How Do I Know If An Agency Is Good Or Not? w/ Natalie Kaminski

How do I? with Matt Putra

Episode Overview

This episode tackles one of the most critical decisions eCommerce founders face: how to identify and select a quality agency partner. Natalie Kaminski, CEO and co-founder of JetRockets, brings 15 years of software development agency experience to break down her proven framework for evaluating agencies. With JetRockets maintaining an impressive 99% project completion rate and serving clients from startups to enterprises like eBay, Natalie shares the insider knowledge that separates exceptional agencies from costly mistakes. Her multicultural background spanning Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and the US provides unique perspective on building successful agency partnerships that drive real business results.

Natalie Explains

• Why agencies that say "yes" to everything are massive red flags - and what they should ask instead
• The business-first approach - how quality agencies focus on your goals before technical features
• Transparent communication standards - including team access and project involvement requirements
• Smart budgeting strategies - why being honest about budget leads to better solutions
• Reference checking tactics - the specific questions that reveal how agencies handle problems
• Partnership vs vendor mentality - what separates great agencies from order-takers

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:26 Do They Ask The Right Questions?

04:30 Focus On Business Goals, Not Features

06:28 Pushing Back On Bad Ideas

08:27 Handling Unqualified Client Requests

10:19 Real Example: Wellness Platform Redesign

11:57 Partnership Over Vendor Relationship

13:45 Transparent Communication Requirements

15:44 What Happens When Clients Go Missing

17:49 Meeting Your Development Team

19:56 Client Selection Process

21:48 Relevant Case Studies Matter

23:35 Industry Experience Requirements

25:32 B2B vs B2C Experience

27:41 No Over-Promising Policy

29:58 Budget Transparency Importance

31:59 Pricing Red Flags

33:26 Reference Checking Strategy

35:16 The Ultimate Reference Test

37:24 How Agencies Handle Problems

39:25 Building Long-Term Partnerships

Follow Natalie

Follow Natalie Kaminski

Website: jetrockets.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nataliekaminski/

About Natalie's Company

JetRockets is a full-service software development agency specializing in Ruby on Rails, React, and AI/ML solutions for eCommerce, healthcare, fintech, and enterprise clients. Founded in 2011, the company has grown to 75+ professionals with offices in New York and Georgia, maintaining a 99% project completion rate. JetRockets operates with a unique partnership approach, focusing on long-term client relationships rather than high-volume transactions. The agency offers comprehensive services including project planning, UX/UI design, development, testing, and maintenance, with hourly rates starting at $80. Their client roster includes major brands like eBay, and they specialize in helping startups and enterprises build custom web and mobile applications that drive business growth.

About How Do I?

The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately.

Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of Eightx

Our Sponsors

Eightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies. Their team of experienced CFOs provides the knowledge and proven strategies that make scaling, growing, and lasting effortless.

Services include:

• Fractional CFO and financial leadership
• Cash flow management and optimization
• Strategic financial planning and forecasting
• Marketing ROI analysis and optimization
• Operational efficiency improvements

Website - eightx.co