Powerserve, a custom software development, website design and marketing company, has been serving Augusta and beyond since 1998. Jeff Partl took over the reins in 2003 and has helped the company roll with the punches through market shifts and economic downturns. Powerserve offer services that help businesses get attention in our fast-paced, online-heavy world, from developing custom software solutions, iPad, iPhone & Android Apps to mobile website design, social media services,to improve their website's visibility through Search Engine Optimization. These services give Powerserve an edge that Partl is proud of. “We provide a unique service offering. We are the only digital design, development and marketing company in the area. Our staff of over 20 web professionals help our clients grow their businesses on the web.”

Part of growing online now means responsive web design so customers can find your information via their smartphones and tablets. CNN reported on February 28, 2014 that “mobile devices accounted for 55% of Internet usage in the United States in January” — the first time mobile surpassed PCs, ever. Partl saw the writing on the wall, so for the last year, “We've been mastering responsive web design. Simply put ,we are delivering websites that are optimized for viewing across a wide range of devices (from mobile phones to desktop computer monitors),” he says. 

Obviously, that was time well spent for Powerserve in preparing for the changes in Internet behavior of consumers, and he urges those that haven’t made the switch to get on board. “Mobile is here to stay and growing every day,” Partl says, “and business owners can no longer afford to ignore their customers accessing their website or email on a mobile device.  Doing so is bad for their brand and could cost them leads or sales. Having a responsive website design is the answer.”

Partl got his start as a computer programmer at Dupont and Westinghouse, where he learned how to develop large-scale business software systems. This experience led him to becoming a software consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which he credits for teaching him the business side of software development. “Those two jobs laid the foundation for role of President at Powerserve,” he says. After these experiences, he was hired at Powerserve in 2000, then became President in 2003. He decided to keep the company in Augusta “because of the talented workforce and the low cost of living.” 

Reflecting on 2013 specifically in Powerserve’s history, Partl says he’s most proud of the “really effective mobile apps ranging from real estate to e-commerce that run on smartphones and tablets we’ve developed. These mobile apps use functions native to the smartphone (GPS, camera etc.) to deliver a better user experience.” His team also created an e-commerce solution that several small businesses implemented into their site to respond to the growing need to sell their products and services online.     

The basis of Powerserve’s success is the success of their clients, and to stay on top of their industry, Partl emphasizes that “the key in web design and software development is not only staying up to speed on the latest technology but understanding how it can be used by your customers to help their business. That is where the rubber meets the road.” He’s quick to point out that the Powerserve team is what makes meeting client needs possible. Partl says, “Our team has a diverse background made up of graphic artists, internet marketing & advertising experts, computer and software programmers and business consultants from Fortune 500 companies.” 

To continue staying ahead of the curve, Powerserve says their goals for 2014 are “to continue to serve clients with best of breed website development as well as grow our mobile app development. Our clients' digital needs are constantly changing and we will continue to help them meet their challenges with custom and cost effective solutions.” In addition, Powerserve is focused on getting their clients’ websites optimized by utilizing testing tools and techniques, so businesses get more out of their advertising dollars via paid search, targetted online display ads, and the latest in website and search engine re-targetting. Powerserve continues to stay abreast of breaking trends and advanced web-based marketing solutions. 

Besides website design and app advice, Partl also offers this advice to aspiring and current small business owners: “Stay focused on your core competency (what you do best) and value proposition (the value your product or service brings to your customer). At the end of the day those two things will help you grow your business. Too many business spread themselves too thin and loose focus on those two things. I also think it is important to love what you do and to create a company culture that shares your vision and infectious enthusiasm.” 

Shawndra writes and collects stories and helps businesses share their best stories through social media. Currently she’s offering a free Facebook audit for Savannah businesses, which can be claimed on her website at shawndrarussell.com.