Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Millen.
Hi Scott, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was a kid, I used to sit at my Grandpa Wright’s desk and pretend I was the president of our family business, Merchants Delivery in Portland, Oregon. He had this enormous wooden desk — at least it felt enormous to me — with deep drawers and a brass nameplate. I remember thinking, “Of course everyone knows who you are. You’re the president.”
What I really loved wasn’t the furniture. It was what it represented. Leadership. Responsibility. The sense that what you did mattered.
I’ve always had what you might politely call an independent streak. I liked leading. I liked building things. I liked solving problems. For a long time, that instinct showed up as ambition — wanting to be in charge, wanting to call the shots. But over time, mentors helped shape that instinct into something healthier and more useful.
In college, I worked at a photo lab (remember those?). My manager, Bill, taught me discipline — sometimes loudly. Later, as a young creative director, I had a mentor named John who taught me something much more important: slow down. Listen. Don’t just prove yourself — serve the people around you. He helped turn raw ambition into leadership grounded in humility.
By the time my wife Shelly and I started 2 Fish Company in 2011, I had learned a critical lesson: you don’t build anything meaningful alone. We started in our basement with a simple goal — do good work with good people. Shelly, now our Relationship Director, was always intended to be a full partner in the business, because I knew partnership mattered.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. And honestly, I’d be suspicious of anyone who says it has.
COVID-19 was a massive disruptor for agencies like ours. Almost overnight, we lost roughly 60% of our revenue. That’s not a “tighten your belt” moment — that’s a “what just happened?” moment. It was sobering. It forced hard conversations and even harder decisions.
One of the biggest tensions during that season was around our team. We held on to staff longer than was probably financially wise. Some advisors would say it wasn’t the best business decision. They may be right. But we couldn’t shake the conviction that we are responsible for the people who trust us with their livelihoods. These aren’t line items; they’re families. They’re mortgages. They’re callings. So we erred on the side of being human. That choice created pressure — but it also revealed who we are.
Beyond COVID, we’ve made our share of mistakes. We’ve hired too quickly and hired poorly. We’ve said yes to clients we shouldn’t have. We’ve misjudged cash flow. We’ve learned (sometimes painfully) that growth and wisdom are not the same thing.
But I don’t regret the journey. Every mistake sharpened us. Every setback clarified what matters. We’re more disciplined now. Clearer about who we serve. More thoughtful about how we grow.
And today, we are growing — not recklessly, not reactively, but intentionally. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been formative. And I’m grateful for that.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, 2 Fish Company is a creative marketing agency built around one simple conviction: relationships fuel great work.
We partner with organizations that are building something meaningful — nonprofits, construction and manufacturing companies, community institutions, hospitality brands. Many of our clients are mission-driven. They’re not just trying to sell more; they’re trying to make something better — a stronger community, a stronger industry, a stronger future. That’s where we do our best work.
Practically speaking, we specialize in brand development, website strategy and design, digital marketing, and long-term growth planning. We don’t just “make things look good.” We help clarify positioning, refine messaging, build digital ecosystems, and align marketing efforts with real business objectives. A logo is easy. A system that generates healthy, sustainable growth is harder — and that’s where we tend to lean in.
What sets us apart isn’t a tactic or a platform. It’s how we work.
We’ve formalized what we call Our Standards, and they shape everything we do:
• Ask Questions.
• Relationships are to creative as breath is to life.
• Own Your Mistakes.
• Constant Improvement.
• Make Miracles — make the most of what you have.
Those aren’t taglines. They’re operating principles. We believe listening is a competitive advantage. We believe humility builds trust. We believe creativity without relationship is hollow. And we believe small, disciplined improvements compound over time.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that our own brand actually reflects how we behave. The name “2 Fish” comes from the story of the loaves and fishes — the idea that when you bring what you have and offer it fully, it can become more than enough. That mindset shapes how we approach client budgets, creative constraints, and opportunities. We don’t need unlimited resources to create impact. We need clarity, trust, and discipline.
We’ve grown from a basement office in 2011 to an agency that has lasted. In our industry, longevity isn’t accidental. It’s earned through trust, adaptability, and doing the work well — consistently.
What I want readers to know most is this: we’re not trying to be the biggest agency. We’re trying to be the most trusted partner in the room. We measure success by the health of our client relationships, the quality of the work, and whether the organizations we serve are stronger because we partnered with them.
At the end of the day, we build brands — but more importantly, we build partnerships that endure.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories goes back to the winter of 1989, during my senior year of high school. I was in the spring musical Annie, playing both President Franklin Roosevelt and a radio announcer named Bert Healy. But the real memory isn’t about being on stage — it’s about what happened offstage.
During rehearsals, a few friends and I volunteered to handle publicity for the show. Somewhere between boredom and ambition, we decided we needed a “company” name. After rejecting “Three Dog Night” (already taken), I jokingly suggested “2 Fish Company.” It was absurd, random, and perfect — at least to a group of 17-year-olds. We designed the posters, created the materials, and ran with it.
The show was a success, but more importantly, something clicked for me. That moment — combining creativity, collaboration, and a little entrepreneurial spark — planted a seed. Years later, when it was time to start my own agency, there was only one name to file under.
What started as a high school inside joke became the foundation of my life’s work. And that winter, in many ways, was where it all began.
Pricing:
- We don’t publish flat-rate pricing because most of our work is strategic and tailored — but we do believe in clarity and transparency. While every engagement is scoped based on goals and complexity, here are some general ranges to provide context:
- • Brand Development Projects – Typically start around $5,000+ depending on scope (research depth, visual system development, collateral rollout, etc.).
- • Website Strategy & Design (WordPress on managed hosting) – Generally range from $25,000–$60,000+ depending on size, functionality, integrations, and content needs.
- • Digital Advertising Management – Typically structured as a monthly management fee plus ad spend; most engagements begin around $3,000–$5,000/month in combined investment.
- We are not the lowest-cost option — and we’re not trying to be. Our focus is on long-term partnerships, measurable growth, and work that aligns with an organization’s mission and financial health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://2fishco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/2fishco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2FishCo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2-fish-company-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@2fishcompanyllc300
