Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: How One Agency CEO Transformed Employee Retention
Tue Nov 25 2025
Every agency owner knows the feeling – you've invested countless hours training a talented team member, only to watch them walk out the door six months later. Then, clients start to question why they're working with their third account manager this year. The cycle of hiring, training, and losing people doesn't just drain your bank account – it crushes morale and makes sustainable growth feel impossible. When turnover becomes your agency's defining feature, something fundamental is broken. But what if your culture problem is actually your biggest opportunity?
Today we're joined by Joe Giovannoli, founder and CEO of 9Sail, a New Jersey search marketing agency specializing in SEO and PPC for law firms and construction companies. Since founding 9Sail in 2015, Joe has transformed his agency from struggling with high turnover to building a values-driven workplace where transparency, accountability, and data-driven expertise aren't just slogans – they're competitive advantages. Joe's journey from facing constant retention challenges to creating a culture that both clients and employees won't leave offers valuable lessons for any agency owner feeling stuck in the revolving door syndrome.
Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Joe Giovannoli about:
⭐ How focusing on culture creates a measurable competitive advantage that directly impacts client retention and agency profitability.
⭐ Practical ways to implement values like transparency and accountability that transform employee experience and reduce turnover.
⭐ Specific systems for properly assessing bandwidth needs and setting clear expectations that prevent burnout while maintaining high performance.
Learn more about Joe Giovannoli
Connect with Joe Giovannoli on LinkedIn
Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode
9Sail
Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo
How to Structure Your Agency to Win Using EOS
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
Culture Index
Dana Corporation
Ford
Chrysler
GM
Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/culture-eats-strategy-for-breakfast-how-one-agency-ceo-transformed-employee-retention
Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.
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Every agency owner knows the feeling – you've invested countless hours training a talented team member, only to watch them walk out the door six months later. Then, clients start to question why they're working with their third account manager this year. The cycle of hiring, training, and losing people doesn't just drain your bank account – it crushes morale and makes sustainable growth feel impossible. When turnover becomes your agency's defining feature, something fundamental is broken. But what if your culture problem is actually your biggest opportunity? Today we're joined by Joe Giovannoli, founder and CEO of 9Sail, a New Jersey search marketing agency specializing in SEO and PPC for law firms and construction companies. Since founding 9Sail in 2015, Joe has transformed his agency from struggling with high turnover to building a values-driven workplace where transparency, accountability, and data-driven expertise aren't just slogans – they're competitive advantages. Joe's journey from facing constant retention challenges to creating a culture that both clients and employees won't leave offers valuable lessons for any agency owner feeling stuck in the revolving door syndrome. Social Pulse Podcast host Mike Allton asked Joe Giovannoli about: ⭐ How focusing on culture creates a measurable competitive advantage that directly impacts client retention and agency profitability. ⭐ Practical ways to implement values like transparency and accountability that transform employee experience and reduce turnover. ⭐ Specific systems for properly assessing bandwidth needs and setting clear expectations that prevent burnout while maintaining high performance. Learn more about Joe Giovannoli Connect with Joe Giovannoli on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode 9Sail Learn more about Agorapulse with a free demo How to Structure Your Agency to Win Using EOS Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business Culture Index Dana Corporation Ford Chrysler GM Show Notes & Transcript: https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/podcasts/agency-edition/culture-eats-strategy-for-breakfast-how-one-agency-ceo-transformed-employee-retention Brought to you by Agorapulse: the #1 rated social media management solution. Follow Agorapulse on LinkedIn.Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse. If you’re interested in being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.