On January 1st, 2025, StandOut Design, LLC will celebrate its 10-year anniversary—a milestone that represents not just the growth of a business but the dedication, grit, and incredible people who made it possible. This journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but as I reflect on how far we’ve come, I’m reminded of the driving force behind it all: a refusal to give up and the belief that hard work always pays off.
The story of StandOut Design began in 2014, during one of the most uncertain periods of my life. After dedicating 17 years to a print marketing company, I lost my job when the company shut down. At the same time, my wife Lisa was forced to leave her banking job after a serious car accident left her with debilitating neck and back pain. With a mortgage, a 4-year-old daughter, and no income, we were thrown into survival mode.
To make ends meet, I did whatever I could to bring in money. I cleaned flowerbeds and powerwashed decks of friends that would give me work. I spent long nights breaking down wooden pallets salvaged from dumpsters, crafting them into American flags, wine bottle holders, and other items. Weekends were spent away from my family setting up at the Hartville Flea Market, waking up at 3 a.m. to claim the best spot and working under the hot sun for 10-hour days just to make $200. Those were grueling days, but the idea of failing my family was not an option.
In January 2015, I decided to take the leap and start my own business. I began in the basement of our home with free software, no budget, and nothing but a vision and determination. I worked day and night to secure clients, learning new skills and doing everything myself. Working 80 hours a week for myself was far more motivating than going back to working 40 hours a week for someone else. I knew that every ounce of effort I put in was building something bigger—a foundation for my family and our future.
After a year in the basement, I moved to a one-room office on Fulton. I knew I wanted to be in a populated area with lots of traffic and easy to get to. From there, StandOut Design steadily grew—first a few clients, then dozens, and now over 500 clients across a wide range of industries. Today, we’re proud to operate out of a 3,000-square-foot space in the heart of Belden Village, having designed more than 150 websites.
This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we faced another major hurdle. With lockdowns in place, I once again found myself working in my basement—but this time, with legal software instead of free software (progress, right?). At the time, I had two employees who were able to continue working from our office, each in separate rooms to stay safe. Despite the uncertainty and difficulties of that year, we worked tirelessly as a team to adapt, stay productive, and keep pushing forward. That hard work paid off, and we were able to get through one of the toughest periods in modern history stronger than ever.
Our success is a result of countless hours of effort, incredible clients, and the support of an amazing team that I couldn’t do without. Our employees have been the backbone of StandOut Design’s growth and success, each bringing their unique talents and dedication to the table. John’s creativity and attention to detail as a Graphic Designer have elevated countless projects, while Isaac’s expertise in Google Ads and digital strategy has driven measurable results for our clients. Colin’s precision in web maintenance, Riley’s innovation in web design, and Angela’s social media expertise ensure that every aspect of our clients’ needs is met with excellence. And of course, Lisa, who has managed our accounting from the start, keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Together, this incredible team embodies the passion, skill, and commitment that define StandOut Design.
But above all, we owe this milestone to our clients. Your trust and collaboration have allowed us to grow and thrive. You aren’t just customers—you’re partners. Watching your businesses succeed and knowing we’ve played a role in that is the most rewarding part of what we do.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re reminded that this journey is about more than just building websites or managing marketing campaigns. It’s about resilience, hard work, and the belief that with the right people by your side, anything is possible. From those first uncertain steps in 2015 to now serving over 500 clients, StandOut Design has been a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.
To my team and our clients: thank you for making this journey possible. Here’s to the next 10 years of growth, innovation, and success—together.
With gratitude,Dave Norris and the StandOut Design Team
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