My name is Eric.
I build websites.

Welcome

I specialize in developing one of a kind, custom websites designed to meet your goals. Every company is different. Your website needs to be different, too. My sites are clean and effective, and I write valid XHTML and CSS code. I'm not going to force my opinions or agenda on you. I believe in listening to the client, and giving them what they want. Don't know what you want? That's fine, too. I'll offer suggestions. Some you'll like, others you won't. I won't take offense. We'll work it out. And we'll get you on the web. That's just how I roll.

Why should you have your website professionally developed? Your website will be your 24/7 marketing department reaching a global audience. It will let you compete with the big boys on a level playing field. Do you want to leave that responsibility up to your neighbor's nephew who just had a class in school? A well thought out website is critical if you want to impress your visitors and turn them into customers.

Services

What can I do for you? I'm not going to tell you I do information architecture. I'm not going to tell you I do user interface design and usability analysis. If you know what this is, you probably don't need me. What I will tell you is this. I do more than build websites...

  • Web design - If you don't know what you want your site to look like, I can design it. Have an idea for the look & feel? I take direction very well.
  • Web development - A pretty website isn't enough these days. It needs to grab your visitor's attention, and engage them. It has to make them want to come back. And it needs to work. All my code validates, and works across all modern browsers.
  • Web troubleshooting - Does your existing site not work properly? Let me take a look. Sometimes another set of eyes is all it takes to solve the problem.
  • Web hosting - I am more than happy to host your site for you. I've been using 1&1 for years now, and have no complaints. If you want to find your own host, I'm more than happy to help walk you through that process as well.
  • Web statistics - I can add Google Analytics to your site allowing you to track your visitors. You can see how many hits you're getting, where they're coming from, and what they're looking at. The results are often surprising...
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  • Web Animation - You know the stuff that draws your attention. A little fade in here. A little fade out there. It's not for everyone, but a little bit goes a long way. I can animate your site with Flash or jQuery. Each tool has it's use.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Probably the Holy Grail of web development. If no one can find your site, does it matter how great it is? SEO is not a destination. It's a journey. Let me be your tour guide.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) - If you are interested in making your own changes, or having systems in place where visitors can leave comments, I offer you Drupal.
  • Mobile websites - More and more people are browsing the web with iPhones and Droids. Don't discount these users. Offer them a mobile alternative optimized for their devices.
  • Social Media - Got something to say? Let me setup your blog. Want to reach your audience on Facebook or Twitter? I'll help you stand out from the crowd.
  • Photo editing - I can take your images and bring them to life. I do portrait touching, color correction, cut outs, etc.

Portfolio

Form meets Function.

About

I’m a web developer from metro Detroit. This is my site. As a kid, I was very creative. I loved to draw. I would build Lego for hours, preferring my own creations rather than the ones Lego designed.

Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with my creative side. I became much more analytical. I excelled at math and science. I graduated from the University of Michigan.

When I entered the workforce as an adult, I started working with computers. I’ve been working in IT (Information Technology) for more than 15 years. I’ve done it all from working at a helpdesk, to directing the helpdesk. I’ve built computers, and managed entire networks of computers. I also built simple websites.

 

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Several years ago, my wife gave me a Lego set for Christmas; the Hemlock Stronghold. She said she thought everyone should get toys at Christmas. I love this belief, btw. I attribute this gesture to rekindling my creative spirit.

I started building Lego creations again. I picked up my pencils and paper and started drawing again. I even learned to sew, creating detailed costumes. Once the creative juices starting flowing, I found a renewed interest in web creation. With my mathematical background, I’ve been able to learn several scripting languages including PHP, jQuery, JavaScript, and ActionScript. My creativity allows me to design sites.

 

Contact

Interested in working with me? Let's talk. Let's discuss your needs. I'll work within your budget. Let's do this. You can e-mail me, read my blog, or hit me on twitter. All my social links are below.

What's in it for You?

A site designed by ejbdesign will stand out from the competition. Why? I'll take the time to look at your competition. I'll see what they're doing, and more importantly, what they're not doing. I'll develop a compelling, unique user experience separating you from the other guys.

What's in it for Me?

I get to be creative, and do what I love. I'm passionate about web development because it let's me embrace my creative side. I've worked in the IT realm for 15 years wearing a multitude of different hats, but mainly acting in a technical capacity. While working with other talented people along the way, I learned bits and pieces of the craft. I was hooked. What really got me going was when web designers couldn't figure out how to do something. I'd put on my researcher's cap, dive in, and create solutions. Enter ejbdesign. I'm just a guy trying to make it in this world. You're a business owner doing the same. Let me help take your endeavors to the next level.

© Copyright 2010 ejbdesign.com | This site validates and looks great, too
eric brouwer headshot
I built the Specs Howard site using the Drupal Content Management System (CMS) and a heavily modified theme. I made extensive use of Flash and Actionscript 3, including the creation of XML driven video players. I also used PHP to accomplish the context driven secondary navigation.
Drupal
Flash
AS3
PHP
Lincoln Mercury's Digital Frontline is built completely with Flash and AS3. I purchased a Flash component to accomplish the page turning effects (why reinvent the wheel?), but all other functionality was hand coded by me. Navigation, zoom in/out, content resizing, links, FLV players, etc.
Flash
AS3
Metro Sprinkler's website had to be created from the ground up. I designed all aspects of the site, and developed it. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) was big for this client. They are based in Utica, Michigan and service sprinkler systems. If you google "utica sprinkler repair", they appear on the first page of results.
design
SEO
Photoshop
Customer testimonial:
"Eric did a wonderful job with our website. He was creative, responsive and and completed the project ahead of schedule." - Sanjai K.
design
Flash
jQuery
Photoshop
I created SCORM conformant training content for Chrysler which is used by sales reps at dealerships in the United States and Canada.
Flash
SCORM
Javascript
I am responsible for content creation on the Commerce Chargers youth football organization's website. I post all their news and events, maintain their calendar and schedules, send announcements, etc. I am also responsible for the look and feel using the League Athletics framework.
Webkinz Momz represents my first foray into large scale user forums. After designing, building, and running the site for two years, it was sold to a small group of members. The site boasts thousands of members, and hundreds of visitors each day. Google "webkinz adults", and WebkinzMomz.com will be in the top 5 results.
design
SEO
vBulletin
I have been involved with the Vrishin Chandra Research Foundation charity for several years. I designed and built the site for them, and host it as well. It was the least I could do for a very worthy cause.
Based on this SCORM-like demo I created, we landed the Chrysler training work. This demo did not contain any SCORM functionality, but represented what we could form a creative standpoint. Once this was approved, I successfully created a functional test per the client's technical specs. The test was fully functional in their production environment.
This site was built as a proof of concept. The vast majority of sites out there are scrolled vertically. I wanted to see what a site would look and feel like if it were to scroll horizontally. For the right application, I think this is a very powerful approach.
Yes, I blog. I created my blog with Drupal because I wasn't sure exactly how far I was going to take this site. With Drupal, I don't have to be just a blog site. Drupal can be extended with countless different modules, including e-commerce. I also customized the entire theme.
Drupal
I also tweet. Let's face it. Everyone online tweets. And Facebooks. And blogs. You should, too. But you've got to make sure you brand everything. Make it your own. Your twitter page can not look like your competitor's. Let me customize your twitter for you. Don't tweet yet? I can take care of that, too.