We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Lederhilger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Absolutely, naming a business is a challenge that many entrepreneurs can relate to. It’s a process that involves creativity, strategic thinking, and sometimes, a bit of luck. For us, the name SOLUENCY was born out of a desire to embody the essence of what we aimed to provide – web hosting solutions designed for digital agencies, hence the fusion of “Solution” and “Agency”.

The inception of SOLUENCY was driven by a clear mission to offer a unique web hosting solution tailored for digital agencies. We recognized early on that digital agencies faced specific challenges and needed more than just a generic hosting service. They required a partner that understood their intricacies and could offer customized solutions to fit their needs. This realization was our guiding light and led us to expand our services beyond web hosting to include white label development services, further solidifying our commitment to being a comprehensive solution provider for digital agencies.

The inspiration for a unique name like SOLUENCY came from admiring brands such as Google or Microsoft, which are not only memorable but have become verbs in our daily lexicon. I wanted to create something clever and original that would resonate well within the tech community and beyond. While we may not be a verb (yet), the name SOLUENCY encapsulates our mission and vision perfectly. It’s distinctive, memorable, and directly reflects our dedication to serving digital agencies with unparalleled solutions and support.

Robert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! My journey into the world of web hosting and development began quite unexpectedly back in 1999. At that time, I co-founded an ecommerce company. This venture was my first real foray into the complexities of the internet and how businesses operate online. Running an ecommerce platform during those early days was a challenge, especially when it came to maintaining a reliable online presence. We faced numerous outages with our hosting providers, and it quickly became evident that every minute of downtime translated into lost revenue—a situation no startup wants to find themselves in.

Faced with this recurring issue, we made the bold decision to bring our web hosting in-house. I’ll be honest; initially, I had no clue what I was doing. The learning curve was steep, but the necessity to keep our business afloat forced me to dive deep into the world of servers, databases, and all things web infrastructure. It was a pivotal moment where necessity truly became the mother of invention.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve been involved in web hosting and web development in various capacities for over two decades. My experiences, especially those from the early days of my career, have instilled in me a profound understanding of the critical role that reliable web hosting plays in the success of online ventures. My services now encompass a broad range of web hosting solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients. From shared hosting environments for small startups to complex cloud-based infrastructures for large enterprises, I’ve designed our offerings to ensure that our clients never have to experience the frustrations of downtime that I once faced.

What sets me apart in this crowded industry is not just the breadth of my experience but also my personal commitment to each client’s success. I approach each project with the same urgency and dedication that I had when my own company’s survival depended on it. This client-first mindset has been the foundation of my business ethos and has helped me solve complex problems for my clients, ensuring their online ventures thrive without interruption.

I’m most proud of the resilience and adaptability I’ve developed over the years. The web hosting and development industry is incredibly dynamic, with new technologies and challenges constantly emerging. Staying ahead of these changes and continuously learning has allowed me to provide cutting-edge solutions to my clients.

For potential clients reading this, I want you to know that when you choose to work with us, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner who is as invested in your success as you are. My wealth of experience, honed over years of trial, error, and triumph, equips me to offer not just technical solutions but strategic insights that can elevate your online presence to new heights.

In essence, our brand is built on a foundation of relentless learning, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to client success. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to scale an existing one, I’m here to ensure that your digital infrastructure is robust, reliable, and ready to support your growth every step of the way.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for us has unequivocally been word of mouth. There’s an unparalleled value in the power of a recommendation from someone you trust, and we’ve found that to be the most effective way to connect with new clients.
I make it a priority to engage in lots of networking. It’s not just about attending industry events or joining clubs; it’s about genuinely engaging with people, understanding their needs, and figuring out how we can provide value to them. This approach has not only helped in broadening our network but also in establishing our reputation as a reliable and trustworthy choice in our field.

Furthermore, referrals from past happy clients have been instrumental in our growth. There’s a certain level of credibility and trust that comes with a referral from someone who has first-hand experience with your services. We take great pride in the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see new business opportunities arise as a direct result of positive client experiences.

In essence, our approach has always been about building genuine relationships and delivering exceptional service. This has naturally led to word of mouth and referrals becoming our most valuable sources of new clients.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely, I’d be happy to share that experience. Navigating the tumultuous waters of the global recession in 2008 was a defining moment in both my career and life. At the time, I was deeply invested in my ecommerce business. We initially tried to weather the storm by adapting our strategies and operations in hopes of keeping the business afloat. Despite our best efforts, by 2011, the financial strain became too significant, and it was clear that continuing in the same direction was unsustainable.

Making the decision to move on from my business was incredibly difficult. It felt like not only a professional setback but a personal one as well. However, this moment of crisis also became a catalyst for change. I pivoted by entering the corporate world, which was a stark contrast to my entrepreneurial ventures. I was fortunate enough to join Mars, Inc., where I was tasked with managing their web hosting infrastructure. This role involved overseeing the digital presence for over 1,200 of their websites globally.

The transition was challenging but immensely rewarding. It allowed me to apply my skills in a new context and learn from a global leader. This pivot taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step into the unknown. It was a profound lesson in not defining myself solely by my current circumstances but rather by my ability to evolve and grow through them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soluency.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Soluency/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Soluency
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soluency
• Other: https://www.robertlederhilger.com/

Image Credits

Robert W. Lederhilger III