Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Bass.
Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to solving problems creatively, and that’s really where my journey started. Back in 2001, I founded Jason Hunter Design (JHD) with the goal of helping businesses not just have a presence online, but to truly connect with their audiences. At first, it was about learning the ropes of web design and marketing, but very quickly I realized what I was really building wasn’t just websites—it was trust and relationships.
Over the years, JHD evolved into more than a design agency. We became strategic partners for businesses who needed clarity in their messaging and momentum in their growth. I’ve always believed that every pixel has a purpose, and that design should drive results, not just look good. That focus on conversion and authentic collaboration has shaped the way we work to this day.
But I’ve also had this deep pull toward community. That’s what inspired me to start Night Market, which has become a celebration of food, music, and connection. It’s what led me to co-found The Pulse PTC and take part in reimagining The Citizen, where we’re creating a modern approach to local media. And it’s what gave birth to The Nexus Community, a space designed for creatives and entrepreneurs to come together, collaborate, and give back through projects that support nonprofits.
Looking back, the common thread in all of this is creating spaces—whether online through design, or offline through events and community building—where people and ideas can thrive. I started as a designer, but what really drives me now is helping businesses and communities grow in meaningful, authentic ways.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road. I think any entrepreneur who says it’s all been easy probably isn’t being fully honest. For me, the biggest challenges have come in seasons of growth. In the early years of JHD, I wore every hat—designer, developer, account manager, bookkeeper. It was exhausting, but it taught me resilience and gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to run a business from the ground up.
As the business grew, the challenge shifted to learning how to let go and trust others with the work. Delegating, building systems, and maintaining consistency across projects hasn’t always been easy. There have also been times when the market shifted—whether that was technology evolving faster than expected, economic downturns, or the pandemic changing how people connect. Each of those moments forced me to pause, reimagine, and adapt.
On the community side, building things like Night Market and The Nexus hasn’t been without struggle either. Events can be unpredictable, partnerships can get messy, and leading with vision means you sometimes have to navigate criticism or skepticism. But every obstacle has ultimately sharpened me as both a business owner and community builder.
In hindsight, the struggles have been as valuable as the successes—they’ve given me the clarity and grit I needed to keep moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Jason Hunter Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Jason Hunter Design started with a simple belief: that design should do more than look good—it should create clarity and drive results. Since 2001, we’ve been helping businesses transform brand confusion into momentum by building websites and strategies that turn clicks into clients.
What makes us different is our focus on relationships. I see every client as a partner, not just a project. That mindset allows us to dig deeper into the “why” behind their business, so we can craft solutions that actually move the needle. It’s not about delivering a pretty website and walking away—it’s about creating tools that fuel growth and building trust that lasts.
Over the years, that approach has opened doors for me to extend my work beyond JHD. Brewery Hours, S.E.E.D., Night Market, The Pulse PTC, and The Nexus Community all share the same DNA: using creativity and connection to make something bigger than myself. Whether it’s a digital campaign or a live event, the goal is the same—create authentic experiences where people and ideas can thrive.
At the end of the day, I’m proud that JHD has become known for more than marketing. We’ve built a reputation for clarity, creativity, and care—and that’s what continues to push us forward.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve learned that the best mentors often come from genuine relationships, not formal requests. Early in my career, I thought finding a mentor meant approaching someone and asking them to guide me—but in reality, the most impactful mentorship I’ve received has come from people I built trust with over time, through shared projects, conversations, and community involvement.
For me, networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about showing up consistently, adding value, and being genuinely curious about people. Leading 1 Million Cups and organizing events like Night Market have been huge for that. They put me in the same room with entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who each bring something different to the table. Over time, those connections often evolve into mentor-like relationships, collaborations, or friendships.
My advice is this: don’t look for one “perfect” mentor. Instead, build a circle of people who challenge you, encourage you, and see the blind spots you might miss. And just as important, be willing to offer your own experiences to others. Mentorship is less about hierarchy and more about exchange—it’s about building a network where everyone grows together.
Pricing:
- Website Projects – Starting at $7,500, with scope depending on functionality, integrations, and design complexity.
- Brand Strategy & Messaging – Packages begin at $3,500.
- Ongoing Digital Marketing – Monthly retainers typically range from $2,000–$5,000 depending on deliverables (SEO, paid ads, content, etc.).
- Community-Based Initiatives – Programs like Night Market or The Nexus often have sponsorship and partnership opportunities that scale from $500 to $10,000 depending on visibility and involvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasonhunterdesign.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonhunterdesign
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonhunterdesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jasonhunter-design-llc/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jhdwebdev
