We were lucky to catch up with Jason Shader Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jason , appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
One of the most defining moments for MLH was my decision to bet on myself. I’d grown frustrated with the agency world. When I was on the client side, it often felt like ideas got shut down with a “no,” “that’s not within scope,” or “we can’t do that.” That stuck with me. When I started MLH, I set out to flip that script. I wanted to build a culture of “yes, and,” where the focus is on finding solutions, going the extra mile, and serving clients with what they need rather than putting up barriers.
Jason , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I launched The MLH Agency in 2023 with a simple mission: to Make Life Happen on behalf of our clients. I bootstrapped the agency, invested in top talent early, and leaned into calculated risks. Trusting my instincts and the team around me has been key. We’re growing fast, from a one-person operation into a full-service agency of over 20 team members in less than two years.
Today, we work with a diverse mix of clients, from a national IV wellness provider, Hydrate IV Bar, to franchises like Ace Handyman Services, and nonprofits we have the capacity to support through pro bono work. Many of our first clients have grown their businesses exponentially, which is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Every day is different, rewarding, and full of opportunities to make an impact. I’m excited to expand into fractional marketing leadership for even more businesses.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Adaptability has been crucial for me in growing The MLH Agency. I didn’t have everything figured out on day one and that was okay. I experimented, listened to clients, and refined my approach until I found what worked. Rather than striving for perfection, I focused on staying flexible and learning through each pivot. Early on, I realized that success wouldn’t come from flashy pitches but from raw, honest conversations. A lot of it happened just sitting down over coffee, sometimes the third cup of the morning, talking through ideas, listening closely to clients, and figuring out what will truly move the needle for them.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Honestly, all of my clients have come through personal connections and word-of-mouth referrals. There’s a real need for the type of full-service, hands-on agency MLH provides, and our work speaks for itself. The MLH Agency was built on trust and collaboration, and that approach continues to drive our growth. For me, it’s not just about business growth—it’s about contributing to something bigger than myself.
I’m really passionate about making a difference here in Denver and beyond, which is part of why I serve on the board of the Traillionaires Foundation. They connect youth with leaders and visionaries, guiding them through life and opening doors to new opportunities, something I try to do for my team and my clients every day. Being involved with the foundation has been incredible, because it’s not only meaningful work, it also helps build connections that turn into long-term, mission-driven collaborations. At the end of the day, combining business expertise with a purpose-driven approach is what helps us grow while also creating real impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themlhagency.com
- Instagram: @themlhagency
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshadersmith/
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