From 40 to 400 hours of VA Support:
How Gabe Built a Thriving Digital Marketing Business with Smart VAs
Running a business is no small feat—especially when you're trying to do it all yourself. Just ask Gabe Gibitz, the founder of Blue Guru Marketing, a successful digital marketing agency in Kentucky. When he first started, he had the passion and the skills, but like many entrepreneurs, he quickly found himself buried in work. From web development and SEO to client communications and project management, Gabe was stretched too thin.
Then came a game-changing moment. A friendly cold call from SmartVAs sparked a conversation that would transform the way Gabe ran his business. What started as 40 hours of project-based support in October 2021 quickly evolved into a full-scale, 400-500 hour per month operation with a growing team of virtual assistants helping him streamline operations, increase efficiency, and reclaim his time.
Fast forward to today, and Gabe now has a dedicated team of SmartVAs handling everything from technical project management to social media, allowing him to focus on scaling his business and spending more quality time with his family.
In this case study, we take a deep dive into Gabe’s journey—the challenges he faced, the turning point that led him to SmartVAs, and how this strategic partnership helped him 10x his revenue while drastically reducing his workload. If you’re a business owner struggling to keep up, Gabe’s story might just be the inspiration you need to take that next step.
Why Gabe Chose Smart VAs
Gabe never liked cold calls—until one changed the course of his business. When Smart VAs reached out, he wasn’t actively looking for help, but the genuine and friendly approach made him pause and listen. The timing couldn’t have been better—he needed support but didn’t even know what kind. That first conversation set everything in motion.
Beyond just outsourcing tasks, Gabe was searching for something deeper: a long-term partnership with a team he could trust and grow with. He didn’t want a faceless service—he wanted real relationships, real collaboration, and a team that felt like an extension of his business. That’s exactly what he found with Smart VAs, and looking back, he’s glad he took the leap.
What Makes Smart VAs Different?
For Gabe, Smart VAs isn’t just another agency—it’s a team. Unlike other VA services that feel transactional and faceless, Smart VAs provides a personal, relationship-driven approach.
He doesn’t just work with anonymous contractors—he works with real people who he knows by name, who share stories, interests, and genuinely feel like part of his business. Whether it’s chatting about music or problem-solving together, the connection goes beyond tasks—it’s a true partnership.
That human touch is what sets Smart VAs apart. It’s not just outsourcing—it’s building a team that grows with you.
Ready to build a team that feels like family, not just faceless contractors? Schedule a call with us today and experience the difference of a true partnership.
From Overworked to Scalable: Gabe’s Transformation with Smart VAs
Before Smart VAs, Gabe was doing everything himself—handling marketing, operations, and client work while trying to keep up with an overwhelming workload. The pressure was building, and his family began to feel the strain of his nonstop work.
Now, things look completely different. With a team in place to handle key tasks, Gabe no longer carries the weight of his business alone. His executive assistant, SEO lead, and project managers ensure that work flows smoothly, clients are taken care of, and most importantly—things don’t get bottlenecked with him.
This shift hasn’t just made his business more efficient—it’s allowed him to grow sustainably without sacrificing personal time. The result? A thriving business that runs without him having to do it all.
Gaining Back Time & Growth with Smart VAs
Gabe first started working with SmartVAs in October 2021, beginning with 40 hours of support per month. Over time, as he saw how flexible, functional, and trustworthy the team was, he realized the value of outsourcing and decided in 2024 to expand his team significantly.
That year, he made a major shift—delegating and hiring strategically. With SmartVAs, he offloaded key operational tasks, allowing him to step into his role as a business leader rather than being stuck in the day-to-day grind. Now, instead of constantly managing tasks, he can focus on scaling, building client relationships, and driving sales—the things only he can do.
Today, Gabe has grown his SmartVAs support from 40 hours to 400-500 hours per month, with a dedicated team handling everything from project management to marketing execution. The biggest win? More time, less stress, and a business that thrives without him having to do it all.
Feeling overwhelmed like Gabe once was? It’s time to step out of the grind and into growth. Schedule a call with us today and start delegating the right way—so you can focus on what truly matters.
Overcoming Challenges with Smart VAs
Like any long-term partnership, there were a few challenges along the way—but what made us stand out was how professionally and proactively we handled them. Sometimes, a VA wasn’t the right fit or didn’t have the exact skill set needed, but Smart VAs didn’t just leave Gabe to figure it out on his own.
With quarterly check-ins and open communication, Smart VAs made it easy to address issues head-on. Whether it meant adjusting roles, refining processes, or bringing in new talent, we took ownership of the solution—so Gabe didn’t have to. Instead of stressing over how to fix things, he trusted Smart VAs to find the right who to step in and get the job done.
This seamless problem-solving approach allowed Gabe to stay focused on growing his business, knowing he had a reliable team ready to adapt and support him every step of the way.
Building Trust with Smart VAs
For Gabe, trust isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s something that grows over time. Just like in any strong relationship, trust with his Smart VAs team was built through consistent collaboration, problem-solving, and shared success.
Starting with small tasks and gradually working on bigger projects, he saw firsthand that his team could deliver, adapt, and support his business in meaningful ways. With every successful milestone, his confidence in them deepened, creating a strong partnership that allowed him to delegate more, scale faster, and focus on what truly matters.
Trust takes time—but the right team makes it effortless. Start small, scale fast, and build a partnership that truly supports your business. Schedule a call with us today and take the first step toward stress-free delegation.
Advice for Business Owners Considering Smart VAs
Gabe’s biggest tip? Just start.
If you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure where to begin, he encourages you to take the leap and give Smart VAs a shot. Over the years, we’ve earned his trust—not just by providing skilled support, but by being genuine, long-term partners in his business growth.
For Gabe, this partnership has meant freedom from the 100-hour workweek, allowing him to focus on what truly matters—his business, his family, and a balanced life.
If you’re on the fence, his advice is simple: don’t wait—Smart VAs might just be the game-changer you need.
The Business Owner’s Role in a Successful Smart VAs Partnership
A strong partnership with Smart VAs isn’t just about hiring a great team—it also requires active involvement from the business owner. Gabe emphasizes that while Smart VAs brings skilled professionals and valuable support, success ultimately depends on clear communication and well-defined expectations.
He’s learned that delegation isn’t just about handing off tasks—it’s about articulating success, defining priorities, and ensuring alignment. Writing things down, clarifying objectives, and refining instructions have been key to making the partnership work smoothly.
For any business owner considering Smart VAs, Gabe’s advice is simple: be proactive, communicate clearly, and invest in the process—because when both sides work together, the results are game-changing.
Ready to Scale Your Business Like Gabe?
Gabe’s journey with SmartVAs transformed his business—freeing up his time, streamlining operations, and helping him scale from 40 to 500 hours of VA support per month. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure how to grow without burning out, SmartVAs can help.
Take the first step today. Schedule a free consultation and discover how a dedicated VA team can help you work smarter, scale faster, and reclaim your time.