20+ years of creative, technical & small business experience.
I’ve spent more than 20 years creating websites, designs and marketing solutions for businesses and organizations across many industries and around the world.
Today, I bring all of that experience together at Truman Web, helping American small businesses build better websites, improve their visibility online and figure out practical ways to market their business.
My background is a little different from a lot of people in the website and marketing industry. I’ve spent my career working on both the creative and technical sides of the job, while also building small businesses of my own.
Running small businesses has given me a practical understanding of the day-to-day decisions entrepreneurs have to make, from managing limited time and budgets to finding ways to attract customers and keep the business moving forward.
That combination has shaped the way I work today. Instead of looking at your website, SEO or marketing as separate projects, I can look at the bigger picture and help you figure out where your time and budget will have the most impact.
Where It Started
I grew up around an interesting combination of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
My dad was an IBM hardware engineer who was also a talented carpenter, so computers and making things were both part of my childhood. I leaned heavily toward the creative side and spent much of my younger years drawing, painting and experimenting with different types of art.
Around age 21, I discovered freelance graphic design and a few years later, web design. It was the perfect combination of things I already loved: creativity, computers and the freedom of working for myself.
I started designing logos and marketing materials while working a corporate job during the day. Over time, that work expanded into photography, video, websites, email marketing, digital advertising and marketing strategy.
From Corporate Marketing to Small Business
I spent about 10 years working in corporate marketing while continuing to freelance on the side.
My early corporate work was heavily focused on graphic design, advertising, social media, and print media. As digital marketing grew, my career grew with it.
By the time I left corporate, I was a Digital Marketing and Product Manager for a television network in North Carolina. I worked on websites serving large audiences, managed digital content and campaigns, and regularly worked between writers, designers, developers, marketing teams and outside vendors.
The experience I gained in the corporate world was immeasurable, and the high standards and attention to detail I developed made the drawbacks of cubicle life worthwhile. Through it all, my ultimate goal was to work from home while helping small businesses who needed an experienced marketing person.
When I moved to Tennessee in 2015, I finally made that transition, and it turned out to be the best risk I ever took.
Why Small Business Matters to Me
My connection to small business goes back much further than Truman Web.
After my dad passed away, my family started a large gift shop. I grew up around the business and saw firsthand how closely a small business can become connected to a family’s finances, relationships and future.
I also saw what can happen when a business struggles and eventually closes. That experience has stayed with me and my family to this day.
It’s one reason I care so much about helping small business owners make smart decisions with their marketing. I take it seriously.
I’m a Small Business Owner Too
I don’t only work with small business owners, I’ve owned and helped operate local brick-and-mortar businesses in Dickson, Tennessee, including High Cotton, Workspace, Cookspace, and more.
That experience has given me a much different perspective on marketing. I understand rent, payroll, staffing, slow months, advertising budgets, difficult decisions and the reality that there are always more things you could spend money on than money available to spend.
It’s also one of the reasons I prefer straightforward hourly billing and flexible budgets at Truman Web. I want to help you decide what makes sense for your business, then use the time and money available as wisely as possible.
I’ve learned that most small businesses don’t need another complicated marketing system or someone trying to sell them every service available.
They need someone experienced who can look at the whole picture, tell them what matters, help them prioritize it and get the work done. That’s what I want Truman Web to be.
A Little More About Ande
I’ve traveled to nearly 30 countries, living for two months in Ethiopia and 1 year in Slovakia.
I taught environmental education to children. and facilitated ropes courses and team-building programs for more than five years.
I’ve been making some form of art for most of my life, including painting and mixed media from elementary school through college. I’ve also worked in photography, videography and live event production, and I currently enjoy making pottery.
Custom
Websites
Custom websites built around your business goals.
Search Engine Optimization
Rise in the ranks on Google, search engines, and AI.
Marketing & Promotions
Practical print and digital marketing for active clients.