Company: Market Mentors
Guests: Michelle Abdow
Year Started: 2003
Employees: 11-25
What if a stranger on a plane could change your business?
In this episode of An Agency Story, Michelle Abdow, founder and president of Market Mentors, shares the pivotal moment that shifted the trajectory of her agency. From launching her business with newborn twins to landing a transformative client mid-flight, Michelle’s story is a powerful mix of chance, courage, and smart leadership.
If you’ve ever questioned your timing, feared slowing down, or wondered how to future-proof your agency, this conversation will inspire and equip you.
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Episode Summary
Michelle Abdow is the driving force behind Market Mentors, a full-service, fully integrated marketing agency specializing in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. With over two decades of leadership, Michelle has steered her agency through seismic shifts in technology, marketing, and team building, all while staying rooted in purpose and people.
In this episode, we talk about how a single plane ride became a business catalyst, how she’s embraced AI in her operations, and how she built a culture where feedback is a growth tool, not a conflict.
Top Highlights:
- How a random encounter led to a client that sparked expansion
- A practical philosophy for integrating AI into creative workflows
- The cultural framework that keeps her team aligned and evolving
Key Takeaways and Lessons
Start Before You Feel Ready
> Michelle didn’t wait for the “perfect time.” She launched Market Mentors shortly after delivering twins, with no prior agency experience. What she did have was clarity on the kind of impact she wanted to make.
Create a Culture Where Feedback is a Gift
One of the agency’s core mantras is “feedback is a gift, both given and received.” Michelle has built a team culture that values direct communication, personal accountability, and curiosity over defensiveness.
Adopt AI Thoughtfully, Not Fearfully
Instead of resisting new tools, Michelle encourages her team to “automate the ordinary and humanize the extraordinary.” This approach positions AI as an efficiency enabler, not a threat, freeing her team to focus on high-impact work.
Growth Is Built on Values, Not Hype
Michelle admits she once wished she’d “stepped on the gas” faster, but she’s proud of the reputation and resiliency that came from slow, intentional scaling.
Show Notes & Resources
- Atomic Habits by James Clear (used in her agency book club)
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott (a staple in their feedback training)
- Forbes article describing The PESO model for integrated marketing: Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned
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