When I graduated college, I had a vision for my life. I wanted to own my own studio. I had met a friend during my education, and I felt that if anyone would share the same drive and passion, it would be him. Through some various networking, I discovered Seth Hardison. We had quite a few lunches and discussions about how to develop a successful business and how to get started on that path. I was still completely overwhelmed. There was uncertainty that shook me to the core, because I wasn't a business man, I was creative spirit. I extended the offer to Seth, to become a part of what was now going to by my first start-up, West Rom Media. We spent a total of six years trying to broaden our network, portfolio and make our business the premiere business of Winchester, VA. During that time, we developed a lot of knowledge and successful products for our clients. Unforunately, the sad day eventually came, when I accepted that I would have to close the doors on the business, and pursue a regular career as a designer. I needed to be certain on paychecks, because I was now not only going to be a husband, but a father to a beautiful daughter. One thing is for sure, West Rom Media and Seth have taught me some lessons in life that I will always remember. They are priceless to me and have developed me in to the business man of integrity that I am to this day. 

Over the last five and a half years, I have shifted through different industries- my focus always being the same. I have developed everything from graphics for marketing efforts, to informational graphics for presentations and video production for commercials, interview videos, informational video & video shorts. I have produced these for companies such as Shentel (Shenandoah Telecommunications), personal clients, and Strax Technologies Inc./ Straxart™. The video projects range from local or inner company talent to hired actors and even high profile clients, such as- Trixie Garcia of The Jerry Garcia Family for the Jerry Garcia Collection, Kitt Shapiro (daughter of Eartha Kitt) for the Eartha Kitt Collection, #IHavetheRightTo and Neal Schon (Founder and Guitartist for Journey). 

There has been a lot in between, and I would rather not write a book for you to read :). During my time with West Rom Media, we were afforded an opportunity to work with Eric Singleton. He approached our small start-up firm to develop a website. We were floored that we were getting the opportunity to do something for a person of his stature. Little did I know that by doing this project and proving that, while we were small- we packed a big punch, I would be setting a stepping stone for further down the road. 

Fast forward about two years, and I received a call from Eric. He was pretty amped about two major projects he was working on and couldn't wait to share the details. After sitting down for breakfast one morning, he dropped all of the bombshells on me. Let me tell you something, I would be remissed if I didn't share that there was quite some intimidation to the projects he discussed with me. Let me take a second to brag, Eric is one of the most intelligent men that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! I am honestly proud to call him a business partner, but more so, a mentor. 

Being someone who is comfortable with the uncomfortable, I jumped head first in to his projects. Strax Technologies Inc. and it's brand, StraxArt™ were born out of these discussions. The effort and vision, is simple: democratize the world of art and bring accessibility to the art and artists that people love in a way that is disruptive and intertwined with technology. We have been full steam ahead for about three years, and it has blessed us with quite the portfolio of clients, which I named above, and the ability to sit with them and/or their families and really tell the story about these gifted inviduals and their unbridled creative energy.

I just want to thank you, for taking the time to read through this little section. I hope it has given you a little insight to who I am and my professional background. I know it's short and compressed, but I didn't want to write my book, just yet. Everything is in constant motion and my career is still young! If you have any questions (even as you begin your career) or you just simply want to reach out, don't hesitate. My information is contained within this little slice of Lee West on the web!