Deep-Eight-Figure Pharma Agency Growth Story

    CQ

    Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    An interview with Jeff Spanbauer, founder and CEO of Relevate Health

    “Work on yourself; what got you here is not going to get you there.”

    (🎙️ listen now)

    Today’s guest is the Founder and Chairman of Relevate Health, a deep-eight-figure, nearly two-decade-old agency that serves pharmaceutical and medical device brands. 

    So, how did he build a thriving, data-driven agency in the pharmaceutical niche? 

    The usuals: deep vertical expertise, early referrals, and savvy positioning, sure, but what really sets Jeff (and this episode) apart is his focus on self-betterment as a leader, company culture, and using purpose as a bedrock for his company.

    Jeff shares how he went from founding the company in 2007, the ups and downs along the way, and how they got to where they are now, a successful agency with over 200 employees. 

    Corey and Jeff dive into topics like self-development as a leader, fostering open communication among employees, and productizing verticalized services.

    Tune in for a look into:

    • Starting an agency in the pharmaceutical space.

    • How a patent became a marketing campaign.

    • Lead generation through networking and the early days of the agency.

    • How to tell if there is a culture problem in your organization.

    • Productized services and how to use them to differentiate.

    Here are some actionable key takeaways for agency founders:

    • Culture and core values generate growth through good work.

    • Leaders need to practice transparency even in tough times.

    • Find processes in your organization that facilitate better communication.

    • Purpose gives employees a reason to come to work every day.

    • Don’t be afraid to say no to business; narrowing down is essential if you verticalize.

    🎧 Listen to the episode now:

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    Best,

    CQ

     

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    About Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    Corey helps founder-led agencies scale through Deep Specialization™ and programmatic M&A. Former CMO of Scorpion ($20M to $200M). Author of "Anyone, Not Everyone."

    “Is this a good fit for my agency?”

    I partner with founders who want to build something meaningful, not just a busier agency, but a stronger, more scalable business.

    You’re likely a strong fit if:

    • You’re generating $1M–$20M+ annually
    • You want to lead your market, not blend into it
    • You’re thinking about long-term scale, not short-term tactics
    • You want a growth engine that doesn’t rely on you
    • You value clarity over complexity
    • You’re open to advanced growth levers, including acquisitions
    Anyone Not Everyone Book Cover

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    My bestselling book Anyone Not Everyone reveals the positioning and outbound system that helps founder-led agencies create predictable, scalable growth.

    Endorsed by Aaron Ross, Alan Dibb, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and many other top thinkers in the agency world.

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