I then joined my family’s award-winning restaurant, Steve’s Café, also based in Helena. Voted Best Breakfast in Helena for over 15 consecutive years, Steve’s Café is known for its community values and consistency. My time there taught me the importance of excellent service and earned trust — lessons I carry into every project.

Later, I launched a photography business, then moved into video editing and eventually web design. Early on, I hired an agency to build a complex photography website for me — a project I had big hopes for. Instead, I was scammed. The developers seemed professional at first, but after months of excuses and delays, they disappeared completely. I lost $5,000, along with valuable time. It was one of the hardest lessons I’ve faced, but also one of the most valuable.

That experience drove me to learn how to build websites myself — not only to protect my own work, but to help others avoid the same fate. Now, with over two years of professional web design experience and a track record of successful projects, I run Compass Production with one clear mission: to provide reliable, custom websites that clients can actually own and manage.

I believe in honesty, simplicity, and giving small businesses access to the same quality of design and performance that big companies pay thousands for. If you’re looking for someone who understands both the creative side and the personal risks of starting a business, I’d love to help you move forward with confidence.