Agency Source: Revolutionising New Business Connections in the Creative Industry

Agency Source isn’t just another database - it’s the product of over 30 years of industry expertise, driven by the team at BikiniLists, who have been providing creative professionals with up-to-date, accurate contact information since 1997.

When I sit down with founder and CEO Ross MacRae, I hear how he first recognised the need for a platform that could connect agencies with new clients when he was a freelance creative working across various agencies and production companies.

“I spent my nights producing work and my days chasing new business,” says Ross. “I saw there was a gap in the market for an online resource that creatives could access to find out who to approach for work. The web was evolving, and it was clear that a platform like this was needed.”

And so, BikiniLists was born. Initially focused on the UK ad agency sector, the platform quickly grew into a global resource, offering contact lists and verified details of key industry players - from creative directors and producers to marketers and brand managers. The Agency Source platform takes this legacy even further, providing a powerful new business tool that taps into a wealth of global data to help users find exactly what they need.

At the heart of Agency Source is a team of experienced professionals who know the industry inside and out. Ross MacRae, the company’s founder, has a career that spans from launching one of the first web development companies in the early '90s to growing BikiniLists into a highly respected name in the creative industry. Alongside Ross is a team that includes experts in sales, research, and operations who understand the unique needs of production companies, reps, and advertising agencies.

Heading up the team is Colleen D’Amico, VP of US sales, who brings decades of experience working with leading reps and production teams. Joining Colleen as director of sales is Chuck Silverman, former owner of a successful production repping company.

Meanwhile, 'VB' Deshpande, Agency Source’s research director, oversees a global team dedicated to keeping the platform’s contact database accurate, fresh, and continuously updated - ensuring users always have access to the most current information.

VB and his team of 15 researchers do the hard work, so Agency Source users don’t have to – tracking industry moves and updates and ensuring that the database reflects real-time changes in the market.

While there are many lead-generation tools out there, what sets Agency Source apart is its focus on verified, actionable data. The platform doesn’t just provide general contact information - it’s a curated, highly targeted database designed for professionals who need to make the right connections in the shortest amount of time.

When I ask Ross what makes Agency Source invaluable, he tells me how, with Agency Source, users are not just getting a list of random contacts - they are gaining direct access to the decision-makers at top brands and agencies. “Whether it’s CMOs, brand managers, or senior-level creatives, you’ll connect with the very people responsible for commissioning major campaigns at global brands like Nike, Apple, and Lexus."

He also shares that the platform doesn’t simply provide basic contact info; it provides in-depth details like LinkedIn URLs, email addresses, and phone numbers - all continuously verified by Agency Source’s research team. “We ensure that every contact is up to date, with data refreshed every 90 days, so you never have to worry about outdated or inaccurate information."

Another invaluable benefit of the platform is the custom research tools that are tailored to user needs. "If you need something specific, we’ve got you covered. Agency Source offers custom research services that can help you track down hard-to-find contacts or get deeper insights into particular brands or agencies. No project is too niche—we’ll get you the data you need, fast."

All of these streamlined communications and search tools have been designed to serve new business and production teams alike. "Agency Source isn’t just for one side of the agency. We’re designed to support both New Business Development Teams and Production Teams. New business teams get instant access to marketing professionals, while production teams can identify which directors and producers are working on current campaigns. The result? Both teams can reach out to the right people at the right time, ensuring they’re targeting the most relevant opportunities."

Early feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with Agency Source clients already finding the new platform invaluable for securing new business.

Reflecting on using the platform and its features that make outreach easy and efficient, Paul Johnson from Howdy Partner says, “We are happy we signed up. We landed quite a few new pieces of business this year thanks to Agency Source.” Blake Peck, of Unit9, also shared, “I can’t thank Agency Source enough for all their help. Searching for contacts and clients through the platform has been a dream.” 

Agency Source set out to help agencies and reps tap into a steady stream of new business opportunities and is clearly making it easier to find the right contacts and connect with them directly.

The creative industry is constantly changing, with new trends emerging every year. Agency Source keeps pace with these changes by integrating key industry trends into its platform such as remote working; freelance producers and brand-side talent. As it launches in the North America market, the business is committed to continuously improving its offering, with new features and enhancements planned for 2025. 

“We are always listening to our users and constantly adding features in response to feedback,” Ross explains. “Our goal is to make Agency Source even more useful for agencies and production reps, helping them stay ahead of the curve.”

For agencies, production companies, and reps looking to streamline their new business processes, Agency Source is more than just a contact database—it’s a powerful tool that combines verified data, real-time updates, and intuitive functionality. In a creative industry where timing and connections are everything, Agency Source empowers professionals to make meaningful connections quickly, efficiently, and with confidence.