News & Media
Women of Today - August 29, 2008
Monroe turns Web site designing hobby into career
By TAMMY R. LAWSON
TIMES-REPUBLICAN (PDF)
Some people enjoy a nice, relaxing hobby like sailing or gardening, while others have a hobby that would make a person pull the hair out of their head by the roots.
Eight years ago, designing Web sites from a small home office began as something to do, but Kristen Monroe eventually turned her hobby into an established business on Marshalltown’s State Street as owner of Ultimate Web Design. “I enjoyed working with computers, being creative, and the need was there to start this business,” Monroe said. It seemed like a demand of common sense with three out of four Americans having access to the Internet regularly.
“If you are in business and don’t have a Web site, it’s almost as if you’re non-existent,” she explained. “There are so many people that like to research before they buy, and if they don’t see your business online, they move on. It’s almost as important as having a phone.”
Monroe’s clientele are located nationwide, including one endorsement that she was particularly fond of from Melina Montelongo of A&E’s “Flip This House” who hand picked her from more than 20 other Web site developers.
Adorning one wall of her office filled with framed awards and recognitions are something Monroe’s proud of, yet admits she is her own biggest critic. “I can be pretty hard on myself sometimes if I’m not doing things up to my own expectations,” she said. Upon her desk is a newly coveted piece the 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award which was presented to her by the Chamber of Commerce of which she sits on the Membership Committee. In addition, Monroe chairs several boards such as the MCC Computer Applications & Office Administration Advisory Committee, Marshalltown Young Professionals and Youth and Shelter Services.
What does she see in the future of Ultimate Web Design? “Of course, prosperity because everyone wants a successful business, and I would eventually like to see it grow a little larger, but not to the point where I can’t give clients my full attention,” she said.
Women of Today - August 29, 2008
Monroe turns Web site designing hobby into career
By TAMMY R. LAWSON
TIMES-REPUBLICAN (PDF)
Some people enjoy a nice, relaxing hobby like sailing or gardening, while others have a hobby that would make a person pull the hair out of their head by the roots.
Eight years ago, designing Web sites from a small home office began as something to do, but Kristen Monroe eventually turned her hobby into an established business on Marshalltown’s State Street as owner of Ultimate Web Design. “I enjoyed working with computers, being creative, and the need was there to start this business,” Monroe said. It seemed like a demand of common sense with three out of four Americans having access to the Internet regularly.
“If you are in business and don’t have a Web site, it’s almost as if you’re non-existent,” she explained. “There are so many people that like to research before they buy, and if they don’t see your business online, they move on. It’s almost as important as having a phone.”
Monroe’s clientele are located nationwide, including one endorsement that she was particularly fond of from Melina Montelongo of A&E’s “Flip This House” who hand picked her from more than 20 other Web site developers.
Adorning one wall of her office filled with framed awards and recognitions are something Monroe’s proud of, yet admits she is her own biggest critic. “I can be pretty hard on myself sometimes if I’m not doing things up to my own expectations,” she said. Upon her desk is a newly coveted piece the 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award which was presented to her by the Chamber of Commerce of which she sits on the Membership Committee. In addition, Monroe chairs several boards such as the MCC Computer Applications & Office Administration Advisory Committee, Marshalltown Young Professionals and Youth and Shelter Services.
What does she see in the future of Ultimate Web Design? “Of course, prosperity because everyone wants a successful business, and I would eventually like to see it grow a little larger, but not to the point where I can’t give clients my full attention,” she said.
