By Matt Burns with contributions from Andrea Feminella
Jason Long, the CEO of J House Media, emphasizes function over form when it comes
to creating websites and online identities for his clients. He analyzes the client firm’s
strategy first, asking questions about specific profit and revenue goals, and then he
customizes an online plan for the client, which can range from local mom-and-pop
shops in Athens to international companies and municipal governments.
Jason enjoys setting up shop in Athens, where the company currently employs 10
full-timers and 9 interns, because the lower cost of living allows the small firm to
compete on a national level, attracting clients from New York, Los Angeles, and even
Australia. While the staff had to cut back during the recession, Jason says business
is booming again and is most excited about a current project working on digitizing
medical records and developing a biometric scanning system for patient access.
The project is in “agile development,” meaning the client did not have a set goal and
deadline, but is instead working with J House as they develop more ideas and come
up with better ways to accomplish their goal. Jason says this is his preferred method
of working, however deadlines are still an essential part of his business.
“How does a project get behind?” Jason asks. “One day at a time.”
According to Jason, the office environment at J House is fun, intense, and driven,
and stresses that students looking for employment have marketable skills in
programming and Web development.
In addition to J House, Jason is also a principle at Map Dynamics, a firm that designs
mobile-responsive interactive maps for trade shows and conferences.
