Notes from 8 East

Growth, out loud.

Perspectives on marketing, business, and the work of getting growth right. Written by the people doing the work.

Featured July 8, 2026 5 min read

It's About Time: Why I Left Corporate to Start 8 East Agency

After twenty years in marketing leadership, Kevin Hart realized he had become the "safest employee" at his agency: successful, valued, and quietly stuck. One phone call with his longtime friend Tyler Schoettmer changed everything. This is the story behind 8 East Agency and the phrase that became our brand: It's About Time.

Who's writing

Written by the operators.

The people running the work also write about the work. Every post here comes from someone who’s actually in the weeds, building campaigns, talking to clients, and answering the same hard questions you’re wrestling with. From growth strategy and paid media to SEO and agency operations, everything we share is shaped by real client work and real-world experience.

Kevin Hart Founder & CEO

Tyler Schoettmer Founder & CSO

Cody McGee Director of Client Experience

Meet the team →

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Let's have a real conversation.

Start with a 30-minute conversation. From there, we go to work on a complimentary marketing audit and come back with a clear plan for where to focus first.

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Growth, out loud.

It's About Time: Why I Left Corporate to Start 8 East Agency

Written by the operators.

Want to talk about the work?Let's have a real conversation.

Want to talk about the work?
Let's have a real conversation.