Matt Nelson and Ed Nason each have their own strengths and background knowledge, but the men had a common goal when they met — to help others by designing Web sites.

Self taught, Nelson started building Web sites when he was in high school. He was 14 and playing in a band when he got interested in the field.

“I thought the band should have a Web site,” he explained. “I started working on it and it grew from there. I would see other Web sites and think, ‘Wow, how did they do that?’ That’s how I became interested and developed my skills.”

Nason started his own Web design company after he was introduced to retired Indianapolis Colts player Jeff Herrod. Nason was doing promotional work for Herrod and realized Herrod didn’t have a Web site, but thought he needed one.

“I started out on my own,” Nason said. “It didn’t go well. I had it in my mind what I wanted to do. ... I couldn’t get that shine or spark that I wanted. It’s definitely an art form.”

Nelson and Nason finally met in April and eventually formed a new company, Creative Vantage Designs.

The company is a Web development company and has built Web sites for businesses, organizations, musicians and athletes all over the United States.

“We talked and decided it would be a good idea to collaborate my design background and Ed’s marketing background,” Nelson said.

Nason said the company recently worked out all of its ripples and is looking forward to moving ahead full force.

Nelson is the chief designer for the business. He has been building Web sites for more than 10 years.

He believes it is important to stay informed on the newest technology available so the company can offer more to its customers. His knowledge base includes dynamic content applications, flash animation, E-commerce stores, CSS usability and search engine optimization.

“Web technology changes all the time,” he said. “You really have to work on it to stay up to date with the latest and greatest technology.”

Nason serves as the marketing director.

Some of the Web sites the company completed since its creation include Servant’s Heart Services, Mid-America Radio Group, Herrod and Hopper Development Inc. It will soon launch a new site for Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Cass County.

The men are also working on designing sites for an gold-medal Olympian and a Harlem Globetrotter.

Nelson said the Web design company offers a valuable service to many businesses.

When it comes to many Web site building programs offered, Nelson said business owners are unable to customize the Web site to fit their needs.

“We offer 100 percent customizing,” Nason said. “If you can dream it, we can build it.”

Creative Vantage Designs can either build a site for a business and maintain it as well, or build the site and teach someone how to maintain and make updates when they want to.

Data can also be retrieved for customers. Nason said the men can pull up information such as how many people are visiting the page, what time of day people are visiting and even what state they are from.

“That sets the business up for selling ads and marketing,” Nelson added.

Nelson feels it is more important than ever to offer businesses help with a Web site.

Since technology is the present, Nelson said it is important for businesses to offer information to people at all times during the day, so potential customers can quickly find out more about the business and its products.

“I think every business needs a Web site, especially since everyone lives a fast-paced life,” said Nelson. “People want information fast and the best way to give them that information is at any time of the day.”

When building a Web site, Nelson said it is important to him to meet with potential clients in person, so he can get a better understand of their needs.

During the visit, he can help determine how many pages are needed and whether or not the business has existing material to fill pages.

He also encourages clients to share any ideas they may have in mind, so the final product will turn out the way they imagined it.

In addition to the Web site design, Creative Vantage Designs also offers graphic design solutions, including logos, business card designs, brochure designs and letterheads.

“We do pretty much any promotional materials,” Nelson said.

The company can also set up MySpace, Facebook and Twitter pages and integrate them into the business Web site.

Nelson finds the work rewarding, especially when the product is completed and he is able to make them go “wow.” Nason simply enjoys helping someone out by finding the void and filling it.

The two business partners are hoping to help out businesses in the near future, whether in Cass County or not.

“If you have something you would like to promote, we can help you,” Nelson said.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com



New business

Name: Creative Vantage Designs

Phone: 574-516-2345

Web site: creativevantagedesigns.com

E-mail: info@creativevantagedesigns.com