Success Stories
One of the greatest blessings of owning my own business has been the opportunity to build lasting relationships with wonderful people and their businesses. Every website I create represents someone's dream, passion, and years of hard work, and I never take that responsibility lightly. I genuinely care about my clients' success and take great pride in helping them share their story, reach more customers, and grow their business. Below are a few of the success stories that make me grateful for what I do every day.
Emilio's Barbershop
When I was searching for a new barber, I came across Emilio’s Barbershop through its outstanding Google reviews. After calling to schedule an appointment, I was surprised to learn that the earliest opening was several weeks away. Curious about the strong reputation and loyal customer base, I booked an appointment and quickly discovered why demand was so high. Many clients had been coming to Emilio for years, with some sharing stories of getting their haircuts there since childhood. During my visit, I noticed the phone constantly ringing as Emilio managed all appointments manually in a scheduling book, which often interrupted his work.
To streamline operations and improve the customer experience, I developed a website featuring online appointment booking integrated directly with Google Calendar and launched a new Facebook business page for customer engagement and updates. The improved online presence has helped Emilio expand his clientele, grow his business, and successfully bring on a second barber. As a bonus, 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 become a brick-and-mortar location that has been fully remodeled. Folks come from all around to try his BBQ.
With Craig, we started small with the website and built on 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 past events. I continue to update the website and take all of the photos at the event each year.
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 that month.
Displeased with their current Website agency, I was asked to create a new website that would allow them to communicate with participants, visitors, volunteers, and sponsors. Currently, I continue to update the website with monthly statistics and links to the photos that are taken at each event.
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 agency, I was asked to create a new website that would allow them to communicate with participants, visitors, and sponsors. 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.
Wilkinson Clinic of Chiropractic
Dr. Phil Wilkinson is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He holds advanced certifications in extremities, wellness, and sports chiropractic. When I started to work with Dr. Wilkinson, he was displeased with his current website agency and the service at the time. We designed and built a site to serve all of his business needs.
Patients describe him as extremely well-educated, genuine, and always focused on what is best for the patient’s long-term well-being rather than just quick fixes. Also, as a patient myself, I take advantage of it by booking my appointments right on the website.
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.
For me, this family has a very special place in my heart in their way of life.
Brandt Excavating and Boring
Before launching their website, Brandt Excavating & Boring, Inc. had little to no online presence and wanted a simple, professional platform to showcase their company and services. The website now highlights their expertise in full-service Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), including water services, water main installation (PVC and ductile iron), on-grade sewer systems, electrical utilities, telecommunications infrastructure, and street lighting. In addition, the company provides a wide range of excavation services, including trenching for underground utilities such as water mains, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers, as well as demolition services.
The website has helped establish their digital presence while making it easier for potential clients to learn about their capabilities and connect with their team.
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.
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 and 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 live music,and enjoy an ice-cold beverage.