About Dev to Agency

👋 Hi, I'm Chris (@chrisrickard)

To be honest I never thought I would start an agency. I was full-stack software developer, not a CEO. But through a series of random events, in 2012 I decided to start a small agency focusing on building high quality custom software for clients - and it has been one of the best things I have done in my life.

I developed a niche building custom internal tools for what I like to call "boring businesses" - which allowed us to focus on our target market, and stop pitching for every project that came along.

In 2020 my agency was acquired (by a larger agency), and it gave me time to reflect on the processes and strategies I learnt along the way. After 8 years of running my business I learnt how a small group of technically focused people can

1. Punch above your weight 🥊
   Winning large projects when competing with companies 10 to 20 time as large.
   
2. Build client relationships that last for years 🤝
   Having a smaller amount of larger clients, rather than a larger amount of smaller clients.
   
3. Keep software developers happy and engaged 🥰
   Relationships with staff and clients are key. Without them an agency is just a logo.
   

Dev to Agency is my outlet for sharing what I have learnt, as I found it hard to find trustworthy advice online, I am hoping to "give back", and help some people along their path.