How to Own Your Agency and Your Life: A Conversation with Mike Schmidt and AJ Rivera
In this three-part episode of Behind the Boost, host Nic Padilla welcomes Mike Schmidt and AJ Rivera for an expansive conversation about building a digital agency that serves your life goals, not the other way around. From operational strategy to work-life integration, this series challenges common assumptions about what agency success looks like.
Watch the Full Interview
Watch Part 2: Scaling Without Sacrificing Quality of Life | Part 3: Building Systems for Agency Freedom
Redefining Agency Success
The traditional narrative of agency success often revolves around metrics like revenue, headcount, and client roster. Mike Schmidt and AJ Rivera challenge this narrative by proposing a different definition of success, one that starts with the life you want to live and works backward to design an agency that supports that vision. Their approach resonates with the growing number of agency owners who are questioning whether the hustle-culture approach to business building is sustainable or even desirable.
Mike and AJ share their personal journeys toward this redefined vision of success, including the moments that prompted them to reconsider their priorities and the specific changes they made to align their businesses with their life goals. Their candor about the challenges of this transition, including the fear of appearing less ambitious or losing competitive edge, makes this conversation particularly relatable for agency owners at any stage.
Scaling Without Sacrificing Life Quality
A central question in the second part of this series is whether it is possible to grow an agency while improving rather than degrading quality of life. Mike and AJ argue that it is not only possible but essential, and they share the operational strategies that make it work. These include building robust systems that reduce dependency on any single person, hiring for values alignment as much as skill, and creating client relationships that respect boundaries.
The conversation explores the concept of intentional growth, where scaling decisions are evaluated not just on financial return but on their impact on team wellbeing, client quality, and the agency owners’ ability to engage with the parts of the business they enjoy most. This framework offers a refreshing alternative to the grow-at-all-costs mentality that dominates much of the agency landscape.
Systems for Agency Freedom
The final installment focuses on the specific systems that enable agency owners to step back from daily operations without sacrificing quality or growth. Mike and AJ discuss project management frameworks, client communication systems, team development processes, and financial management approaches that collectively allow agency owners to work on their businesses rather than in them. Their practical, implementation-focused advice makes this a valuable resource for anyone looking to build an agency that runs effectively without constant owner involvement.
Key Takeaways
This three-part series with Mike Schmidt and AJ Rivera is a must-watch for agency owners who want to build businesses that enhance their lives rather than consume them. Their combination of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and personal authenticity provides both the inspiration and the practical tools needed to build an agency on your own terms.
About Behind the Boost
Behind the Boost is a podcast hosted by Nic Padilla, Director of Business Development at Boostability. Browse all episodes.