giving back through mentorship.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs:

Mentorship Matters: Having someone believe in you can be a game-changer. Surround yourself with people who support your growth.
Plan for the Worst, Build for the Best: Ed’s worst-case-scenario mindset helps entrepreneurs stay grounded when challenges hit.
Keep Growing: Comfort can kill momentum. If you’re not actively growing your business, you’re at risk when things shift.
Financial Simplicity Wins: Understanding the key financial ratios of your business will help you stay profitable and proactive.
Social Media Needs Integrity: The marketing landscape is shifting. As digital marketers, we need to advocate for authenticity and ethical practices.

Final Thoughts:

This conversation with Ed is one I’ll never forget—and if you’ve ever felt like you’re building your business alone, know that the right mentors can make all the difference. I’m grateful for the guidance, support, and life lessons Ed has given me, and I hope this episode helps you think differently about your own path forward.

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