Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Rogers
Hi Matt, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
SolutionBuilt didn’t start as a full-fledged web and mobile agency—it began as a B2B marketplace in 2004. But the story of our evolution stretches back even further. In the late 90s, I spent hours watching my roommate, a multimedia designer, bring projects to life for brands like BP and Fortune magazine. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into hands-on involvement—first with small tasks, then project management and accounts.
One day, while at the community pool, a neighbor mentioned his cousin had helped him land a job interview at Interland, a prominent web hosting company in Atlanta. Curious about my growing side project, I jokingly asked if he could get me an interview too. A few days later, I found myself submitting a resume and landing a corporate interview, wearing a suit borrowed from my dad at 22 years old, walking into the towering SunTrust Plaza.
To my surprise, the interview went smoothly. The VP made me an offer, promising six figures. I challenged them to prove it, and they did, introducing me to two successful sales reps who showed me exactly how they achieved success. That was my entry into a high-stakes world of sales, mergers, and leadership changes. Over the next two and a half years, I thrived in corporate sales, exceeded quotas, and developed a passion for helping businesses navigate the digital world of hosting, eCommerce, and online security.
But the pressure and long hours eventually wore me down. One day, I reached my breaking point, calling out my sales manager in front of the whole team. Though not the most graceful exit, it was time to forge my own path.
After leaving corporate sales, I took on business development roles in both a computer hardware company and a web design agency. At the agency, I was responsible for business development across multiple offices, overseeing everything from marketing materials to proposals and client relationships. But despite securing many clients, the company lacked the resources to fulfill the projects. As delays piled up, so did my frustration. However, I gained invaluable experience, learning about proposal writing, RFPs, and user experience design. It was there I met Dr. Terranova, who introduced me to Human Factors Engineering—an area that would later shape my approach to user-centered design.
In 2004, with my life in flux, I got married to the love of my life. During the wedding celebrations, I struggled to answer one common question: “What is it that you do?” I was learning so much and jumping between industries, but the path ahead was uncertain.
After our honeymoon, I decided to return to my roots and work with my dad in his computer hardware business. While reviewing one of his B2B services, I saw an opportunity—we could make it better and more affordable for companies. I pitched the idea, and without hesitation, my dad said, “Let’s do it.”
We developed a business plan, gathered a team, and launched our first web application. Excited, I hired salespeople to promote the product. But reality quickly hit. The market was already saturated with similar platforms. Our competitive edge evaporated, and it became nearly impossible to attract clients, even for a free trial. It felt like a crushing failure at the time, but little did I know, this would become the foundation for something even bigger: SolutionBuilt.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it’s been relatively smooth, but there will always be challenges in the face of growth. Like any business, we’ve faced conflicts, but our seasoned core team has managed them well. Growth always brings new hurdles, but our biggest challenge has been keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of technology.
When we first launched in 2004 as a B2B marketplace, we quickly realized that the market was saturated with competitors, making it difficult to gain traction. As we grew, we faced typical challenges—hiring the right talent, managing cash flow, and balancing client expectations. In the early days, we worked with businesses that didn’t always have the resources to execute projects efficiently, which impacted our ability to get paid. But instead of seeing it as a loss, I viewed it as an education. I gained invaluable experience in proposal writing, responding to RFPs, and mastering user experience design—all skills that shaped the foundation of SolutionBuilt.
The digital world moves fast—whether it’s advancements in web development, mobile apps, SEO algorithms, or AI-driven marketing, staying ahead requires constant learning, adapting, and innovating. While we embrace emerging trends, we also have to balance that with proven best practices to ensure long-term success for our clients.
The COVID-19 pandemic was another pivotal moment. Many businesses hesitated to continue marketing, but we took a stance of strength, encouraging our clients to stay the course. This led to remarkable growth and even the launch of our Searched Marketing brand, which has helped businesses navigate the digital space more effectively.
Ultimately, every challenge has been an opportunity to evolve. By staying agile, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to our clients’ success, we’ve continued to thrive in an industry that never stands still.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What should we know? — With over two decades in business, SolutionBuilt Inc. has become a trusted partner for companies looking to grow and scale in the digital space. Our approach is built on strategy, best practices, and a deep commitment to our clients’ success. We don’t just design websites—we create digital experiences that tell your story effectively.
Our services go beyond web development. We provide creative solutions, including design, copywriting, photo and video production, and content optimization. We routinely refresh websites and social channels with new content to establish domain authority, helping businesses stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Through it all, we remain committed to transparency, real-time support, and data-driven results. At the end of the day, our focus is on what matters most: Quality, Visibility, Lead Generation, and eCommerce Conversions.
Since our founding in 2004, we’ve built and launched hundreds of websites and applications for businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprise clients. We’ve had the privilege of working with service providers, professional firms, advertising agencies, media companies, medical practices, retailers, and hospitality brands. But beyond the work itself, what truly defines SolutionBuilt is our passion for building lasting partnerships.
We love what we do. We celebrate our wins. And we take pride in being an agency with a proven track record of helping businesses thrive. With real-world experience and a rock-solid team of experts, SolutionBuilt is here to propel your web, mobile, and marketing growth—today, tomorrow, and beyond.
What sets us apart? — At SolutionBuilt, transparency is at the core of everything we do. When you partner with us, you receive complete visibility, real-time support, and detailed reporting, ensuring you always know what we’re working on and how it benefits your business. We become an extension of your team, providing strategic guidance and hands-on collaboration to help you succeed. What truly sets us apart is our full-service digital team—a dedicated group of creatives, developers, and marketing experts committed to delivering impactful solutions. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for quality, transparency, and measurable results. Our approach is hands-on and relationship-driven, meaning we work closely with you to understand your unique needs and tailor our services accordingly. At SolutionBuilt, your success is our success.
What are you most proud brand wise? — We’re proud of the lasting relationships we’ve built with our clients—many of whom have been with us since the beginning. We take pride in helping businesses grow, adapt to new challenges, and achieve sustainable success. We also thrived during a time where most businesses failed. During the Covid-19 crisis, we ended up expanding our web services into the realm of marketing, creating Searched Marketing.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
When Covid-19 hit, we made a quick attempt at remote work—just two days in, we realized it wasn’t the right fit for our agency. The creative energy, collaboration, and hands-on approach that set us apart simply couldn’t be replicated from home. Meanwhile, many of our clients faced uncertainty, reevaluating their marketing plans and budgets. Some considered pausing everything.
But we knew from experience that pulling back on marketing in a downturn is a mistake. Scaling back digital efforts leads to lost momentum, and rebuilding visibility takes time. Instead of retreating, we encouraged our clients to stay the course. Those who did saw exceptional growth, proving that consistency in digital marketing is key—even in uncertain times.
Amid the challenges of 2020, we saw an opportunity to refine our offerings. In April, we launched Searched Marketing, a new branded service designed to simplify and clarify our digital marketing and SEO expertise. The response was overwhelming—our transparent, results-driven approach resonated with businesses, and within a short time, we more than doubled our marketing client base.
What sets Searched Marketing apart isn’t just our hands-on approach—we become an extension of your business, allowing you to focus on what you do best while we handle your digital presence. With Searched Marketing, you gain a dedicated team of creatives, media specialists, web developers, and digital marketing experts working seamlessly to tell your story through your website, social media, and paid advertising. Transparency is at the core of everything we do. We always keep communication open and provide detailed monthly reports so you can track your growth and ROI in real time.
By 2022, we had outgrown our space—10 people working in a 1,200-square-foot loft was no longer sustainable. So, we made another big leap, purchasing a new office: a historical property built in 1910 near the Marietta square.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.solutionbuilt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solutionbuilt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolutionBuilt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solutionbuilt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SolutionBuilt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/solutionbuilt
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/solutionbuilt-marietta-3
Image Credits
Searched Marketing
