When we started Charley Grey almost two decades ago, websites looked very different.
They were static pages with flashing buttons, pixelated graphics, and the occasional "Under Construction" GIF that never seemed to disappear.
But even back then, we saw the web becoming something bigger — not just a place to host information, but a space where real businesses could grow.
Nineteen years later, that's still the belief that drives us: every business deserves a website that actually works for them.
This is the story of how Charley Grey got here, what we've learned along the way, and how we're shaping the next generation of web development for business owners who want a partner, not just a provider.
Humble Beginnings in Indiana
Charley Grey began in 2006 right here in Carmel, Indiana.
Back then, "web development" was still a mystery to most small business owners. Websites were expensive, slow to build, and hard to update.
Our founder Courtney Reimmuth, a designer with a background in marketing and technology, saw how overwhelming that was for local companies. They knew their business needed to be online — they just didn't know how to get there without spending a fortune or relying on complicated tools.
So we built a simple goal: make professional websites accessible, affordable, and easy to manage for every business owner.
That mission hasn't changed since day one.
The Early Days: Building One Site at a Time
In those early years, we built websites the traditional way: from scratch, one at a time.
Each client got a custom design, built in HTML, and maybe — if they were lucky — a little animation.
We worked long nights and weekends, learning what made small-business websites succeed. We learned that most owners didn't just need a pretty homepage — they needed help bringing in customers, managing content, and staying current as technology changed.
Every project taught us something new about what businesses really wanted from their web team:
- Clear communication instead of confusing tech jargon.
- Honest pricing instead of surprise invoices.
- Ongoing support instead of one-and-done projects.
That understanding became the foundation of Charley Grey's approach to web development.
The Rise of WordPress and Custom Development
As the internet matured, so did our tools.
When WordPress gained traction in the late 2000s, it completely changed the web industry — and we were early adopters.
We started developing WordPress sites for clients who wanted flexibility without the need to code. It was user-friendly, SEO-ready, and scalable — perfect for growing small businesses.
Our team became experts at customizing WordPress beyond templates.
We built plugins, integrated marketing tools, and designed custom layouts that blended creativity with performance.
By this time, Charley Grey web development had become known for combining technical expertise with practical business sense. We weren't just developers; we were problem solvers helping companies use the web to reach real customers.
Growing with Our Clients
Many of our first clients are still with us today.
We've seen their businesses evolve — some doubling in size, others expanding into new markets or adding new services — and we've grown right alongside them.
That's the thing about being in this business for 19 years: you build real relationships.
We've celebrated our clients' wins, guided them through digital transitions, and helped them stay competitive in an ever-changing online landscape.
Every time one of our clients says, "You guys just get it," we know we're doing something right.
That's not an accident. It's because we listen first, then build.
From Web Design Agency to Full Digital Partner
By the mid-2010s, websites had evolved into full-fledged marketing platforms.
It wasn't enough to just "be online." You had to be visible, fast, and mobile-friendly — and you had to show up where your customers were searching.
That's when Charley Grey expanded beyond traditional web development.
We introduced services like:
- SEO and content optimization to help clients rank higher on Google.
- Local directory management to boost visibility for service-area businesses.
- Email marketing and automation to turn leads into loyal customers.
- Website hosting and security to keep sites safe and reliable.
In short, we became a full-service digital partner — not just the team that built your website, but the one that helped it grow.
The Turning Point: Building the Managed Website Model
Around 2018, we noticed a pattern.
Business owners were frustrated with the traditional web agency model. They'd pay thousands upfront for a site, only to be left stranded when it needed updates or improvements.
Every few years, they had to start over — another big project, another big bill.
That just didn't sit right with us.
So, after years of hearing the same pain points, we decided to reinvent the process. We introduced the Charley Grey Managed Website Subscription Model, a completely new way to handle web development.
Instead of paying a huge upfront cost, clients pay one predictable monthly rate that covers everything — from design and hosting to updates, SEO, and maintenance.
It's the perfect blend of design, performance, and peace of mind.
No more surprises. No more waiting for quotes. Just a team that keeps your website current, optimized, and ready to grow.
Why Our Subscription Model Works
Our clients love it because it's simple — and simplicity is powerful.
With a traditional agency, once your website launches, you're on your own.
With a managed website service, you've got a dedicated team behind the scenes, making sure everything stays fast, secure, and search-friendly.
We handle all the details:
- Regular SEO improvements
- Design updates
- New pages or features when you need them
- Security patches and plugin maintenance
- Hosting and performance monitoring
And because everything is done in-house by the same team, it's consistent, efficient, and easy for clients to manage.
That model has become the heart of Charley Grey's web development history — the reason we've been able to help hundreds of small businesses thrive online.
19 Years of Learning, Adapting, and Innovating
The digital world moves fast — and if you've been around for 19 years, you either adapt or fade away.
At Charley Grey, we've embraced change.
We've evolved through every phase of the web:
- From static HTML to dynamic CMS platforms.
- From desktop layouts to mobile-first design.
- From keyword stuffing to genuine SEO strategies that deliver results.
- From one-time builds to continuous optimization.
Each shift has made us better. Each challenge has made us sharper.
And through it all, we've stayed focused on what matters most — building websites that work for real people.
The People Behind Charley Grey
Our story wouldn't be complete without mentioning the people who make it all possible.
Charley Grey isn't a faceless agency. We're a tight-knit team of designers, developers, SEO specialists, and marketers — real people who live right here in Indiana and genuinely care about the clients we serve.
We're the team that answers your calls, fixes your issues, and celebrates your wins.
We believe that being local matters, that good relationships are built on honesty, and that great work comes from collaboration.
When you work with us, you're not a ticket number — you're a partner.
That's something we take pride in after nearly two decades of doing this.
Lessons from Nearly Two Decades in Web Development
After 19 years in business, we've learned a few things worth sharing.
1. Websites are living things.
They need constant care. A successful website grows, changes, and adapts with your business — just like we've done with ours.
2. Trust matters more than technology.
Tools and platforms will come and go, but relationships built on transparency and consistency will always win.
3. Small improvements make big differences.
You don't need to reinvent your website every few years. You just need the right team continuously improving it.
4. Simplicity is everything.
The best solutions are the ones that take the work off your plate and make life easier. That's what our managed website service was built to do.
These lessons guide every decision we make, every project we take on, and every partnership we build.
Looking Back — and Forward
When we look back at Charley Grey's web development history, it's hard not to feel proud.
We've grown from a small Indiana startup to a trusted digital partner serving clients across multiple industries and states.
But we're not done. If anything, we're just getting started.
The future of web development is faster, smarter, and more connected than ever before — and we're ready for it. We're embracing new technologies, leveraging AI tools, and building even more efficient ways to help our clients compete online. No matter how the internet evolves, our mission stays the same: to simplify the digital world for business owners and help them grow.
Why Businesses Still Choose Charley Grey
After nearly two decades, clients still choose Charley Grey for one main reason — trust.
- They know we'll pick up the phone.
- They know we'll fix what's broken before it becomes a problem.
- They know we'll keep their website running fast, secure, and profitable.
That's the reputation we've built through thousands of projects, hundreds of loyal clients, and 19 years of showing up — day in and day out.
When you work with us, you get experience, reliability, and a team that's been in your shoes. We've grown our own business the same way you've grown yours — through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to doing things right.
The Charley Grey Difference
There are plenty of agencies that build websites.
What makes us different is how we see our clients.
- We don't see a project — we see a partnership.
- We don't sell a site — we provide a service that grows with you.
- We don't disappear after launch — we stick around to make sure your investment keeps paying off.
That's what 19 years in this business has taught us.
Websites don't build success — people do.
And the best part of our job is helping those people win.
Ready to Partner with a Team That's Been Doing This for 19 Years?
If you're tired of short-term fixes, complicated pricing, and websites that never quite do what you need, we'd love to talk.
Let us show you what nearly two decades of web development experience looks like when it's working for you.
Visit our website to learn more about our managed website services — or schedule a free consultation today.
