From Google to His Own Agency: Simon Ramboer's Unconventional Path to Success

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-08

Simon Ramboer seemed to have it all: managing massive media budgets for clients like Coca-Cola and BMW, then landing a coveted role at Google in Barcelona. But somewhere along the way, he realized his true passion wasn't in boardrooms or spreadsheets—it was behind a camera lens. During the pandemic, Simon made a bold move. He combined his marketing expertise with his love for photography, and District 360 was born. Today, it's a thriving photo and video agency with its own team and clients like Amazon, Lego, and Gondola. But the glossy client list only tells half the story. ### The Grit Behind the Glamour Behind those big names lies the reality of entrepreneurship: 16-hour workdays, teetering on the edge of burnout, and leaving everything behind for Barcelona—only to return for love. Building a company from scratch meant hiring staff, making hefty investments ($50,000+ in equipment alone), and facing the chaos when a key team member suddenly drops out for months. "I thought I was on a dream career path," Simon admits. "But I was chasing someone else's definition of success." ### Why Slower Growth Can Be Smarter Simon made a counterintuitive choice: he deliberately avoided rapid scaling. Instead of chasing every opportunity, he focused on sustainable growth. He prefers hiring in-house employees over relying solely on freelancers, even though it costs more. Why? Because he believes in building a team that's invested in the company's long-term success. - **Client retention over acquisition:** Simon prioritizes keeping existing clients happy rather than constantly hunting for new ones. - **Underpromise, overdeliver:** He's learned that entrepreneurs often make the mistake of promising too much too soon. - **Team stability:** When someone on a small team is out for an extended period, it's a wake-up call about the importance of redundancy and support. ### The Human Side of Entrepreneurship This isn't just a story about business strategy. It's about the emotional rollercoaster of going it alone. Simon talks openly about the loneliness, the self-doubt, and the pressure to keep going even when you're running on fumes. > "Entrepreneurship isn't about working harder. It's about working on the right things—and knowing when to say no." His advice to fellow entrepreneurs? Don't try to grow as fast as possible. Instead, build a business that aligns with your values and your life. That might mean turning down a big client or staying small longer than investors would like. But in the end, it's about creating something that lasts—and that you actually enjoy running. ### What You Can Take Away Simon's journey from corporate marketing to agency ownership is a reminder that success isn't linear. It's okay to pivot, to slow down, and to redefine what winning looks like. Whether you're in Belgium or the United States, the principles are the same: stay true to your vision, invest in your team, and don't be afraid to walk away from the wrong opportunities. For more honest conversations with entrepreneurs, tune into the Belgian Entrepreneurs podcast. And if you find these stories valuable, subscribe and leave a 5-star review.