Hi, I’m Rich Kent. I began working independently as a Web Designer in 2008, and since then I’ve added Web Conversion Optimization, Responsive Design, Website Speed Optimization, SEO, PPC, and Social Media Campaigns, CSS3, HTML5, and more to my resume.
Brief Background
First, I’m an architect personality – so it’s in my nature to focus on what works. I spend a significant amount of my personal time reading and studying the latest in web design and web technology, as well as testing Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click Strategy. If I recommend something to my clients, then I’ve tried it, thought about it, and believe in it. I never recommend products based solely on hidden kickbacks or affiliate commissions. My business depends on my integrity as I market almost exclusively through word of mouth.
I’m a Gen X’er and grew up in Massachusetts in a small town near the Quabbin Reservoir. I went to Northeastern in Boston and majored in BioChemistry, but left after the first year. Dissecting eyeballs and pickling frog legs wasn’t for me.
As I felt stuck in a rut in New England in 1998, I moved to California with my future (current) wife, and flailed around a bit looking for some purpose. Purpose found me in the form of a web-based retailer, and I spent 8 years getting a thorough education in advertising, marketing, SEO, PPC, print media, web design, graphic design and good online business practices.
After a couple years, I was promoted to Marketing Manager, and I was given a $1.5 Million yearly advertising budget. During my tenure, I transitioned our advertising from 98% Print Media to 80% SEO & PPC, and in so doing lowered our advertising expenses by 50% while maintaining sales.
In 2008 the company fell victim to the market crash. This was both a function of the industry – aftermarket ‘performance’ car parts – as well as financial mismanagement by the company owners. I looked for work for a while, but as the months ticked on I decided that I could do better than simply finding another job.
The turning point for me was reading the 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. My wife and I decided that instead of going back to work for someone else, we’d create location-independent careers and travel – something we love to do anyway.
We currently live in a 32-foot 3-slide Class-C RV and spend our summers in the north and our winters in the south. Our lifestyle in no way impacts my ability to work for you as I have Wi-Fi and phone reception at all times, and only move locations every 2 to 3 weeks. In fact, the low cost of my lifestyle is the primary reason why I can offer excellent rates – less than half of what a typical agency charges.
If you’d like to see what I can do for you, please use my contact page to get in touch. Thanks!