From Google Barcelona to His Own Agency: Simon Ramboer's Unlikely Entrepreneurial Path

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-08

Simon Ramboer seemed to be living the professional dream. He managed massive media budgets for clients like Coca-Cola and BMW, then landed a coveted role at Google in Barcelona. On paper, he had made it. But something was missing. ### The Dream Job That Wasn't Behind the impressive titles and corporate perks, Simon felt a pull toward something more personal. He missed the creative spark that had once driven him. So during the pandemic, he made a bold move: he combined his marketing expertise with his passion for photography. That's how District 360 was born. Today, District 360 is a full-service photo and video agency with its own team and a client roster that includes Amazon, Lego, and Gondola. But the glossy client list only tells part of the story. ### The Grit Behind the Glamour Running an agency isn't just about landing big names. Simon opens up about the realities that don't make it to the highlight reel: - **Long hours and burnout:** He came dangerously close to burning out, pushing himself to the limit while trying to build something from scratch. - **Sacrifice and relocation:** He left everything behind for Barcelona, only to return later for love. - **Building from zero:** He hired staff, made significant investments, and learned what happens when a key team member is suddenly out for an extended period. These aren't just anecdotes—they're the kind of challenges every entrepreneur faces but few talk about openly. ### The Counterintuitive Growth Strategy One of the most striking things about Simon's approach is his deliberate choice *not* to grow as fast as possible. While many startups chase rapid scaling, he's taken a different path. > "Sometimes entrepreneurs should promise less," he says. "It's better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around." He prefers hiring full-time employees over relying solely on freelancers, even though it's more expensive. Why? Because he believes in building a team that's invested in the company's success. It's a slower route, but one that aligns with his values. ### Keeping Clients Without Burning Out Client retention is another area where Simon takes a thoughtful approach. Instead of constantly chasing new business, he focuses on nurturing existing relationships. That means saying no to projects that don't fit, and being honest about what his team can deliver. "It's about setting expectations," he explains. "If you promise the moon, you'll eventually disappoint. But if you're clear about what you can do, you build trust." This philosophy has helped District 360 maintain a loyal client base, even as they turn down opportunities that would stretch them too thin. ### Lessons for Entrepreneurs Simon's story is a reminder that success isn't always about the fastest route or the biggest clients. Sometimes it's about finding a pace that works for you—and sticking to it, even when others are racing ahead. His advice to fellow entrepreneurs? Don't be afraid to go slow. Build a team you trust. And remember that behind every polished brand is a messy, human story of trial and error. For more honest conversations with entrepreneurs, visit the podcast's website and subscribe. If you find these stories valuable, leave a 5-star review—it helps more people discover them. *This episode is brought to you by our partners:* - **Teamleader:** CRM and project management software for small businesses. - **Victus Sales:** Download their free sales guide. - **Blackbird Business:** Strategic training and trajectories to help entrepreneurs reach their full potential.