Coach Profile / Jake Brown

This Business Coach Cut His Workweek in Half and Amplified His Impact

A single decision helped Jake Brown go from 60-hour weeks in agency leadership to building a thriving, low-friction coaching business that works on his terms.

Seven years ago, Jake Brown was 9X-ing agency revenues and rising through the ranks as a creative agency director.

Now he leads Air Balloon Advisory, where he helps creative founders unearth clarity, manage friction, and design businesses that don’t feel like prisons.

From Agency Leader to Fractional Guide

Jake started in illustration and agency marketing, first in Texas, then Europe, and eventually rising to creative director and then agency director.

Over 6 years, he supercharged one agency’s growth, but as his kids got older, he realized something had to change.

With encouragement from the Coach Builder community, he stepped out on his own.

He launched Air Balloon Advisory around what mattered most: time with his family, impactful work, and a sustainable business rhythm. What used to take 60 grueling hours a week now takes 24 or fewer.

The Life Raft, Leaps, and Clarity Rituals

Jake describes his early days in business as “the life raft” phase. He and his wife gave themselves a 12-month runway to figure it out.

At first, he did what he calls “employee work”: lots of building, not a lot of revenue.

Nine months in, he realized the difference between a business and a hobby is cash. That week, he booked three clients by having honest conversations with business owners he already knew.

From there, the model worked.

By 18 months, Jake’s business was consistently generating revenue, and his family had found a new rhythm.

Finding His Niche: ADHD-Friendly Founders

Jake’s “Aha” moment came when he noticed a pattern. Most of his best clients were visionary founders with ADHD. As someone with a late ADHD diagnosis himself, it clicked.

He now helps these leaders design systems that work for their unique operating style.

The goal isn’t to “fix” anyone. It’s to understand how they’re wired and build a business that matches.

Jake believes the right friction-reducing systems can free up energy, creativity, and joy.

Air Balloon Advisory’s Coaching Framework

Jake’s offerings are flexible and insight-driven. They’re designed around how he processes and problem-solves:
 

  • Jake on Demand (90‑min call): A one-time clarity session. You bring the problem, and by the end, you walk away with a clear decision and 3 actionable paths forward.

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  • ADHD Pods: Small, 3-4 person groups that explore executive function patterns. These short cohorts help leaders “tune up” how they operate.

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  • One-on-One Coaching: Jake works with founders on their unique business challenges using the Small Business Flight Plan framework. Most calls are short and weekly to match how his clients operate best.

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  • Fractional Role: In select cases, Jake joins as a fractional facilitator, helping visionary founders translate ideas into action and maintain momentum with their teams.

    • Client Wins That Aren’t About Revenue

    Yes, revenue multipliers happen. But what Jake loves most are freedom wins:
     

  • A founder took his first real vacation in 15 years, leaving his laptop at the office and his phone in the hotel safe.

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  • Another built mental health days into his calendar. His auto-reply on one Thursday simply said: “Out of office. Golfing.”

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    These wins reflect what Jake believes business is for: living a life you want to keep showing up for.

    Who Thrives with Jake’s Guidance

    Jake’s clients are visionary, creative founders. Many are neurodivergent. All are tired of dragging around a business that doesn’t fit.

    They want clarity, consistency, and confidence.

    His clients include agency leaders, creators, and operators who are done with burnout and ready to design something better.

    How Jake Builds Momentum (Without Hustle)

    Jake doesn’t rely on launches, funnels, or constant content to generate leads. Here are some of his simplicity-first strategies include:
     

  • Shares bite-sized insights on LinkedIn

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  • Sends practical, helpful emails

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  • Uses challenges, doodles, and diagnostics to spark meaningful conversation

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    He also uses the My Business Report assessment from Coach Builder, a short diagnostic that helps founders see what parts of their business need support.

    Grow Without Grinding

    Jake intentionally keeps his offers lean and his delivery personal.

    He stays connected to every client, and his calendar reflects his values.

    With a model built around simplicity, consistency, and insight, Jake helps leaders grow without grinding.

    What We Can Learn from Jake’s Journey

    Here are 5 key takeaways that every coach can apply:
     

  • Build systems that support the way your brain works instead of forcing yourself to operate like someone else

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  • Narrow your offer, define your niche, and talk to people who already trust your expertise

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  • A focused 24-hour workweek can outperform 60 hours of scattered hustle

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  • Having a network of coaches who “get it” gave Jake the confidence to keep going and grow with purpose

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  • Measure what matters. Success is when the founder enjoys their life again.

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    Jake’s success proves that coaching doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. When your business fits your life, everyone wins.

    Ready to build a business that adapts to your brain and your life? Coach Builder gives you the frameworks, tools, and supportive community to create a coaching business that works—without burning out. Schedule a call.