Value Added Partner Stories

We chat with with Jon Kennett, Bozboz

Tell us your Story?

I can’t believe it’s been over six years since I switched career path and jumped headfirst into digital. It feels like yesterday I was anxiously heading to my first client meeting – riding shotgun with a team I’d never met, blank notebook in hand. My working life began at GAK, then one of the UK’s largest MI retailers. From dusting guitars to eventually heading up digital development, I spent over 18 years across every part of that business. As much as I loved GAK, I needed a new challenge. After a stint freelancing in SEO, I joined Bozboz in 2019 – and within a year I was appointed the Agency Director position. Today I oversee the agency with a brilliant team of designers, developers and operational wizards. At work I play the roles of leader, marketer and problem-solver; at home, I’m a family man, chasing after two busy boys aged two and three.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

The biggest challenge has definitely been navigating the pandemic. Overnight we had to rethink how we worked and where we were heading. The boldest step we took was narrowing our focus – moving away from being a full-service agency that offered all things to all people, and instead positioning Bozboz as a web design, development and support agency. For a team that had always prided itself on versatility, this was a big mindset shift. But it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. Our proposition is clearer, we’re more focussed, and the work we’re delivering is stronger than ever.

What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?

There have been lots of proud moments over the years. On a personal level, being invited to speak in front of audiences and share my experiences has been a real honour. As an agency, I’m proud that we’ve continued to grow steadily year on year, not just in revenue but in profit margins and stability – which gives us the platform to do our best work. Most of all, I’m proud of the team; their commitment and talent is what makes Bozboz special. This year, supporting TogetherCo as our chosen charity partner has been a highlight.

What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?

We work with SMEs and large enterprises across B2B and B2C, in sectors from music and fashion to charities, healthcare and professional services. We usually support Marketing Teams, Business Owners and Founders who need websites that boost credibility, generate leads and drive sales. Most projects are on WordPress or Shopify. Looking ahead, we’re keen to connect with leaders who value quality, clarity, transparency and collaboration with their web agency.

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know?

Outside of work, I’ve always enjoyed learning and testing myself in different ways. I’m a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt – which took me around five years to achieve and while I’ve paused training while my boys are young, I’m hoping to one day get back on the mats with them so we can all get our blackbelts. I’m also a classically trained pianist, can hold my own on a euphonium, and I’m learning Spanish in my spare time. Not all at once, but I like to keep life interesting.

How do you define Success?

I don’t think success has an end point – it’s something that evolves throughout life. At different stages we define it differently. When I was younger, it was about material things. In my 30s, it became love and fulfilment. Now in my 40s, it’s about the health, happiness and future of my kids. When I’m older, success might look like sharing a glass of wine with my wife somewhere warm, reflecting on life, with the kids thriving and us content that we did our best. And at that stage, making sure our knees and hips are still intact!