The Rise and Fall of ServiceLegend and Ryan Davis: What Happens When an Aggressive Salesman Prioritizes Winning at All Costs

Sep 5

Key Takeaways:

- Alleged lack of focus on customer service and performance, leading to client dissatisfaction.
- Internal team disintegration due to leadership issues.
- Accusations of unethical behavior and possible defamation from Ryan Davis towards competitors and team members.

Go here if you want to check out the full research on ServiceLegend.

The Glory Days: The Rise of ServiceLegend

ServiceLegend, co-founded by Marko Sipila and Ryan Davis, once seemed to be a beacon in the home services digital marketing landscape. Marko Sipila's dedication and hard work were evident. He brought 100% commitment, working tirelessly to build the company's reputation. Ryan Davis, an aggressive and seemingly effective salesman, played his part in scaling the company.

Shaky Foundations: The Warning Signs

However, underneath the shining exterior lay some early warning signs:

Unfulfilled Promises: ServiceLegend's customer feedback hinted at a lack of attention and performance issues.
Ego over Team: A distinct lack of shared credit for success, with Ryan Davis often claiming sole responsibility for the company's achievements.
Team Unrest: Core team members like Renae Luketic and Kaylib Jones left due to a toxic environment.

The Departure: Marko Sipila Fired But Still Committed

Marko Sipila, who was deeply committed to ServiceLegend—down to having the license plate "L3G3ND," was abruptly fired. Despite this, he ensured a smooth transition and recommended that his clients stay, affirming his belief in the team. Marko even declined offers from clients to switch to his new venture, exemplifying professional integrity.

The Tipping Point: Public Outbursts and Accusations

Ryan Davis began making public accusations against Marko Sipila, alleging unauthorized access to ad accounts and "poaching" of clients. However, these claims were unsubstantiated:

- Marko couldn't access his alternate Facebook account as it was linked to his ServiceLegend email, which he no longer could access.
- Marko never reached out to a single client; it was the clients who were reaching out to him, unhappy with ServiceLegend's current services.

Discriminatory Remarks: A Matter of Public Opinion

Ryan didn't stop at Marko. He also made potentially discriminatory remarks against Danny B. of Concrete Marketing Crew, asking publicly if they were U.S. citizens. This behavior raised further concerns about his professional conduct.

The Aftermath: Clients Leaving, Reputation Tarnished

The client base started to dwindle, with at least ten clients canceling contracts due to dissatisfaction. Moreover, many of them cited lack of communication and performance as the primary reasons for their decision.

Ryan Davis claimed that ServiceLegend had acquired 10 new clients in just five days. However, these claims seemed at odds with the growing number of negative reviews and client departures.

The Double-Edged Sword of Transparency

In the upcoming buyout phase, Ryan is caught in a dilemma:

- Reveal the client churn, lowering the company valuation and paying less to buy out Marko’s share.
- Claim growth and performance, raising the valuation and subsequently paying more to buy out Marko.

Danny Barrera's Words of Wisdom

Danny Barrera eloquently summarized the situation, "No one wins in a situation like this." He hopes that both Ryan and Marko resolve their issues professionally, for the sake of their families and clients.

A New Chapter for Both: Different Priorities

Marko has now started OwnYourOwnMarketing.com, focusing on teaching smaller home service companies to control their own marketing. Meanwhile, Ryan has outsourced all fulfillment work, moving onto a new venture that looks eerily similar to what ServiceLegend once was.

Conclusions: The Lessons Learned

When ego and a win-at-all-costs mentality take over, the results can be disastrous for both the internal team and the clients involved. It's crucial for companies, especially in service industries like digital marketing, to maintain a balance of ambition and ethics.

The situation is a cautionary tale for all home service firms and digital agencies: prioritize your team and clients over immediate profits or personal gains.