A successful agency founder needs conviction and vision. Sam Fenton-Elstone, the CEO and founding partner of ‘Anything is Possible’ has both in abundance.

In this episode of Waypointers, Sam gives our listeners an up-close and personal insight into the journey he’s been on so far, and where he and his team are taking ‘Anything is Possible’.

If you’ve not yet worked it out from the name of his agency, Sam is on a no-holds barred growth mission. He’s taken his learnings from some of the big industry roles he’s held at iCrossing and then VCCP and created something compelling and new at his seven-year-old agency.

The kind of culture needed for the pace of growth Sam is targeting, requires people who are “possibilists”, supporting Sam as “Possiblist-in-Chief.” The agency now has plenty of data on what to look for when recruiting and they’ve nailed the people bit of the equation. In the same way, they’ve also worked out the kind of client that allows them to deliver on their vision.

The results speak for themselves – 90 people, 40% YoY growth and in some cases extraordinary five-year client contracts, as well as the pursuit of growth in places that are in some instances off the beaten track. The agency really does live up to its name!

Waypoint partner, Phil Gripton quizzes Sam on the nitty gritty of how he’s delivered exceptional growth; how he’s succeeded where much of the performance industry he operates within has struggled, and what the agency’s next chapter looks like.

A regional powerhouse, with global ambitions

Sam has built his business primarily in the regions, although he now has offices outside of his Brighton HQ, in Manchester (via acquisition) and London. He’s also opened an office in Cape Town, having spotted an opportunity to spearhead growth across the continent. Not necessarily the most obvious place to do that, but then again, you only have to look at the agency’s founding ambitions: “Anything is possible”

You might not be too small to do an acquisition

Sam has turbo-charged growth by acquiring another business along the way. Many entrepreneurs assume they have to be big to acquire, yet, sometimes, M&A, bringing the right kind of agency into the fold can be part of the growth strategy for smaller agencies.

Keep on moving

Sam is intent on AIP being a brilliant business, not just a fast-growing business. Momentum is key – any decision is better than no decision. He and his team refuse to be constrained by the normal, but instead always ready to leap into the unknown. Sam’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious. It’s no surprise that they have picked up a whole host of industry awards including a win at the 2024 IPA effectiveness awards, a Prolific North Agency of the year nomination, and a LDC top 50.

For more learnings from one of the fastest growing agencies in its sector on how it has consistently delivered stellar growth, select the Waypointers link.