Stormfront Helps Clients Weather Web Problems
Journal & Courier (press release), IN (January 30, 2011) – While attending Purdue University, Rob Theodorow launched Stormfront Productions, a full-service online solutions provider.
After graduation, he took the company full time, moved its offices to downtown Lafayette, and expanded his client list and employee roster.
"We currently have 12 employees and are looking to expand our creative department soon with a few new hires," said Theodorow, whose company name centers around fickle weather. "I personally loved watching storms and storm fronts as a kid growing up and was always drawn to the colors, sounds and uniqueness of each storm.
"When I started our first company website in 2002, I thought it would be cool and unique to capture this feeling into a brand for a Web media company. Outside of being unique, we also get free advertising every time it storms outside. The interesting thing is that we actually notice an increase in calls and e-mails on days when it's raining."
Occupation: Founder and chief executive officer of an online media agency.
Business name: Stormfront Productions
What you do: "I am currently working on expanding our agency to bring more jobs and contracts to the Lafayette area. As a business owner, it is my top priority to keep moving our agency forward in a positive direction. Outside of that, I also help out with day-to-day items including technical support, project proposals, client meetings, Internet marketing campaigns and custom web media."
What you used to do: The 2001 Purdue computer graphics technology graduate worked as an experience architect and was the first full-time employee at the e-Enterprise Center at Purdue's Discovery Park from 2002 to 2006.
A typical day: "Every day is different and presents new challenges in our field. While I love keeping up with new technologies and researching methods to better help our customers, the majority of my day is generally spent working on Web media projects and meeting with our current and future customers."
Why you started the business: "I saw the need locally for an agency to not only provide Web capabilities but also be able to help customers with online marketing including SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) services. There was a big need for that."
What's new: "We just launched a new product, FujitaCMS, which is a new take on content management systems in terms of customization, simplicity and overall website control. It is a brand new product and our customers have responded very well to it and like the control it gives them over their Web media."
Latest accomplishment: The company recently wrapped up a pro-bono project for Kedler's Village, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa at Ivy Tech.
"Stormfront Productions developed a website in order to further help the fundraising efforts for Haiti's earthquake victims by providing greater exposure, information of how to help and online donation options," he said. "We targeted the small village of Coupon, the hometown of Ivy Tech student Kedler Abelard, which is currently not receiving any government aid. Port-au-Prince is very close to Coupon and receiving all of the relief efforts."
Biggest sacrifice you've made for the business: "None. I love what I do and enjoy helping other businesses grow through our products and services. Putting in long hours comes naturally when you start hearing how a new campaign or web application has helped improve a customer's business."
What you've learned: "Under promise and over deliver. I have learned over the years that putting in the extra effort to make a project exceptional versus simply 'good enough' pays dividends for the client and our company."
Best business advice received: "Try not to focus on too many things or expand too quickly. Just because you can offer a product or service doesn't mean you have to."
Best advice you can offer: Family comes first, and try to always have your priorities set properly. "Being a business owner can become a 24/7 job, if you allow it. Taking time away from work to focus on family, friends and what is important to you outside of the office is vital to overall success."
Moment you knew you'd made it: "To be determined. I still have many personal and professional goals I would like to accomplish before I would classify myself having 'made it.' Thankfully, I plan on working here in Lafayette for the next 30-plus years to accomplish everything I've set out to do."
Others say: "We turned to Stormfront Productions to design a user-friendly e-commerce website for us to offer our ChaCha merchandise to the public and our guides," said Scott Jones, founder and chief executive officer of ChaCha, an Indianapolis text-based mobile search company. "They built an excellent site that displays our merchandise in a visually appealing manner and made it simple for interested shoppers to purchase their items online."
Getting in touch: Stormfront Productions, 424 Main St., Lafayette, IN 47901. Website: stormfrontproductions.net. Phone: (765) 429-5555.
