How a Teacher/DJ Built a $100K SEO Agency (in 12 Months)

How a Teacher/DJ Built a $100K SEO Agency (in 12 Months)

n this episode of The SEO Agency Rollercoaster, we sit down with Callum Gracie, founder of Auto Media Group and Gia AI, to explore his incredible journey from teacher and musician to successful agency owner. You’ll hear how Callum:  • Pivoted from music to marketing during the pandemic  • Built his first $100K with SEO as a side hustle  • Grew Auto Media Group to 42 clients in just 14 months  • Uses AI to speed up SEO processes without losing the human touch  • Balances systems, people, and creativity in a remote-first agency Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on growth, resilience, and the future of SEO.

The SEO Agency Rollercoaster with Ryan Shelley of SMA Marketing

Join Ryan Shelley, Founder and CEO of SMA Marketing, as he shares his journey from a faith-driven side hustle to building a powerhouse inbound and SEO agency founded on human-first values and technical expertise. Discover how Ryan and SMA Marketing navigate the challenges of scaling with purpose and forge deep client partnerships through cutting-edge inbound strategies. Learn about their faith-infused culture, unique morning rituals for productive leadership, and Ryan’s vision for marrying purpose and performance at SMA Marketing. Tune in for agency insights on inbound marketing, technical SEO innovations, leadership philosophies, and staying ahead in search.

The SEO Agency Rollercoaster with Becky Simms of Reflect Digital

Join Becky Simms, Founder and Managing Director of Reflect Digital, as she shares her journey from launching her agency with just £3,000 to leading a psychology-powered digital marketing powerhouse. Discover how Becky and Reflect Digital navigate the challenges of scaling an agency, manage high-profile client relationships, and integrate AI-driven strategies without losing their human-first approach. Learn about their human psychology “superpower,” four-day workweek culture, and Becky’s vision for the future of Reflect Digital. Tune in for agency insights on creativity, ROI, and staying competitive in SEO.

The SEO Agency Rollercoaster with Taras Vasylyshyn of Panem

Join Taras Vasylyshyn, CEO and Co-Founder of Panem, as he shares his journey from freelancing to leading a thriving digital agency. Discover how Taras and Panem navigate the challenges of scaling an agency, manage client relationships, and integrate AI-driven strategies into their workflow. Learn about their services, team structure, and Taras’s vision for the future of Panem. Tune in for agency insights on growth, leadership, and staying competitive in SEO.

The SEO Agency Rollercoaster with Olivia Tapper and Thomas Phillips of DTC SEO Agency

Join Olivia Tapper and Thomas Phillips, co-founders of DTC SEO Agency and PetPortraits.com, as they share their paths into digital marketing and the spark that drove them to build two thriving businesses. Discover how they tailor SEO strategies for direct-to-consumer brands, balance two ventures, and keep pace with emerging technologies like AI. Uncover insights on rebranding, team building, and future-proofing your agency in a rapidly evolving industry. Tune in for actionable advice on running a digital agency—from early-stage challenges to prepping for 2025’s big opportunities—and get inspired to carve your own success story in SEO.