SO! After much deliberation (and a few silly email threads) I’ve decided to join the illustrious ranks of Whitespark’s LocalSpark team. They actually want me to join too, or else this would be awkward…
As you may know, I’ve been hacking it on my own for the past couple years, helping some pretty awesome clients do some pretty awesome things online. It’s been a very stimulating and rewarding experience (and just what I needed as I was recovering from some health setbacks). I’ve worked on some really cool projects, had some exciting results, and built a number of wonderful relationships.
It’s also been a lot to handle, and I’ve felt like I was at a crossroads for a while now. Do I continue on the path to building my own little agency/consultancy? Or do I switch gears and start considering some of the other enticing opportunities that have emerged since I moved on from my last great job.
I’ve been acquainted with Darren Shaw (Whitespark’s president) for a few years now, and I’ve long admired his reputation and expertise in local SEO. He’s also just a super cool, likeable guy. When he and Phil Rozek (another local SEO grandmaster, and Darren’s partner in creating LocalSpark) expressed some interest in bringing me aboard the LocalSpark team, I knew it was definitely time to make the big decision.
This freelancing thing sort of happened spontaneously, and while I do enjoy it, I also really value bing part of a team, learning and commiserating with like-minded folks, and the stability of having a real job. I also bloody hate accounting.
Starting April 4th, I’m going to be a Whitesparker. I’m super pumped.
For the past month, I’ve been winding down my client commitments and working to complete my major outstanding projects. I’ll still be accessible to my existing clients, continuing on with a few small projects, and I’m always available to offer advice or help out in a pinch, but I won’t be taking on any new endeavors as a lone wolf for the foreseeable future.
If you need some help with your local SEO though, you should definitely connect with Whitespark! And if you’re looking for a freelance web developer, I’d be happy to make some recommendations 🙂
To all those I’ve spent the last few years working with, my sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. To the other organizations I’ve been tempted to join, I’m honored by your consideration, and I know you’ll all continue to kick ass.
To Darren, Phil, and the Whitespark crew, I’m way excited to get started – and I hugely appreciate the opportunity. See you guys in a couple weeks!
Until then, back to work for me!
