Today is our first of Limerick Chamber Member interview series we interview Kevin Meaney, the founder and owner of AGENT Digital, a full service Digital Marketing agency with its main HQ based here in Limerick City, at Howley’s Quay.
Having celebrated his first decade in business, and a family man with two young children, Kevin is motivated by offering a wide range of digital services to clients, and works closely with a full in-house team to make this happen every day.
10 questions for Limerick Chamber Member Kevin Meaney
Kevin spoke to us about his entrepreneurial story, his greatest satisfactions and challenges in business, and the importance of the “fantastic support network” of Limerick Chamber in helping him grow AGENT Digital into the successful internationally trading business that it is today.
1. Tell us about your business?
Within the AGENT brand there are actually two main businesses.
AGENT Digital is a full service digital agency, based here in Limerick and in Dublin. I set up the company in 2007, and over the first decade our approach to projects has been: listen, strategise, deliver. We listen to our clients’ goals; we create a strategy to achieve those goals; and deliver that strategy through our range of services, such as Design, Development, Video Marketing, and Digital Marketing, which includes Search and Social Marketing. We are digital Change AGENTs. We believe in challenging digital to the limit, to deliver the best for our clients, which include multinationals, universities, institutes and SMEs, nationwide and internationally, including The Body Shop, Smurfit Kappa and RTÉ.
Also within the AGENT brand is AGENT.media, the business website for Change AGENTS – Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Career Professionals who are driven by their passion. AGENT.media delivers content in all areas of business and life, to inform, inspire and educate its readers. The website has been live for just two years, and is really taking off now, with more than one million views a month, close to one million followers across its social platforms, contributors from business leaders globally, and partnerships with brands such as Vodafone UK and Trivago to name a few. Currently the majority of our readership comes from the US, UK and Europe and we are currently executing campaigns to help businesses in Ireland connect with the growing AGENT audience.
2. How did you get into the industry?
I got the business bug when I was 6 back in 1986, when my younger brother and myself sold 10p ice pops from our parents’ garage in Raheen. They sold well but we reinvested the earnings back into product development, as the concentrated orange juice ice pops had a limited market! [laughs]
My original background was in design communications but I really got into digital in 2006, when I was undertaking an MA in Interactive Multimedia at the University of Limerick. I had a really inspirational lecturer, Dr Mikael Fernstrom, who opened my mind to how technology could be utilised to deliver creative projects, so that year really merged my passion for design with digital.
Shortly after graduating from UL, I set up the company to help businesses take advantage of digital and grow online.
3. Whats the best thing about being in business in Limerick?
There are several things. In my opinion, Limerick is the ideal City to startup or grow a business. Aside from Limerick’s culture and community, it’s perfectly placed with regard to infrastructure. It’s just 30 minutes from Shannon Airport, and we have several innovation centres in UL & LIT to help businesses get off the ground and grow internationally. There are also a great range of business supports from the Limerick LEO, and of course, the Limerick Chamber.
4. What do you find most beneficial in regards to being Limerick Chamber member?
I am a Limerick Chamber member since we started the company back in 2007, Aside from the training and events that are on offer, I think it’s the people who make up the fantastic support network within Limerick Chamber. Limerick Chamber truly give their all for their members, and in my experience, there is not a more dedicated and passionate team of people.
5. What has given you most satisfaction in business?
There are two things that really drive me. First and foremost, it‘s the feedback we get from our clients, especially when a client tells us that sales and engagement is up due to our digital campaigns—that feeling is second to none.
Also, the team here at AGENT Digital. Walking into the office every morning, it’s exhilarating to feel the energy that’s generated from an office full of positive, talented professionals who are at the top of their game.
6. Who are your business icons or inspirations?
My business inspiration is my father, who graduated from UL (or the NIHE as UL was formerly known) and started out as an engineer in Analog Devices before eventually becoming VP. He only retired recently, and while his work ethic is phenomenal, he has always managed to have time for the family. A hard-working, multi-talented guy.
7. What has been your biggest challenge in business, and how did you surmount it?
Our biggest challenge in business is change, in all industries, but especially in the digital industry where the landscape is constantly evolving. We are in a constant state of innovation and change, and in our industry, you either innovate or evaporate. We invest a lot of resources to stay ahead of the curve, so we can continue to deliver the best for our clients.
8. Work-Life balance: is it possible? How do you achieve it?
Work-Life what? [laughs]… I think work life balance is achievable but can be very difficult, especially when you’re like myself, and have two small kids. Weekends and annual leave are very important for the family, but during the week it’s a case of, get up early to get the kids up and off to school before a day’s work at the office, then back home for dinner and putting the kids to bed, and then back into AGENT mode. It’s manic, but achievable.
9. What is the first thing you do every day?
As soon as I wake up in the morning I check emails, on the phone.
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in business?
Find a mentor in your industry.
Are you are an existing Limerick Chamber Member? would you like the Limerick Chamber to Interview you to promote your business through the Limerick Chamber website and Social Platforms? If yes then contact the Limerick Chamber office today.
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