In Other Words with Dave

The web marketing company that creates this magazine, Back40 Design, is celebrating 25 years this January. That’s right, folks—a whole quarter-century. Not bad for a start-up consisting of a folding table, a spare dining chair, a well-loved Mr. Coffee Maker, and a beige Mac connected to the internet via a shaky dial-up connection. 

Back in the early 2000s, not everyone had a website and if they did, it needed help. My first project? The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum—a major break for a budding business. At the time, my business plan was as straightforward as it gets: Cover the mortgage, create cool stuff, and hope someone notices. 

Well, it turned out that more than a few people did. Hundreds of local businesses trusted us to craft their websites and marketing campaigns. Before we knew it, Back40 had outgrown the folding table, moved into a real office, and brought on a team of talented designers and developers. We became trailblazers in the digital frontier, embracing the wild and ever-changing landscape of web design and marketing. 

The beauty of hitting 25 years is having stories to tell. Stories of success, growth, and yes, some delightful chaos along the way. But through all the ups and downs, one thing has never changed: our unwavering commitment to helping our clients shine. 

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning (and yes, some clients have) or are just now considering a project with us, you are the reason we love what we do. Sure, the coffee and endless internet tinkering help, but mostly, it’s you. Thank you for being part of our journey.