Kieran O’Brien, founder of ShopGenie, shares how he’s grown his agencies and software companies on the Vendasta Conquer Local show. The fastest way to grow your influence is to be a guest on other people’s shows.
Kieran O’Brien is a young leader in digital marketing, known for his hands-on approach and ability to turn strategy into execution. He started his journey at 16 by landing his first client and launching his agency. By 20, he was running a successful business and inspiring young entrepreneurs through YouTube and Instagram.
Recognizing the demand for structured training, he co-founded SMMA University, a program that teaches aspiring agency owners how to build and scale their businesses. The course covers everything from client acquisition to managing virtual assistants and running campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Google.
One of Kieran’s biggest lessons is the importance of systems and processes. Early on, he ran a highly customized agency but realized that without structured frameworks, scaling was impossible. He later adopted Content Factory, which helped streamline operations.
Kieran’s journey began with a bold choice—he skipped college and took action. His first client, an automotive shop owner named Matt, became both a business partner and mentor. With no formal training, Kieran learned through YouTube, trial, and error, gaining expertise in automotive digital marketing. His success grew through word-of-mouth, setting him apart as a results-driven entrepreneur.
One of the biggest lessons he shares? The power of niching down.
Specializing in one industry helped him in two major ways:
- Speaking the language of his clients – Automotive shop owners instantly related to him because he understood their business, their pain points, and their terminology.
- Simplifying operations – When you serve a specific niche, your systems, processes, and marketing assets become repeatable, making scaling easier.
This strategy applies to any industry. Whether you’re working with dentists, real estate agents, or local retailers, knowing their world gives you an edge. It makes marketing easier, sales conversations smoother, and client relationships stronger.
After building a strong foundation, Kieran took things to the next level when he met me and started implementing proven systems to scale his agency.
As Kieran continues to scale his agency, he’s able to reinvest his earnings into hiring more talent and refining his marketing systems. What started as a bootstrap venture has now blossomed into a full-fledged agency with a growing roster of clients.
When I see Kieran’s success, it blows my mind. He’s just 20 years old, but he already has four years of experience in running a digital marketing agency. That’s not just impressive—it’s extraordinary.
It’s also a great reminder of how quickly things evolve in this industry. While Kieran is excelling, I often find myself reflecting on my journey and age. Sometimes, I look at what he’s doing on platforms like Snapchat or Instagram and feel like the “old person” struggling with technology—much like when you’re trying to teach your parents how to set up the VCR (remember those days?).
Yet, there’s something unique that individuals with more experience have—especially those in their 40s and 50s—that younger entrepreneurs like Kieran don’t yet fully realize. The key difference lies in relationships and mentorship.
For example, any business owner in his 60s expresses a feeling of being out of touch with the digital age. But what he doesn’t realize is that his experience in business offers him a massive advantage. When it comes to connecting with clients and understanding their needs, his age and experience give him authority and credibility in ways that younger entrepreneurs sometimes can’t achieve on their own.
The Power of Personal Branding and Knowing Your Niche
Kieran’s social media presence is a testament to his ability to connect with the younger generation. With an average of two to three thousand likes on his Instagram posts, he has truly captured the attention of his demographic. I sometimes wonder—could Bill and I, with our more seasoned perspectives, ever manage to create such an engaging presence? It’s hard to picture, given the difference in audience.
But here’s the thing: The digital world is vast, and not every audience responds to the same voice. It’s about doubling down on our strengths and recognizing where we can best serve our target audience.
It’s not about trying to replicate Kieran’s success with flashy social media posts. Instead, it’s about owning one’s own story, background, and unique perspective that resonates with business owners in their niche.
Each of us has a LIGHTHOUSE—a guiding principle or industry we can dominate. Kieran already has strong relationships with people in that field. If he were to leverage his knowledge and start applying structured processes, he could easily grow his agency. Scaling from a handful of clients to 50 or 100? It’s entirely possible, and it’s not about working harder, but smarter.
What’s important here is not only the technical skills but the value Bill can provide through mentorship and by tapping into a demographic that may feel more comfortable with someone in their age group. Personal branding is key in this process, and this is something we’ve focused on heavily in the first 10 weeks of our training.
Building Trust with Testimonials and Success Stories
One of the biggest hurdles is building trust with potential clients. He recognizes that without tangible success stories, it’s difficult to establish credibility and stand out in a crowded market. Bill understands that he can do a good job for his clients, but without the social proof—those client success stories and testimonials—it’s hard to make a compelling pitch.
This is a common pain point for many who are still in the early stages of agency growth. You might have a handful of clients, but without a clear process or the use of customer voices to drive more business, growth can be slow. How many of you can relate to this challenge?
Interestingly, this is a challenge that Kieran faced just a month ago. He never really asked for testimonials from his clients. He’d occasionally receive them voluntarily, but only after he started to build out a sub-brand for his agency, specifically focusing on automotive repair, did he realize how important it was to actively ask for testimonials.
Kieran went back to his past clients—both current and former—and was amazed at how many of them were willing to give a testimonial. In no time, he had accumulated 10 to 15 testimonials just by simply asking. The power of these testimonials, combined with his growing digital presence, helped to solidify his credibility and strengthen his agency’s reputation.
To get the best testimonial, you need to ask the right questions—questions that elicit detailed, specific feedback about how your service improved the client’s situation. Only then will you get a testimonial that not only highlights your skills but also resonates with potential customers.
Kieran O’Brien’s story isn’t just about digital marketing—it’s about taking action, building systems, and creating opportunities. Whether it’s launching a business, growing your influence by being a guest on other people’s shows or scaling through proven frameworks, Kieran proves that success comes to those who execute.