Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Hamlette.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a little curious about web design, but I wasn’t sure how to get into it. My wife occasionally suggested coding to me over the years, and I didn’t take her suggestion too seriously. Going back to school after 15+ years is scary for most, and I was hesitant about going back again. This time I’d return as a 30-something with a family and adult responsibilities. I was also unsure about spending the time to learn on my own or participate in virtual classes because I’ve always had a classroom. One day I searched the University of Central Florida (UCF) website for the Digital Media program, and I found a link to their new web development boot camp. That was an exciting moment because I had been discouraged, and the link appeared at the very time when I needed it! Furthermore, this was the type of tech boot camp that I heard President Obama mention in several interviews and speeches. Classes were held three days per week on the Valencia College campus and administered by Trilogy Education Services. I filled out the application, interviewed, and gained access to the program.
The program was more intense than I could imagine, and the information came at a dizzying speed- especially for a tech outsider. I learned to make static and dynamic websites, gained experience using different popular technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and even learned about APIs and querying data. It amazes me how I can use these terms and understand the processes now because I wasn’t sure how I could (or would) make it through the boot camp. By the end of the six-month course, I was determined to go into business on my own. I understood that there was still a huge learning curve and still so much to understand, but I also learned how to be resourceful as a developer. Some days I battle to write code that works and handles processes, but my job is to figure it out. I really enjoy web design and development. I’m sure it was unintentional, but UCF’s Coding Bootcamp gave me the confidence to design on my terms and go into business for myself, using my standards and principles.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Heck no! It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the obstacles are learning opportunities. Learning a skill and using it to start a business is one thing. Web developers with any level of experience can and will always stress about code and the next technology. Stress comes with the industry. Conducting business is a beast on its own! I can remember times when I couldn’t give a website away. It sounds crazy, but I built websites for companies that turned out to be in various stages of existence that range from early planning to life support. I’ve had clients who showed urgency suddenly go missing during development. Others were vague and undecided on anything throughout the process until they “decided to go in a different direction.”
On a positive note, those same websites have provided me with experience, templates, and great examples of how I can help my clients level up. I’m amazed to see how efficient I’ve become at designing and how my style has evolved since the beginning. I learned how to navigate when the road wasn’t smooth, so I can consistently present the best versions of my work and myself to clients who allow me the honor of designing websites for them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Web Penguin is different because I can interpret my client’s vision and channel it through a website. Every client is passionate about their business or project, and they want to present a message in the best way possible. I’m inspired by stories, dreams, and goals because I know what it means to have visions. I understand the importance of following dreams and the dedication required to make them real.
I design and create most projects from scratch, and my preferred technologies all me to have structure and creative freedom. Those designs are visually clean and well organized for use on all devices, and users quickly find the desired information. I also write copy, so I provide a “voice” that helps users engage and connect with the site and its content. Any organization can settle for a plain old website, but the best ones are pleasant and easy for users while making tasks easier for the site owner, too. I’m most proud when I hear positive feedback from my clients. My favorite compliment (other than a referral) is when they share their clients’ feedback and how the website brings growth and new business opportunities.
I chose the name “The Web Penguin” for my business to represent what clients can expect. Penguins are dependable and represent togetherness with a strong sense of determination. They are known to travel hundreds of miles to find food or a partner and without hesitation. I’ve come across many clients who paid for unreachable developers who present poorly done designs or abandon the projects altogether. My goal is to reach your goal with a complete website that is quick and efficient. I’m here to offer support and be fearless while we build your digital presence. That’s what The Web Penguin does!
How do you define success?
Success is the ability to provide something that benefits or helps someone else. When I create something that can help people connect, interact, and communicate, I win. I’m successful when my clients can’t wait to share the design with others, and you can hear the excitement when they share it!
Pricing:
- Basic Responsive Websites start at $150/page
- “The Little Penguin” Package: $1000 – Custom Logo Design; 1000 Business Cards (Designed and Printed); Up to 5 Page Custom General Website
- “The Macaroni Penguin” Package: $2500 – Custom Logo Design; 1000 Business Cards (Designed and Printed); 6 to 10 Page Custom Informational Website
- “The Royal Penguin” Package: $4000 – Custom Logo Design; 1000 Business Cards (Designed and Printed); 11 to 25 Page Custom Business Website
- “The Emperor Penguin” Package: $7500 – Custom Logo Design, 1000 Business Cards (Designed and Printed), 26 to 50 Page Custom Informational Website
Contact Info:
- Email: helloallen@thewebpenguin.com
- Website: www.thewebpenguin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewebpenguin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theWebPenguinDesigns
