Listen to the full episode of the Agency Bytes Podcast featuring me here
When I started Forge and Smith, I loved building websites, solving problems, and delivering exceptional results for clients. Over time, the work increased, the projects became more complex, and the pace accelerated. I quickly realised that growth without clarity created constant pressure. The team was stretched, bottlenecks appeared, and the joy of creating was being replaced by late nights and frustration. I knew that doing more would not solve the problem. We needed a smarter approach.
The Challenge: Scaling Without Losing Control
The industry often equates growth with adding clients, projects, and staff. I learned the hard way that more does not always mean better. Without systems, efficiency, and strategy, growth becomes overwhelming. I needed to find a way to scale the agency without sacrificing quality, creativity, or profitability. That realization became the foundation for everything that followed.
Growth without clarity is a trap. Doing more does not always mean better results.
The Solution: Refoundry and Low Code
To solve these challenges, I focused on streamlining workflows, removing repetitive tasks, and introducing automation. This approach led to the creation of Refoundry, a low code framework that allows teams to deliver high quality websites faster without compromising creative freedom. Low code does not replace developers; it removes the repetitive work that slows teams down and allows us to focus on strategy, design, and client experience.
The Impact: Efficiency, Profitability, and Creativity
Low code transformed the way we work.
Projects that once took hundreds of hours can now be delivered in a fraction of the time. Developers focus on high-value work, designers iterate faster, and marketers can make changes directly.
Clients gain more control and visibility.
The team operates with greater confidence, speed, and purpose.
“When repetitive work is removed, the team can focus on what truly creates value.”
Leadership Lessons: Empowering the Team
Adopting Refoundry also changed my role as a leader.
I moved from handling every detail to empowering the team to make decisions and own their work. This shift required trust but created resilience and allowed me to focus on strategy, innovation, and growth. I found that efficiency, creativity, and growth are interdependent. By aligning systems, tools, and leadership, we created an environment where quality work can flourish while scaling sustainably.
Practical Takeaways for Agencies and Marketers
- Identify Bottlenecks: Look for tasks that slow down delivery.
- Invest in Systems: Use frameworks, templates, and tools to standardise repetitive work.
- Empower Teams: Allow non-developers to take control while keeping developers focused on high-value work.
- Measure Impact: Track time savings, project delivery, and client satisfaction.
- Plan for Scale: Build workflows and leadership structures that support sustainable growth.
My journey with Forge and Smith and the creation of Refoundry taught me that agencies do not need to sacrifice quality to scale.
With smart systems, aligned leadership, and the right tools, it is possible to deliver faster, more profitably, and with greater client satisfaction.
Growth is not about doing more. It is about building smarter and creating an environment where the team, the work, and the clients all thrive.
Listen to the full episode of the Agency Bytes Podcast to hear my story and the lessons I learned along the way.
