Compliance Crisis to SOC 2 Success

How a 36-person brand consulting agency achieved SOC 2 Type 1 certification in 4 months while saving $75,000 annually.

4 Months

To SOC 2 Certification

$75,000

Annual Cost Savings

36

Team Members

Company Overview & Strategic Positioning

A 36-person brand consulting agency working with large national brands faced an urgent need to achieve SOC 2 compliance to remain competitive and meet client security requirements.

Despite paying for managed IT services, their previous provider took a hands-off approach and lacked understanding of their unique workflows and security demands.

“With a major client opportunity at stake, leadership grew concerned that certification wouldn’t be completed in time—putting millions in potential revenue at risk.”

The Challenge

Three critical issues threatened the agency’s growth and client relationships:

Time Pressure

A major enterprise client required SOC 2 compliance before signing a multi-million dollar contract

Inadequate Support

Previous provider lacked expertise in agency workflows and SOC 2 compliance requirements

Cost Inefficiency

Paying for services without strategic oversight or cost optimization

Our Strategic Solution

A comprehensive, agency-focused approach.

Recognizing the urgency, the agency partnered with Jones IT, a firm experienced in helping creative and consulting agencies modernize their cybersecurity posture.

Leveraging deep expertise in agency operations, Jones IT developed and executed a customized SOC 2 Type 1 implementation plan—ensuring compliance without disrupting daily operations.

The Structured Approach That Drove Results

Measurable impact across compliance, efficiency, and cost savings.

SOC 2 Type 1 Certification Achieved

Within just four months, the agency achieved SOC 2 Type 1 certification, positioning them to win and retain high-value enterprise clients. The accelerated timeline exceeded expectations and secured the major client opportunity.

$75,000 Annual Cost Savings

During the discovery and workflow mapping process, the team identified and eliminated unnecessary software licensing costs, quickly resulting in substantial IT savings.

Zero Operational Disruption

Jones IT seamlessly transitioned the client away from a large MSP with zero downtime or operational disruption.

Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights

For modern advertising and brand agencies, cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional—it’s a competitive differentiator.

Jones IT continues to help agencies build scalable, secure systems that enable growth, client confidence, and long-term cost efficiency.