ALL ABOUT DOUG
(The Expanded Version)
WOW, YOU’RE BRAVE!
I told them nobody would be interested, but you just proved them wrong! Awesome!
This is the face I’m making, knowing that you’re here on this page. (guarantee it)
If the short version just wasn't enough Information, and you want more "dirt" on who I really am (you might be disappointed - pretty regular guy over here! 🙋♂️), here's what you really came for:
I'm a Pacific Northwest native, specifically areas all over Western Washington. I was born in Bellingham (the "City of Subdued Excitement", aptly named but booming these days!). I really lived in “the country” about 25 minutes outside of the town in the Mt. Baker Foothills, in a place known as “Deming” (you’ve likely never heard of it but driven through it on the way to “the mountain”)….
I was raised in a Christian home that taught me a lot about loving God and loving people. In high school, I sensed the Lord calling me toward ministry, but not in a traditional way. For me, it was going to look different.
One of the ways He led my life was toward discovering and developing a call for leading others into His presence as a worship leader. I went to a college in Kirkland by the name of Northwest University, a private, Christian university with a rich 80+ year history (I was in the Class of 2012 — go Eagles!!). I graduated college with a B.A. in General Music with a focus in Music Ministry (with a minor in Communications too, but that's less exciting 🤣). I stuck around and worked at my alma mater for a couple years in both Financial Aid then Undergraduate Admissions, living in both Kirkland and Renton (pronounced "Rint-in" with a growl 😎).
I jumped into vocational ministry a couple years after graduation, working at a church called newlife.tv with multiple locations around the Kitsap Peninsula, working there for 3 years while living in 4 different places between Allyn and Bremerton (yes, I know that sounds crazy, and yes I am that crazy, but it was altogether a good — albeit short — season).
Then in 2017, I moved to South Hill, Puyallup, and joined the staff at Sound Life Church, a multi-site church in two Central Pierce County locations. I had a couple wonderful and challenging years there (I even got to design their new website!). I served as the Assistant Worship & Media Pastor, which meant I led worship at both campuses, for adults and students, designed and deployed various media projects, and managed the details of both departments. At the end of 2019, I moved on from vocational ministry and focus on growing DH Creative.
Now I am working and living in the infamous Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, and loving life! In addition to growing this company, I get to work in Patient Access at a major hospital system “on the hill” by the name of St. Joseph Hospital, a non-profit hospital that is part of the Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) family.
It’s been a crazy journey, but I’m so thankful for all that I’ve learned along the way. God has been so faithful, and I am filled with gratefulness that you took the time to get to know me better! I’m always down for a one-on-one if you have questions, or want to dive deeper into my story. I’d also love to hear yours! Let me know if you’re in the Tacoma area and want to schedule some time (the coffee is on me).
NOW ABOUT WHY I STARTED THIS COMPANY…
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve made websites.
I also love serving people and making a difference however I can.
I've been able to realize my true calling as someone who follows Jesus, and that is to love and serve people in whatever ways I can, with the gifts and abilities He has given me.
So, in late 2016, when I unexpectedly found myself out of a job, I officially started my own business.
It was hard work, and things really took time (read: years) to get things off the ground. But after a year or two of bumps in the road and some mistakes made, I started to get opportunities to work with more clients and establish myself as a creator of modern, clean websites with easy-to-use interfaces.
For me, I’m really passionate about giving clients a product they can manage without my help. Of course, I’d love to lean in and help however and whenever I can, but that’s not my end-goal. I want to build a product that works, train them on how to work it, and be available to help as needed.
I like to keep costs low for my clients, and use the connections I have to provide a great experience for everyone involved.
Need a graphic designer? I know a guy.
Need a HTML expert and top-notch web developer? I’ve got some names for you.
If there’s an aspect of online media that’s not my specialty, I work to connect you with an expert I trust.
Additionally, I manage various marketing projects for my clients, whether it's an online presence via social media and email marketing, or building their clientbase on a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. It is always fun for me when I get to combine my inner-nerdom with the felt need of a client!
To those of you still reading, here’s my promise:
When you contact DH Creative, I'm the guy you speak with. I also get to strategize and design websites, and I communicate with clients throughout the process.
What are you waiting for?? Let's get started!
Email me: hello@dougharkness.com
Connect with me on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram