They Borrowed a Laptop… Now They’re Building a Madison Ave Empire
"I literally borrowed a laptop from 72andSunny. That was the first step of starting Haymaker."
That’s how Jay Kamath remembers the early days of building Haymaker. No funding. No clients. Just grit and a vision. Today, Haymaker is opening a New York office, adding to its Los Angeles base and proving that independence can scale. For anyone looking to break into advertising, their story is packed with lessons on risk, resilience, and what it takes to stand out.
Lesson 1: Start Before You’re Ready
Haymaker launched in 2017 without outside investment. Kamath and co-founder Matt Johnson left secure jobs at 72andSunny to start something they had only talked about over coffee and beers.
Johnson was already a group strategy director. Kamath had risen through the creative ranks. Both had dream jobs at one of the best agencies in the world. But both wanted more control.
“We didn’t start with anything,” Johnson says. “Not clients. Not money. Just a belief we could figure it out.”
The first big takeaway: you don’t need permission to start. Waiting for the perfect conditions kills momentum. Start small. Borrow a laptop if you have to.
Lesson 2: Partnership is Everything
Haymaker was built on a rare bond between strategy and creative. They worked together so closely at 72andSunny that roles blurred. That overlap became the foundation of their agency.
“We knew we wanted to try. But I only wanted to do it with someone who was going to try as hard as me,” Johnson explains.
Aspiring creatives should take note. Find a partner who complements your strengths. Build a relationship where collaboration feels natural. It can become the difference between talking about ideas and building something real.
Lesson 3: New York Still Matters
Haymaker’s decision to expand wasn’t about geography alone. It was about credibility and access.
“New York is the Mecca. It’s literally Madison Avenue for a reason,” Johnson says.
Clients on the East Coast expect their agencies to be nearby. Being in New York means being in the room for more RFPs, more pitches, and more talent. If you’re early in your career, proximity matters too. The best opportunities are often where the most agencies are.
Lesson 4: Every Brief Deserves a Haymaker
The agency’s name isn’t just a boxing reference. It’s a philosophy. Every presentation should contain a “haymaker” idea. Something bold, sharp, and unexpected.
That doesn’t always mean a Super Bowl ad. Sometimes it’s 100 small ideas that build to big results. Sometimes it’s questioning whether the client brief is even the right one.
For young creatives, the lesson is clear. Don’t play safe. Show range. Prove you can throw a haymaker no matter the assignment.
Lesson 5: Stay Humble and Curious
Not every idea works. Haymaker once pitched a sales-driven concept that collapsed when they realized the client’s e-commerce system couldn’t support it.
Instead of pushing back, they listened. They went back to the drawing board.
“It’s about not being too precious. Clients want partners who listen, learn, and adapt,” Kamath says.
Curiosity is just as valuable as craft. Ask more questions. Learn how agencies win pitches. Study budgets. Pay attention in production rooms. Those details compound into knowledge that makes you indispensable.
Conclusion
Haymaker started with nothing more than a borrowed laptop and the courage to leave comfortable jobs. Today, they are building a bicoastal agency known for bold thinking and relentless hustle.
If you want to break into advertising, their story offers a roadmap. Start before you’re ready. Find a partner who matches your ambition. Put yourself in the center of the action. And never forget that every brief deserves a haymaker.
Listen to the full conversation with Jay Kamath and Matt Johnson on the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast for even more insight into how great agencies are built.
Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RAiiZ7V2bU5V2UHTjJEl7?si=36895a03ae7d4187
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wbtx1-rKDI&ab_channel=Breaking%26EnteringAdvertising
Leave a review on Apple! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-and-entering-advertising-podcast/id1506434104
More from Breaking and Entering Media:
💼 Follow on LinkedIn
Daily insights, creative breakdowns, and industry news.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/
📖 Read our Publications
https://www.breaking-entering.com/blog
💬 Join our Unlocked GroupMe
For aspiring advertising professionals and job announcements.
https://groupme.com/join_group/102437585/xg5Z5tei
✉️ Subscribe to The Vault
Our insider newsletter with real advice and deep dives.
https://breakingandenteringadv.substack.com/
📹 Subscribe to our :60 Advertising News Videos
https://breakingandentering.beehiiv.com/
🏆 Check out the Crowbar Awards to break into advertising
https://www.crowbarawards.com/
🤝 Work With Us
For sponsorships, custom content, or partnerships:
jack@breakenterpod.com
