Adapting Agencies for the AI Era

Overview

On this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch interviews Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions—the leading provider of white label WordPress, SEO, content, and AI solutions for agencies. Brent shares his view from the front lines of agency evolution as AI, automation, and changing client expectations reshape the digital marketing landscape. They dive into the real impact of AI on agencies, the future of marketing leadership, the enduring value of strategy over tactics, and why human expertise still matters more than ever.

About the Guest

Brent Weaver is the CEO of E2M Solutions, a top white label provider of WordPress, SEO, content, and AI solutions for digital marketing agencies. With deep experience both running and supporting agencies, Brent is a recognized voice on AI, agency growth, and the new skills required to thrive in a fast-changing industry.

• Website: e2msolutions.com
• Email: brent@e2msolutions.com
• AI Event: joinvistara.com

Actionable Insights

• AI is rapidly raising the bar—not just for agencies, but for clients who now expect faster, better results and more transparency.
• The white label model is evolving fast, with providers like E2M embracing “AI first” internal training, education, and even offering fractional AI services to agencies.
• The hype of AI often exceeds reality—experiments abound, but many projects never deliver, so agencies and business owners must remain adaptable and strategic.
• There’s still no “all-in-one” AI marketing operating system, but the industry is heading toward more integrated, seamless solutions.
• SEO is far from dead; but marketers must get creative, focus on proprietary expertise, and optimize for both LLMs and Google—especially for local businesses.
• Human leadership and strategy are more vital than ever. AI makes agencies more competitive, but also increases client expectations and the need for specialization and niche expertise.
• The human element remains central: The future belongs to those who can combine AI tools with strategic thinking, EQ, and deep client understanding.
• Agencies—and marketers—need to retool, learn continuously, and be ready to lead and manage, not just “do.”

Great Moments (with Timestamps)

• 01:10 – The Elephant in the Room: AI’s Impact on Agencies
  Brent shares how AI is changing agency operations, results, and client expectations.
• 02:25 – White Labeling in the Age of AI
  How E2M is retooling with “AI First Saturdays,” fractional AI services, and ongoing education.
• 04:46 – Will We Ever Get a True AI Marketing OS?
  The reality (and limits) of current AI tools and what’s coming next.
• 06:18 – The Hype vs. Reality of AI Projects
  Why many AI initiatives fail—and why experimentation is still worth it.
• 08:10 – Is SEO Dead?
  Brent’s take on what’s changed, what still works, and how local and LLM optimization are evolving.
• 11:55 – Why Agencies Are Working Harder, Not Less
  AI may automate, but competition, complexity, and client demands are rising.
• 13:31 – The Human Element and Future-Ready Skills
  Why strategy, specialization, and leadership will define the next era of agency growth.
• 15:17 – AI Agents, Frictionless UX, and What’s Next
  How AI will reshape customer journeys, jobs, and digital marketing roles.
• 18:17 – From Doing to Managing: Evolving Careers and Teams
  The growing need for strategic thinkers, EQ, and continuous learning.

Insights

“AI has raised the bar for agencies and clients alike—faster, better results are expected, but human expertise is still at the center.”

“There’s no magic all-in-one AI solution yet, but those who combine tools with strategy and leadership will win.”

“SEO is evolving, not dying—marketers must focus on unique value, local search, and optimizing for new AI-driven experiences.”

“Agencies need to retool for an AI-first world, but the need for deep specialization, leadersh