Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Ellis.
Hi Philip, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story started back in 2007 when I launched a custom drum manufacturing business called P.Ellis Drums. Like most early-stage entrepreneurs, I had to wear a lot of hats — including building the website myself. That was my first real exposure to web design.
By 2010, I had launched a second site that taught people how to build their own drums, and that’s really where I fell in love with digital marketing. I started diving into SEO, paid ads, and user experience — not just to grow my own businesses, but because I genuinely enjoyed the challenge of connecting people with something valuable online.
After that, I spent nearly a decade working at a church, where I handled website development and marketing. During that time, I also freelanced for a friend’s marketing agency called Suited, and later worked at WP Engine, a major web hosting company based in Austin, Texas. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the technical side of web infrastructure and digital strategy.
All the while, I had been building up Roundhouse Digital Marketing on the side. In June of 2023, I made the leap to run it full time. Roundhouse is now focused on helping contractors grow through honest, effective digital marketing. We’re not about vanity metrics — we care about results, clarity, and making sure our clients feel supported every step of the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t trade the struggles for anything — they’ve helped shape the business into what it is today. The freedom I have now — being able to work from anywhere and build a remote-first team — has made it all worth it. As a digital marketing agency, we’re not limited by geography. We get to work with contractors across the U.S., and I get to hire talent from anywhere in the world. That’s a huge win in my book.
But with growth comes growing pains. One of the toughest parts has been managing client relationships at scale. I’ve brought on a lot of clients, and while we’ve gotten amazing results for the majority of them, there have been times when things didn’t go as planned. Sometimes it’s because we made mistakes — and I own that. Other times, a client’s expectations didn’t line up with the reality of what we delivered, even if we did everything we said we would.
In both cases, I try to take accountability. If we drop the ball, I do what I can to make it right — whether that means issuing a refund, offering a free month of service, or just having a real conversation about what went wrong. Those situations are never fun, but they push us to improve our systems, our communication, and the overall client experience. I see every pain point as a signal — something we need to slow down, fix, and learn from — so that we can scale more smoothly in the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Roundhouse Digital Marketing?
Roundhouse Digital Marketing is a remote-first agency that specializes in helping contractors grow their businesses through effective, honest digital marketing. We work primarily with trades like roofing, concrete, turf, remodeling, and more — businesses that are great at what they do but often don’t have the time or systems in place to consistently generate quality leads online.
We specialize in building lead-generating websites, running targeted Google Ads campaigns, and implementing local SEO strategies that actually move the needle. But more than that, we’re known for being clear communicators. We believe in total transparency — our clients always know what’s happening, why we’re doing it, and how it’s performing.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Our brand stands for integrity, clarity, and results. We don’t hide behind marketing jargon or sell things our clients don’t need. We treat every contractor’s business like it’s our own, and that approach has led to long-term relationships and real business growth for the people we serve.
What I want readers to know is simple: if you’re a contractor who’s tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or misled when it comes to your online presence, Roundhouse is here to help. We’ll meet you where you are, build a strategy that makes sense, and support you every step of the way.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Absolutely — running a company is hard, and you need people around you who get it. I’m a big believer in not trying to go it alone. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a group of peers, having someone to walk alongside you can make a huge difference.
One thing that’s worked really well for me is being willing to pay for access to information, blueprints, and communities that can speed up the learning curve. I’ve been a part of multiple mastermind groups over the years, and I’m currently in a paid agency mastermind that’s been incredibly valuable. The mentor leading it has built the exact kind of business I want to build — he’s been through the growing pains, figured out what works, and come out the other side. Learning from someone like that has saved me years of trial and error.
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t be afraid to invest in mentorship or coaching if it’s aligned with where you want to go. The right guidance doesn’t just help you avoid mistakes — it helps you grow faster, with more clarity and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.getroundhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roundhousedigitalmarketing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoundhouseDigitalMarketing/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@roundhousedigitalmarketing2552
