Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Fort.
Hi Eric, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
This story actually kicks off right around the beginning of the pandemic. I was working an IT job for the school district and, just before everything shut down, I had this idea to pick up a new hobby: Airsoft. Well, suddenly we were all stuck inside for months, all of the airsoft fields were closed, and I started thinking, “How in the world am I going to find community while I’m stuck at home?”
So, I began researching local Airsoft companies online and found one in South Florida that, to be honest, had a pretty rough-looking website. I decided to just reach out to the owner, introduce myself, and offer to completely revamp his website for free. All I asked in return was an introduction to the Airsoft community. He was on board, and from there, our relationship really grew.
After a while, something interesting happened: other small businesses started reaching out to me. Some were from the Airsoft community, others were friends of people I’d met along the way. The common thread was that they were all small businesses that needed help but simply couldn’t afford the hefty prices many marketing companies charge. My wife and I were talking one night, and we just thought, “You know what? We should really turn this into a company.”
That’s how KJD Digital came to be – I actually named it after my wife, Kimberly Joy Davis. She’s truly my rock, she keeps me grounded, guides me when I need direction, and she’s a huge part of why I’ve been able to accomplish so much. From that point on, my goal has been to help small businesses in any way I can. We started with websites, and we still absolutely do those, but we also offer technical consulting on pretty much any technology they might need, and even software development if someone’s looking for a custom solution they can’t find anywhere else.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting and running our web design company has been incredibly rewarding, though it hasn’t always been a smooth ride. While the low barrier to entry was a huge plus, mastering marketing and building brand awareness proved to be quite a challenge. The landscape was also competitive, with big-name companies offering website builders that, frankly, do a decent job.
Our true success has come from simply being helpful. Many clients aren’t sure what they need, and often, just sitting down with them to discuss their vision is enough to get the ball rolling.
Navigating taxes as a business owner was initially daunting. There was a lot of pressure to ensure everything was done correctly to avoid any negative impact on our household finances.
Achieving work-life balance can also be tough, especially with four kids of various ages, one of whom is homeschooled. Finding dedicated time for projects can be tricky. I’ve found that waking up early or staying up late after the kids are asleep provides valuable focus time. Kim and I have also started a weekend routine where I’ll leave the house for a couple of hours and find a remote spot to work. It might seem odd to “work remote” from my “remote” job, but you do what you have to do to succeed!
As you know, we’re big fans of KJD Digital, LLC.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At its heart, KJD Digital is a web design company driven by our slogan: “Your Passion. Our Purpose.” We exist to serve small business owners and non-profit leaders, truly believing they are the backbone of our communities. We understand that owning a business isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a journey of late nights, early mornings, and unwavering commitment. We’re here to be a dedicated partner every step of the way.
Everything we do begins with understanding our customers’ unique stories and goals. We believe in building that initial relationship before diving into any task. Once we have that foundational conversation, we get to work helping them build their brand. Whether it’s website design, social media strategy, logo creation, or anything else they need, we’re ready to help. And once they’re up and running, we offer ongoing support for the long haul.
What truly sets us apart is our personal understanding of the small business hustle and our “caretaker” mentality. We’re not a faceless national corporation; we’re a name and a face our customers know and trust. When they email or call, they know exactly who they’re talking to and the kind of dedicated support they’ll receive. This personal connection is what makes me most proud of our brand. When people talk about KJD Digital, it’s always from a place of “They’ll be able to help you out, just give them a call.” Because for us, helping our customers succeed is our driving force, not just making money.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
There’s always an element of serendipity to success. Marrying Kim certainly felt like hitting the personal jackpot. Professionally, the fortunate encounter with that airsoft company in South Florida opened incredible doors. But what truly makes me feel lucky, day in and day out, is the opportunity to support small businesses and hear how our help makes a difference for them.
Pricing:
- Single Page Website – $200
- Multi Page Website – $750
- Monthly Hosting – $12.50
- Special pricing for non-profits, contact us
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KJDDigital.com
Image Credits
Stephanie Liskey, Sailforth Productions
