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

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-08

### From Big Budgets to Barcelona: The Dream That Wasn't Simon Ramboer seemed to have it all. He managed massive media budgets for clients like Coca-Cola and BMW, then landed a coveted role at Google in Barcelona. On paper, it was the perfect career trajectory. But deep down, something was missing. He realized his true passion wasn't in boardrooms—it was behind the camera. ### Betting on Himself: The Birth of District 360 When the pandemic hit, Simon decided to combine his marketing expertise with his love for photography. That's how District 360 was born—a photo and video agency that now boasts its own team and a client roster featuring Amazon, Lego, and Gondola. It sounds like a fairy tale, right? But behind those shiny logos lies the gritty reality of entrepreneurship. > "I've come close to burnout more times than I'd like to admit. But building something of your own? That's a different kind of fire." ### The Unfiltered Side of Building a Business Simon doesn't sugarcoat the struggles. We dive into: - **Long workdays** that blur into nights - **Almost burning out** while trying to keep all the plates spinning - **Leaving everything behind** for Barcelona, only to return for love - **Building a company from scratch**, hiring staff, and making hefty investments - **The nightmare scenario** when a key team member is suddenly out for an extended period But it's not all doom and gloom. Simon also shares his counterintuitive choices, like deliberately *not* growing as fast as possible. He explains why he prefers hiring full-time employees over relying solely on freelancers, how he keeps clients loyal, and why entrepreneurs should sometimes promise less. ### Why Slower Growth Can Be Smarter In a world obsessed with scaling at breakneck speed, Simon's approach stands out. He believes that sustainable growth beats explosive expansion. By investing in a dedicated team rather than a rotating cast of freelancers, he's built a culture of accountability and trust. And when it comes to client retention, his philosophy is simple: underpromise and overdeliver. ### A Conversation About Ambition and Resilience This is an honest talk about ambition, growth, setbacks, and doing business on your own terms. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Simon's journey offers valuable lessons about staying true to yourself while building something meaningful. *For more episodes, visit www.belgische-ondernemers.be. Subscribe and give 5 stars if you find these conversations valuable.* *Thanks to our partners: Teamleader, Victus Sales, and Blackbird Business.*