How I Built a 7-Figure Agency with a Remote Team

When I started 5Four Digital, it was just me—grinding away at a second-hand IKEA desk, juggling client calls, design revisions, and outreach, all while using a seven-year-old MacBook with a noisy fan. I thought hustle alone would carry me to success, but it wasn’t long before I realized the truth: you can’t do it all yourself.

Today, 5Four Digital is a seven-figure branding and web design agency powered by a fully remote, global team. We’ve gone from scrappy beginnings to a borderless operation that thrives on systems, collaboration, and a shared mission. Here’s how I made it happen—and how you can too.

1. Recognize When It’s Time to Delegate

Back in the early days, I thought keeping everything on my plate was a sign of dedication. But that hustle-first mentality led straight to burnout. The breakthrough came when I hired Amit, a developer from India, on a project basis. Having someone else take on development freed up 10–15 hours each week, allowing me to focus on strategy, nurturing client relationships, and growing the business.

Delegation wasn’t just a time-saver—it was a game-changer. By bringing in skilled specialists, I could move faster and deliver better results without compromising quality. I learned that holding onto everything wasn’t strength—it was a bottleneck.

2. Build Systems That Scale

As I began delegating, I quickly realized that handing off tasks wasn’t enough. Without clear processes, my team spent more time asking questions than actually getting work done. That’s when I created SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for everything—from onboarding clients to managing deliverables.

One of the most impactful systems we implemented was our client onboarding process. It walks the team through each step: conducting kickoff calls, gathering assets, and aligning on timelines. The result? A consistent, high-quality experience for every client. SOPs didn’t just streamline operations—they became the foundation of a scalable business.

3. Leverage the Global Talent Advantage

One of the most transformative decisions I made was embracing a borderless hiring model. Instead of limiting myself to local talent, I began sourcing freelancers and team members from around the world.

This approach brought more than just cost savings—it brought diversity and innovation. My team spans continents, with talent in Uganda, India, and the Philippines. While I wind down for the evening in Florida, they’re hard at work. By morning, tasks are completed, and we’re ready to keep moving. Their unique cultural perspectives have also elevated our projects, introducing creative ideas I hadn’t considered.

4. Focus on Niching Down

In the beginning, I made the classic mistake of trying to offer everything: SEO, ads, branding, web design, and more. But it wasn’t sustainable, and clients didn’t see me as a specialist. The turning point came when I niched down, focusing solely on branding and conversion-driven web design for startups and small businesses.

By narrowing our focus, we simplified our operations and became the go-to agency for clients looking to grow through high-performing websites. Specializing not only helped us streamline workflows but also allowed us to charge premium rates because of our expertise.

5. Cultivate Team Culture, Even Remotely

One of the biggest challenges of running a remote team is ensuring everyone feels connected and valued. Early on, I noticed that team members who didn’t feel included were less engaged, which impacted collaboration. That’s when I made building culture a priority.

We introduced initiatives like our “Weekly Wins” thread in Slack, where everyone shares a personal or professional accomplishment. It’s a simple gesture, but it keeps morale high and reminds everyone that their contributions matter. Celebrating milestones, sharing shoutouts, and encouraging casual interactions have created a team environment that feels cohesive, even across time zones.

The Big Picture

Building a 7-figure agency with a remote team didn’t happen overnight. It took systems, delegation, and a shift in mindset—from hustling solo to growing with a global team. Today, 5Four Digital thrives because of the incredible people behind it and the processes that keep us aligned.

Ready to take the first step toward building your borderless team? Grab my book, Borderless, for step-by-step guidance on growing a global, thriving agency.

Let’s build something amazing!