Last night we celebrated something that still doesn’t quite feel real. RedTree is officially 10 years old. It took walking into that room, seeing familiar faces, feeling the energy, and hearing the stories to let it all sink in.
We are part of the 30%. Only 30% of women-owned businesses survive for 10 years. And only 7% of LGBTQ+ businesses reach this level. That number carries weight. It means something.
The Vision That Started It All
When I started RedTree, I had a straightforward idea: make great websites for great brands. That idea hasn’t really changed. Of course, the technology has evolved, and we’ve put much more emphasis on strategy. However, the heart of what we do remains the same.
One thing that has changed dramatically is who is doing the work. We’ve grown into a team of nearly 10 people, all experts in their craft. These people care. They care about the quality of their work, its impact on RedTree, and the results it delivers for our clients. I’m humbled that they chose to share their talents here.
In the early days, I experimented with hiring overseas for development and design. It didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted to maintain the kind of quality I believe in, we needed to bring things in-house or work only with trusted partners. Some might call it control. I call it commitment to excellence.
Entrepreneurship Isn’t Easy (But I Wasn’t Alone)
I can’t point to a single moment where I thought about walking away, but I’d be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. There are days when you question everything and wonder if getting a job would just be easier.
What kept me going? The women entrepreneurs in my network. Sometimes all it took was someone saying, “Yeah, it’s hard,” for me to remember that I wasn’t alone. That others were walking the same path. That I was actually doing things well and smart. That kind of validation, quiet and real, carried me through a lot.
Community and Gratitude
RedTree was never just me. We are here because of the people who believed in us. Our team. Our clients. And especially those who spoke our name in rooms we weren’t in.
We’ve built lasting partnerships with brands that value collaboration. People who see us not just as a vendor, but as a strategic extension of their team. That kind of mutual trust has shaped everything about how we work.
Our Core Values: Finally, Something That Guides Us
For a long time, I struggled with our company values. They existed, but they didn’t feel like they meant anything. Then I re-read Simon Sinek’s book, Start With Why, and it finally clicked: values need to be actionable. They should guide decisions.
So we rewrote them. And now they actually mean something:
- Think strategically, act decisively
- Stay curious
- We, not me
- Lead with integrity
- Imagine, play, create
These aren’t just words. They’re how we work.
Adopting AI Without Losing the Human Connection
The last few months have compelled many brands to reassess their strategies. AI came in fast. Some companies changed their entire messaging and foundation to chase it.
We didn’t. We took a step back and asked: How can AI fit into our brand? How can it support us without replacing the human connection our clients trust and love?
The analogy I keep using is this: once upon a time, people used an axe to cut down trees. Then someone invented the chainsaw. Sure, now homeowners can cut down their own trees. But that doesn’t mean they know where it will fall or how to clean up the mess. So they still hire someone; someone who can now work faster and more efficiently.
That’s how we view AI. It’s a tool. One we’re adding to the toolbox. Not to replace people, but to help us focus more on creativity, collaboration, and results.
What the Next 5 Years Look Like
The future looks different from what I imagined even a year ago. And that’s okay.
Over the next five years, I aim to work with clients who value collaboration and brainstorming, yet trust us enough to step back and allow us to do our job effectively. I want to continue refining our services, eliminating distractions, and delivering focused, meaningful outcomes.
As a leader, I don’t always know where I’m going until I get there. God and the people around me shape not only who I am, but the journey itself—and I welcome the unknown with excitement for what’s yet to come. What I do know is this: I want to lead with a clearer vision, serve more fully, and stay grounded in our values.
Closing
Last night was a celebration, yes. But it was also a pause. A moment to recognize what we’ve built and who we’ve become. Ten years of hard work, trust, growth, and love.
If you’ve been here from the start or just joined the journey, thank you. Here’s to the next five, with clarity, courage, and creativity.
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