From Omaha to LA: My First Two Years Building a Creative Agency in California

Megan Keyser
18 hours ago
3 min read

The start of 2026 marked two years since I swapped Omaha for Los Angeles.

And the journey has been nothing short of transformative. Building an agency in Nebraska taught me the value of blue-collar grit and the unique needs of the home service industry. But California? California has been an absolute masterclass in growth.

Moving to Los Angeles to launch Builderfriend wasn't just a change of scenery. It required was a strategic shift in order to elevate how to market the contractors who keep the construction industry running.

So how did I navigate the transition and set the stage for scaling in a new market? A concise answer:

Investing heavily in the local community
Leveraging industry-specific networks
Utilizing digital connections intentionally
Automating the routine, but keeping the strategy personal
Prioritizing play to fuel my work

Connecting Locally

When I arrived, I knew I needed to embed myself in the region's business landscape. The support from local groups has been invaluable. Joining the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, in particular, was a fantastic experience. Meeting fellow entrepreneurs who are equally passionate about business in LA County built an unexpected support system and information on the city.

Megan and other members at a Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce event

Connecting Professionally

While local presence is vital, I had to double down on industry-specific immersion. I quickly became a member of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC). Being surrounded by builders, developers, and industry veterans at their events solidified my commitment to the trade sector. This is exactly where Builderfriend belongs, translating the quality of these builds into compelling digital brands.

In fact, this eventually lead to a speaking opportunity at a national construction conference.

Connecting Digitally

Never underestimate the power of the digital handshake. I've spent significant time expanding my professional network on LinkedIn, focusing on genuine connection rather than transactions. Recently, I had a great chat about hyper-local marketing strategies for the fire rebuilds in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

Connecting Personally

You are a product of the people you surround yourself with—and yes, the puppies too. A huge part of my life outside the agency has been making friends and building community. I developed my love for beach volleyball. Omaha actually has great courts, but this is a little different, which is essential for that body maintenance I always emphasize.

And of course, my biggest transformation has been becoming a dog mom! I recently started Dog Moms of Los Angeles, a group for women who need to connect and unwind with their favorite companions. My toy Pomeranian's new friends have been the perfect catalyst for this new venture.

Looking Ahead

I'll never stop working to contribute something greater to the construction industry. The goal is still to help blue-collar professionals (who often lack the time and support) to manage the sophisticated marketing required to reach customers.

We are process-driven. We create enduring value. We understand the language of the trades. Whether you are looking to elevate your brand to luxury or simply need exceptional support from start to finish, we are here to help. We capture the striking visuals that accurately reflect your professional standards, build high-quality sites designed to convert, and boost your presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

So, to infinity and beyond, and to continued Los Angeles adventures.

xoxo

Megan

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Last note: Are you an agency owner or freelancer feeling overwhelmed by the 'business' of running your business? I’ve found that leveraging AI-automated systems is absolutely essential for agency management. Semrush is my go-to tool for streamlining SEO, competitor analysis, and content planning. I highly recommend investing in it to buy back your time. Learn more here.