Jeffrey Maher, Web Designer

I am an Ottawa-based web designer specializing in the dynamic WordPress platform. With 20 years in the industry, I've partnered with clients to create visually stunning and functional websites that sell what they need sold. My journey began after graduating from Algonquin College's web design program in 2005. After a few short months, I was up and running my first and only business!

In my initial years in business, I thought I needed recognizable brands in my portfolio to get newer clients, prove to Mom I was successful (because I wasn't a doctor), and bring home the bacon.  I undertook sizable projects involving collaborations with prominent entities such as sector councils, national organizations, and renowned brands. However, I got tired of the corporate environment. I shifted away from the corporate landscape as it wasn’t an excellent fit for my outgoing personality (not another meeting to discuss button colour!).

I transitioned to working with small businesses, which allowed me to forge personal connections with clients who love what they do—and I love what I do; it was a match made in heaven. Over the years, I've immersed myself in understanding their business intricacies and how they operate their businesses. Working with small enterprises is immensely rewarding, as I assist them in achieving their online marketing goals and implementing systems to streamline operations, saving them time, money, and resources.

I know all my clients personally; they can call and say, “I’m still having the problem, Jeffrey,” and I understand what they are referring to. When working with me, there’s no 1-800 to call, there's no on-hold music or a requirement to re-explain the problem to a new agent. These are all the regular headaches you get when working with a large design firm. And don't forget the 'newbies' and having to wait for them to learn their job patiently.

I reply to emails the same day, and can usually turn updates around in a day. I set up calendar reminders for things I must do for clients routinely, like running security updates and creating monthly newsletters. I'm well organized and love a clean inbox; it's what has kept me sane and in business for all these years.

I am genuinely in love with my profession. I work with exceptional people who are equally passionate about what they do. Injecting humour into my interactions is part of my outgoing and socially comical personality, which my customers enjoy, as I love to make working with me fun.

I recently left the bustle of the downtown Ottawa condo living scene, where I lived in Centretown for 21 years. You’ll find me in the burbs of Riverside South, where I have taken on a new hobby called home maintenance. I am passionate about real estate and architecture, and I like exploring large cities. In my downtime, after watering the lawn, I'm scrolling through Realtor.ca or taking a trip to the woods to reconnect with nature.