Success Stories
As a small business owner, I am incredibly proud and blessed by the relationships I have built over the years. Please take a few minutes to read some of my success stories with some of my clients. I take great pride in helping someone grow their business by getting it out to the masses.
Emilio's Barbershop
I was looking for a new barber at the time, and based on Google Reviews, this place seemed to be the spot. I called to make an appointment, to my surprise, I was told it would be at least 3-4 weeks out before I could get it. I decided to go somewhere else at the time, but I was intrigued and made an appointment for the following month. I was greeted warmly, and noticed his clients have been with him for a very long time; some of the guys in there mentioned they would come there as kids..
What I immediately noticed was that the phone was ringing off the hook, and he recorded all of his appointments in a book. My first thought was that it would be a huge distraction for a one-man barbershop. To stop what you're doing, answer the call, review the appointment book, and schedule the appointment.
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Present day, appointments are booked online from the website that are automatically linked to a Google Calendar. I also set up a new Facebook page in which we can share updates with clients. The website has allowed Emilio to grow his clientele and bring on a second barber. Emilio has become my barber as well!
Strum's BBQ
What started off as a side hustle catering BBQ became a reality for Craig Strum. Now it has a brand new location that has been fully remodeled. Folks come from all around to try his BBQ.
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With Craig, we started small with the website and built onto it. Today on the website, you will find his full menu, his specials throughout the holidays, and his catering. All of the website photos were taken by me, and we continue to make improvements to the website.
Craig does a great job of promoting on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow him online. He also lives up to "Open until it's Sold Out," so get there early. If you Google Strum's BBQ, you will see that this is the best in all of Grundy County. My favorite sides are the Texas Twinkies and Barn Bombs, and the BBQ Sauces are the best I have ever had!
Morris BBQ Association
The Morris BBQ Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising support for local charities and improving the quality of life in our community through the enjoyment of barbecue and music.
I was asked to create a website that would allow them to communicate with participants and visitors at the same time, and it would allow us to showcase the past events. We just completed our 4th event. I continue to update the website and take all of the photos at the event each year.
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The live music throughout the event is some of the best that comes from all around.
Morris Cruise Night
Morris Cruise Night is a non-profit organization in Morris, IL, established in 2002. What began as an idea from Morris Cruise Night founder, Herb Wyeth, cruise nights in Morris have grown substantially into one of the largest in the state. In August of 2024, over 1000 vehicles participated in the month.
Displeased with their current Website, I was asked to create a new website that would allow them to communicate with participants, visitors, volunteers, and sponsors. We are in our 3rd year. Currently, I continue to update the websites with monthly statistics and their link to the photos that are taken at each event.
Joe Malone Training
Joseph Malone is a former Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Marine with seven deployments.
He is the CEO and founder of Joe Malone Training and Southern Cross Safety Academy. His training is focused on personal safety, self-defense, and firearms. The "Joe Malone Training" methodology, also referred to as "The Lethal Lifestyle," is designed to guide individuals from basic concealed carry to advanced defensive skills. The training emphasizes a strong mindset, personal discipline, and situational awareness. He teaches that a resilient mindset is the foundation for success and the ability to protect oneself and loved ones. His courses include handgun mastery, concealed carry, and defensive shooting techniques for private citizens and law enforcement.
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In the spring of 2025, I began working with Joe by photographing training events that Joe shares across his social media platforms. I have been a student of the Leathality University since the fall of 2024. You can find out more information by visiting his website.
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Chicago World of Wheels
The Chicago World of Wheels is a highly anticipated annual car show that brings together a vast and diverse collection of vehicles for a three-day event. It has a rich history, dating back over 60 years, and has been a staple of the Chicago car scene since its debut at Navy Pier in 1962. It is currently held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
The show is known for its wide variety of vehicles, showcasing everything from classic hot rods and vintage cars to custom-built trucks, motorcycles, and modern exotics. It's a competitive event, sanctioned by the International Show Car Association (ISCA), where hundreds of vehicles are professionally judged in a multitude of classes. The competition culminates in prestigious awards, including the "Legend Cup," which recognizes exceptional style, design, and craftsmanship.
Displeased with their current Website, I was asked to create a new website that would allow them to communicate with participants, visitors, and sponsors. We are in our 2nd year. Currently, I continue to update the website in preparation for next year's event. Two domains point to the website. Google is the primary source of visits to the website.
Clayton's Tap
Clayton's Tap has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years with a cozy, casual, and lively atmosphere. It's a place where you're "only a stranger once." The tavern has a historic Brunswick bar, pool tables, and a back room that opens to a beer garden for live music. It's a great place for groups and for watching sports.
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One of my longest-standing clients, it was important to emphasize all of the things it has to offer. Clayton's Tap is a proud member of the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce. It is recognized as the BEST Sports Bar and one of the BEST breakfast spots in Grundy County. A sponsor of the Annual Grundy County Corn Festival and the Medinah Highlanders. Recognized as a top destination in Morris, IL, on the Enjoy Illinois website. Proud supporter of United Way of Grundy County, Operation St. Nick, and Immaculate Conception School.
All of the photos on the website were captured by me over the years. Every few years, we update the website.
Clayton's Rail / The Alley
Formerly known as The Bigger Bite, a hot spot to grab an order of beef nachos after the bars closed in Downtown Morris, Clayton’s Rail/The Alley transferred ownership and went through a major remodel and branding exercise in 2020. The historic integrity of the building was accentuated, and an outdoor patio was created to host vendor events, live entertainment, weddings, retirement parties, etc.
We wanted to draw more attention to the website, so we developed a landing page that allows visitors to check out both Clayton's Tap and Clayton's Rail. All of the photos on the website were captured by me over the years. Every few years, we update the website.
For me personally, this is the place to be during the summer to hang out with friends, listen to great music ,and enjoy an iced cold beverage.
Flatbed Fords
I was contacted by Erik Enervold, drummer and owner of a full-service design and print house, and a member of the Board of Directors of The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum. Erik has done some work for me in the past, and I have recommended numerous clients to him. You can check out his website; it's the best in all of Will and Grundy County.
Erik told me his band needed some professional photos for their website and marketing. We decided to take the photos in the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum building during construction. If you look at their marketing materials and their website, you can check out my photos.
During our photoshoot, I was able to see a live jam session, and they played some great classics from "The Eagles".
Bruno Beef
The Bruno Farm was purchased in 1946 by Matt's great-grandfather, Joseph Bruno, an Italian immigrant. Leaving the beautiful northern Italy of the early 1900s for an American opportunity, he had no interest in farming but believed land was always valuable.
Although he never farmed this land, Matt and Tami realized it was his hard work in other business ventures that allowed us the opportunity to be stewards of his investment. Matt stated he owes many thanks to his great-grandfather, as well as to his grandparents and his parents, who have kept the farm intact since 1946.​
Prior to the website, they had no online presence. For many years, since I built the website, Tami has been managing it and has also created a Facebook page. When I took on this project, it was important for me to communicate what makes Bruno Beef so special. Within a matter of a few months after we launched the website and social media account, they were sold out for the rest of the season.
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For me, this family has a very special place in my heart in their way of life.
