We know the who and the where, but WHAT is it that the WRIS team members do outside of work? This week, we asked the team:

What are your hobbies outside of work? What do you like to do during your time off?

Charlie: Playing guitar and bass with my brother in-law and friends. I recently switched from PC to Mac and have become kind of a Mac nerd. I really like the NASCAR community and enjoy watching the races. I get to about 4 or 5 races a year and catch the rest on TV unless the weather is too nice. When the weather permits my sons and I will go GEO Caching. I also really enjoy vacations with my family.

Seth: I don't have much time for personal hobbies, but our family enjoys getting outdoors to enjoy nature. We love taking walks, bike rides, and doing activities together. 

Bonny: Run every day, love to entertain, hang out with my kids, travel - never sit still 

Adam: I really like what I do, I enjoy programming and it takes up a good portion of my time off as well. I enjoy going for motorcycle rides in the summer and early fall. If I had more time (probably when I retire) I would like to get my pilots license – I’ve enjoyed the flying experience I’ve had thus far.

Carmen: I enjoy running, triathlons, reading and writing.

Nick: In the winter I like to snowboard when I can, though at closest I have to go to New York for anything worthwhile.  I recently returned from a ski trip out to Montana.  We skied Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. I hold a black belt in Kuk Sul Do, a Korean martial art. I am a hookah enthusiast. It’s delicious.

Glenn: Building websites, sledding, watching football, listening to music, watching movies, anything the family can do together

Debbie:  Golf.  Biking, yoga and cooking.

Salli: Hobbies = my kids. J  All my time is spent with them.  I also love reading, good music, and shopping!

Kelsey: Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, bowling, seeing movies and running. I also enjoy traveling but don’t get to do that as much as I would like!

Henry:  I like to write short stories and play music. In my time off I like to volunteer, usually reading for those who cannot or playing music at hospitals and hospices.

Drew: Outside of work? What is outside of work? I’m connected to my business 24/7. Love to golf, ski and spend time with friends and family. I enjoy playing poker and watching pro sports.

Fernando:  Love going to see live music. I like to SEE how the music is played. I’m also a big fan of “just kickin’ it”.

Wondering what interests the WRIS team at work? Check back on April 1st to see how everyone answered the next question!

There are many advantages to choosing a custom web design service for your company’s online presence. Your web site is one of the most important marketing decisions you will make, so it is important to make the right choice from the outset. Although a customized web site will cost more upfront than a pre-designed template, there are a number of distinct advantages to selecting this option. In fact, working with a professional web design company can translate into a great long-term investment for your business.

Here are 3 Great Reasons to Consider Custom Web Design over Pre-Designed Templates

1.    One-of-a-Kind Design. It goes without saying that your business and your brand are unique. With custom web design, you can convey that originality via a professionally crafted and imaginative web site. Unlike the many cookie-cutter templates on the market, a customized solution created just for your business won’t be duplicated all over the Internet. Instead, your web site will enhance and reinforce your marketing efforts by conveying a distinctive look and feel that is uniquely your own. This will increase customer recognition of your company and its products and services – and will help build greater trust and credibility with your potential clients. The end result is a more robust bottom line for your business.

2.    Better Search Engine Optimization.  As more and more people are taking their search for information, products and services online, the importance of this aspect of web design is becoming increasingly important.

Most reputable design firms are familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and will leverage that expertise on your behalf. This technical know-how is invaluable in terms of delivering highly targeted organic search engine traffic to your web site. On the other hand, if your site is poorly constructed from this standpoint – as is often the case with pre-designed templates - it can negatively impact its overall performance for years to come. In most instances, the amount of traffic your site receives is directly proportional to its overall success. It is very difficult to convert traffic that isn’t there into loyal customers!

3.    Design with Future Growth in Mind. Another great feature associated with hiring a professional web design firm is that they can help plan for the future growth of your company from a technological standpoint. This is great for many start-up operations working on limited marketing budgets. While it is important to establish a web presence as soon as possible, many young organizations are unable to invest large sums of money right out of the gate. However, by working with a professional web designer, you can quickly establish a near-term web presence that can be expanded as your business grows and prospers. In this sense, the web design firm you select is a true partner in terms of the long-term success of your business.

Although having your web site professionally designed will cost more at the outset, the long-term benefits of doing so make it a worthwhile investment in your business.

Now that we know all about the families of the WRIS team members, it only seemed appropriate that we would learn why everyone has landed in the Cleveland area! With all of the talk about being 'Happy in Cleveland' after the unfortunate Forbes article naming Cleveland as one of the most miserable places to live, we asked the team:

Why do you like living in this area? What are your favorite things to do in Cleveland?

Charlie: I love the seasons except for winter.  Winter does however provide the contrast to make summer so much more enjoyable.  I love summer in Cleveland.   Being outside sitting on a beach or next to a pool with friends and family is hard to beat.  The people around here are great too.  I have so many interesting friends that I have acquired through my life.  Being here means being around them, they would be hard to leave.

Seth (Seth recently relocated to Florida to head the WRIS South Florida office): This is a trick question for me :-) The things that I enjoyed about Cleveland were its parks and culture (museums, history, zoo, etc). One of the best about living in Florida is the weather... obviously. It lets us get outside year-round and do more of what we enjoy. I also enjoy exploring the area since it’s still new to me. One unexpected bonus is that we are living close to quite a few farms. Many of them are commercial production, but we've found a lot of nice markets with fresh locally grown produce.

Bonny: My husband grew up here.  We are surrounded by both families. I think this is one of the best places to raise a family. I love the old neighborhoods on the East side. We entertain and hang out with friends- a lot!

Adam: I love the fall in Cleveland (I love living in an area with seasons). I live in the Ukrainian Village – so the food can be amazing around here. Cleveland has some great beer and isn’t far from places with great wine.

Carmen: I know I am weird, but I love snow.  In fact, I live in the heart of the Snowbelt. Cleveland has an amazing park system which I enjoy exploring with my family.

Nick: Grew up here.  Parents are here, free room and board till I can afford to move out.   Cleveland’s OK I guess... Good Korean food.  Play house square has some cool stuff sometimes.

Glenn: I’m from Akron. Love the snow and the variety of weather. NE Ohio is great for its variety. Not just the weather either. With a short drive you can hit art museums, or major sports arenas. Farmland or city. Night clubs and libraries. Just about anything you would want to do, you can do living here. It’s great.

Debbie: Like the change of seasons in Cleveland.  Enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Love all the variety and great restaurants in the area.

Salli: I’ve always lived in Cleveland so I took a lot of things for granted.  We have local access to so much…an amazing Orchestra, theatre, museums and professional sports.  That’s a great thing.

Kelsey: I grew up in the Cleveland area and returned here after graduating, so I have gotten to see various aspects of the city. Most weekends you can find something fun and cultural to do (not just hit West 6^th) whether it be going to a concert, sporting event, or art museum.

Drew: Love it. Moved from Cleveland Heights to Twinsburg in 2007 and never look back! We love the arts, the dining, sports, zoos, etc.

Fernando:  When in Cleveland, I love going to see a baseball, football or basketball game. I also love going to see movies at the cheap seats.

We would love to hear why YOU love Cleveland, so feel free to comment below!