Agency growth and exit strategy client success stories and testimonials

Real results speak louder than promises. These agency growth and exit strategy client success stories and testimonials come from founders I’ve worked with to unlock their agency’s potential. Each story reflects measurable progress, from greater operational clarity and stronger leadership to substantial improvements in valuation and growth trajectory.

Trusted advisor for strategy, growth, and M&A success

Tim Deeson, the CEO of Deeson Group | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“Felix is a rare breed. He understands deeply what makes businesses tick, is well connected, ambitious and very commercially savvy. He has a great understanding of the market and is well positioned to support a board from a positioning, strategy and M&A perspective. Last but absolutely not least — a genuinely decent human being who is diligent about doing the right thing.”

Tim Deeson, CEO
Deeson Group (acquired by TPXImpact plc)

Bill Updegraaf, the co-founder of Grapeseed | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“We’ve always had a happy team, but now it’s outstanding. People say they deeply love working here in a way we’ve never heard before. For the first time, I can focus on what I do best as a founder. I’m not stressed about everything because I know my team is taking care of the rest—and they’re doing it brilliantly.”

Bill Updegraaf, co-founder
Grapeseed

Ellen Utrecht, founder of MikeTeevee | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“I’m grateful to the program for showing me how to empower my team and make them feel part of what we’re building. I’ve watched them all grow as individuals and I know that the future of my business is in great hands.”

Ellen Utrecht, founder
MikeTeevee

Stefano Marrone, the founder of Nucco Brain | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“I’ve been working with Felix for around 18 months. As a result, we’ve tripled our headcount, the turnover’s tripled and profit percentage doubled. I cannot recommend him enough if you’re looking to grow a solid agency fast.”

Stefano Marrone, founder
Nucco Brain (acquired by Unit9)

Chris Donnelly, founder of Verb Brands | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“I worked with Felix for just over a year and it changed my career and business forever. If I had to point to one thing, it would be, I believe that Felix taught me how to think and how to design strategy. We were a successful company before and we are so afterwards but now we are organised, strategic, purposeful and ultimately ready to continue scaling in an organised and efficient manner.”

Chris Donnelly, founder
Verb Brands (acquired by Croud)

Dave Endersen, partner at White Bear | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“I can honestly say working with Felix is the most enjoyable thing I’ve done, work-wise. Enjoyable and challenging and rewarding as an owner as well to see the impact on your business.”

Dave Endersen, partner
White Bear

Jess Tyrrell, managing director of Beyond | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“This is the orchestration Felix provides: he takes you deeper into the values of the organisation and into what drives people to find a proposition with purpose that also rightly identifies you in the market.”

Jess Tyrrell, managing director
Beyond

Adam Smith, founder of Rawnet (acquired by Phoenix) | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“I’d totally lost interest and was about to catapult the towel into a bonfire; but with the new proposition, engaged team and acquirers seeing us as an asset, it completely turned around.”

Adam Smith, founder,
Rawnet (acquired by Phoenix)

G Tyler Barnet, the co-founder of Grapeseed | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“After operating for a decade, Felix and his team lit a new path for us. Everything from titles, to operational changes, mission, finances, marketing, personnel — every box was checked, and what felt insurmountable became reality with our trusted navigators. Felix and his team have eyes in the back of their heads, and while at times it was unclear why a certain exercise is important, if you trust the system and give yourself over to their wisdom, you will be successful scaling and selling your company.”

G Tyler Barnet, co-founder
Grapeseed

Clair Nash, MomentumABM | Felix Velarde

★★★★★

“Felix’s no-nonsense approach breaks down complexity and keeps you focused on the things that really matter… turns theory into reality and puts strategy into practice. The results speak for themselves.”

Claire Nash
MomentumABM (acquired by Accenture)

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