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Boomtown Growth: Agency Pitched Client on Buying Them
TL;DR: Darrell Vesterfelt launched Boomtown Growth (originally Good People Digital) in 2015 after freelancing. The agency specialized in high-ticket sales outsourcing for creators. Key growth came entirely through referrals - they operated without a website for 4 years. Co-founder Brandon Bogdalek joined after meeting Vesterfelt at a golf course, bringing complementary sales skills. The acquisition by Mighty Networks happened after Vesterfelt drafted a 4-page email on a flight detailing ideal terms. CEO Gina Bianchini called 11 minutes after receiving it and verbally agreed. The deal closed in 30 days with no negotiation.
Key Insights
- Service businesses can grow to $1.2M revenue purely through referrals without even having a website
- Meeting the right partner through serendipitous encounters (golf course) can unlock complementary skills
- Proactively pitching your client on acquiring you can create a fast, negotiation-free deal
Actionable Takeaways
- Focus on referral quality over marketing presence in early agency stages - you may not need a website for years
- When you find a strong client relationship, consider pitching them on acquisition with a detailed written proposal
- Draft acquisition terms proactively with a written proposal before approaching the buyer
Principles Validated (1)
Read full article on theygotacquired.comAdded Feb 15, 2026