My journey into web design began when I was just 13 years old.
My grandfather, a real estate developer and investor, needed a website for his new vacation rental business in Clearwater Beach, Florida. He knew me as the “tech-savvy” grandkid and decided to give me a shot. At first, I approached it with curiosity, determined to live up to his expectations. I started researching everything I could about website design, user experience, and what makes a site not just functional but visually compelling. As I learned more, I started discovering myself. I grew passionate about the process and started to recognize my own creative and visionary strengths.
But then the project got more complex. My grandfather wanted the site to natively support direct bookings that would automatically sync with third-party sites like VRBO and Airbnb (new at the time). That demand pushed me out of my comfort zone entirely. I remember the moment I realized how big of a challenge it really was. Part of his business was relying on my ability to make this work. I had two choices. I could play it safe, pass the project on to a professional, and quietly back out. Or I could take the risk and rise to the challenge. Something inside me told me not to give up. I couldn’t admit that I had doubts, so I chose to believe in myself and go for it.
I started with the parts I understood and took it step by step. It was a slow climb, but eventually I actually was able to construct a fully functional, visually appealing website with five separate vacation properties, a direct booking engine, and integrated calendar syncing. I even created a logo and ran ad campaigns. The results shocked me and the rest of the family. The site started gaining serious traction on Google and ended up escalating to over 20,000 monthly visitors. It quickly became the heart of his business, while also helping him save tens of thousands of dollars by transitioning to direct booking. I maintained and improved the site over the next five years, all while going through high school.
Then, in 2019, just before college, my grandfather passed away unexpectedly. It was a devastating loss. He was not only a mentor to me; I was his right-hand man, and he was the person who consistently respected me and thought so highly of me. That summer was difficult, but his voice stuck with me. I kept hearing the way he used to talk about me, how highly he thought of me, and the faith he had in my potential. That became the fuel I needed to take the next step. Then the idea came to me. I decided to take everything I had learned from building and managing his website and use it as a foundation to take the next step in my life. I was ready to turn it into a real business of my own.
I worked nonstop that summer. While everyone else was preparing for college, I was teaching myself how to run a business. I created demo sites to build a portfolio, refined my design skills, and taught myself how to market, sell, and network. I used my graduation money to print flyers, business cards, and a branded shirt with my company name. I started attending local networking events, reaching out to small businesses, cold-calling, and trying everything I could to get clients. Friends and family who had seen what I did with my grandfather’s business also helped spread the word.
But even after months of effort, I wasn’t landing any clients. It was discouraging. I started to wonder if I was chasing something unrealistic, especially with engineering school right around the corner. Doubt crept in again. I questioned whether I should just focus on school and put the business on pause. But I remembered the same feeling I had years earlier, the same moment of fear and hesitation, and I knew I couldn’t give up. So I kept going.
Even while starting college, I prioritized the business and focused every spare moment on building momentum. Then, after an entire year full of ups and downs, I finally got my first client, and that moment changed everything. It reminded me that all the effort, all the rejection, and all the late nights were worth it. Slowly, that project led to another, and then another, and that was the true beginning of Vantage Media Solutions.
By today, I’ve had the opportunity to work with over 50 clients, ranging from small businesses to mid-size corporations. Collectively, the sites I’ve built bring in 100,000+ monthly visitors, helping businesses around Florida grow their online presence and increase their bottom line. My engineering background has also become a valuable asset. It allows me to approach web design with analytical thinking, structure, and efficiency, ensuring that every site I build is not just beautiful but also optimized and high-performing.
At 24, I’m still just getting started, but I carry with me a decade of hands-on experience, a deeper understanding of taking risks, and a mindset shaped by the values my grandfather lived by. At every turning point, I’ve been met with doubt and uncertainty. And every time, I’ve chosen to believe in myself.
Let’s Build Something That Works for You
Web design isn’t just a service for me. It’s a passion. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of website platforms, mastering WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Weebly, Squarespace, and more. My commitment to delivering fast, effective, and affordable solutions has fostered strong business relationships and made Vantage Media a trusted name across the Tampa Bay area.
If you’re ready to grow your online presence with a website that’s simple, smart, and tailored to your goals, I’d love to help. Let’s bring your vision to life and take your business to the next level.
