We recently connected with Will Manuel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Will, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
When I first arrived at the University of Florida to attend college, I was stepping into a new world—and not just in the academic sense. Coming from a high school where I typed the majority my papers on a typewriter, I found myself in a university that required every student to have access to a computer during their collegiate career. It was a huge leap. I’d only just touched a computer for the first time during my senior year of high school, and the internet still felt like a mysterious frontier. I realized quickly that if I wanted to thrive in this new environment, I needed to understand this technology—and fast.
At the same time, like many college students, I needed a job to help pay the bills. I stumbled across an opening for a computer lab operator on campus. I applied, landed the role, and that opportunity changed the course of my life. The job came with a crash course in practical tech: fixing printers, troubleshooting student software problems, and maintaining lab equipment for faculty and staff. It wasn’t glamorous work, but I was hooked. My mind naturally gravitated toward logic and problem-solving, so working in a technical environment lit something up in me. It just clicked.
Then came a turning point. A friend of mine in the architecture program asked if I knew anything about Photoshop. I had barely scratched the surface of the software, but I was intrigued. He followed up with a question that would ultimately shape my career: “Do you know how to build a website with this?” At the time, there were no YouTube tutorials, no step-by-step blog posts. You had to want to learn. So during my graveyard shifts in the architecture computer lab—usually from 12:30 AM to 7 AM—I dove in. I scoured physical books from the library and spent hours on internet forums, teaching myself Photoshop and how to design websites from scratch.
After a few months of late nights and deep focus, I helped my friend with his project. That project led to my first real client: a friend of his who owned an interior design firm in South Florida and needed a website. I still remember the excitement—and the nerves—of building that first professional site. What’s wild is that I’m still in touch with that client today, more than 26 years later.
From there, things snowballed. I was asked to design the website for the university’s annual Landscape Architecture Bash (LaBash)—a bigger project with more visibility. That was the moment I knew: this wasn’t just something I was good at. It was something I loved. I thrived on the creative side—designing, storytelling, solving problems visually—but also found joy in the technical coding process. It brought together the best of both worlds.
Back then, web design was still the Wild West. Very few people knew how to build websites, so competition was minimal, and demand was growing. It made perfect sense to pursue it—not just because it was lucrative, but because I could see where the future was heading. I was solving problems most people didn’t even know they had yet, offering something unique in a space that was wide open.
That’s how it all started. Not with a polished business plan or a five-year strategy, but with curiosity, late-night learning, and a friend’s question that sparked a career I didn’t know I was about to fall in love with.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Absolutely! I’m Will Manuel, the founder and owner of Core Media Concepts and Core Mobile Apps. My journey into the world of technology and digital solutions started with a deep fascination for how technology can transform ideas into reality and solve real-world problems. With a background in business administration and a passion for entrepreneurship, I launched Core Media Concepts to help businesses harness the power of digital innovation.
How I Got Started
I began my career working in software development and digital marketing, where I quickly realized that many businesses-especially small and medium-sized ones-struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing digital landscape. I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by creating a company that not only built cutting-edge websites, mobile apps and digital solutions but also provided strategic guidance to help clients succeed online.
What We Do
Core Media Concepts and Core Mobile Apps specialize in custom mobile app development, web design, and digital strategy. We work with startups, established businesses, and entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life-whether that means building a mobile app from the ground up, revamping an outdated website, or developing a comprehensive digital marketing plan.
Some of our core services include:
Mobile App Development: iOS and Android apps tailored to your business goals.
A.I. Development: A.I. apps and A.I. digital marketing to help companies gain more exposure.
Web Design & Development: Modern, responsive websites that engage and convert.
SEO: Search Engine Optimization that helps businesses get discovered online.
Digital Strategy & Consulting: Helping clients navigate the digital world with actionable, data-driven plans.
UI/UX Design: Creating intuitive and beautiful user experiences.
Ongoing Support & Maintenance: Ensuring your digital products stay secure and up-to-date.
Problems We Solve
Our clients come to us with a variety of challenges-some need to digitize their services, others want to reach new audiences, and many are looking for ways to streamline operations or enhance customer engagement. We pride ourselves on being problem-solvers: we listen carefully, ask the right questions, and deliver solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with our clients’ business objectives.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes us different is our commitment to partnership and transparency. We don’t just build products; we build relationships. Our clients appreciate our hands-on approach, clear communication, and dedication to delivering on time and within budget. We’re a small, agile team, which means every project gets the personal attention it deserves.
We also stay ahead of industry trends, constantly learning and adapting to ensure our clients benefit from the latest technologies and best practices.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ businesses. Seeing an idea go from concept to launch-and watching it help a business grow-is what drives me every day. We’ve helped startups secure funding, enabled nonprofits to reach wider audiences, and empowered established brands to reinvent themselves for the digital age.
What I Want You to Know
If you’re considering working with Core Media Concepts or Core Mobile Apps, know that you’re not just getting a service provider-you’re gaining a partner who is invested in your success. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals, no matter how ambitious.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my companies. I look forward to the opportunity to help you bring your next big idea to life!
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my business partner in 2004 when we both worked for a Fortune 500 corporation. We worked on different teams and different floors of the building, yet somehow, we were able to connect – through the power of music. I had seen him out and at some events around town and we began as friends who had the same love of music, which later transitioned to our love for technology.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2013 I had to actually pivot from just doing website development and learning about mobile application development Times were changing and things were going into the mobile realm. This actually became a very prosperous transition and pivot as it was just ahead of a lot of the mobile app development companies starting out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coremediaconcepts.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wgman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coremediaconcepts/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmanuel/
- Twitter: https://x.com/coremc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coremediaconcepts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/core-media-concepts-orlando
- Other: https://clutch.co/profile/core-mobile-app-development
