Auckland copywriting agency steps into independence as accounting firm’s business incubation experiment proves its worth.
Auckland, New Zealand – MasterJack, the Auckland-based copywriting and content strategy agency, is now an independent business once again. Founder Lisa Garrud has taken back ownership of the company she originally sold to accounting firm Gilligan Sheppard in 2018, with the transition taking effect on 1 January 2026.
The original sale was a forward-thinking experiment: could embedding a marketing team inside an accounting firm prove that effective marketing shows up in the numbers? And could the cross-offering deepen an accounting firm’s engagement with its business clients?
“Seven years on, brand presence is improved, and more importantly, brand story has become clearer,” says Bruce Sheppard, Director and Founder of Gilligan Sheppard.
“It has shown us that brand story is important in gluing together purpose and culture, and that bonds people. Telling your story attracts clients that resonate with your people, and those clients are stickier.”
“This is true for all businesses, and being able to have this discussion with our wider clients is a significant differentiator. We are incredibly proud of Lisa and her team and the presence they have established, both in New Zealand and internationally.”
During its time as part of Gilligan Sheppard, MasterJack benefited from financial stability, business mentoring, access to the firm’s client network, and back-office support. More than that, it had a safe environment to experiment, pivot, and grow.
For six years, MasterJack operated as a full-service marketing department. In 2024, with Gilligan Sheppard’s support, the team narrowed its focus to what it does best: words. Now, MasterJack continues that work as a standalone business, going deeper and wider in copywriting, content strategy, and brand voice development.
The team remains intact. Journalist Rachel Sturges and publisher Kelly Rouzbehi continue with MasterJack, and the agency stays in its current Auckland office with no changes to contact details.
Gilligan Sheppard has been supportive and generous throughout the transition, and remains a valued client. Proof, perhaps, that good relationships outlast business structures.
“Business structures change, but good relationships don’t,” says Lisa.
“Gilligan Sheppard took a chance on an unusual idea in 2018, and they’ve been incredibly supportive as we’ve grown into what MasterJack is today. The fact that they’re still a client says everything about the people involved.”
Lisa extends her thanks to the Gilligan Sheppard team, who supported MasterJack throughout its time as part of the firm, particularly Bruce Sheppard, Joshna Mistry, Bill Bain, and Marion Garlick.
About MasterJack
MasterJack is an Auckland-based copywriting and content strategy agency. Founded by Lisa Garrud, the team works with businesses that value clear, authentic communication and understand that good writing drives revenue and connects people.
Media Contacts:
MasterJack
Lisa Garrud Founder
Email: [email protected] Phone: 09 281 5146 www.masterjack.co.nz
Gilligan Sheppard
Joshna Mistry, CEO and Bruce Sheppard, Founding Partner
Email: [email protected] Phone: 09 309 5191 www.gilligansheppard.co.nz