Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Darren Dodson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Darren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Dodson Development was built to help marginalized and underserved communities by providing web services at a low cost. Back in 2019, I started working for a non-profit ABC2 (A Better Chance, A Better Community), in Halifax, NC. My work involved traveling around the region, and I went to many rural and underdeveloped areas. I got to see first-hand how poor access to the internet and a general lack of infrastructure and tech know-how limited their ability to grow their businesses and provide for their families. And I noticed that a lot of the big web, tech, and app development companies would come in and charge very high prices for their services, but the quality often did not match the price. I realized that I could offer the same services that the big giants were offering, but at a much lower cost while matching or even exceeding their quality. I looked around and saw that there were not many others interested in doing the same, so I realized I had found a true void in the market that I could fill. I’ve gotten to see over-and-over, how simply educating someone in a poor community and giving them the tech support that we take for granted in the big cities, can completely change their life and give them pride and self-confidence by allowing them to take their future into their own hands.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Darren Dylan Dodson, and I’m a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. I attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and received my B.S. in Geographic Information Science. I began using my degree while working in Australia during the pandemic. When I came back to the US, and started working for ABC2, I realized that there was no one else providing high quality Web services like I could provide to underserved and underprivileged communities at a price point they could afford. The services I provide include App Development, Web Development, and Geospatial Mapping. I also do Social Media Management, Creative Writing, and even Film Production! I just received my M.S. in Parks and Recreation Tourism Management this last May from North Carolina State University. I got my M.S. because, after working in rural and underdeveloped areas, I wanted to learn how to bring experiences to places that aren’t considered popular destinations. This degree has also helped me to understand more of the constraints and barriers people face who don’t live close to metropolitan areas.
The purpose of my business is to help other businesses grow their brands and their brand recognition. Web Development and Hosting is very expensive, and most of our customers cannot afford to pay the high fees normally associated with such work. Thus, Dodson development provides those services at an affordable price. But, Dodson Development prides itself on doing more than just providing low-cost services. I set myself apart by creating meaningful and holistic connections with my clients that extend beyond mere business transactions. I care about the client as a person and not just as a customer.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Word of mouth has been critical to my growth. In addition to offering creative and diverse services, with every client, I create a personal connection and always go that extra mile. I think that has been the secret to my success. When I treat my client as a real person rather than as a customer and make sure to overdeliver, they can’t help but spread that around to their friends and colleagues, which results in consistent growth year-over-year. I also have another advantage in that I prioritize rural and smaller towns that are not targeted by the big players, and I’ve found a lot of hidden gems in the process.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
More than just offering high-quality services at a low cost, I’ve really set myself apart with my post-contract support. Most companies that offer web services disappear after the job is done, leaving the customer high and dry. But Web Services need constant care and maintenance, like a living, breathing being. By offering continued support at affordable prices after the initial build and rollout, my customers can rest easy and focus on growing their business, knowing that I’ve got their backs. 
Contact Info:
- Website: dodson-development.com
- Instagram: dodsondevelop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrendylandodson/
- Twitter: dodsondevelop